Name That Ford!

AUTO

By: Robert Bacon

7 Min Quiz

Image: Wiki Commons by Greg Gjerdingen

About This Quiz

Ford isn't the oldest automaker in the world, nor is it the one with the highest net worth — but it's not far off. Ford is, however, credited with producing the first car that a typical middle-class American could own. Since then, the company has gone from strength to strength, innovating and molding the automotive world as we know it today.

On June 16, 1903, Ford Motor Company was incorporated and launched the Model A that same year. And, bar a three-year period during World War II, Ford has been producing cars ever since. That's 113 years of pumping out new model after new model. The question is, how many of them do you know? 

If you're a fan of the hot rod scene, then you might know the Deuce coupe, but do you know what a 'Nucleon' looks like? That's a concept car powered by a small nuclear reactor that never went into production. And, while you'd probably spot a Mustang from a mile away, how easily would you recognize the Ford that was Britain's best-selling car for most of the '80s? The point is, to ace this quiz, you'd better know your Fords like the back of your hand. Test yourself and see if you can name that Ford now!

One of these is the best-selling pickup truck of all time, but which one?

The F-150 has been the best-selling pickup truck in America for over 40 years and the best selling vehicle of any type in America for over 30 years. In fact, the F-150 is the second best-selling vehicle of all time, with over 40 million units sold!

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Can you name the model that essentially created the "personal luxury car" class?

The Thunderbird launched in 1955 to combat the success of Chevrolet's Corvette. But this model wasn't supposed to compete with it in terms of performance. Instead, the Thunderbird was marketed as more of a grand tourer — it was comfortable, roomy and still quick.

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If someone says "taxi" or "cop car," which one of these models comes to mind first?

The Crown Victoria ran from 1992 until 2012 and was used by many police forces and taxi drivers. Although this rear-wheel-drive model packed a 4.6-liter V8 engine, it wasn't known for being particularly fast.

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If you were driving a getaway car in the '30s, it was probably a ...

The Model 18 is often thought of as the first reasonably priced V8 production car. It was quicker than most of the other vehicles on the road at the time, making it the go-to vehicle for the likes of Baby Face Nelson, Bonnie and Clyde, and John Dillinger.

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If you wanted to rule the American muscle car scene in the '60s, which of these models would you choose?

The Mustang ruled the American muscle scene since its launch in 1964. Highlighting this is the fact that Lt. Frank Bullitt drove a 1968 Mustang GT390 in the 1968 classic, "Bullitt." Many consider this to be the greatest driving movie of all time.

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In 2018 and 2019, this was the United Kingdom's best-selling van. Can you name it?

The Transit Custom is a smaller version of Ford's Transit Mk.5. It has essentially dominated its class in the UK since it launched in 2012. Its closest competitor is the bigger Transit Mk.5.

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One of these models became particularly popular with hot-rodders after WWII. But which one?

Ford Model B launched in 1932. The cars could be easily tuned, and young men were able to get their hands on them relatively cheaply after WWII. This made them ideal cars to turn into hot rods, and it also means it's difficult to find an unmodified version today.

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If you wanted to tow 18,500 pounds, which of these trucks would you need?

The F-250 makes up part of Ford's Super Duty lineup. Its 6.7-liter Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V8 powerplant produces a ridiculous 935 lb-ft of torque. This gives it a maximum towing capacity of 18,500 lbs and a maximum payload capacity of 4,270 lbs.

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One of these models will take you all the way to 216 mph, but which one?

Inspired by the original GT40, Ford's GT is a bona fide supercar. The current model is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, which, thanks to twin-turbos, develops 647 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque. These monstrous figures give it a 216-mph top speed!

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One of these models was the first production car to produce front and rear downforce. But which one?

The Escort RS Cosworth launched in 1992 as a homologation special and tore across the hot hatch scene. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine got it to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 147 mph, if you removed the rear wing.

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Which of these models spits out 510 lb-ft of torque and gets to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds?

Since its redesign in 2017, the F-150 Raptor has dominated the high-performance pickup niche. Its 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 produces an impressive 450 horsepower, which is all sent through a 10-speed automatic gearbox.

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The 2020 version of this model can reportedly chew up a quarter-mile stretch in 10.7 seconds. Can you name it?

Powered by a 5.2-liter supercharged V8, the 2020 Shelby Mustang GT500 has 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque on tap. Thanks to its powerplant, this model will do a quarter-mile in 10.7 seconds and go on to a top speed of 180 mph.

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Which of these models is usually credited as being the first affordable production car?

When the Model T launched in 1908, it cost $850, which is roughly $23,000 today. By 1914, however, the price had dropped to $440, which is approximately $11,000 today. It's no wonder there were over 15 million Model T cars produced.

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In Europe, this model is known as the Mondeo. But do you know what badge it wears in the U.S.?

Ford's Mondeo is hugely popular in Europe, particularly Britain, where they have been used as police cars in the past. Since 2014, this model has been known as the Fusion in America.

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Do you know Ford's 253 mph concept car that never went into production?

Ford's GT90 concept was first revealed in 1995 and featured a quad-turbo V12 engine. Not only did this engine sound amazing, but it also gave the GT90 an estimated top speed of 253 mph.

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What Ford line was named in an attempt to appeal to the excitement around the Space Race?

The Galaxie lineup consisted of full-sized cars fitted with luxury features that Ford produced between 1959 and 1974. Ford, amongst other automakers, didn't miss the opportunity to capitalize on the excitement surrounding the space race when choosing the name for these models.

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This model lent its name to a Clint Eastwood movie in 2008. What was it called?

The Gran Torino launched in 1972 and was one of the models in the Torino lineup. An egg-crate grille in an oval opening and chrome bezels surrounding the headlamps ensure this model is unmistakable.

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One of these cars was the first all-new automotive design by Ford post-WWII. Can you name it?

The 1949 Ford was the first all-new automotive design introduced by any of the big three American automotive manufacturers post WWII. At the time, the American big-three consisted of Ford, GM and Chrysler.

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Which of these models was thoroughly updated due to the unpredictability surrounding WWII?

In preparation for production stoppages due to WWII, Ford gave its 1941 model some significant updates. Ford halted its car and truck production lines on February 10th, 1942, and wouldn't resume civilian production until July of 1945.

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Do you know the name of the first four-door sedan to be approved for NASCAR competition use?

The third-generation Taurus replaced the Thunderbird for the 1998 NASCAR season. This made it the first four-door sedan to be approved for NASCAR competition. The Taurus went on to win three Winston Cup championships and two Busch Series championships.

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This concept truck allowed the use of three different fuels. But what was it called?

The F-250 Super Chief is a concept truck that allowed drivers to use gasoline, E85 ethanol or hydrogen. It was powered by a V10 supercharged engine and could travel up to 500 miles before needing to refuel, but never went into production.

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Can you name the model that Ford launched an all-electric version of in 1998?

The Ranger EV was produced from 1998 to 2002. Most of the units were leased for fleet use, although some were sold. Ford used lead-acid batteries to power its 90 horsepower (67 KW) motor.

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If you were in a 200 horsepower Ford with a 1.5-liter engine under its hood, what would it be called?

The Fiesta ST is small but mighty, and this is especially true of its 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine. This unit will get it to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 144 mph!

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Can you name the fastback that launched in 1968 and was intended to be Europe's Mustang?

The Capri, designed by Philip T. Clark, is a fastback coupe. Clark was also involved in creating the Mustang, and this is evident when you look at the Capri. This model was intended to be Europe's Mustang and went on to sell 1.9 million units in its 18-year production.

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Do you know the name of the first-ever four-door SUV produced by Ford?

The Explorer was Ford's first four-door SUV and replaced the two-door Bronco when it launched in 1991. The Explorer is now in its sixth generation, which launched in January 2019.

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This model was produced by Ford Britain and had a highly successful 20-year production. Can you name it?

Ford's Cortina put an end to Austin/Morris' 1100/1300 as Britain's best-selling car. In fact, the Cortina was Britain's best selling car for nine out of 10 years between 1972-1981.

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One of these models had an eight-year run as Britain's best-selling car. Do you know what it's called?

Ford Europe manufactured the Escort between 1968-2004. It was hugely successful and replaced the Cortina as Britain's best-selling car in 1982, a position it would retain for the next eight years.

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This fully functional high-performance concept car was revealed in 2005, but just one was ever produced. Do you remember what it was called?

The Shelby GR-1 concept was introduced as a clay model at the 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. After this, a fully functional model was revealed at the 2005 North American International Auto Show. The concept was capable of hitting 190 mph but never went into production.

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Do you know the model that was introduced as the fastback version of Ford's Galaxie lineup?

The Starliner launched in 1960 and ran until 1961. It used high-level Galaxie trim and could be powered by a 292, 352, or 390ci V8 engine. The Galaxie 500 replaced the Starliner in 1962.

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This model placed first, second and third at the 1966 Le Mans 24 Hour race. What was it called?

The GT40 was born out of bitterness between Henry Ford II and Enzo Ferrari after a business deal that never saw fruition. Ford invested millions in the development of this model, and it showed when it placed first, second and third at the 1966 Le Mans 24 Hour race, much to the delight of Henry Ford II.

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Can you name the model that the lead character drove in the movie "Mad Max"?

Max Rockatansky, the lead character in "Mad Max," drove a black "Pursuit Special" version of a 1973 XB GT Falcon Hardtop. This iconic model was powered by a 351ci V8 engine that featured an unmistakable supercharger.

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Which of these models was a legendary Group B rally car?

Ford only produced 146 road-going RS200s; this allowed the company to compete in Group B rally. Much like the rally version, the road-car was powered by a 1.8-liter turbocharged Cosworth engine, which sent its power to all four wheels. There are some highly-tuned versions of the RS200 around, which can get to 60 mph in just over two seconds!

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This hot hatch will get to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds and is aimed at the European market. What is it called?

The 2019 Focus ST is a car to be taken seriously. It comes with a 2.3-liter engine that produces 276 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This means Focus ST is no slouch, having a sub-six second 0-60 mph time and a 155 mph top speed.

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This full-size SUV launched in 1997 and was the successor of the Bronco. Can you name it?

Although the Explorer was Ford's first four-door SUV, the Expedition was Ford's first full-size SUV with four doors. The Bronco ceased production in 1996, meaning the Expedition was its successor when it launched in 1997.

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Can you name the seven-seater MPV produced by Ford Europe that was intended to be as sporty as a saloon?

The S-MAX's seven-seat design draws inspiration from the Ford Galaxy. However, unlike the Galaxy, it's intended to be as sporty as a saloon. Ford has even described the S-MAX as an SAV (sports utility vehicle).

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Which one of these models dominated in the Mint 400, Baja 500 and Mexican 1000 races?

The Bronco competed in plenty of long-distance off-road races in the '60s and '70s. Ford even sold a "Baja Bronco" package in 1971; this package had quick-ratio power steering, fender flares, Gates Commando tires, a roll bar, and reinforced bumpers, among other features. Shown here is a first-generation Ford Bronco Wagon.

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If you were sitting in Ford's most dominant Group A racing car during the late '80s, what would your car's badge read?

Ford once again teamed up with Cosworth to create a dominant racing car: the Sierra RS Cosworth was the result. This model was produced between 1986-1992 and found success in both rally and touring car racing.

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This concept debuted at the North American International Auto Show in 2005 and didn't receive a warm welcome from automotive journalists. Do you know the model?

It's not hard to see why the three-door SynUS received such poor reviews from automotive journalists when it debuted. It wasn't particularly charming; in fact, it wasn't too dissimilar looking to an armored car. Speaking of armored vehicles, the SynUS had a "lockdown mode," which caused steel shutters to close around the windows, exterior lights and windshield.

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This model launched as a sport compact in 1997 and relaunched as a subcompact crossover SUV in 2019. What badge did it wear?

The first Puma was produced between 1997 and 2001 and only sold in Europe. However, the Puma relaunched in 2019 as a subcompact crossover SUV. Much like the original model, the latest version of the Puma will only be sold in Europe.

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