Updated with a film: Ford Custom Car Caravan (1962-1966)
Under the leadership of Ford Special Projects Division, the Ford Division conceived the Ford Custom Car Caravan in 1962 to create and campaign customized and performance-themed Fords to the youth market throughout the United States.
For four years, Ford presented its Caravan at trade shows, International Show Car Association shows, Ford dealerships, county and state fairs, shopping malls, and teen fairs.
Enjoy,
Howard Kroplick
The Caravan started in fall 1962 and first relied upon cars built in-house, then presented customized factory cars built by commissioned shops to factory specifications. Ultimately, the Caravan adopted privately created custom cars based upon production automobiles.
As the Caravan grew and more custom cars were needed to fill at least three regional Caravans, Ford reached out to additional customizers and eventually either commissioned or adopted the work of the Alexander Brothers, George Barris, Bill Cushenbery, Ford’s prototype maker Dearborn Steel Tubing, Fostoria Customs, Dean Jeffries, and Gene Winfield.
To meet auto enthusiasts' parallel and growing interest in muscle cars, Ford expanded the Caravan to feature performance versions including Dearborn Steel Tubing’s 1963 Mustang III designed by Vince Gardner and the 1962 Holman Moody Challenger III.
The Ford Custom Car Caravan concluded sometime during the 1966 show season. The Caravans showed that Ford Motor Company was a proponent of custom cars. Ford's efforts gave credence and publicity to customizers like George Barris, Gene Winfield and Vince Gardner.
Challenger III (left) and Mustang III (right).
Mustang III
Challenger III
Comments
I first thought that was the Mustang III in the photo. Never suspected Challenger III was nearby on the same floor. Great shot!