Ford's Luxury Bird—These scans are from "Ford Times" October 1968 issue, a small monthly periodical published by FoMoCo until 1993. The magazine measured 5 x 7 inches and consisted of 64 glossy pages and a heavier stock front and rear cover with a stapled binding. In addition to the requisite promotional pages for FoMoCo, editorial content included illustrated articles on the Talimena Scenic Drive in Oklahoma and Arkansas, bird watching, wood carving, a story on the Great Salt Lake in Utah and recipes from famous restaurants.
Above, the 2 page Thunderbird piece. The first page shows the new for '69 blind rear C pillar, strongly evocative of the '66 Tbird Town Coupe and Landau, and which would be repeated in the '71 model year. The reason for Ford to use this coupe roof style only in '66, '69 and '71 is something I'd love to know! Please notice the "plain" coupe on the top of the second page, has a strange C pillar and quarter window. I'm not sure if it was an overzealous airbrushing graphic artist, or if Ford had contemplated a change to the '67-'69 roofline, released these early photos and then rescinded the facelift, but I suspect it's the first. I'd like a Landau 4 door in maroon with black interior and vinyl roof.
Ford's Economy Bird—Also in the October 1968 issue, is this '69 Falcon, in Futura coupe and 4 door versions. This would prove to be the Falcon's last year as a compact, with the new Maverick in the wings, due to be introduced on April 17th, 1969. In 1970, the Falcon was, for a brief time, the lowest rung of the Torino lineup, appearing as a pillared coupe only. I always liked this second generation Falcon, in showrooms for model years '66 through this '69. They were based on a shortened Fairlane platform, and even shared the wagon bodystyle and wheelbase with its larger brother. I'll take a black Futura coupe with a black vinyl roof, 302 V8, power steering and brakes and SelectShift automatic transmission!
At the bottom right is Ford's new-for '69 Country Squire, with its innovative 3-way "Magic" doorgate and newly hidden headlights, which had been used in '68 as well. Thanks to loyal reader, Paul, for the correction! I love the '68 full sized Fords, and can't believe I forgot the XLs, LTDs and Country Squires came with hidden headlights! But that's why I love my readers, too. : )
