1974 Warrior Concept Car
Add to SetSummary
When McKinley Thompson, Jr., joined Ford Motor Company in 1956, he was one of the automotive industry's first African American designers. In 1974 he completed a rugged, easy-to-build vehicle designed for developing countries: the Warrior. Thompson's prototype, built on a Renault 10 chassis, featured a buoyant plastic body and a removable top. Thompson couldn't interest automakers or investors in his bold idea.
When McKinley Thompson, Jr., joined Ford Motor Company in 1956, he was one of the automotive industry's first African American designers. In 1974 he completed a rugged, easy-to-build vehicle designed for developing countries: the Warrior. Thompson's prototype, built on a Renault 10 chassis, featured a buoyant plastic body and a removable top. Thompson couldn't interest automakers or investors in his bold idea.
Artifact
Automobile
Date Made
1974
Creators
Place of Creation
United States, Michigan, Detroit
Creator Notes
Designed by McKinley W. Thompson; made in Detroit, Michigan.
Keywords
On Exhibit
at Henry Ford Museum in Driving America
Object ID
2001.162.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of McKinley W. Thompson.
Material
Plastic
Metal
Chromium
Color
Light green
Cream (Color)
Dimensions
Height: 52 in
Width: 63 in
Length: 168 in
Inscriptions
Label on rear: RENAULT / POWER
Specifications
Make & Model: 1974 Warrior Concept Car
Maker: McKinley Thompson, Detroit, Michigan, and Renault S.A., Boulogne-Billancourt, France
Engine: inline-4, overhead valves, 68 cubic inches
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Height: 52 inches
Wheelbase: 89 inches
Width: 63 inches
Overall length: 168 inches
Horsepower: 48 at 4600 rpm
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