Puzzle #1654 - Video Pod Mustang solved by guido66 & DeAutogids.nl

[Otto Puzzell]

Know what it is?

Please, respond below and identify specifically what this is, and its purpose.
As always, detailed answers are greatly appreciated by all. 
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Thanks!

[guido66]

Poor man's windtunnel? For testing the aerodynamic properties of the model plane on the roof?

[Otto Puzzell]

Not aero-related.

[Allemano]

Water-related?

[Otto Puzzell]

Nope

[Allemano]

Overhead-wiring?

[Otto Puzzell]

Not a catenary device.

[MG]

Looks like a chair lift rig to me. Why? I have no idea. Perhaps there is a aerial tramway that gives Ford aficionados a chance to view beautiful downtown Dearborn from on high?   

[Otto Puzzell]

We have had overhead-lift Fords here before, but no, that's not it.

http://www.autopuzzles.com/forum/index.php?topic=5480.msg35989#msg35989

[grobmotorix]

Was someone supposed to cycle, skate, or ski behind this Mustang at high speeds? (btw. was that correct english )

So the elevated roof with its visor may have had the function of reducing the air resistance forces?

A kinda pacemaker for any sports?

[guido66]

Test vehicle to see if high mounted rear lights could improve traffic safety?

[Otto Puzzell]

Was someone supposed to cycle, skate, or ski behind this Mustang at high speeds? (btw. was that correct english )

So the elevated roff with its visor may have had the function of reducing the air resistance forces?

A kinda pacemaker for any sports?

Your English is fine. This device served none of those purposes.

[grobmotorix]

Oh, how sad -

some inspiring thought brought me to another solution.

You remember our Buick triplets?
http://www.autopuzzles.com/forum/index.php?topic=12132.0

15 years later they may have broken the world record in hauled tarmac skiing    :

[Otto Puzzell]

Test vehicle to see if high mounted rear lights could improve traffic safety?

You are halfway there - the device on the mast incorporated three lights, for enhanced visibility by trailing vehicles.

1 point for you.

[Otto Puzzell]

Oh, how sad -

some inspiring thought brought me to another solution.

You remember our Buick triplets?
http://www.autopuzzles.com/forum/index.php?topic=12132.0

15 years later they may have broken the world record in hauled tarmac skiing    :

That's great - did you just draw that?

[grobmotorix]

Sure - I love those minute sketches 

[guido66]

Factory prototype or from a safety related institute?

[Otto Puzzell]

Factory prototype or from a safety related institute?

Factory

[Paul Jaray]

Are the 3 lights all the same or do they work as in a traffic lights, to make signals for the following cars (green: all ok, red: alert) ?

[guido66]

I think it would make more sense if it were 2 turn signals and a central brake light 

[Otto Puzzell]

Are the 3 lights all the same or do they work as in a traffic lights, to make signals for the following cars (green: all ok, red: alert) ?

They are all the same color, and they flash as a warning to following vehicles. There is an non-tinted lamp at the front of the mast.   

[Otto Puzzell]

I think it would make more sense if it were 2 turn signals and a central brake light 

The remainder of the solution is not related to the mast nor the lights upon it.

[DeAutogids.nl]

I think it would make more sense if it were 2 turn signals and a central brake light 

The remainder of the solution is not related to the mast nor the lights upon it.

That strange "sandwich" roof, is that for a kind of periscope?

[Otto Puzzell]

That's it! A point for you.

[DeAutogids.nl]

In the 1970's, several "safety car" prototypes had this feature. I believe a car like that featured here already, the AMF for example.