Ford's French Jewel You Haven't Heard Of (15 Photos)

Ford's largest markets in Europe, were primarily in Germany and Great Britain. However, between 1916 and 1954 The American corporation included a French division. He worked under the name Ford SAF (Societe Anonyme Francaise), where The factory produced mainly models similar to those that were "overseas".





In France, they were considered prestigious thanks to units with six and eight cylinders, which made them extremely expensive, so not everyone could afford them. The most coveted of them, of course, was model Comete, produced from 1951 to 1954.







In the late forties of the last century, Facel and Ford established cooperation in the development of a new four-seat coupe, which was Designed by renowned Italian house Pininfarina. Mechanics inherited from the American model, including a 2.2-liter V8 engine and four-speed manual transmission.



The above engine had 68 hp. and Comete did not shine with technical characteristics or something else, but his style is such that many consider its perhaps the most beautiful Ford ever.



Later, a version with a 2.4-liter engine also appeared, power of 80 hp, which made it possible to develop a maximum speed of 145 km/h A few years later, a Monte Carlo version appeared with a V8 engine. volume of 3.9 liters with a capacity of 105 hp.



Unfortunately the Comete was too expensive for the average French buyer in post-war Europe, and new taxes on the use engines with a volume of more than 2 liters did not add popularity. Exactly therefore only 2,165 units were sold, including 699 badged Simca, which bought the French division of Ford in late 1954 and produced Comet under its own brand for another year.













Well restored Comete with 3.9 liter engine today worth decently, the price tag is mostly six figures. In spite of mediocre specifications beauty is expensive.