Ford Seattle-Ite XXI Concept - brochure (1962)

The unique styling dream car envisions four steerable front wheels and easily interchangeable power units. Seattle-ite XXI, conceived in Ford Motor Company’s Advanced Styling Studio, would feature such advanced concepts as a travel programming computer, variable density glass, jalousie windows, and fingertip steering.

Seattle-ite XXI is an example of the kind of exploration that could lead to important breakthroughs in automotive styling and engineering. Such a vehicle might be powered by fuel cells or a compact nuclear device. The entire front of the car would “break away” from the passenger compartment in order to permit conversion from an economical power capsule of perhaps 60 h.p. This concept could allow many styling treatments for the trailing vehicle that would house passengers in air-conditioned, noiseless comfort.

The entire front end of Seattle-ite XXI would uncouple from the passenger compartment and an optional power unit could be installed. All controls would be conducted through a flexible coupling that would simply plug into the passenger compartment.

Four front wheels would turn in tandem. Ford stylists believe this would greatly enhance tracking, traction, and braking efficiency.

Fingertip steering and travel programming computer are among the interior features of the Seattle-ite. Virtually effortless steering would allow accurate “zeroing in” at all speeds. A viewing screen would show engine performance characteristics, road and weather conditions, position of the vehicle in relation to an automatically rolling road map, and estimated time of arrival at any selected designation.

Jalousie windows could improve ventilation and reduce noise. At left is a close-up view of the windows at a closed position; at right they are open.

Variable density glass around the passenger compartment would give cool, diffused light on the interior, eliminate glare and permit more efficient air-conditioning.

Advanced stylists are not restricted in their “dreaming” to designs based on existing facilities or scientific achievements. Unlimited freedom to speculate is the key to progressive automobile styling. A styling experiment like Seattle-ite XXI, with its many forward-looking features, could lead to exciting new concepts of automobile styling, comfort and safety.

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