PERFORMANCE RENAISSANCE: A Custom 1960 Ford Starliner Known as “Scarliner”
September 23, 2024
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Written by independent automotive journalist David Neyens
LOT #771 – 1960 FORD STARLINER CUSTOM COUPE “SCARLINER” – NO RESERVE
While Ford’s game-changing Flathead V8 models of the 1930s were prime base material for legions of racers, hot-rodders and customizers through the ’50s, Chrysler and GM unleashed hot new OHV V8-powered models by the late 1940s and early 1950s that quickly eroded the popularity of Ford’s new cars at dealer showrooms. Compounding the problem, Edsel Ford II and Ford Motor Company adhered closer to the spirit and letter of the 1957 American Manufacturers’ Association (AMA) racing ban than its archrivals. Growing frustration at Ford brought a reply from a three-man team of the company’s engineers, who developed what was likely the first comprehensive factory-built high-performance package. Based on the handsome 1960 Ford Starliner hardtop coupe, it was powered by a 360-horsepower 352ci V8 engine, supported by enhanced brakes and police-type suspension.
Thanks to this work, Ford was once again a fierce contender on NASCAR ovals, drag strips and, of course, Main Street. A December 1959 report by Hot Rod magazine’s Ray Brock confirmed the effectiveness of the hot new Ford, including a 145-mph test run by NASCAR legend Cotton Owens at Daytona. Soon after it was released, the special 352 mill was succeeded by an array of wilder, larger-displacement power teams, culminating in the mighty 427 that would power Carroll Shelby’s Cobras and Ford’s Le Mans-conquering GT40. Encouraged by the 360-horsepower Starliner’s competitiveness, Edsel Ford II soon ended his company’s support for the AMA racing ban and forged an entirely new path with its “Total Performance” corporate racing program, scoring victories in nearly every form of motorsport throughout the 1960s. As such, the Starliner deserves credit as the historic first shot fired by Ford “across the bow” of the competition, helping ignite the 1960s muscle-car wars.
Known as “Scarliner,” this custom 1960 Ford Starliner handsomely celebrates Ford Motor Company’s performance renaissance of the early 1960s – but with today’s technological innovations and exacting build quality. Envisioned and built by Bodie Stroud, the Ford specialist, custom car designer and media personality, “Scarliner” rides on an Art Morrison MaxG Profile independent front suspension system and an Art Morrison MaxG Profile triangulated 4-link setup to the rear. Far greater power and performance than the legendary 352 of 1960 is delivered by a 2006 Ford GT-derived 5.4-liter aluminum V8 engine, equipped with a Lysholm twin-screw supercharger and fortified by a forged crank and pistons, developing 550hp and 500 ft/lbs of torque. Power is delivered to the pavement by a Ford Lightning-derived 4R100 transmission to a custom 9-inch differential built by BS Industries. Rolling stock consists of a set of Bonspeed Wildthang custom wheels, wrapped in Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/R radials, with traction enhanced by 18-inch-wide rear tires.
Other mechanical modifications and upgrades include polished exhaust headers, Borla mufflers, a custom stainless steel fuel tank, 14-inch Porsche GT3 carbon-ceramic brakes with ABS and a push-button ignition. Finished in retina-searing Viper Red paint, this stunning custom 1960 Ford Starliner is deceptively luxurious with its black leather and Alcantara-trimmed interior compartment, including a custom center console, power-adjustable seats and a Ford GT dashboard. Given its celebrity builder, stunning looks and modern twist, “Scarliner” has garnered high-profile coverage in Popular Hot Rodding magazine, on “Jay Leno’s Garage” and in MotorTrend, and in addition received the Outstanding Achievement in Design award from Ford and Best in Show at the world-famous SEMA Show.
Check out this incredible Ford GT-powered Starliner, register to bid and get ready to make it yours at the upcoming Scottsdale Fall Auction, taking place October 10-13 at WestWorld.
