The Forty-Nine was actually killed off to make way for the GT. Ford brass had it fixed in their heads that one of the two cars would be produced, and decided on a halo car instead of a more family-oriented (though unique) vehicle that could've flopped like the retromodern Thunderbird did.
Ford missed out BIG TIME! This car could have made doubters realize that Ford was serious about making special cars even after the ~2002 T-Bird wasn't a big seller. Even now, imagine the up-front orders for this car with modest underpinnings like a 250 HP V-6 up front and a basic chassis. I wonder what a concept car like this would sell for today?
you are so right. I'll guess 60k, as a production car. This actual concept car, probably triple that for it's one of a kind rarity. from 1995-2005, there were quite a few fantastic concept cars from several manufacuters, even Chrysler, and the were very impressive. Only a couple ever made it to production, like the Viper, PT Cruiser, HHR, retro T-Bird, retro VW Beetle, etc. Nissan did far better with their limited production runs of the BE 1, Pao, I Cargo, and Figaro
The Forty-Nine was actually killed off to make way for the GT. Ford brass had it fixed in their heads that one of the two cars would be produced, and decided on a halo car instead of a more family-oriented (though unique) vehicle that could've flopped like the retromodern Thunderbird did.
ReplyDeleteFord missed out BIG TIME! This car could have made doubters realize that Ford was serious about making special cars even after the ~2002 T-Bird wasn't a big seller. Even now, imagine the up-front orders for this car with modest underpinnings like a 250 HP V-6 up front and a basic chassis. I wonder what a concept car like this would sell for today?
ReplyDeleteyou are so right. I'll guess 60k, as a production car. This actual concept car, probably triple that for it's one of a kind rarity.
Deletefrom 1995-2005, there were quite a few fantastic concept cars from several manufacuters, even Chrysler, and the were very impressive. Only a couple ever made it to production, like the Viper, PT Cruiser, HHR, retro T-Bird, retro VW Beetle, etc.
Nissan did far better with their limited production runs of the BE 1, Pao, I Cargo, and Figaro