Solved - NEH 851: Hal Sperlich's original Minivan prototype

[Carnut]

1 point for the correct identification of this:

[knightfan26917]

That sure has GM cues in it, it seems.

It looks like the first-generation Lumina mini-vans that debuted in 1989 as 1990 models.  Oldsmobile and Pontiac had their own versions, too.



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[Carnut]

It may well look like those but I'm afraid that's not the answer!

[Carnut]

I'm sure there's an Expert will know this one...

[hondast]

Hal Spelrich prototype?

[hondast]

Sperlich... Minimax Ford minivan proposal?

[Carnut]

Sperlich... Minimax Ford minivan proposal?

Yes it is!
This is the original Hal Sperlich Minivan prototype that he presented to Ford and they rejected, considering there was no market for it...  So he presented it to Chrysler instead and the rest, as they say, is history!

[Allemano]

I think it's also common under the name Ghia Ford Mini Max.

[Otto Puzzell]

This is the original Hal Sperlich Minivan prototype that he presented to Ford and they rejected, considering there was no market for it...  So he presented it to Chrysler instead and the rest, as they say, is history!

As I understand it, Lee Iacocca, fired by Henry Ford II in 1978, took fellow executive Hal Sperlich along to Chrysler. They set about reviving the Carousel concept (model built in '72, planned as a '76 model - below) as the T115 Caravan/Voyager after the second 'fuel crisis'.

I don't think the Ghia Mini Max was connected to that project.

[Carnut]

Here's the unmodified front view plus a rear view.
If that is a picture of the Ghia Mini Max and it has nothing to do with the Sperlich it doesn't half look similar; identical in fact!

[Otto Puzzell]

The Mini Max was introduced in 1983. Sperlich joined Chrysler in 1977.

[Aaron65]

I need to get up earlier in the morning...I was waiting for this one!