1962 Budd XT-Bird Concept Car

Summary

Looking for a sporty new car, Ford approached the Budd Company in 1961 with the idea of reviving the 1955-1957 Thunderbird. Budd's XT-Bird prototype combined a 1957 Thunderbird body with a 1961 Falcon chassis and powertrain. It captured the original T-Bird's look, but the car's rear seat was too small to be practical. Ford ultimately found its sporty car in the Mustang.

Looking for a sporty new car, Ford approached the Budd Company in 1961 with the idea of reviving the 1955-1957 Thunderbird. Budd's XT-Bird prototype combined a 1957 Thunderbird body with a 1961 Falcon chassis and powertrain. It captured the original T-Bird's look, but the car's rear seat was too small to be practical. Ford ultimately found its sporty car in the Mustang.

Artifact

Automobile

Date Made

1962

Creators

Budd Company 

Place of Creation

United States 

Greenfield Village
 On Exhibit

at Greenfield Village in Motor Muster

Object ID

97.32.2

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of The Budd Company.

Material

Metal
Glass (Material)
Rubber (Material)
Vinyl

Color

Beige (Color)
Brown

Dimensions

Height: 48 in

Width: 65 in

Length: 174 in  (approx.)

Inscriptions

Inside dash glove box: BUDD

Specifications

Make & Model: 1962 Budd XT-Bird Concept Car

Maker: Budd Company, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Engine: Ford inline-6, overhead valves, supercharged, 170 cubic inches

Transmission: 3-speed manual

Height: 48 inches

Wheelbase: 102 inches

Width: 65 inches

Overall length: 174 inches

Horsepower: 101 at 4400 revolutions per minute

Price: N/A

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