SOLVED: WTH # 071 - 1956 Mercury XM Turnpike Cruiser concept

[sixtee5cuda]

For one point, give me the year, make, and model of this rusted old hulk

[Zerk]

1959 Mercury ParkLane? I have no idea what's going on with the roof sides.

[sixtee5cuda]

Not a 1959, not a Parklane.  It is a Mercury.  Somehow, the rear window is different too.

[motorcar1]

In 1963 and 1964, mercury devised a sliding back window in a monterey I believe.
Even though modified in a different angle, this and the f fenders look close to a 63-64?

[sixtee5cuda]

You are moving further away from the correct year.

[motorcar1]

1957

[sixtee5cuda]

Closer

[Zerk]

That wreck is a showcar! It's the 1956 XM-Turnpike Cruiser.

[sixtee5cuda]

You are correct, Zerk!  A point for you.  Moving up fast!

[Otto Puzzell]

Some 'before' pics of this wild vehicle.

[fyreline]

The story is that this Ford Motor Company show car was allegedly found in the quiz photo condition just sitting out in a field near Dearborn, Michigan rotting away some years ago. Kudos to someone for saving it, although to call this an ambitious restoration project is the understatement of the year. Parts will obviously be non-existent and there will need to be a LOT of custom fabrication. I'll bet Chicago's Joe Bortz could do it, he accomplished a similar miracle with the 1955 Chevrolet Biscayne show car that went from a cut-up hulk with no drivetrain in a wrecking yard to the Pebble Beach show, so it can be done. Likewise, the 1954 Mercury XM-800 show car, which was a derelict that never had a drivetrain originally, has been fully and beautifully restored to running and driving condition. I salute those individuals with the time, talent and perseverance to bring these unique rolling pieces of automotive history back from the brink of extinction. Here's hoping that someday we see the XM Turnpike Cruiser on display in all of its original glory. Better yet, find the original transporter truck as well!

[Zerk]

The usual end for a showcar is to be completely destroyed so that it cannot be fixed. I'm glad to see that not all of these extravagant beauties met the same fate.