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Photos from variousNew Car or Club Shows in 1999 |
This car was such a sensation at
the 1999 Detroit Auto Show, Jan 3, 1999, ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQy24pfVqcs
) that Ford immediately contracted to have two more cars built for the
show circuit ~ one in red and one in black. Both were ready by March 1999
for the show circuit in Europe. Hoods and trunks were kept closed
during shows. Ford did not yet have an engine ready to show with
these cars. These 3 show cars were shown at various shows around
the US, Canada, and Europe. The "Inspiration Yellow" showcar was
the first one.
Though it used the same color name as the production 2002 Thunderbird yellow, it is a much lighter shade. The black model is noted for the all red interior. Ford did not carry that full color style into the production models but opted for the 2-tone or "full or partial accent" interior color choices along with the full black interior choices. I miss the full color as it's so striking but the full accent is a beautiful replacement. Ford did not officially approve the design for production until May 22, 2000. There was a youtube video by Motor
Week (video since removed ) of the NAIAS Detroit Show where the concept
first appeared.
I'm still looking in my boxes for photos of the Black Concept that I took in 2000 while at a CTCI International Convention in Chicago. The black was sold at auction to a Museum/Dealership in Florida in 2003 where it still resides. The museum has not posted any current photos of the black concept Thunderbird, however visitors have spotted it there and have taken pictures. UPDATE: June 2018. It took me this long to find the missing box. Only accidently as I wanted to reorganize the coat closet and found several unopened boxes from our move in 2006. I will be adding those photos to this page. Some are stereos. If you have a stereo opticon or can "free view" them with your eyes alone, you will enjoy them. The fate of the yellow is still unknown. Probably still with Ford? The red became the Sport Roadster concept and has since been sold at auction by Ford (2010). Whereabouts became known for the Sport Roadster (Dallas). Update: was resold in 2015 and don't know where it went to. Note the aluminum center stack in the red interior pictures. Many owners have lamented the fact that Ford did not continue that treatment with the production cars, however, some owners have made use of aftermarket companies that cater to automotive interior decorating. |
Click on photos for larger view:
More recent photos of the Black Concept including Engine compartment
are at this link:
JJBestcars.com
also a short article with photos at "Forgotten
Fiberglass.com
A link to the Lincoln Mark X Concept
Wichita, Kansas CTCI Regional over the 4th of July, 1999 weekend. |
this page has existed since 10/27/99
updated Jan 2012, May 2014 |