Hidden Gems - In the realm of automotive history, the iconic gullwing door-type often conjures images of the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300 SL from the 1950s to 1960s. Yet, hidden in the annals of American automobile innovation lies a lesser-known gem – the Ford Cougar 406. This concept car, born in 1962 under Ford's visionary gaze, brought a unique flair to the gullwing door legacy.
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The Ford Cougar 406 futuristic concept car was debuting at the 1962 Chicago Auto Show featured top-hinged, electrically operated gull-wing doors. (Picture from: Kustomrama) |
Internaly known as the D-523 "Cougar" was an experimental Ford built on a Thunderbird chassis, with fuel injection. The genesis of the Cougar dates back to Ford's experimental endeavors in the mid-1950s. Designed by Dean Jeffries in collaboration with Gil Spear’s studio in 1954 (largely by Samsen), this marvel was conceived as a response to Europe's burgeoning sports car market. The Cougar was more than a mere automobile; it was Ford's audacious foray into the realm of high-performance vehicles.
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1962 Ford Cougar 406 designed by Dean Jeffries and uses a new 406 cubic inch V8 engine developed 405 horsepower and 448 pound-feet of torque. (Picture from: Kustomrama) |
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Interior view of 1962 Ford Cougar 406 Concept. (Picture from: Kustomrama) |
Beyond its distinctive doors and powerhouse engine, the Cougar boasted other innovative features. Its swing-up headlights, discreetly nestled in the fenders, added a touch of futuristic charm.
The Cougar's silver screen debut came in 1963, immortalized in the film adaptation of Frederick Brisson's beloved Broadway hit, 'Under the Yum Yum Tree.' Painted in a resplendent 'Candy Apple Red,' the concept car dazzled alongside Hollywood luminaries like Jack Lemmon and Carol Lynley, etching its legacy in celluloid.
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1962 Ford Cougar 406 featured top-hinged, electrically operated gull-wing doors. (Picture from: Kustomrama) |
Notably, this wasn't Ford's first dalliance with the Cougar moniker. A 3/8-scale model had emerged in 1956, and in 1964, the automaker also launched a follow-up concept called the Ford Cougar II Concept. This model was intended as a rival to the Chevy Corvette. Later, Mercury adopted the Cougar moniker for a sleek two-door hardtop pony car built on the Mustang platform in 1967.
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The Ford Cougar II Concept is built by Ford Motor Company intended to be an equal rival model of the Chevy Corvette. (Picture from: Motorcities) |

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