The 1960 Ford Starliner Hardtop holds a special place in Ford’s history, as it was a distinct model produced only for that single year. It emerged as a stylish two-door hardtop within the full-size Ford lineup, designed to offer a more streamlined and sporty alternative to the Fairlane 500 and Galaxie hardtops of the time. Its unique “jet age” styling, characterized by a long, low roofline and large rear window, set it apart and hinted at the evolving design trends of the early 1960s. The Starliner effectively bridged the gap between the more traditional styling of the late 1950s Fords and the cleaner, more modern aesthetics that would soon follow. Despite its short production run, the 1960 Ford Starliner remains a sought-after classic for its rarity and distinctive design.
Design and Styling: The most notable aspect of the 1960 Ford Starliner Hardtop was its sleek and distinctive roofline. Unlike the traditional “boxtop” hardtops of the era, the Starliner featured a dramatically swept-back, pillarless design with an expansive rear window that wrapped around the C-pillars. This “Starliner” roof gave the car a much lower and more aerodynamic appearance, evoking the jet aircraft designs that were popular at the time. The rest of the car shared the overall styling cues of the 1960 Ford lineup, including the quad headlights, the sculptured side trim, and the relatively restrained use of chrome compared to earlier years. The long, flowing lines of the Starliner emphasized its length and gave it a sophisticated and somewhat sporty character within the full-size Ford range. The interior offered comfortable seating for six passengers and featured the typical materials and trim levels for a mid-to-upper-range Ford of the period.
Engine and Performance: The 1960 Ford Starliner Hardtop was available with a range of V8 engines, allowing buyers to choose their desired level of performance. The standard V8 was typically a 292 cubic inch (4.8-liter) Thunderbird Special V8, providing a good balance of power and economy for everyday driving. For those seeking more performance, Ford offered larger and more powerful V8 options, including the 352 cubic inch (5.8-liter) and the top-of-the-line 390 cubic inch (6.4-liter) Thunderbird Special V8. The 390 engine, in particular, could produce upwards of 300 horsepower, providing the Starliner with impressive acceleration and cruising capabilities for a full-size car of its time. All engine options were paired with either a three-speed manual transmission (standard) or the optional Fordomatic automatic transmission, offering smooth and reliable operation. The Starliner, while stylish, was still a full-size car, so its performance was geared towards comfortable cruising and confident acceleration rather than outright sports car handling.
Features and Options: As part of the full-size Ford lineup, the 1960 Starliner Hardtop offered a variety of features and options typical for its class and era. Standard equipment usually included basic amenities, while a wide range of optional extras allowed buyers to personalize their vehicles. These options could include power steering, power brakes, air conditioning, power windows, power seats, a range of radios and sound systems, whitewall tires, and various trim and upholstery upgrades. The focus was on providing a comfortable and convenient driving experience for the entire family or for those who desired a stylish and spacious coupe. The Starliner, with its unique roofline, offered a touch more flair than its more conventionally styled siblings.
Production and Rarity: The 1960 Ford Starliner Hardtop was produced for only one model year, making it a relatively rare car today. Ford likely introduced the Starliner to test the market for a sleeker, more stylish full-size coupe before the complete redesign of the Ford lineup in 1961. While it was a handsome and well-received car, it was not carried over into the new model year, perhaps due to production complexities or a shift in design strategy. Its single-year production run contributes to its desirability among collectors today, as it represents a unique styling experiment within Ford’s history. Well-preserved examples of the 1960 Ford Starliner Hardtop are increasingly sought after by enthusiasts who appreciate its distinctive “jet age” design and its place as a transitional model in Ford’s styling evolution.
Summary:
- Unique full-size coupe produced only in 1960.
- Distinctive “Starliner” swept-back roofline.
- Available with a range of V8 engines, up to a 390 cubic inch option.
- Offered with manual or automatic transmissions.
- Featured typical full-size Ford options for comfort and convenience.
- Relatively rare due to its single-year production.
- Highly sought after by collectors for its unique styling.
Disclaimer: Information provided is for general knowledge. Vehicle specifications can vary. Verify details with reliable sources.
Source: Ford Heritage Vault
AI Assistance: Gemini
