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.
07 / THE VEHICLE IN DETAIL
Photo gallery 2 photographs
08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE
Archive
References held in the vehicle dossier. Their inclusion does not establish that every historical claim has been independently verified.
| Reference | Source 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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