Concept Car Of The Day: 1956 Mercury XM-Turnpike Cruiser - AllCarIndex
In 1956, the XM Turnpike Cruiser was designed with fast, long driving in mind, drawing inspiration from the greatly expanding Interstate Highway System. Many of the design elements seen on the XM Turnpike Cruiser were later incorporated into the regular production model, the 1957 Turnpike Cruiser.
One standout feature of the XM Turnpike Cruiser was the transparent roof panels that flipped up when the doors were opened, adding a touch of futuristic flair to the design. This innovative car had a significant influence on the 1959 Mercury automobiles, showcasing forward-thinking styling and engineering approaches.
Today, the XM Turnpike Cruiser is located somewhere in California, patiently waiting for a total restoration to bring it back to its former glory. This experimental car served as a fully operative automotive styling laboratory dedicated to pioneering and perfecting new ideas in design, safety, and power application.
One of the standout features of the XM Turnpike Cruiser was its unique plastic "butterfly" top that popped up when the door was opened, making passenger entry and exit a breeze. The compound wraparound windshield provided new viewing horizons for all passengers, seamlessly blending into the low-silhouette top and creating an illusion of floating on air.
The XM Turnpike Cruiser also featured fluted side channels, hooded headlamps, and swept-back wheel wells, all contributing to its sleek and modern design. The interiors were luxurious, with soft leather seats that were individually contoured for maximum comfort.
With its sculptured grille-work, twin jet pods, and chrome-plated nacelles, the XM Turnpike Cruiser truly exemplified Mercury's commitment to leading in styling and motor car advances. From the delayed-action headlights to the chrome-edged cylinders housing various gauges, this experimental car showcased innovative approaches that defined the future of automotive design.
