Unraveling the Mystery: The Fascinating Legacy of Ford's Unproduced Bearcat

Forgotten ONES - In the intricate process of car manufacturing conducted by manufacturers, each upcoming model undergoes an extensive pre-production phase carried out by the Research and Development (R&D) division. This phase involves the creation of numerous designs, which are then presented for approval from company officials to proceed with production. Often, these designs take form as static models or prototypes, subjected to various tests and evaluations.

The Ford Bearcat Concept's aesthetic conjures the nostalgia of classic mid-engined sports cars, drawing inspiration from the quintessential Italian supercar. (Picture from: MacsMotorCityGarage)

Today, we delve into the history of an American manufacturer, the Ford Motor Company, and explore one of their concept cars that briefly emerged during the zenith of its iconic vehicle, the Ford GT40, which reigned over racing circuits in both Europe and America during the late 1960s. This is the story of the Ford Bearcat Concept—a remarkable two-seater sports car adorned with innovative design elements and a sleek fiberglass body.

The Lola GT Mk VI has a shape similar to the Ford Bearcat Concept which was the work of Albert T. McNea in 1967. (Picture from: Petrolicious)

The primary goal of this concept was to chart novel design trajectories and showcase Ford's prowess in engineering, offering a glimpse into the company's vision for future automotive marvels. The Bearcat Concept, despite being introduced at various auto shows in the mid-1960s, never transitioned into a production road vehicle. The reasons behind its subdued reception in the American market during that era remain somewhat ambiguous. This overshadowing effect might have been triggered by the resounding success of the Ford GT40 Le Mans, the iconic Shelby Cobra, and the revered Mustang, all of which took the market by storm with their earlier launches.

The Ford Bearcat Concept was a remarkable two-seater sports car adorned with innovative design elements and a sleek fiberglass body. (Picture from: MacsMotorCityGarage)

According to insights from MacsMotorCityGarage, the mid-engined GT stirred up more excitement in European press circles than it did in its homeland. Notably, Autocar, a prominent automotive magazine in Great Britain, dedicated an article to the Bearcat in one of its late 1960s issues.

The creative mind behind the Ford Bearcat's design is attributed to Ford stylist Albert T. McNea. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)

The creative mind behind the Bearcat's design is attributed to Ford stylist Albert T. McNea. The concept's aesthetic conjures the nostalgia of classic mid-engined sports cars, drawing inspiration from the quintessential Italian supercar. With potential to be a future classic, the Bearcat could have graced auction halls, provided it received the green light from Ford for production.

Hand drawn sketch by Albert T. McNea for the 1967 Ford Bearcat Concept. (Picture from: AngliaAuctions)

In profile, the Bearcat strikingly resembles the 1962 Lola GT Mk6, an inspiration that also influenced its predecessor, the original Ford GT. However, these resemblances are superficial; Albert T. McNea took these influences and crafted a unique exterior design. At the front, the Bearcat boasts headlamps sculpted to resemble a bird of prey, while the rear incorporates an unmistakable Mustang essence, right down to the Mustang-produced rear bumper. However, it's worth noting that the available photos of the fiberglass-bodied prototype—the primary mockup—don't precisely reflect these features.

The Ford Bearcat Concept's rear incorporates an unmistakable Mustang essence, right down to the Mustang-produced rear bumper. (Picture from: MacsMotorCityGarage)

As reported by Drive-My, the entire rear bodywork opens seamlessly to provide access to the engine bay situated behind the seats. Moreover, the roof section above the cockpit is designed for easy removal and storage in the front compartment, nestled between the radiator and fascia. Interestingly, the hydraulic spoiler at the rear features an adjustable angle, and the tail lamps hide behind stainless steel panels, perforated with countless minute holes. Their appearance resembles a satin-finished opaque sheet until they illuminate.

As you can see, the Ford Bearcat Concept's spare wheel is above the gearbox, behind the engine. (Picture from: MacsMotorCityGarage)

Underneath its wedge-shaped exterior, the Bearcat Concept rests upon a chassis sporting a 104-inch wheelbase. Initially designed to house a 289 cubic-inch V8 engine matched with a ZF five-speed transaxle, it's noteworthy that the showcar didn't house an engine under the hood during its display. This could be indicative of the manufacturer's reluctance to further develop the Bearcat, possibly due to an abundant lineup of roadworthy mid-engined GTs during that period.

Snippet of an article about the 1967 Ford Bearcat Concept published by an old Belgian magazine. (Picture from: AutoPuzzles)

Intriguingly, the wedge-designed Bearcat Concept didn't share the same fate as its counterpart, the Ford GT Mk-2. While the latter progressed to the production line, the Bearcat largely lingered in obscurity. Curiously, Ford chose to channel its efforts towards mid-engined road cars by supporting the DeTomaso Pantera—an endeavor that didn't yield the desired outcomes, as evidenced by its distribution through the Lincoln-Mercury dealer network.

Therefore, refrain from asking about its present whereabouts, as this concept car model has long since disappeared. While the legacy of the Ford Bearcat Concept may have been relegated to the realm of unfulfilled dreams, its narrative serves as a testament to the continually evolving automotive innovation landscape and the delicate equilibrium between design exploration and commercial feasibility. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MACSMOTORCITYGARAGE | DRIVE-MY | ANGLIAAUCTIONS | HEMMINGS | AUTOPUZZLES ]

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