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THE ITALIAN COACHBUILDER SITE

Mercury XM

1978Coachwork by Ghia

THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE

Model dossier

Production period
1978
Body style
Cabriolet
Type
Concept
Production
1

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CAR

Coachbuilding, design & conversions

PRICE & SALES RECORD

Vehicle value

Original price
Not documented
Latest recorded sale
Not documented

01 / THE STORY

History & context

The Mercury XM concept car, crafted by the acclaimed Ghia Studio of Turin iwhich was part of Ford Motor Company, represents an intriguing chapter in automotive design. As a one-of-a-kind prototype, the XM showcased innovative features and an ambitious design philosophy, embodying the spirit of mid-20th-century automotive experimentation. A standout element of the Mercury XM was its unique rumble seat, a clever integration that allowed the car to transform from a conventional two-passenger vehicle into a four-passenger one. This transformation was achieved through a straightforward mechanism: by raising the rear hatch window and flipping back the decklid, the XM revealed its additional seating, providing both functionality and an element of surprise. The dimensions of the Mercury XM underscored its bold design choices. With a wheelbase of 94 inches, it offered a compact yet spacious platform. The overall length of 13 feet and four inches contributed to its substantial presence, while the height of four feet ensured a sleek, streamlined profile. These measurements highlight the XM’s balance between aesthetic appeal and practical design considerations. Overall, the Mercury XM concept car stands out as a testament to the creative ingenuity of its era. The collaboration between Ghia and Ford brought forth a vehicle that not only challenged conventional design norms but also introduced practical features with a touch of elegance. Its rumble seat innovation and thoughtful dimensions made it a noteworthy prototype, reflecting the adventurous spirit of automotive design during its time.

02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY

Specifications & construction

Production & construction

Production
1
Production type
Concept

Design & manufacture

Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
Ghia
Manufacturer · Documented
Mercury

06 / EVENTS & AWARDS

Events & awards

No events or documented awards are currently recorded for this vehicle.

08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE

Archive

References held in the vehicle dossier. Their inclusion does not establish that every historical claim has been independently verified.

ReferenceSource type
Crittenden Automotive Library — Lincoln-Mercury PR, 22 Feb 1979 www.carsandracingstuff.com Period manufacturer press reproduction
Consumer Guide — Forgotten Concept: Mercury XM blog.consumerguide.com Independent automotive history
Story Cars — 1978 Mercury XM by Ghia www.story-cars.com Independent concept history

THE CONVERSATION

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