1962 Budd XT-Bird Concept Car

Summary

Looking for a sporty new car, Ford talked with the Budd Company in 1961 about creating a revived version of the original 1955-1957 Thunderbird. Budd's prototype XT-Bird combined a 1957 Thunderbird body with a 1961 Falcon chassis. The car looked flashy, but the rear seat was too small to be practical. Ford ultimately found its sporty car in the Mustang.

Looking for a sporty new car, Ford talked with the Budd Company in 1961 about creating a revived version of the original 1955-1957 Thunderbird. Budd's prototype XT-Bird combined a 1957 Thunderbird body with a 1961 Falcon chassis. The car looked flashy, but the 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 

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

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: inline-6, overhead valves, 144 cubic inches

Transmission: 3-speed manual

Height: 48 inches

Wheelbase: 109.5 inches

Width: 65 inches

Overall length: 174 inches

Horsepower: 65 at 4200 rpm

Price: N/A

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