AUTOMAKERS are constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s acceptable on the road.
And Ford, which has been producing vehicles for 120 years, is no exception.
From a 1960s Thunderbird to a bizarre bathtub-shaped motor, many models have caused disputes of one kind or another.
Here we take a look at seven Ford cars in chronological order that courted controversy when they were launched.
Ford Anglia (1959)
The Ford Anglia was first introduced in 1959[/caption]
It was thrust back into the mainstream in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets[/caption]
The Anglia 105E is a small family car and was the fourth model of its kind having been first introduced in 1959.
An American-influenced styling included a sweeping nose line, muted tailfins, and on deluxe versions a full-width slanted chrome grille in between prominent “eye” headlamps.
It also featured a controversial reverse angle rear window so it could stay clear in the rain.
One authority described it as being given “short shrift by customers who could see no rationale for it beyond a perverse desire to be different”.
The 105E’s British designers used wind-tunnel testing and streamlining.
Acceleration was sluggish, though better than its predecessors, and boasted a four-speed manual gearbox with synchromesh on the top three forward gears.
Harry Potter nuts will certainly be familiar with the family car as a similar vehicle – which was able to fly – was owned by the Weasleys.
In one memorable scene, Ron and Harry flew back to Hogwarts in the motor after the gate to Platform nine and three quarters was sealed by house-elf Dobby.
Ford Taunus (1960)
Ford Taunus production started in 1939 lasting a total of 55 years[/caption]
Ford Taunus production started in 1939 lasting a total of 55 years.
The P3 came between 1960 to 1964 and some critics branded it the “Badewannetaunus” – bathtub Taunus.
All four corners of the car were curved and it featured rectangular or lozenge-shaped headlights.
The shape was so radical that US law dictated headlamps should be round deeming them illegal for use in the country.
Ford Thunderbird (1967)
The first appearance of the Thunderbird was in 1954[/caption]
The Ford Thunderbird was the brainchild of two men—George Walker and Louis D. Crusoe.
The car was born from the idea that Ford Motor Company should have a sportier vehicle as part of their automobile line.
This idea was pursued by the company who decided to pursue a “true Ford sports car” for their 1955 model year.
The vehicle would evolve throughout its production time.
The fifth-generation model in 1967 was larger than before.
Customers were unconvinced and dropped to just over 36,000 in the 1971 model year, the lowest figure for the nameplate since 1957.
Ford Escort (1980)
The Ford Escort was often the bestselling car in Britain in the 1980s and 1990s[/caption]
The small family car first came out in 1968 with six generations of the popular motor coming out over 30 years.
There was immediate criticism of the poor ride quality, which Ford responded to by revising the suspension.
It was often the bestselling car in Britain in the 1980s and 1990s with a total of more than 4.1 million sold.
It was a follow up to the Anglia and Ford played it safe with the design.
The reverse rake rear window, covered headlights and fin-like rear wings were removed and used what would become known as a “Coke bottle design”.
The company described it as “the small car that isn’t”.
Ford Fiesta (1996)
The Fiesta is a supermini car first developed in 1976[/caption]
The Fiesta is a supermini car first developed in 1976 as part of Ford’s project ‘Bobcat’ team shortly after the launch of the similar Fiat 127 and Renault Pinto.
It caused adverse comments, some of them including the word “fish”.
10 years earlier, the company had initially decided against producing a new small car to rival BMC’s Mini as the production cost was deemed too high.
But the 1973 oil crisis caused a rise in the already growing demand for smaller cars.
Its production led to Ford building a new factory near Valencia in Spain. Production ended in 2023.
Ford Focus (1998)
The Ford Focus was introduced in 1998 to the European market[/caption]
The Ford Focus was introduced in 1998 to the European market as a replacement for the Escort.
A versatile hatchback, it was an immediate success, winning Car of the Year 1999 in Europe and America.
Its fresh look and great handling received much praise.
During a review on Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson said: “It is more spacious, quieter, more comfortable, much nicer to drive, more economical and possibly safer than any other car in its class. It is superb.”
But the Focus RS in 2001 featured a controversial issue – torque steer.
Ford Capri (2025)
The electronic Ford Capri was dubbed the most controversial car of 2024[/caption]
The electronic Ford Capri was dubbed the most controversial car of 2024.
The motoring giant admitted the company is producing more of the vehicles than it’s selling.
The Capri was launched in September 2024, following on from the Explorer SUV in June – but both have seen lower than expected sales.
Ford said part of the blame is down to the weak EV market which has seen global sales grind to a halt.
Ford has been accused by Capri devotees of “blasphemy” with its EV version, which they believe is disrespectful to its origins, with little resemblance to its famous namesake.
Ford launched a major marketing campaign featuring ex Manchester United footballer Eric Cantona with the tag line “the legend is back”.
But it appears the efforts have so far flopped.
