Ford's X-100 Influenced More Than Thunderbirds

Nowadays, many concept/show cars are thinly disguised versions of production cars due to be announced within the next year or two.  This was not the case back in the 1950s when Dream Cars (what they were often called then) were more likely to spin only a few details off to later production models.

Such was the case with Ford Motor Company's 1953 Continental 195X, soon renamed the X-100.  This was Ford's first Dream Car.

It was styled by Joe Oros, member of George Walker's squad of consultant stylists in the days when they had great influence on the company's designs, but before Walker was hired as styling vice-president.  It was Oros who came up with the grille spinner design that was the signature element of the great 1949 Ford design.  He later was in charge of Ford design, with Elwood Engle running Mercury and Lincoln.  However, the two interacted well and surely style concepts passed back and forth between styling studios with their approval.

When the X-100 is mentioned, sometimes it's noted that its taillight design was later used on 1961 Ford Thunderbirds.  The first link above mentions that Oros was keen on round tail lights that gave a hint of jet fighter exhaust pipes -- something very exciting then.  They first appeared on 1952 Fords and have occasionally reappeared since.

I suggest here that elements of 1953 X-100 also can be found on 1956 Lincolns.  Whether this was directly due to Oros or might simply have been picked up by stylists working on the new Lincoln design due to familiarity with the X-100 might be hard to determine this many years later.

Gallery

Ford X-100 seen from above.  Yes, the curved sides make it look a little bulky.  And there are those SciFi spaceship-cum-jet-fighter details front and rear.  Yet overall, its appearance is more pleasing than most later 1950s Ford and General Motors show cars.

Frontal view.  The grille contains elements of Oros' early version of the '49 Ford grille design.  His trial concept of split-open horizontal bars shown below is also found here in the overall grill ensemble.

Model showing proposed 1949 Ford grille design.

X-100 parked on Ford Motor Company grounds in Dearborn.  In the background are 1953 Fords.

Rear aspect of the X-100.  An early photo because it has the word "Continental" on its flank: this was replaced by "X-100."

Rear quarter view of a 1961 Thunderbird Convertible, Mecum auctions photo.  While not identical to the X-100, there is clear thematic resemblance.

Publicity photo.  Here "X-100" can be seen where "Continental" was.

1956 Lincoln Primiere Convertible, Barrett-Jackson photo.  Similarities to the X-100 include: strongly "frenched" headlight assemblies; abaft that, the fender shape as far back as the aft edge of the door; and the front wheel opening.