MODEL DETAILS: In April 1954 John Najjar, who was in charge of the Lincoln-Mercury Pre-Production Studio, made a proposal to build five concepts for a new four-passenger show car. One of these concepts was known as the Mandalay. The Mandalay formed the basis for what ultimately became the XM Turnpike Cruiser. Elwood Engel is credited with changing the name from Mandalay to XM Turnpike Cruiser.
The design of the XM Turnpike Cruiser featured sculptured grille-work with twin jet pods on each side that were set in chrome-plated nacelles. The headlights were hooded and recessed for a forward-thrusting look. Being a driving and fog light combination, the headlights featured delay-action, making them remain on 30 to 40 seconds after being switched off. Deeply fluted side channels flowed smoothly back from the doors into V-shaped taillights. Horizontally ribbed chrome extended from fender to fender underneath the overhang of the deck lid. Chromed dual exhaust stacks were placed in each rear fender. Design features included a T-top design with a wrapped backlight surmounted by overhanging sections at the C-pillars. Twin plastic “butterfly” roof panels, hinged from the T, flipped up when the doors opened to facilitate entry. The center portion of the three-section backlight could be lowered for ventilation. The interior, including the headliner, was all leather.
WHY THIS MODEL IS FASCINATING: The Turnpike Cruiser concept car was publicly showed for the first time at a 1956 auto show where it was touted as a “Preview of the Future.” After the show, the futuristic car was sent around the country in a semitrailer with big picture windows on each side. The semitrailer was painted to match the car. With opening sides and an extending floor, the trailer doubled as a stage at open-air showings.
After being sold by the Lincoln-Mercury Division of Ford Motor Company, the Turnpike Cruiser went through several owners before being purchased by Tom Maruska in 2018. By this time, it was in rough condition and in need of a complete restoration. The restoration was successfully completed in 2022.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Tom Maruska’s Turnpike Cruiser restoration website – http://www.tommaruskacars.us/
Gordon Court’s photo gallery of the completed Turnpike Cruiser – https://kingscourtcreativephotography.pixieset.com/xm56turnpikecruiser-tommaruskaduluthmn/
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