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PIC: Something different #165 (8/30/2026)

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(@sizedoesmatter)
Illustrious Member
Joined: 30 years ago
Posts: 33259
Topic starter  
1953 Ford X 100 Concept Car

From AI...The Ford X-100 is a 1953 concept car built for Ford’s 50th anniversary, featuring over 50 futuristic innovations such as heated seats, a telephone, a rain‑sensing retractable plexiglass roof, and a 300‑hp Lincoln V8 engine.

Overview

The Ford X-100, originally revealed as the Lincoln Continental Nineteen Fifty X in 1952, was later renamed and used as Ford’s flagship “laboratory on wheels” for its 50th anniversary. It toured Europe, Canada, and the U.S., showcasing advanced technology and styling. 

Key Features

  • More than 50 experimental gadgets, including:
    • Heated seats
    • In-car telephone
    • Electric shaver in the glove box
    • Variable-volume horn
    • Hydraulic jacking system
    • Moisture-sensing automatic roof closure
  • Rain‑sensing retractable plexiglass roof that slid into a rear compartment. macsmotorcitygarage.com
  • Jet-exhaust-style taillamps, influencing later Ford and Lincoln designs. Hemmings+1

Mechanical Specifications

Specification Detail
Engine 317 cu in Lincoln V8, ~300 hp
Transmission 3‑speed automatic
Length ~221 in
Width 81 in
Height 57 in
Wheelbase 123 in
Weight ~5900 lbs

 

Historical Significance

  • Ford’s first fully realized concept car, predating the modern term “concept car.” macsmotorcitygarage.com
  • Served as a technology demonstrator, previewing features that later became standard in production vehicles.
  • Influenced styling on 1956–57 Lincolns and 1961–63 Thunderbirds.
  • Extensively displayed at auto shows and public events, becoming one of Ford’s most widely seen concept cars. Hemmings

Legacy

The Ford X-100 remains an iconic example of 1950s futurism in automotive design, illustrating Ford’s ambitions in technology and styling during the postwar era.


This topic was modified 3 weeks ago by John Bono

John Bono
North Jersey


   
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(@perrone1)
Admin
Joined: 6 years ago
Posts: 24991
 

Ohhh, yeah! I recall that little beauty. Good choice John, great info on it.

A couple more pics and report:  https://macsmotorcitygarage.com/inspector-gadgets-dream-car-the-1953-ford-x-100/



   
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Geno
 Geno
(@geno)
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Joined: 6 years ago
Posts: 6461
 

A very cool concept indeed. Thanks John.💯😎



   
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John Kuvakas
(@jkuvakas)
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Joined: 6 years ago
Posts: 9922
 

wow! I've seen this car in person several times. It is still a stunner.


John Kuvakas
Warrenton, VA


   
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(@chris)
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Joined: 30 years ago
Posts: 23503
 

Yep!   One of FoMoCo's most influential concepts of the 1950's - early '60's.   Although, I don't like it as much as these two FoMoCo concepts:

XM800 4
XM800 2
XM800 3
Ford Me
Ford Mys 3
Ford Mys 1


   
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(@100ford2003)
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Joined: 6 years ago
Posts: 12905
 

I like the pink and black one.



   
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(@100ford2003)
Illustrious Member
Joined: 6 years ago
Posts: 12905
 

Posted by: @sizedoesmatter
. 3Tons ???? = MPG 👎

From AI...The Ford X-100 is a 1953 concept car built for Ford’s 50th anniversary, featuring over 50 futuristic innovations such as heated seats, a telephone, a rain‑sensing retractable plexiglass roof, and a 300‑hp Lincoln V8 engine.

Overview

The Ford X-100, originally revealed as the Lincoln Continental Nineteen Fifty X in 1952, was later renamed and used as Ford’s flagship “laboratory on wheels” for its 50th anniversary. It toured Europe, Canada, and the U.S., showcasing advanced technology and styling. 

Key Features

  • More than 50 experimental gadgets, including:
    • Heated seats
    • In-car telephone
    • Electric shaver in the glove box
    • Variable-volume horn
    • Hydraulic jacking system
    • Moisture-sensing automatic roof closure
  • Rain‑sensing retractable plexiglass roof that slid into a rear compartment. macsmotorcitygarage.com
  • Jet-exhaust-style taillamps, influencing later Ford and Lincoln designs. Hemmings+1

Mechanical Specifications

Specification Detail
Engine 317 cu in Lincoln V8, ~300 hp
Transmission 3‑speed automatic
Length ~221 in
Width 81 in
Height 57 in
Wheelbase 123 in
Weight ~5900 lbs

 

Historical Significance

  • Ford’s first fully realized concept car, predating the modern term “concept car.” macsmotorcitygarage.com
  • Served as a technology demonstrator, previewing features that later became standard in production vehicles.
  • Influenced styling on 1956–57 Lincolns and 1961–63 Thunderbirds.
  • Extensively displayed at auto shows and public events, becoming one of Ford’s most widely seen concept cars. Hemmings

Legacy

The Ford X-100 remains an iconic example of 1950s futurism in automotive design, illustrating Ford’s ambitions in technology and styling during the postwar era.

 



   
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David Green
(@david-green)
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Posts: 10393
 

I remember this one too. Very innovative back in the day. Thanks John.



   
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(@pete-rovero)
Illustrious Member
Joined: 6 years ago
Posts: 5135
 

That X-100 hood scoop looks familiar.  Ah yes, Ford copied the basic hood scoop design for the 1958 Ford Fairlane!

1958 ford fairlane 500
1958 FORD FAIRLANE 500 SKYLINER

 



   
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(@chris)
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Joined: 30 years ago
Posts: 23503
 

@pete-rovero Interesting...... despite ALL my involvement with 1958 Fords, I never made that connection.    Keen eye Mr. Spy!     😉 

COE 13


   
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(@pete-rovero)
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Joined: 6 years ago
Posts: 5135
 

@chris 

Chris, I'm shocked!  You, of all people...  BTW, I love your '58 Ford inventory, so colorful!



   
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(@chris)
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Joined: 30 years ago
Posts: 23503
 

@pete-rovero ...yeah, I'm rarely the sharpest knife in the drawer.    😔 😔 😔      Thanks, I needed all those Sun Star Fords (and more ) for my '56 C.O.E. project from a few years ago. 

COE 5
COE 36
COE A


   
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Geoff Jowett
(@geoff-jowett)
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Posts: 8360
 

this is one of the better concept car videos. Its actually done 33000 miles.

Another beauty thanks John



   
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(@sizedoesmatter)
Illustrious Member
Joined: 30 years ago
Posts: 33259
Topic starter  

Gents, thanks for your replies, pics, and videos.


John Bono
North Jersey


   
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(@100ford2003)
Illustrious Member
Joined: 6 years ago
Posts: 12905
 

That was a fun watch so thanks for introducing it to me. 



   
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