XM TURNPIKE CRUISER CONCEPT CAR
CHAPTER 4 PART 1
THE SAD CONDITION OF A VERY IMPORTANT CAR
Here are a few pictures of the XM Turnpike Cruiser in it's current sad condition.
Unfortunately no one in it's past ownership history including the Mercury Division of Ford Motor Company took care of this important design concept vehicle.
It has sat outside it's entire life after the show circuit of 1956
exposed to the harsh climate of Detroit Michigan in it's early years
and then Californias relentess sun until I purchased it in the summer of 2018.
While sitting outside in the back parking lot at Fords headquarters,
vandals broke the door windows allowing the elements to get in the car and begin it's deterioriation.
The XMTC evidently had a few rust holes in the front of the quarter panels just ahead of the rear wheels on both sides.
Apparantly the hood was damaged or rusted beyond repair too as a replacement hood was fabricated
by one of the former owners who owned a body shop.
The condition of the repairs to the quarters and to the replacement hood
are a testament to the quality of workmanship the XMTC has received under prior ownerships.
If you look at the early pictures of the XMTC in it's prime
you'll notice that the hood "peak" is barely noticeable
and look again at the current pictures with the replacement hood
and you'll see that the peak is quite enhanced from the original version.
I intend to completely fabricate a new hood in the original style during the restoration.
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 Left front view |
 Turn signal at corner above rear window
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Door handle hidden under feature
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Dash
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 Butterfly Roof Section
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Front Grill Area
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 Butterfly Trim Detail
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 Tail light area
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 Rear window
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 Exhaust Opening
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 Front Fender Detail
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 Engine Bay
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 Power Door Window
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 Roof Underside - Motors for Butterflies are inside green circles and driveshafts run through brackets in red circles
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 Trunk |
 Hood |
Continue to Chapter 4 Part 2
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