Quote:
Originally Posted by mercman from oz
You guys in the USA don't realise how well off you are when it comes to cars & the variety that was available. As mentioned earlier, Ford Australia decided not to release the true 57 or 58 Fords, but offered a restyle on the 55/56 Fords for both years. The following pictures are of Australian 1958 Fords. The ones with the additional narrow chrome strip starting on the front door & extending to the rear with the added third colour were called Fordomatics, & naturally came with an Automatic Transmission. For those that wanted a stick shift, they could choose the cheaper Customline, which lacks the extra rear trim. The White & Maroon car is such a car. While you see the occasional 1958 Fordomatic at car shows, the Customline with the 3 speed manual is hardly ever seen & are extremely rare, as by 1958, nearly all buyers opted for an automatic transmission. The styling of these cars is a mix of 1955 & 1956 Canadian Meteors. The Grilles came from the 55 Meteor, while the side & rear trim came from the 1956 Meteor. Now you can appreciate why Australians go shopping in the USA for the true 1958 models. I hope that Ford Barners enjoy this little bit of Australian History.
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The piece of chrome below the tail lamps, is that Australian. Looks like it could have been a color break line if the cars were painted the top color down to the bumper. Never noticed them before today. Didn't find any pics of rear of meteors. On the 58's.