1962 Ford Seattle-ite XXI - AllCarIndex

The unique styling dream car envisions four steerable front wheels and easily interchangeable power units. Seattle-ite XXI, conceived in Ford Motor Company’s Advanced Styling Studio, would feature such advanced concepts as a travel programming computer, variable density glass, jalousie windows, and fingertip steering.

Seattle-ite XXI is an example of the kind of exploration that could lead to important breakthroughs in automotive styling and engineering. Such a vehicle might be powered by fuel cells or a compact nuclear device. The entire front of the car would “break away” from the passenger compartment in order to permit conversion from an economical power capsule of perhaps 60 h.p. This concept could allow many styling treatments for the trailing vehicle that would house passengers in air-conditioned, noiseless comfort.

The entire front end of Seattle-ite XXI would uncouple from the passenger compartment and an optional power unit could be installed. All controls would be conducted through a flexible coupling that would simply plug into the passenger compartment.

Four front wheels would turn in tandem. Ford stylists believe this would greatly enhance tracking, traction, and braking efficiency.

Fingertip steering and travel programming computer are among the interior features of the Seattle-ite. Virtually effortless steering would allow accurate “zeroing in” at all speeds. A viewing screen would show engine performance characteristics, road and weather conditions, position of the vehicle in relation to an automatically rolling road map, and estimated time of arrival at any selected designation.

Jalousie windows could improve ventilation and reduce noise. At left is a close-up view of the windows at a closed position; at right they are open.

Variable density glass around the passenger compartment would give cool, diffused light on the interior, eliminate glare and permit more efficient air-conditioning.

Advanced stylists are not restricted in their “dreaming” to designs based on existing facilities or scientific achievements. Unlimited freedom to speculate is the key to progressive automobile styling. A styling experiment like Seattle-ite XXI, with its many forward-looking features, could lead to exciting new concepts of automobile styling, comfort and safety.

source: Ford Motor Company

This Ford Motor Company dream car envisions four steerable front wheels and interchangeable power packages. Called the Seattle-ite XXI, it calls for such advanced ideas as a travel programming computer, variable-density glass, jalousie windows and fingertip steering.

Gene Bordinat, Ford vice president— Design, describes the Seattle-ite as “an example of the kind of exploration that can lead to key breakthroughs in automotive design and engineering.”

The separate engine compartment could accommodate either highly sophisticated fuel cells operating electric motors, or compact nuclear propulsion devices. Power capsules would be easily interchangeable. Research designers also believe the tandem-mounted wheels would greatly enhance tracking, traction and brakingefficiency.

In addition to the unique six-wheel approach evident in Seattle-ite’s exterior appearance, the dream car has several forward-looking interior features.

For example, a travel programming computer would impart a new simplicity to instrument panels and eliminate the need for dials and gauges. In their place would be a centrally mounted viewing screen, where engine performance characteristics, road and weather conditions, and other pertinent information could be quickly and automatically projected.

Seattle-ite’s fixed, contoured seats are an integral part of the car’s structure.

The floorboard would be adjustable, so that the floor-mounted pedal controls could be moved to any driver-selected position.

Variable-density glass around the passenger compartment would give cool, diffused light. Jalousie windows would offer further passenger comfort by improving ventilation and reducing noise. The separation between passenger compartment and power capsule also would contribute to noise reduction, making possible new levels of quiet and comfort for passengers.

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