2018 Fabulous Fords Forever Photo Gallery

1 - 2018 Fabulous Fords Forever ・ Photo by Scott Oldham

With over 1,600 cars and 8,000 people in attendance, the 33rd Annual Fabulous Fords Forever is one of America largest one-day car shows. The weather was perfect, and once again Knott’s Berry Farm was the ideal family-friendly location for the car culture extravaganza. The Shelby American area was a crowd favorite, showing off beautiful Shelby machines both new and old including this 1967 GT500 Mustang.

First generation Ford Broncos are extremely hot in the collector car market, with interest and prices rising rapidly. There were over 80 Broncos on display including Tom Watts’ rare and beautifully restored 1972 Baja Bronco by Stroppe, which was a special model that celebrated the Baja 500 and 1000 wins of Bronco racer Bill Stroppe. The red, white and blue model was built from 1971-1975 and about 500 were made.

Photo by Scott Oldham

These days everyone is Ford GT crazy, but in the early 1970s you could walk into a Lincoln-Mercury dealer and buy a DeTomaso Pantera. The Italian-bodied, mid-engine supercar was powered by a 351 cubic inch Ford V8 and cost about $10,000 bucks. This 1974 Pantera was originally sold in North Hollywood and has lived its entire life in Southern California. Today it belongs to Craig and Nancy Cline.

Photo by Scott Oldham

From 1982-1993 the California Highway Patrol used notchback 5.0-liter Mustangs for pursuit. The CHP bought 2508 Mustangs from Ford, and a handful were on display at Fabulous Fords Forever, including the very first “Special Service Package” 1982 Mustang ever which is now owned by Mike and Margie Del Puppo. The car is equipped with a 157 hp V8 with a Holley 2-barrel carburetor and a 4-speed manual transmission.

Photo by Scott Oldham

One of Ford’s greatest muscle cars of all time is the 1970 Torino Cobra with the huge 429 cubic inch V8. Three versions of the engine were offered that year, one with 360 hp, the 429 Cobra Jet with 370 hp and the 375 hp 429 Super Cobra Jet. Ford only built 7,675 Torino Cobras in 1970 and only a handful got the 429 SCJ with the optional Shaker hood scoop and a 4-speed like this one.

Photo by Scott Oldham

Larger than the Ford Mustang with a 3-inch longer wheelbase, the 1968 and 1969 Mercury Cougar are some of the most beautiful two door coupes to ever come out of Detroit, with their clean lines and distinctive covered headlamps. This beautifully restored example is powered by a 302 cubic inch V8 backed by a 4-speed manual transmission. Its American Racing Torque Thrust wheels are period perfect.

Photo by Scott Oldham

Modern Ford performance doesn’t only mean Mustang. The Ford Focus has its following and there were quite a few modified examples on display, including turbocharged ST models and this Ford Focus RS, which features 350 hp and all-wheel drive. Modifications include its hood, front spoiler and larger wheels.

Photo by Scott Oldham

One of Ford’s first sexy muscle cars was the 1968 Torino GT. Although its fastback roofline was not only appealing on the street, it was more aerodynamic for Ford’s NASCAR racers on high-speed oval tracks. Several engines were offered including the new 428 Cobra Jet. This clean example is powered by a modified 390 big-block and a C6 automatic transmission.

Photo by Scott Oldham

Built from 1999-2004 the second generation of the Ford F-150 SVT Lightning was a muscle truck powered by a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 with 360 hp, which was pumped up to 380 hp in 2001. This all original example is one of just 1,601 painted black in 1999.

Photo by Scott Oldham

You see everything at Fabulous Fords Forever, including Pintos. This has to be one of the best preserved Pintos in the world. Completely stock including its faux wood trim, slotted wheels and plaid upholstery, this 1976 Ford Pinto was a time warp back to leisure suits and Captain and Tennille.

Photo by Scott Oldham

There were about 30 Thunderbirds displayed at the event and one of the rarest was this 1957 T-Bird with the desirable supercharged engine. Identified by the F-code in their identification numbers and referred to as F-Birds, these T-Birds were powered by a 300 hp 312 cubic inch V8 to rival Chevy’s Corvette. Only 205 were produced.

Photo by Scott Oldham