The Ford XL, this iconic coupe that has cruised the American roads since 1962, is set to take its bow in 1970. A bit like a rock star performing their last concert before putting down their guitar, the XL leaves behind an indelible mark, not without a touch of nostalgia. With its sporty look and comfort, it embodies a bygone era where power and style reigned supreme.
A meteoric rise to fame
The Ford XL burst onto the automotive scene in the spring of 1962, as a flamboyant response to the success of Chevrolet Super Sport models. At that time, bucket seats and floor consoles were the stars of the moment. However, like a good movie that loses its shine after the premiere, the enthusiasm for these large cars began to wane in the face of the emergence of compact and high-performance models like the GTO and the Mustang. By 1970, the curtain falls for the Ford XL, as luxury and brougham sedans start to dominate the market, a shift that Ford had already initiated with the LTD in 1965.
Taos: an artistic backdrop
In Taos, New Mexico, this work of art on wheels finds a natural setting that suits it perfectly. The aged patina of this 1970 model harmonizes beautifully with the light and vibrant colors that have long attracted artists. It is here that our story takes an unexpected turn: the location and the car unite to create a living tableau where every detail tells a story.
A legacy of performance
The XL edition of the Galaxie 500 was introduced midway through 1962 as part of the “The Lively Ones” campaign led by Lee Iacocca and his associates. They were desperately trying to rejuvenate Ford’s image among young performance enthusiasts. The answer was simple: bucket seats for all! Even the Fairlane Sports Coupe and the Falcon Futura succumbed to this trend after witnessing the unexpected success of the Corvair Monza.
Certainly, Ford had powerful engines, but their offering sorely lacked an affordable model capable of attracting the crowds, somewhat akin to Chevrolet’s V8. Adding bucket seats to a large model like the 1962 Ford was not going to solve this complex equation. To give sales a boost, Ford had to be resourceful.
A successful transformation
In 1963, Ford unveiled semi-fastback roofs that immediately captivated the public, followed by a new promising slogan: “Super Torque.” Although these V8s were better known for their torque than for their sheer power, this strategy paid off. The 1963 model became the best-seller of the XL series with over 134,000 coupes sold, a figure that recalls the greatest commercial successes in automotive history.
Glorious years
1964 marked another milestone with the introduction of a four-door hardtop in XL version, even including bucket seats in the rear – a true provocation to the Chevrolet SS! Unfortunately, this model would be short-lived; by 1965, Ford focused on affordable luxury embodied by the LTD, leaving behind the promises of performance.
Over the years, the XL evolved while maintaining its identity. In 1968, it became a standalone series with a new fastback design that attracted even more buyers. The numbers speak for themselves: sales jumped from 18,000 to 50,000 units for the coupe. A success that relied as much on an attractive price as on a renewed aesthetic.
A final breath of beauty
With the 1970 edition, Ford offered a “Spectacular Dual Paint” finish that highlighted a black hood and refined sides. A flamboyant tribute before the music stops definitively. This final opus of the XL reveals more refined lines than those of the standard Galaxie, even if sportiness and performance are still far from being on the agenda. This model stands out more as a “fastback” version of the LTD – class above all.
A look at the present
The beauty of this Ford XL found in a parking lot behind the Inn of Taos reveals fascinating details. Although its hidden headlights are often unmasked by time, their sculpted design gives the vehicle a high-end look. Its tunnel-back roof fits perfectly into the trend of the 60s, inspiring an almost nostalgic elegance.
Despite some signs of wear, this model remains a must-have for collectors and classic car enthusiasts. The magic still works when you settle inside: you can feel the history imbued in every corner of the cabin. The vinyl seats may seem outdated today, but they evoke an era when comfort was king.
The copper and turquoise hues warmly evoke the American Southwest, while the mag wheels make this behemoth even more imposing. You can almost hear the echoes of roaring engines from races of yesteryear.
Passion for classic cars: this is what unites us around these automotive masterpieces.
At the twilight of its career, the Ford XL is not just a mere vehicle: it is a symbol of an era when cars told stories of freedom and power. A monument that deserves to be celebrated before it completely disappears into the mists of time.
