How did the Americans of the 1950s imagine the future of the car? A clear example was represented there Ford X-1000. Presented in 1957, this concept it had the clear objective of showing the public what the Fords of the later years would have looked like.
A real “promise” regarding the style and solutions designed (also) for the passenger compartment, with a strong influence from the world of aeronautics.
Straight from the world of jets
In fact, like many American models of the time, the design of this prototype was inspired by jet supersonici. The references are evident especially if you look at the silhouette of the car, with aerodynamic sides, faired wheels and rear “fins” (which can be retracted manually) that almost look like wings.
Photo at: Ford
Ford X-1000 Concept (1957)
The Ford was conceived as a versatile model, capable of hosting a front or rear engine, depending on engineering needs. Furthermore, in presenting the concept at the Detroit and Chicago Motor Shows, the company admitted that its concept would influence future models.
Vintage accessories
Indeed, according to Ford, many of the solutions designed for the X-1000 were designed for mass production. Among these, the concept featured a retractable roof to transform the car into a convertible and facilitate access on board.
Photo at: Ford
Ford X-1000 Concept (1957)
The cockpit – of which we were unable to recover official photos, unfortunately – had a three-seater configuration, with the driver sitting in front of the two rear seats. Definitely 50s accessories dedicated to those sitting in the back, like a real TV, a miniature phonograph and a horizontal bar positioned at passenger chest height to improve safety in the event of an accident. After all, at the time belts were considered science fiction.
Unfortunately, the X-1000 never saw the light of day and of all the accessories only some dashboard knobs were reused, which found space on subsequent Fords.
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Source: it.motor1.com
