Description
The Ford Starliner was a striking and short-lived full-size model produced for the 1960 and 1961 model years, remembered today as one of the most elegant designs in Ford’s history. Introduced as part of the Galaxie lineup, the Starliner was essentially a specialty fastback coupe that showcased Ford’s interest in aerodynamics and style during an era when American cars were becoming lower, longer, and sleeker.
The most distinctive feature of the Starliner was its roofline. Designed as a sweeping, thin-pillar fastback, it flowed gracefully from the windshield to the rear deck, giving the car a sporty, streamlined appearance. The massive wraparound rear window not only created a dramatic look but also improved visibility, though it was expensive to produce. This design was not just for show—it was influenced by Ford’s interest in NASCAR racing, where a lower, more aerodynamic roof profile helped reduce drag at high speeds. The Starliner quickly became one of the most admired shapes of its time, rivaling Chevrolet’s Impala Sport Coupe in elegance.
Inside, the Starliner carried the same full-size comfort as the rest of the Galaxie range. Wide bench seats in both front and rear allowed seating for six passengers, with interiors trimmed in cloth and vinyl or more upscale materials depending on the buyer’s choice. Dashboards featured the symmetrical, jet-age styling of the era, with plenty of chrome accents, large gauges, and optional features such as radios, heaters, and air conditioning. The Starliner was marketed as a fashionable, premium coupe, appealing to buyers who wanted both style and space.
Under the hood, the Starliner offered a broad range of Ford’s engines. At the entry level, smaller V8s like the 292 and 352 cubic inch engines were available, while enthusiasts could choose the powerful 390 V8, producing up to 375 horsepower with triple carburetors. By 1961, the Starliner could be ordered with Ford’s big 401-horsepower 390 V8 or the even more exotic 390 Super High Performance engines, making it a serious contender on the drag strip and in stock car racing. Transmission options ranged from three-speed manuals and overdrives to Cruise-O-Matic automatics, with four-speed manuals becoming available to suit performance buyers.
On the road, the Starliner combined the smooth ride expected of a full-size Ford with the added benefit of its aerodynamic profile at speed. It was large and comfortable, but when equipped with the higher-output V8s, it became a surprisingly fast and competitive machine. This made it particularly successful in NASCAR, where its sleek roofline gave Ford an edge against the more upright competition.
Despite its style and performance, the Starliner was discontinued after the 1961 model year, largely because its unique roof and rear glass made it expensive to produce and less practical for mainstream buyers. By 1962, Ford replaced it with the Galaxie 500 Sports Hardtop, which used a more conventional roofline that was cheaper and easier to manufacture.
Today, the Ford Starliner is highly prized among collectors for its rarity and beauty. With only two years of production, surviving examples are scarce, and those equipped with high-performance engines are especially valuable. The Starliner stands as one of the most elegant expressions of Ford’s early 1960s styling and a testament to the era when aerodynamics and glamour began to play a central role in American car design. Its graceful lines and motorsport pedigree ensure its place as one of the most iconic full-size Fords ever built.