1998 Ford Himalaya Expedition Concept

Himalaya Expedition

Ford Motor Company unveiled its latest concept rendition of the rugged Ford Expedition at the 1998 Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas, Nev. Named after the highest, most treacherous mountain range in the world, the Himalaya Expedition illustrates the potential built into every Ford Expedition for aftermarket modification and personalization.

Himalaya’s rock/ice climbing theme provided inspiration for Ford designers with the intent to blend futuristic styling ideas with functional aftermarket components.

Driving the development of this Expedition was the desire to produce a highly functional outdoor vehicle, capable of trekking to a high base camp. Based on a 1999 Ford Expedition 4x4, Himalaya’s muscle comes from a 260-horsepower 5.4-liter Tritonä V-8 mated to Ford’s proven E4OD automatic transmission. DynoMax performance exhaust tips also were added to the powertrain.

To provide extra ground clearance and room for a larger wheel and tire package, Himalaya’s ride height was raised 4 inches by installing a Rancho

Suspension System with RS9000 adjustable shocks controlled by an in-cab remote system. The added clearance allowed the installation of a set of 37x12.50R17LT BFGoodrich Baja TA tires mounted on Enkei Wun Gun alloy wheels.

Himalaya sports an open roof design for added utility in the back country. The roof, from the top of the windshield rearward to the top of the "C" pillar then down to the belt line and the entire rear section has been removed and reinforced with a tubular roll cage. The design provides excellent visibility from all seats and an open rear cargo hold for easy access to climbing gear and equipment. A grab handle around the rear bed area and convenient rope anchors and tie-down points have been incorporated into the design.

Custom molded wheel flares cover the oversize wheels and tires and give Himalaya a broad-shouldered, muscular look. Ford designers also reworked Expedition’s front end to accept a custom grille guard with hidden Warn winch. A second rear-mounted Warn winch hidden behind a specially molded rear bumper treatment provides security coming or going. A full-size spare and gas can are mounted to the side-hinged tailgate. Other custom touches include unique hood and fender vents, integrated Smittybilt Sure Steps, taillight guards and a full complement of PIAA halogen lights for night operations. The custom coachwork is topped off by a flawless coat of crystal white metallic paint with tundra accents.

On the inside, Himalaya features a five-point Schroth restraint system combined with Recaro Sport seats with color coordinated fabric inserts to keep the occupants

securely in place. Other interior features include a Konig steering wheel, aluminum Sport Pedals and Auto Custom Carpet floor covering.

Whether it's at Everest, K2 or the Karakoram Range, Himalaya Expedition is designed to make advancing to base camp easier than ever.

SOURCE: Ford