Weird ONES - The fleeting nature of concept cars often leaves them forgotten once their moment in the spotlight fades. These vehicles, especially those with unique or eccentric designs, are frequently destroyed. This harsh reality means that even beautiful cars can be scrapped, let alone the odd ones. Today, we dive into the story of an unusual and unique concept vehicle from Volkswagen, known as the Scooter Concept. Unlike many other concept cars, the Scooter had a different fate, as it was later developed further and realized as the production version called the Volkswagen XL1 in 2013.
The Volkswagen Scooter Concept was created by the German manufacturer as part of its efforts to develop energy-efficient vehicles. (Picture from: MotorAuthority)
In the mid-80s, considered a "golden era" for the automobile industry, Group B, Group C, and turbocharged Formula 1 cars promised a bright future for gasoline enthusiasts. However, leading automobile companies began to realize that this golden era would not last forever. Volkswagen was one such company, increasingly paying attention to experimental cars with minimal energy consumption.
Design sketch of the Volkswagen Scooter Concept, envisioned as an energy-efficient three-wheeled vehicle. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
A small group of Volkswagen engineers envisioned a future problem and sought to address it. Their idea was to create a car with minimal aerodynamic drag, modest curb weight, high maneuverability, and decent dynamics. Additionally, the car needed to be equipped with a maximum of a 4-cylinder engine with a working volume of up to 1.4 liters and be stylish enough to attract a young audience.
The Volkswagen Scooter Concept featured minimal aerodynamic drag, modest curb weight, high maneuverability, and decent dynamics. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
This project was created in secret from the top management, which was quite unusual for a German company. By 1986, the car was ready, and it was bold for Volkswagen. With three wheels, a streamlined front end, and gull-wing doors, the Scooter stood out among the Golfs and Passats of that time, resembling a spaceship more than a conventional car.
The Volkswagen Scooter Concept derived its name from a scooter, reflecting its small size and agility. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
The Scooter concept derived its name from a scooter, reflecting its small size and agility. Despite its compact design, the cabin could accommodate two adult riders and had space for a small suitcase behind the seats, making it a practical city vehicle. The unique three-wheeled concept was presented at the 1986 Geneva Motor Show, showcasing Volkswagen's ambition to create a fuel-efficient city vehicle with sporty performance and innovative styling.
The Volkswagen Scooter Concept, with its three wheels, streamlined front end, and gull-wing doors, resembled a spaceship more than a conventional car, standing out among the Golfs and Passats of that time. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
The Scooter concept was a two-seater coupé with gull-wing doors and was powered by a front-mounted four-cylinder engine. This engine, with a displacement of 1 liter, produced 40 bhp at 5300 rpm and 74 Nm of torque at 2700 rpm. The power was delivered to the front wheels through a four-speed manual transmission. Weighing just 635 kg, the Scooter promised excellent fuel efficiency and agile performance.
The Volkswagen Scooter Concept's cabin could accommodate two adult riders and had space for a small suitcase behind the seats, making it a practical city vehicle. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
The Scooter's front suspension architecture was borrowed from the Polo of that time, ensuring a balance between performance and comfort. The press release indicated that the car was equipped with two engines, the most economical being a 1-liter engine producing 41 horsepower, while the more powerful 1.4-liter engine developed 90 horsepower, enabling the Scooter to accelerate to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 220 km/h.
The Volkswagen Scooter Concept was powered by two engine options: a 1-liter engine producing 41 horsepower and a 1.4-liter engine delivering 90 horsepower. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
However, road tests revealed that while the Scooter was indeed very economical, with the 90-horsepower engine consuming only 4.7 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers, it was never pushed to its maximum speed. The car's drag coefficient of 0.25, similar to the Audi A2, contributed to its efficiency.
The
Volkswagen XL1 (VW 1-Litre) is a two-seat limited-production vehicle,
with only 250 units produced starting in mid-2013, representing the
evolution of the Volkswagen Scooter Concept. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
Despite public interest, Volkswagen was hesitant to release such a radical and unconventional car. Nonetheless, the concept of a compact, super-economical car was considered for future projects, albeit without the sporty factor. The first successor to the Scooter, created by Ferdinand Piech, appeared in 2002 as the Volkswagen 1 Liter Car, which was then produced as the limited edition Volkswagen XL1 in 2013, with only 250 units made. | UmRTX_Hr7Ls |
The Volkswagen Scooter concept remains a fascinating chapter in the history of automotive innovation. It showcased bold ideas and forward-thinking design, serving as an example of the endless possibilities that concept cars represent. Though it never made it to production, its legacy lives on as a testament to creativity and experimentation in the automotive industry. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTORAUTHORITY | STORY-CARS | CARSTYLING.RU | WIKIPEDIA ]
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Rare ONES - Some time ago, we discussed theTommy Kaira ZZ-II, a sports car from a Japanese automotive tuning and manufacturing company. Today, let's delve into another fascinating sports car from Japan, made by a company with a remarkably similar name. The car in question is the TOM'S Angel T01, created by TOM'S (Tachi Oiwa Motor Sport) Racing, a Toyota-supported race team and parts manufacturer.
The TOM'S Angel T01 created by TOM'S (Tachi Oiwa Motor Sport) Racing, a Toyota-supported race team and parts manufacturer to celebrate their 20th anniversary in 1994. (Picture from: Classic And Recreation Sportscars)
TOM'S has been a prominent name in motorsport since its establishment in 1974. Over the past five decades, they have achieved numerous victories, leaving a significant mark on the motorsport world. Their contributions include building Formula 3 engines and chassis.
The TOM'S Angel T01 was designed from scratch by Martin Oglivie and built at the company's UK factory. (Picture from: Classic And Recreation Sportscars)
To celebrate their 20th anniversary, TOM'S took a unique approach. While most companies might release anniversary-badged items, TOM'S decided to fulfill a long-held dream by creating their own mid-engine race car for the road. The plan was to produce one Angel T01 concept and then consider either low-volume production or selling the design and rights to another manufacturer. Unfortunately, neither plan materialized, resulting in only the prototype T01 being produced.
The TOM'S Angel T01 shares several design elements with Lotus cars, such as lightness, compactness, a low center of gravity, and chassis rigidity. (Picture from: Forum.Forza.net)
The Angel T01 made its debut at the 1994 Tokyo Auto Salon. It was built at TOM'S factory in the UK with a design by Martin Ogilvie, who had previously worked on the Lotus F1 T100. The Angel T01 shares several design elements with Lotus cars, such as lightness, compactness, a low center of gravity, and chassis rigidity. Despite its compact dimensions, the car was designed from scratch rather than using a kei car chassis.
The Angel T01 features a bathtub carbon composite monocoque and unique gull wing doors. (Picture from: Classic And Recreation Sportscars)
To manage production costs, the Angel T01 utilized several OE Toyota parts, the most noticeable being the AE92 Corolla hatchback taillights. However, what truly sets the car apart are the custom-designed elements by TOM'S.
The TOM'S Angel T01 uses double wishbone suspension with adjustable Spax dampers all around, along with four-wheel disc brakes that include bias adjustment. (Picture from: Classic And Recreation Sportscars)
The Angel T01 features a bathtub carbon composite monocoque and unique gull wing doors. It uses double wishbone suspension with adjustable Spax dampers all around, along with four-wheel disc brakes that include bias adjustment.
The TOM'S Angel T01 boasts a race-inspired interior that includes a removable steering wheel. (Picture from: SpeedHunters)
Powering the Angel T01 is a 1.6L 20-valve 4A-GE engine from an AE101 Corolla, producing 160 hp in its stock form. This engine is mounted in a rear-mid position and drives the rear wheels through the AE101's original 5-speed manual gearbox. A horizontally mounted Ford radiator sits under the front overhang.
The TOM'S Angel T01 features an air-conditioned cabin with fixed polycarbonate windows on the doors, which cannot be lowered. (Picture from: Classic And Recreation Sportscars)
With a weight of just 700kg (1,543lb), the Angel T01 is impressively quick. TOM'S initially claimed a 0-100km/h time of 5.5 seconds, though subsequent engine updates have likely made it even faster.
The TOM'S Angel T01 utilized several OE Toyota parts, the most noticeable being the AE92 Corolla hatchback taillights to o manage production costs. (Picture from: Classic And Recreation Sportscars)
Interestingly, air conditioning was a standard feature in the Angel T01, a necessity given that the doors' windows are fixed polycarbonate pieces that cannot be rolled down. The windscreen was sourced from a Lancia Stratos.
The TOM'S Angel T01 powered by a 1.6L 20-valve 4A-GE engine from an AE101 Corolla, producing 160 hp in its stock form. (Picture from: Classic And Recreation Sportscars)
The Angel T01 stands out as one of the more famous concept cars, partly due to its appearance in video games. However, it's just one example of many remarkable one-off creations. Other notable fantasy-to-full-scale concepts include Aston Martin’s Bulldog, the Saab Aero-X, Ferrari’s 512 Modulo, Yamaha’s OX99-11, and Alfa Romeo’s TZ3 Corsa, which was built to celebrate Alfa's 100th anniversary.
Most concept cars or celebratory vehicles are based on existing platforms, making TOM'S achievement of designing and building an entirely new car from scratch even more impressive. The Angel T01 remains a testament to TOM'S innovation and dedication to automotive excellence, showcasing their ability to create a unique and remarkable vehicle. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTOR1 | SPEEDHUNTERS | FORUM.FORZA.NET | CLASSIC AND RECREATON SPORTSCARS | K.SINA.CN ]
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Unique ONES - In the world of modern auto design, events like the Geneva Motor Show stand out as hubs of innovation and creativity. These prestigious gatherings have witnessed the debut of numerous concept cars that push the boundaries of traditional design. While many of these concepts showcase sleek lines and futuristic aesthetics, there are also those that defy convention with their unusual, and sometimes downright weird designs. The Sbarro Espera Evoluzione Concept, for instance, is a perfect example for anyone seeking a vehicle with a distinctive appearance.
The Sbarro Espera Evoluzione Concept is an eye-popping mix of various themes: it takes Lamborghini's recent efforts at making drivable razors, puts in a spoonful of motorcycle, and then adds McLaren F1-style seating. (Picture from: Carscoops)
💣Out of Sight⛔ - Creating something new with abundant experience and their own resources is immensely satisfying. This sentiment likely inspired Carrozzeria Ghia to embark on the journey of building their own car, having already crafted numerous exceptional vehicles for clients in America and Europe. This passion led to the inception of the Ghia G230 Sin the early 1960s, marking one of their first fully completed cars, with significant help from several compatriot companies.
The Ghia G230 S Coupé emerged as a visionary reinterpretation of the Fiat 2300 S platform, blending classic elegance with modern engineering. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)
Ghia's ambitious project designed by Sergio Sartorelli, who had already designed the legendary VW Karmann-Ghia along with Luigi Serge. It began with the Fiat 2300 S platform, but they knew enhancements were necessary. The chassis of the Fiat was deemed too rudimentary, prompting Ghia to seek assistance from Gilco, an esteemed Italian company known for designing and constructing chassis for Ferrari.
To ensure perfection, Gilco tasked its most skilled engineer, Gioacchino Colombo, to lead the design team for what would eventually become the G230 S Concept. Drawing inspiration from his acclaimed Maserati Birdcage racing, this innovative approach laid a strong foundation for the new car.
The first Ghia G230 S, including a stunning silver model, a distinctive green variant, and two Spider versions, made its debut at the 1963 Turin Motor Show. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)
The transformation didn’t stop there. Ghia opted to upgrade the Fiat engine, disc brakes, gearbox, and axles with superior Abarth components. This decision was strategic, ensuring that the car would not only perform well but also have the reliability needed for potential production. The collaboration with established names like Fiat and Abarth was crucial in maintaining high standards and ensuring sustainability.
The Ghia G230S (pictured in a stunning silver model) featured a rakish front with low-mounted twin headlights, as seen on display at the 1963 Turin Auto Show.(Picture from: CarStyling.ru)
The first Ghia G230 S made its debut at the 1963 Turin Motor Show, captivating audiences with its design and engineering prowess. Several prototypes were produced, including a stunning silver model, a distinctive green variant, and two Spider versions showcased at various international motor shows.
The vanished Ghia G230S Spider, with its low and flat proportions and pronounced rear fenders, differed from the original in both technical advancements and appearance.(Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)
Uniquely, the Ghia G230 S Spider is a one-off concept designed and built by Ghia based on the Plymouth Barracuda, features a 6L engine. Despite the promising start, the G230 S never transitioned into mass production. However, one green prototype, chassis number 114BS135700, survived the test of time and remains in pristine original condition.
The Ghia G230S was built on a tubular space frame designed and constructed by Gilco, and featured upgrades to the Fiat engine, disc brakes, gearbox, and axles using superior Abarth components.(Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)
This unique prototype had an interesting journey. Initially used by Ghia for a few years, it eventually became a possession of the company’s directors. With a mere 28,000 km on the clock, it found a new home with Belgian car collector E. Thiessen in 2008 and was exhibited at the 2008 Retromobile show. The G230 S stands as a testament to Ghia’s innovative spirit and engineering excellence.
The Ghia G230S cabin is quite unremarkable, featuring only a three-spoke wooden steering wheel made by Nardi, a dashboard with three gauges, and a few buttons. (Picture from: HotCars)
Imagining a world where the Ghia G230 S battled the early Ferraris and Lamborghinis on the streets of Turin is a tantalizing thought. While this vision might remain confined to the realms of video games, it highlights the fascinating potential of Ghia’s creation. The sole surviving Ghia G230 S remains a symbol of what could have been, embodying the innovative drive and passion that fueled its creation.
The Ghia G230S also featured a Kammback rear with a large hatch and a three-piece rear windshield.(Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)
The story of the Ghia G230 S is a remarkable chapter in automotive history. It reflects the ambition and creativity of Carrozzeria Ghia, who dared to dream beyond their established role as a coachbuilder. The legacy of the G230 S, though limited to a single prototype, continues to inspire enthusiasts and reminds us of the endless possibilities that arise from combining passion with ingenuity. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SUPERCARS.NET | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | HOTCARS | CARSTYLING.RU | CLASSICDRIVER | MOTODINOZA ]
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Mysteriuos Breeds - For decades, the idea of a four-door Ferrari seemed inconceivable. The legendary brand was synonymous with sleek sports coupes and roadsters, steadfastly sticking to its roots, largely due to Enzo Ferrari's aversion to straying from this tradition. However, with the introduction of the Purosangue, Ferrari's first SUV, the landscape has shifted.
The elegant and clean lines of the Ferrari Pinin were designed by Diego Ottina under the direction of Pininfarina’s head of design, Leonardo Fioravanti. (Picture from: Below-The-Radar)
Yet, this isn’t Ferrari's first venture into the four-door territory. Nearly four decades before the SUV’s debut, Ferrari, in collaboration with Carrozzeria Pininfarina, attempted to create a four-door sedan, famously known as the Ferrari Pinin Concept, was unveiled in 1980 at the Salone Internazionale dell'Automobile Torino, or Turin Motor Show, to celebrate Pininfarina’s 50th anniversary. The concept also made an appearance at the Los Angeles Auto Show that same year.
The Ferrari Pinin was unveiled in 1980 at the Salone Internazionale dell'Automobile Torino, or Turin Motor Show, to celebrate Pininfarina’s 50th anniversary. (Picture from: Below-The-Radar)
Initially, it was conceived as a design study, a vehicle without an engine or drivetrain, but it showcased several revolutionary design elements and aerodynamic features. Leonardo Fioravanti was responsible for the Pinin's design, working with Diego Ottina, who created the initial silhouette. The most striking feature was its flush glazing. Years before Audi introduced its sleek 100 saloon with a drag coefficient of 0.30, the Pinin achieved a Cd of about 0.35.
The Ferrari Pinin's grille was flanked by 'Homofocal' headlights developed by Lucas, featuring multi-reflectors for brighter illumination. (Picture from: Below-The-Radar)
The heavily tinted glass disguised the pillars, creating the illusion of a continuous sheet of glass around the car, achieved by bonding the glass to black-painted pillars. This design, while visually impressive, had the flaw of non-opening windows. The windscreen wipers were hidden behind a retractable flap at the base, and the door handles were flush, concealed within a recessed belt line along the body.
The Ferrari Pinin’s dimensions were impressive, with an axle distance of 108.7 inches, comparable to the Mercedes-Benz 280 sedan. (Picture from: Below-The-Radar)
The grille was flanked by 'Homofocal' headlights developed by Lucas, featuring multi-reflectors for brighter illumination. Unlike traditional headlamps, the Pinin's lower, sleeker lights produced more light, eliminating the need for pop-up lights to achieve a low bonnet line. The Carello-made rear lamps, known as High Contrast illumination, were much brighter than usual. When not lit, they blended seamlessly with the body color, making them almost invisible.
The heavily tinted glass disguised the pillars, creating the illusion of a continuous sheet of glass around the car, achieved by bonding the glass to black-painted pillars. (Picture from: Below-The-Radar)
Inside, the Ferrari Pinin boasted luxurious Connolly leather upholstery and a computerized control system that seemed straight out of a science fiction film from that era. The car’s dimensions were impressive, with an axle distance of 108.7 inches, comparable to the Mercedes-Benz 280 sedan, providing ample legroom and comfort for passengers.
The Ferrari Pinin Concept may not be red, but the all-Ferrari attitude remains, even with four doors. (Picture from: Roarington)
Despite Enzo Ferrari’s initial consideration of the Pinin as a production model, it was never realized. The extensive funding and development required to transition the Pinin from prototype to production proved insurmountable. Ultimately, Ferrari’s executives decided against it, leaving the Pinin as a one-off concept that would eventually join a private collection.
The Ferrari Pinin's interior boasts opulent Connolly leather upholstery and an advanced computerized control system, reminiscent of a science fiction film from that era. (Picture from: Below-The-Radar)
There was speculation that Fiat, which owns Ferrari, might produce the Pinin. However, Fiat chose to focus on smaller, more affordable models like the Fiat Uno. Consequently, the Pinin concept was shelved, deemed unprofitable. It remained in the Pininfarina Museum Collection until 1993, when it was purchased by Belgian collector Jacques Swaters, a Ferrari brand importer and the man behind Ecurie Francorchamps.
The Ferrari Pinin's two rear seats underline the sporting nature of the car that demanded that each occupant was sat firmly in place. (Picture from: Roarington)
In 2008, the Ferrari Pinin found a new owner, Gabrielle Candrini, the manager of Maranello Purosangue, a purveyor of some of the world's finest historic Ferraris, based near the Ferrari factory. Under the guidance of Ferrari expert Ing. Mauro Forghieri, Candrini restored the Pinin to full operational status.
The Ferrari Pinin as it looks today after the engineer Mauro Forghieri transformed it into a running vehicle by mounting an authentic 12-cylinder engine of the 512BB. (Picture from: Below-The-Radar)
The restoration included equipping the car with a 5.0-liter flat-12 engine, identical to those in the Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer and Testarossa of the same era, and a 400GT gearbox. The suspension and braking systems were also upgraded. Now, the Ferrari Pinin can perform like any regular car, boasting up to 360 horsepower.
The Ferrari Pinin features a very classic rear, that doesn’t push the stylistic boundaries of the brand, but remains highly functional. (Picture from: Roarington)
The Ferrari Pinin has since graced various prestigious automotive events, including the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed and the Concours of Trieste. It has also been displayed at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, celebrated as 'The Great Ferrari of Sergio Pininfarina'. After remaining unsold at several auctions from 2010 to 2011, the Pinin finally returned to Maranello Purosangue. It was then sold to a US-based enthusiast, who, it is hoped, now uses it at least occasionally, although the car seems to have disappeared from public view. | 3prbrwISZa8 |
This unique piece of automotive history reflects Ferrari’s willingness to explore new frontiers while honoring its heritage. The Ferrari Pinin Concept, though never mass-produced, continues to captivate car enthusiasts and stands as a remarkable chapter in Ferrari’s storied legacy. The car symbolizes both the brand's innovative spirit and its commitment to excellence, ensuring that Ferrari remains at the forefront of automotive design and performance. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARBUZZ | ROARINGTON | CARTHROTTLE | BELOW-THE-RADAR | WEIRDWHEELS ]
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What If - When the 1965 Mustang hit the market and set unprecedented sales records, Ford was already envisioning the future, exploring design concepts that ranged from two-seaters to the possibility of a four-door model. However, while Ford was dreaming big, a more radical idea was brewing across the Atlantic in England.
The 1965 Ford Mustang that benefited from the
Ferguson all-wheel-drive system and received early ABS brake system, sat on display at the Tampa Bay Auto Museum. (Picture from: Wikimedia)
This idea wasn't just about redesigning a car; it was about completely rethinking how a car should perform on the road. The concept came from Ferguson Research, a company that was backed by Harry Ferguson, the man behind Massey Ferguson tractors. At the heart of this innovative company were two former race drivers, Fred Dixon and Tony Rolt.
The 1965 Ford Mustang that benefited from the
Ferguson all-wheel-drive system and received early ABS brake system, looked just like any other Mustang on the outside. (Picture from: Hagerty)
They were the masterminds behind a groundbreaking four-wheel-drive (4WD) system, designed specifically for passenger cars. But their innovation didn't stop there. They also adapted Dunlop’s Maxaret anti-skid braking system, initially developed for aircraft landing gear, for automotive use. This adaptation laid the foundation for what we know today as the ABS system.
The 4WD system developed by Ferguson and installed in the 1965 Ford Mustang was a full-time system, meaning power was continuously sent to all four wheels. (Picture from: BringATrailer)
Their 4WD system, known as the Ferguson Formula, wasn’t just an idea on paper. It was put to the test in 1961 with the Ferguson P99 Formula One racecar. With Stirling Moss at the wheel, the car won the Oulton Park race, proving the effectiveness of the technology. Despite this success, Ferguson Research wasn’t content with just proving their system on the track. They wanted to see it adopted by car manufacturers around the world. Ford, always on the lookout for the next big thing, took notice.
The Ferguson P99 4WD Formula 1 racing car led legendary driver Stirling Moss to victory in the non-championship Formula One Gold Cup at Oulton Park in 1961. (Picture from: FergusonClub)
In December 1964, Ford sent two identical blue Mustangs, both equipped with the A-code 289-cid V-8 engine and automatic transmission, to Ferguson in England. The plan was simple: convert one of the Mustangs to 4WD while keeping the other one in its original state for comparison. This was no ordinary conversion. The 4WD system developed by Ferguson was full-time, meaning that power was sent to all four wheels at all times. Clutches within the system allowed the car to turn smoothly, ensuring that the Mustang could handle all kinds of driving conditions with superior traction.
The
Ferguson P99 4WD Formula 1 racing car with Stirling Moss at the wheel, testing at British Grand Prix 1961. (Picture from: FergusonClub)
The Ferguson Formula system utilized a planetary center differential, which provided a 37:63 front-to-rear torque split. This clever design allowed the front and rear wheels to turn at different speeds, keeping the 4WD system engaged at all times. To accommodate this sophisticated system, the Mustang needed some modifications, including a change from coil springs to torsion bars in the front suspension.
Interior view of the 1965 Ford Mustang that benefited from the
Ferguson all-wheel-drive system and received early ABS brake system.. (Picture from: BringATrailer)
Despite these changes, the Mustang looked just like any other Mustang on the outside. But when it came to handling, it was a different story. Tests at the time reported that the 4WD Mustang performed exceptionally well, especially on slippery surfaces where it outshined its two-wheel-drive counterparts. The Maxaret anti-skid braking system, although purely mechanical and not as advanced asthe electronic ABS systems that came later, played a key role in improving the car's safety and performance.
The Ferguson 4WD system installed in the 1965 Ford Mustang utilized a planetary center differential, which provided a 37:63 front-to-rear torque split.(Picture from: BringATrailer)
If this all sounds familiar, it’s because the same Ferguson Formula 4WD system later found its way into the world’s first production car with full-time 4WD: the 1966 Jensen FF. This model was an offshoot of the Jensen Interceptor luxury coupe, and the “FF” in its name stood for Ferguson Formula, a nod to the innovative technology that powered it.
The 1965 Ford Mustang was equipped with Ferguson's 4WD system, powered by an A-code 289-cid V-8 engine and an automatic transmission.(Picture from: BringATrailer)
Ford's reaction to the 4WD Mustang's performance is not fully known, but the likely reason it never made it to production was cost. Adding the 4WD system would have likely increased the price by over $500—a significant amount at the time. For context, the Mustang's most expensive engine option, the K-code high-performance 289-cid V-8, was priced at $328 and was rarely ordered. The cost likely made the 4WD option an impractical choice for mass production.
The Jensen FF, where "FF" stands for "Ferguson Formula," was the first production car to adopt the Ferguson Formula 4WD system and was produced between 1966 and 1971. (Picture from: BringATrailer)
After its brief moment in the spotlight, the 4WD Mustang prototype returned to the United Kingdom and was stored in Ferguson’s museum on the Isle of Wight until 2007. It then changed hands and found a new home at the Tampa Bay Auto Museumin 2009, where it remains a working piece of automotive history. The museum, owned by Alain Cerf, celebrates innovation in automotive design and technology. Cerf, who also runs Polypack, Inc., a company that manufactures high-tech packaging machinery, has a deep appreciation for technological advancements.
Rear three-quarter view of the 1965 Ford Mustang that benefited from the Ferguson all-wheel-drive system and received early ABS brake system. (Picture from: Wikimedia)
Among the other innovative vehicles in the Tampa Bay Auto Museum is one of the 22 English Ford Zephyr sedans that Ferguson Research converted to 4WD for testing by British police forces in the late 1960s. This collection, including the unique 4WD Mustang, stands as a testament to the forward-thinking minds that dared to push the boundaries of automotive engineering. | 3iC9eHF1Hck |
In a world where the Mustang is celebrated for its iconic design and performance, it’s fascinating to think about what could have been if Ford had chosen to embrace Ferguson’s vision. The 4WD Mustang, although never mass-produced, remains a symbol of innovation and the relentless pursuit of better performance, even if that pursuit sometimes takes us down roads less traveled. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FERGUSONCLUB | TAMPA BAY AUTO MUSEUM | MUSTANGSPECS | HAGERTY | BRINGATRAILER | MOTORAUTHORITY ]
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The Volkswagen Scooter concept remains a fascinating chapter in the history of automotive innovation. It showcased bold ideas and forward-thinking design, serving as an example of the endless possibilities that concept cars represent. Though it never made it to production, its legacy lives on as a testament to creativity and experimentation in the automotive industry. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTORAUTHORITY | STORY-CARS | CARSTYLING.RU | WIKIPEDIA ]
