The Forgotten Concept: Mercury XM | Daily driving | Consumer Guide® The Daily Drive
This is part of a series of articles looking back at the cars on show that we feel deserve a little more attention than they really are. If you have suggestions for the Forgotten Concepts theme, feel free to drop us a line or leave a comment below.
mercury XM
First shown: Chicago Auto Show 1979
Description: Two-seater sports car with vibrating seats
Sales pitch: “While most concept cars look to the future, the Mercury goes back in time.”
Details:
First seen at the 1979 Chicago Auto Show, the Mercury XM Concept was purely a style exercise. Designed by Italian designer Ghia, the XM is a two-door, two-seater sports car that features a pair of “rumble” seats in the second row that are only accessible — and usable — with the hatch closed. open.
Literally no additional information about the concept is provided. That said, XM is credited with helping the Ford/Mercury design establish in the 1980s. The XM rear axle can be seen in futuristic designs such as the 1980 Ford Thunderbird and Mercury Cougar, and sports cars. Ford EXP and Mercury LN7 1982-1988.
The 1954 Mercury concept, the XM-800, marked the first time Mercury used the XM moniker. The XM-800 does not use a vibrating seat. Note that the 1939 Ford was one of the last cars for the US market to have vibrating seats. Founded in 1916, the Ghia passenger car design and construction company was acquired by Ford in 1970.
The Forgotten Concept: Briggs & Stratton Hybrid
CG says:
The most interesting thing about the almost forgotten XM concept may not be the design but the wheels. Seen here on a concept car, these same wheels have appeared in Ford and Mercury, appeared on Ford Thunderbird and Grenada, and Mercury Cougar coupe, sedan and XR-7, to name a few models. other companies, here in the US and abroad. The question is which do you remember better, the XM Concept or these once-popular wheels?
The Forgotten Concept: Plymouth Pronto
Listen to the Car Stuff Podcast Consumer Guide
Mercury XM . Idea Gallery
(Click below to enlarge the image)