Contrasting with this month’s theme of concept cars which made it to production, here’s one which most definitely didn’t – the Ford Mystere, seen being unloaded for the Chicago Extravanganza in October 1956. It had originally been destined for the 1955 Detroit show but was held back – not simply because stylist Bill Boyer’s bubbletopped concept was so outlandish, but for another rather more prosaic reason: apparently some of the styling themes shown on the car were destined to appear on the 1957 production cars, notably the swooping swage line which would be seen on the Fairlane. Since Ford didn’t want to unwittingly leak next year’s styling, the car stayed under wraps until the 1956 show circuit, by which time the 1957 model year cars had been been unveiled. Words: Paul Wager. Image: www.gettyimages.co.uk.
Although the prototype had no engine, it had been engineered so running gear could be fitted and the canopy hinged open to 70 degrees, with the occupants entering via swivelling seats. Other notable features included a steering wheel which could be swapped from left to right and an onboard radio-telephone as well as a rear TV.
