1974 Warrior Concept Car

01

Artifact Overview

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 Details

Artifact

Automobile

Date Made

1974

Creator Notes

Designed by McKinley W. Thompson; made in Detroit, Michigan.

Location

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