A big weekend for Cobra Jet.

[BlueOval Ralph]

The MEL was only used in the Birds for 59 and only a handful were built John Holman got a few out of the Wixom Assembly Plant for his NASCAR Package, in 60 they returned to the 352 FE.

Originally Posted by rawhide

I have heard that FE stands Ford/Edsel and Ford Engineering but I believe that Ford/Edsel is correct. At the same time the FE was developed Ford also designed the MEL and Mercury/Edsel/Lincoln is the only explanation I have heard for that. Both engines were released in 1958 models and the Edsel was the only car to use both. By 1959 they started using the MEL in Thunderbirds so it did not take long for their plans to change.
regards, Roland

[KRatcliff]

I thought FE stood for all the iron in their intake manifolds.

[troublemaker427]

I've always heard the Ford/Edsel explanation also.

I actually think it means Friggin' Expensive because everything costs so much for these things.....

[69Cobra]

Originally Posted by troublemaker427

I actually think it means Friggin' Expensive because everything costs so much for these things.....

I'll second that.

[Stephen & Horace Johnson]

Originally Posted by 69Cobra

I'll second that.

Ill third that...

[rawhide]

Originally Posted by BlueOval Ralph

The MEL was only used in the Birds for 59 and only a handful were built John Holman got a few out of thevWixom Assembly Plant for his NASCAR Package, in 60 they returned to the 352 FE.

Ralph,
I am no expert on Thunderbirds but the Vintage Thunderbird Club shows the following production numbers of the 59-60 Bird.

1959
"H" 352 cu.in. Hardtop 54,041
"J" 430 cu.in. Hardtop 3,154
"H" 352 cu.in. Convertible 9,093
"J" 430 cu.in. Convertible 1,168
Total 67,456
Note 1: No separate production figures were recorded for "G"-engined low-compression/export cars: they are included with the above totals. None have been registered with VTCI.
1960
"Y" 352 cu.in. Hardtop 74,547
"J" 430 cu.in. Hardtop 3,900
"Y" 352 cu.in. Sunroof 2,159
"J" 430 cu.in. Sunroof 377
"Y" 352 cu.in. Convertible 10,606
"J" 430 cu.in. Convertible 1,254
Total 92,843
Note 1: No separate production figures were recorded for "G"-engined low-compression/export cars: they are included with the above totals. One hardtop has been registered with VTCI.


I see 4322 59 models and 5531 60 models with the MEL 430 being produced. I always thought that the 430 was only used in just the 59 Bird and did not know that it was used in the 60 model.
regards, Roland