Ford Elite. 1975–6 (prod. n/a). 2-door coupé. F/R, 351, 402, 460 in³ (V8 OHV). Elite débuted as the top trim level on the 1974 Ford Gran Torino, but was spun off into its own model line in 1975 and 1976. Essentially a Ford version of the Mercury Cougar XR-7, with twin opera windows. Marketed as an intermediate version of Thunderbird, which was full-size these years. Heavy as with contemporary Torinos and Cougars. Landau partial vinyl top for 1976. Effectively renamed Thunderbird for 1977 as Ford downsized that model line.

Manufacturing location: Wixom, Michigan, USA

Marque: Ford | Predecessor: Ford Torino (1972–6) | Successor: Ford Thunderbird (1977–9)