This '50s future car ever had three names at once

ONE-OFF - In the 1950s, the automotive industry was a battleground of innovation, with manufacturers striving to captivate the public and secure their dominance. Among the giants in this arena was Ford Motor Company, an American icon renowned for its groundbreaking vehicles. During this era, Ford introduced a car that not only showcased their technological prowess but also became a symbol of their vision for the future. This car, launched in the early 1950s, underwent several name changes, reflecting its evolving identity and the company's aspirations.

1952 Lincoln Continental 1950-X is the first Ford's dream car with a tagline 'Car of Tomorrow'. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

Initially introduced in 1952, this visionary vehicle was called the Lincoln Continental 1950-X, proudly tagged as the "Car of Tomorrow." By 1953, it had been rebranded as the Ford X-100, and by 1957, it was known as the Lincoln Typhoon. 

1952 Lincoln Continental 1950-X was also intended as a pilot model being studied for the development of a future practical five-passenger sedan. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

This car wasn't just a showpiece; it was a laboratory on wheels, a testing ground for innovations that would later become standard in everyday cars. The car's torpedo-like design influenced future models, such as the Ford Thunderbird of the 1960s, leaving a lasting impact on automotive design. 

The term "concept car" wasn't in use back then, so Ford referred to this vehicle as a "laboratory on wheels." It was built to test and showcase new features, many of which eventually found their way into production models. Initially constructed as a scale model for wind tunnel testing, the car incorporated around 50 innovative features. 

1953 Ford X-100is dubbed as 'laboratory on wheels,' was functioned like a laboratory for the manufacture of new features that later might be included into the production cars'. (Picture from: MacMotorCityGarage)

Some, like moisture-sensitive cells on the roof that automatically closed plastic sliding panels, a built-in hydraulic jacking system, heated seats, and onboard telephones, became commonplace. Others, like the variable volume horn and in-car electric shaver, did not catch on.

1953 Ford X-100 has 50 innovative features, including moisture-sensitive cells on the roof, which automatically closes plastic sliding roof panels, etc. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

The car's design was as futuristic as its features. It boasted a curved windshield that seamlessly merged with the top of a clear dome. To ensure comfort in sunny weather, a non-dazzling, low-heat transmission section above the front seat could be mechanically pulled into a leather-covered canopy. Built on a 1952 Lincoln chassis with a 123-inch wheelbase, the prototype was crafted by Ford's advanced design team, including notable designers Joe Oros, John Najjar, and Elwood Engel.

1953 Ford X-100 has a sleek cockpit features an instrument panel with gauges clustered around the driver and a row of controls on the dashboard similar to the airplane throttles. (Picture from: MacMotorCityGarage)

Measuring over 221 inches in length and 81 inches in width, the car provided spacious seating for two passengers. Its sleek cockpit featured an instrument panel with driver-centric gauges and a row of controls on the dashboard reminiscent of airplane throttles. The top half of the car featured a retractable clear plexiglass roof, operated by an electric motor and a rain sensor, adding to its futuristic appeal.

1953 Ford X-100 was fitted with an upgraded Lincoln 317.5 cubic inches V8 engine, which able to spew power of 300 horses. (Picture from: MacMotorCityGarage)

Under the hood, the car was powered by a Lincoln V8 engine, typically displacing 317.5 cubic inches and producing 160 horsepower, which was boosted to 300 horsepower using traditional hot rod techniques. This included a free-flowing exhaust manifold and a dual long-range tube air purifier. One of the standout features of this engine was the five-carburetor intake manifold, dubbed the "Multi-Plex" by Ford.

Front view of 1957 Lincoln Typhoon. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

A fully functional prototype was showcased at various auto shows in America and Europe in 1953, marking Ford's 50th anniversary. It even made a cinematic appearance in the 1954 Hollywood movie "A Woman's World." By 1958, its role as an exhibition car concluded, and it was donated to the Henry Ford Museum, where it remains a testament to Ford's innovative spirit.

This car, with its three names and many groundbreaking features, represents a significant chapter in automotive history. It not only showcased the technological advancements of its time but also influenced the design and functionality of future vehicles. The legacy of the Lincoln Continental 1950-X, Ford X-100, and Lincoln Typhoon lives on, a symbol of an era when the future of automobiles was being shaped with each innovative idea. *** [EKA [09102020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | THEHENRYFORD.ORG | CARSTYLING.RU | MACMOTORCITYGARAGE ]

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