The forgotten 1960 Fords

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Here is a comparison picture or a pair of 1960 Two Door Hardtops, a Ford Starliner and a Chevrolet Impala. The Ford looks more modern and stylish than the Chevrolet. What do other Barners think?
 
Agreed. The Starliner was designed in large part by Alex Tremulis (sp) who also did the Tucker Torpedo and a host of advanced concept cars for Ford. You can see the streamlining designed into the Ford with the smaller fireplace and the sloping hood. All aerodynamic. Don't forget the sloping backlight. Ford promptly lost something like 2 mph on the top end in NASCAR when they went to the boxtop Fords in '62. Even tried to go back after their mistake with a "Starlift" fiberglass roof to fit a '62 convert. NASCAR nixed that.
The Chevy is a rewarm of the '59 design. had a '60 Impala with a 348. Tiny little 3 speed manual compared to the Ford T85. X-frame chassis with no side impact protection at all. At least the Ford gives you some chance with the cowbelly frame in a T-bone. 2 pc driveshaft in the Chevy. Inside and outside though, the Chevy is a real jukebox. Chrome and dazzle everywhere. The Ford is a little more retrained. Sold the Impala. Have had the Starliner for 33 years now.
 
When I was a kid when they came out, I didn't go nuts for either one. Now I like them both pretty equal.


Sal
 
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streetdreams is correct when he said that Chevrolet had an X-frame chassis with no side impact protection at all. This is what happened to my brother's imported 1959 Chevrolet Impala Coupe when he got hit on the right rear. The collision bent the frame so that the Trunk Lid popped and will not shut, as the car was now out of square and twisted. Check out the above pictures. These GM X Frames are not what they are cracked up to be.
 
That X frame didn't stay around too long for good reason. Folks had to have special frame straightening equipment to repair them back in the day. Other than that, the basic designs are like an apple and an orange to me.
 
I know I am prejudiced, but I think Fords had better styling than Chevy's most years. I never liked the 59 or 60 Chevy's much.
 
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5851a, Thanks for Posting, but it is a 61 Starliner, not a 1960 model, as you can see from the above picture.
I have added your Link for this Video to the 1961 Ford Thread. Regards Mercman <><
 
mercman from oz said:
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5851a, Thanks for Posting, but it is a 61 Starliner, not a 1960 model, as you can see from the above picture.
I have added your Link for this Video to the 1961 Ford Thread. Regards Mercman <><
Click to expand...
Thanks, I get so carried away with the Starliners I forget the 61 is my favorite.
 
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Another neat 1960 Ford Galaxie, this one a Sunliner Convertible. They are sure nice looking Fords that for a long time have been overlooked. They seem to be catching on these days, but there does not seem to be overly many survivors?
 
No problem K. You didn't get to me. I've changed my mind on some cars after owning them. I can't say I have any real brand loyalty.
 
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