Ford Starliner
Encyclopedia
The Starliner was the sporty fastback version of the flagship Galaxie line of full-size Fords. Produced in 1960 and 1961 it offered a great platform for NASCAR teams to build their race cars.They were produced in limited numbers and due to their racing applications few survivors exist today.
It shares the name with the 1952-1954 Studebaker Starliner
and the Lockheed L-1649A airplane. Many might think that Ford copied Studebaker
in naming the car, this however is not completely true as Ford had been using the "liner" moniker on many of its vehicles since 1954 (Crestline, Customline, Skyliner, Sunliner etc..).
Characterized by their thin roof pillars, fastback styling and slippery aerodynamics, they symbolized 1960s jet age design. While the '60 & '61 body styles share only their roof lines and chassis, they did share the same overall styling concept.
The base engine in 1960 & 1961 was the aging 292 CID Y-block V-8, with the optional 352 motor that was originally introduced in 1958. In 1961 Ford engineers answered the cry for more power offering the new Thunderbird 390 cubic-inch motor in 3 versions with the top line offering in 375 horsepower. There was also a dealer option for a 6V-401 HP that came with a three-2 barrel manifold and carb setup in the trunk to be installed by the dealer or the buyer.
In 1962 the Galaxie 500 (and 500 XL) replaced the Starliner as the top offering. Ford initially proposed a "Starlift" removable slant back, but the car was dropped after one race.
It shares the name with the 1952-1954 Studebaker Starliner
Studebaker Starlight
The Starlight coupe was a unique 2-door body style offered by Studebaker Corporation of South Bend, Indiana from 1947-1952 in its Champion and Commander model series...
and the Lockheed L-1649A airplane. Many might think that Ford copied Studebaker
Studebaker
Studebaker Corporation was a United States wagon and automobile manufacturer based in South Bend, Indiana. Founded in 1852 and incorporated in 1868 under the name of the Studebaker Brothers Manufacturing Company, the company was originally a producer of wagons for farmers, miners, and the...
in naming the car, this however is not completely true as Ford had been using the "liner" moniker on many of its vehicles since 1954 (Crestline, Customline, Skyliner, Sunliner etc..).
Characterized by their thin roof pillars, fastback styling and slippery aerodynamics, they symbolized 1960s jet age design. While the '60 & '61 body styles share only their roof lines and chassis, they did share the same overall styling concept.
The base engine in 1960 & 1961 was the aging 292 CID Y-block V-8, with the optional 352 motor that was originally introduced in 1958. In 1961 Ford engineers answered the cry for more power offering the new Thunderbird 390 cubic-inch motor in 3 versions with the top line offering in 375 horsepower. There was also a dealer option for a 6V-401 HP that came with a three-2 barrel manifold and carb setup in the trunk to be installed by the dealer or the buyer.
In 1962 the Galaxie 500 (and 500 XL) replaced the Starliner as the top offering. Ford initially proposed a "Starlift" removable slant back, but the car was dropped after one race.