Delivering style and economy
Ford's diminutive Courier a rebadged Mazda pickup
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 13/03/2020 (2360 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
By the early 1970s fuel costs were a big part of the car buying process. Folks wanted decent fuel mileage without sacrificing comfort and drivability. The same rang true in the pickup market.
To compete with the popularity of new compact pickups from Toyota and Datsun, in 1972 Ford partnered with Mazda and rebadged the Mazda B-Series compact truck as the Ford Courier.
With the new name and sporting a new grille and single headlamps similar to its F-150 trucks, Ford had an instant player in the compact truck class. Considering its diminutive size, the Courier had an impressive load capacity of 635 kilograms. When compared to the purchase price and operating costs of a regular pickup, it was also a pretty decent buy, and fuel economy of 15 miles per gallon in the city and 30 on the highway was further incentive to get your signature on an order sheet.
Power for the rear-wheel-drive Courier came from a spry 1.8-litre overhead-cam inline four-cylinder engine, producing 74 horsepower at 5,100 r.p.m. Buyers had a choice of the standard four-speed manual transmission or optional three-speed automatic. In 1976, the final year for the first-generation Courier, customers could also opt for a new five-speed manual for added fuel economy and greater highway cruising capability.
For Jack and Cindy Hare of Libau, their 1976 Ford Courier pickup is a time capsule. Purchased at a 2015 auction in Sperling, Jack knew the truck was a rarity. “I couldn’t remember if I had ever seen one before,” he says, “but it looked like it was in perfect shape, so I started bidding.”
Finished in Medium Blue with a blue vinyl and cloth upholstery, the truck offers full carpeting in the cab and also features a four-speed manual transmission, deluxe AM radio, and burled walnut appliques on the dash, steering wheel and shift knob.
With only 26,200 original miles on the odometer, highlights include optional wheel covers, dual chrome mirrors, backup lamps and front bumper guards. The original four-ply polyester whitewall front tires still reside on the vehicle and the similarly constructed snow tires on the rear give the appearance the truck was at least used (or readied) for one winter.
Since it’s purchase, other than being driven around his property, the Courier hasn’t seen any road or highway use. “I always keep it maintained and it fires right up for regular jaunts around the farm,” says Jack.
Over time, these small trucks were used and abused and many succumbed to rust from salted roadways or mechanical failure. This truck is subsequently quite rare because it’s still here and in such excellent condition.
Ford continued to invest in Mazda for more than 40 years, but the collaboration ended in 2015 when Ford sold its remaining shares in Mazda.
57ford@mymts.net
