Aurora: Ford’s Experimental "Luxury Lounge"

8 artifacts in this set

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Introduced in March 1964 as a “rolling laboratory of new ideas in styling and engineering,” the Ford Aurora concept car featured a unique lighting system, special seating arrangement, clamshell tailgate, and electric door locks. While on display at the New York World’s Fair, the Aurora caught the attention of producers for “2001: A Space Odyssey,” who considered, but ultimately rejected, using the car in the now-iconic science fiction film.

Detailed Description

Ford Aurora Brochure, 1964

Brochure

Ford debuted its Aurora concept car at the 1964 New York World's Fair. The futuristic station wagon featured illuminated panels along its body sides; a polarizing sunroof that changed from transparent to opaque with the push of a button; and, instead of a conventional steering wheel, a powered steering bar that required just one half turn from lock to lock.