Tuesday, February 26, 2013

1956 Mercury XM-Turnpike Cruiser

1955 Mercury XM-8100 Turnpike Cruiser Concept Car This concept car embraced the elegance of the era while adding some very unique styling and features. The 1955 XM-8100 was a luxury concept, presented with a femine touch. Several design elements re-appeared in the 1957 Mercury. One of Mercury’s most memorable dream cars of all time is the audacious XM Turnpike Cruiser from 1956. Bold styling featured 12-inch wide V-shaped taillights and matching pealescent concave-sculpted rear fenders. The XM Turnpike Cruiser’s large, flat roof seemed to float above the two-tone interior. Twin transparent roof panels flipped-up when doors were opened. 1956 Mercury XM Turnpike Cruiser Concept was designed with fast, long driving in mind. It was inspired of the Interstate Highway System. A lot of the design elements was later seen on the regular production model 1957 Turnpike Cruiser. This is how the Mercury XM Turnpike Cruiser was moved when it toured around the US back in 1956. A specially designed trailer with large plexiglass side panels was used to transport the vehicle; a standard Ford COE tractor pulled the trailer and its unique cargo. Source: Internet