How many Ford Elites were made?
There is no widely published production total for a Ford model explicitly called "Elite." If you are referring to a regional edition or a trim with a similar badge, please specify the market and year to obtain an exact figure.
Understanding the term "Elite"
The phrase can mean different things in Ford lore, depending on where and when it was used. Collectors and historians often distinguish between a formal model name, a trim package, a regional badge, or a promotional sticker.
Regional naming and trim packages
In some markets, Ford applied unique trim names that never appeared in the U.S. catalog. An "Elite" badge could refer to a specific equipment level rather than a stand-alone model, and production totals would typically live in regional archives rather than the global Ford database.
Promotional or prototype forms
There have been promotional runs, dealer demos, or prototype vehicles bearing the Elite label that did not go into full mass production. These cases rarely have publicly released production counts.
Common interpretations and data sources
The following outlines the main ways enthusiasts and researchers might encounter the term, along with where to check for numbers.
- Regional editions: Some markets used distinct badges or trims named "Elite," for which official global tallies are not readily published.
- Limited or promotional runs: Short-lived promotions or dealer incentives may carry the name with little-to-no published production totals.
- Confusions with other models: The label might be mistaken for a different badge or trim on a Ford model (e.g., top trims of other lines) in collector records.
- Concepts or prototypes: A few elite-branded vehicles may have existed only as concept cars or demonstrations, not mass-produced.
Given these uncertainties, there is no single, authoritative production figure for a globally recognized Ford model called "Elite." To obtain an exact count, please specify the market, year, and model line, then consult Ford's historical archives, official brochures, and reputable automotive reference databases for corroboration.
What to do next to verify
To pursue a precise answer, you can take these steps: identify the exact market and year in question, then search Ford's official historical records, dealer brochures, and factory order books. Cross-check with reputable databases such as Hemmings, Old Cars Weekly, and regional Ford clubs, and seek VIN-based production data when available.
Summary
In short, there isn't a widely recognized, publicly documented production total for a Ford model literally named "Elite." If you can provide the market and year, I can help locate the exact figures and cite reliable sources.
What year did Ford make the Elite?
The Ford Elite is a personal luxury car produced by Ford and marketed in North America from February 1974 to 1976, using the name Gran Torino Elite for its first model year only then simplified to just Elite for the following two model years.
What is the rarest Ford Torino model?
The rarest Ford Torino model is the 1970 Ford Torino Twister Special, with only 90 built. Also exceptionally rare are the three prototypes of the 1970 King Cobra, which were intended for NASCAR racing but never officially produced for sale.
This video shows a rare 1970 Ford Torino Twister Special being auctioned: 55sMecum AuctionsYouTube · Dec 9, 2024
- 1970 Twister Special:
- Built as a regional promotion for the Kansas City District Sales Office.
- Based on the Torino Cobra SportsRoof model.
- Equipped with the 429 Cobra Jet or Super Cobra Jet engine.
- Featured a distinctive "Twister Special" tornado graphic decal and was often painted Grabber Orange.
- 1970 King Cobra:
- A purpose-built race car prototype designed to compete with Dodge Charger Daytonas and Plymouth Superbirds in NASCAR.
- Only three were ever built, each with a different engine: a Boss 429, a 429 Cobra Jet, and a 429 Super Cobra Jet.
- The model was never put into mass production.
You can watch this video to see another rare 1970 Ford Torino model, the King Cobra: 1mMuscle Cars RevolutionYouTube · Jul 29, 2025
How much horsepower does a 1976 Ford Elite have?
With all the government-mandated emission equipment choking engine output, the horsepower rating is 153. “It's a slug off the line,” Marinaccio says, though the speedometer is ready to record speeds up to 120 mph.
How many Ford Thunderbolts were made?
100 1964
Ultimately, 100 1964 Ford Fairlane Thunderbolts were built (49 of them 4-speeds with 51 automatics), enough to secure the 1964 NHRA Super Stock title for Ford. The FE 427 engine was rated conservatively at 425 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 480 pounds-feet of torque.
