Concept Car Of The Day: 1962 Ford Seattle-ite XXI

Sep 10, 2024

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In the early 1960s, Ford Motor Company pushed the boundaries of automotive design with a striking concept car, the Ford Seattle-ite XXI. Revealed at the 1962 World’s Fair in Seattle, this futuristic vehicle was a bold attempt to reimagine the possibilities of automobile engineering and styling. Though it never made it to production, the Seattle-ite XXI represented a forward-thinking approach that still resonates with the automotive industry today.

A Glimpse Into Tomorrow

The Seattle-ite XXI was designed to embrace concepts that seemed far ahead of its time, featuring cutting-edge technology and engineering advancements that were only speculative in the 1960s. This concept car envisioned features like four steerable front wheels, easily interchangeable power units, a travel programming computer, variable density glass, jalousie windows, and fingertip steering. It was more than a car; it was a glimpse into what the future of transportation could hold.

Unique Design and Powertrain Innovations

One of the most revolutionary aspects of the Seattle-ite XXI was its modular powertrain design. Ford designers envisioned a vehicle that could run on a variety of power sources, from fuel cells to even a compact nuclear propulsion device. The car’s entire front section was designed to detach from the passenger compartment, allowing the driver to swap out power capsules depending on the driving need, such as an economical 60-horsepower unit for city driving or a more powerful option for long-distance travel.

This modular concept would have granted the Seattle-ite XXI immense flexibility, allowing the car to be adapted for different purposes with ease. The power units would be connected through a flexible coupling, seamlessly linking the controls to the passenger compartment.

With a wheelbase of 122.8 inches and an overall length of 221.6 inches, the Seattle-ite XXI was intended to be a long and sleek vehicle. The front and rear wheels had a tread of 60.1 inches and 65.4 inches, respectively, providing a stable and secure ride. Despite its imposing dimensions, with a height of 45.4 inches and width of 80 inches, the car maintained a low, aerodynamic profile that hinted at the future of automotive design.

Advanced Steering and Handling

The four steerable front wheels were another standout feature, with Ford’s designers believing that such a configuration would greatly improve the car’s tracking, traction, and braking efficiency. The front wheels, working in tandem, would have allowed for a more stable and controlled driving experience, potentially revolutionizing vehicle handling. Coupled with fingertip steering, the Seattle-ite XXI would offer an effortless driving experience, with precise control at all speeds.

High-Tech Interior Features

Inside, the Seattle-ite XXI was equally forward-thinking. The car was designed to include a travel programming computer that would replace traditional dials and gauges. This computer would simplify the dashboard, with a centrally mounted viewing screen displaying important data such as engine performance, road and weather conditions, and the vehicle’s position on a constantly updating road map. It would even estimate the time of arrival at the selected destination, offering a new level of convenience to drivers.

Passenger Comfort and Design Innovation

The Seattle-ite XXI was designed with passenger comfort in mind. Jalousie windows—slatted windows that could be opened or closed to control ventilation—would reduce noise and improve airflow, while variable density glass would provide a cool, glare-free cabin environment. This glass was meant to help regulate the interior temperature, enhancing the vehicle’s air conditioning efficiency.

The seats were fixed, forming an integral part of the car’s structure, but the floorboards were designed to be adjustable. This allowed the pedals to move into a position tailored to the driver, increasing comfort and driving ease. The separation between the passenger compartment and the power capsule at the front also contributed to a noiseless interior, creating a tranquil environment for those inside.

Pioneering a New Era in Car Design

Ford’s Seattle-ite XXI was not bound by the limits of 1960s technology. The project was a pure exercise in speculation and imagination. Gene Bordinat, Ford’s Vice President of Design at the time, described the concept as “an example of the kind of exploration that can lead to key breakthroughs in automotive design and engineering.”

The car's unrestricted design approach allowed Ford’s designers to play with ideas that were purely theoretical, pushing boundaries that would inspire future innovations. While much of the technology featured in the Seattle-ite XXI may have seemed fantastical at the time, many of the ideas presented in this concept—such as modularity, alternative powertrains, and advanced computer systems—have since become key areas of focus in modern automotive design.

Legacy of the Seattle-ite XXI

Though the Seattle-ite XXI never reached full-size production, the 3/8-scale model highlighted the designers' futuristic vision and the car's radical departure from conventional automotive thinking. It remains one of the most visionary concept cars in automotive history. Its radical ideas, from the interchangeable powertrains to its travel programming computer and futuristic styling, were all reflections of the excitement and optimism of the Space Age. While the car itself may never have hit the streets, the Seattle-ite XXI’s innovations helped pave the way for modern advancements in vehicle technology, demonstrating how conceptual thinking can inspire real-world breakthroughs in the years to come.