1954 Ford FX-Atmos Concept Car. Postcard QP-126.
The FX-Atmos was introduced at the Chicago Auto Show in March 1954 and reflects that era’s fascination with space-age design and technology. It had design elements inspired by jet aircraft, including lever-style steering, a centralized driving position, joystick controls, and a rear monitor. It was even considered as a candidate for a nuclear power plant, which was not a practical option at the time.
The car was styled with headlight/front fender pods that resembled ramjet air intakes and had rocket exhaust-styled taillights and prominent tailfins. The cabin placed the driver in the center and provided two rear seats, all under a clear dome. The driver’s controls and instruments were also futuristic, with dual handgrips instead of a traditional steering wheel and a screen on the dash intended to display radar-sourced highway information.
The FX-Atmos was a significant inspiration in the design of the “Supercar” in the Gerry Anderson TV series of that name. It was a standout at auto shows and a memorable example of mid-century automotive design. Too futuristic for its time, it never made it to production, but it remains an iconic symbol of 1950s Americana and imagination.
[Sources: Bing Copilot, Wikipedia, MotorTrend.com, OldConceptCars.com]
1954 Ford FX-Atmos Concept Car. Postcard QP-126.
The FX-Atmos was introduced at the Chicago Auto Show in March 1954 and reflects that era’s fascination with space-age design and technology. It had design elements inspired by jet aircraft, including lever-style steering, a centralized driving position, joystick controls, and a rear monitor. It was even considered as a candidate for a nuclear power plant, which was not a practical option at the time.
The car was styled with headlight/front fender pods that resembled ramjet air intakes and had rocket exhaust-styled taillights and prominent tailfins. The cabin placed the driver in the center and provided two rear seats, all under a clear dome. The driver’s controls and instruments were also futuristic, with dual handgrips instead of a traditional steering wheel and a screen on the dash intended to display radar-sourced highway information.
The FX-Atmos was a significant inspiration in the design of the “Supercar” in the Gerry Anderson TV series of that name. It was a standout at auto shows and a memorable example of mid-century automotive design. Too futuristic for its time, it never made it to production, but it remains an iconic symbol of 1950s Americana and imagination.
[Sources: Bing Copilot, Wikipedia, MotorTrend.com, OldConceptCars.com]