Discover the Hidden Gems: The Rarest Ford Vehicles You’ve Never Heard Of – A Jalopnik Guide

Ford has been an automotive pioneer since 1903, creating memorable cars like the Model A and Mustang. With over a century of history, it has also produced some truly rare vehicles that many people might not know about. From quirky experiments to groundbreaking models, these Fords are automotive gems, often hard to find.

Over the years, Ford has played with some unusual ideas, like two-wheeled cars and tiny electric models. Here, we’ll look at some of the rarest Fords that car enthusiasts dream of. These vehicles are like unicorns; spotting one on the road is incredibly fortunate.

Ford Fairlane 500 R-Code

The Ford Fairlane 500 R-Code was designed for speed. Made to compete in the National Hot Rod Association, it featured a powerful R Code Big Block 427 V8 engine that was estimated to produce over 500 horsepower. This muscle car may look like any other Fairlane, but its performance was unmatched. In 1966, it cost over $4,500, making it one of the pricier muscle cars of its time. Today, only 57 units were ever made, with pristine examples selling for nearly $300,000.

Ford Mustang V10

In 2004, Ford ventured outside its comfort zone by building a Mustang with a V10 engine. Engineers crafted this unique engine from the spare parts of two V8s, resulting in a lightweight powerhouse producing 426 horsepower. The V10 Mustang achieved impressive quarter-mile times but was too complex and costly for production, leading to its demise.

Ford Mustang McLaren M81

Ford and McLaren teamed up in the 1980s to create the Mustang M81. This model featured a turbocharged inline-four engine that was enhanced by McLaren, boosting its power significantly. Only ten units were made, equipped with racing-style modifications and a price tag around $25,000. Despite its potential, McLaren’s involvement faced resistance within Ford, leading to the project’s end.

Ford Escort RS1700T

Many associate Ford with rally cars like the Mk2 Escort and RS200, but the RS1700T was a hidden treasure. Designed for Group B rallying, its performance potential was overshadowed when Audi’s Quattro introduced all-wheel-drive technology to the scene. Although Ford made only 18 prototypes, just four remain. One of these is valued at about $470,000 today, reflecting its rarity.

Ford GTX1 Roadster

Not many know that Ford created a targa-top version of the iconic GT supercar called the GTX1. Unveiled at the 2005 SEMA show, there were limited runs of this roadster. With a 5.4-liter supercharged V8 generating 550 horsepower, the GTX1 was a performance marvel. Less than 5% of the Ford GT models were converted into GTX1s, making them extremely rare. One recently auctioned for nearly $600,000, showcasing its market value.

As car lovers continue to celebrate Ford’s legacy, these rare models remind us of the brand’s innovative spirit. Every unique vehicle has its story, representing the highs and lows of automotive engineering over the decades. If you come across one of these rare Fords, count yourself lucky!