1962 Budd XT-Bird Concept Car

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Artifact Overview

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 Details

Artifact

Automobile

Date Made

1962

Creators

Place of Creation

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: 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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