Ford Concept Cars

1. 1970 Ford Mustang Milano

The Pony car Ford should have built

One of the most popular experimental cars in Ford Divisions's automobile show exhibit is the Mustang Milano, an ultra-violet-colored, two-paint grand touring car. Sure to be one of the most looked-at cars, the Milano features a low, racy design and unique tailgate that raises electrically.

Named for Milan, Italy, where a number of sporty touring cars roam the countryside, the Milano, at 43 inches high, is seven inches lower than a standard 1971 Mustang SportsRoof. The hood contains NASA-type air scoops -- adapted from a highly efficient aeronautic design -- for power-producing ram-air induction. The headlamps and high-powered driving lights are concealed when not in use and th winshield is steeply ranked to a 67-degree angle.

The uniquely-designed rear deck lid, complete with built-in air spoiler is similar to tailgates on some European station wagons. Hinged at the top, the deck lid and backlite open electrically just above the taillights to provide easy accessability to the luggage compartment.

Laced cast aluminum wheels are similar to but stronger than wire wheels used on grand touring cars of the 1920's and 1930's. Wide F60 x 15 tires were designed and built by Firestone especially for this show car.

Milano's ultra violet paint is colour-keyed to the car's interior. The high-back bucket seats have blue-violet fabric inserts and light purple leather trim. Deep purple mohair carpet adds to the luxury look. The carpeted rear area of this two seater carries colour-keyed luggage fabricated from the same leather used in the seat trim.

While this exact car didn’t make the production cut, design elements were taken from the Milano for the 1971 production Mustang model. Not only did the car influence the American Mustang market, it also helped with the Australian ‘74 Falcon XB coupe, the car used in the first two Mad Max movies.

2. 1995 Ford GT90 Concept

A supercar that stopped everybody in their tracks

Remember the mid-90s? Grunge was fading, the internet was just starting to dial-up, and Ford unleashed a concept car that looked like it landed straight from the 25th century: the GT90.

This wasn't your average Mustang. With its radical, wedge-shaped design dominated by sharp angles and a glass canopy, the GT90 was a head-turner in every sense. It was Ford's "New Edge" design language taken to the extreme, and it was breathtaking.

But the GT90 was more than just a pretty face. Underneath that futuristic bodywork lurked a beastly 6.0-liter quad-turbocharged V12 engine, churning out a mind-boggling 720 horsepower. This was enough to propel the GT90 to a claimed top speed of 253 mph – faster than the legendary McLaren F1!

So, why are we talking about a concept car from 1995?

Because the GT90 was a glimpse into the future of supercar design and technology. It showcased Ford's ambition and engineering prowess, pushing the boundaries of what was possible. Sadly, the GT90 never made it to production. It remained a one-off, a tantalizing "what if" that still captures the imagination of car enthusiasts today.

The GT90's design was unlike anything else on the road, with its sharp angles, massive air intakes, and that iconic glass canopy. 720 horsepower and a 253 mph top speed? In 1995, those were simply unheard-of numbers. The GT90 was packed with advanced technology, including a carbon fiber body, active aerodynamics, and a state-of-the-art engine management system.

The Ford GT90 may have been a concept, but its legacy lives on. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most daring dreams can lead to the most incredible creations.

3. 2001 Ford 49 Concept

Chip Foose genius unleashed on a Ford and it is spectacular

The Ford Forty-Nine custom coupe concept took Americans for a sentimental drag race down memory lane. It’s classic shape and brilliant proportioning underscore Ford’s ongoing commitment to design emotion into all its new cars and concepts. To create the all-new Forty-Nine concept, Ford designers went back to the car’s roots – simple shapes, excellent proportions, clean body panels and modern conveniences. The Ford Forty-Nine was designed by Chip Foose and was first introduced at the 2001 North American International Auto Show. It is a tribute to the 1949 Ford.

The Forty-Nine concept’s hyper-smooth appearance is achieved by an all-glass upper body structure with concealed pillars and windshield wipers. The exterior finish is velvety black with bright chrome wrapping around the greenhouse and modest chrome accents elsewhere, such as its badging and 20-inch chrome wheels.

The car’s primary gauges are contained within a single round instrument binnacle, similar to the production ’49 and hot rods of the era. The analog tachometer takes center stage and is surrounded by the electronic speedometer. Audio and climate controls are presented in a flip-out panel located in the instrument panel, just ahead of the shifter. Their respective readouts, along with temperature, oil and fuel gauges, are displayed on either side of the centrally mounted clock, at the base of the windshield.

The engine bay is finished in satin black, stainless and chrome metal finishes. The radiator and its associated structure have been re-oriented to take full advantage of the design opportunities on the engine itself. The intake manifolds are finished in satin metal and the valve covers in gloss black, accented with polished stainless steel. The engine bay is not only cosmetic: the chrome Powered by Thunderbird badge on the side fender gives a hint at the powerplant under the hood. And indeed, the concept is powered by a Thunderbird-sourced 3.9-liter, DOHC, 32-valve V-8, tuned to fit the car’s appearance and refined muscle.

4. 2002 Ford GT40 Concept

A legend reborn and inspiration that led to the production GT

The year 2002 saw Ford do something truly special: they resurrected an icon. Not content with simply reminiscing about the legendary GT40 race car of the 1960s, they unveiled a modern interpretation – the Ford GT40 Concept. But this wasn't just a design exercise or a museum piece. This time, they meant business.

What made this concept so special? Ford actually built it. This wasn't just a styling exercise or a rolling chassis. They took that stunning design, with its low-slung profile, muscular curves, and unmistakable GT40 DNA, and engineered a true performance machine. Under the hood roared a 5.4-liter supercharged V8, promising over 500 horsepower and a symphony of raw American muscle.

Why was this such a big deal?

The original GT40 was a legend, dominating Le Mans and cementing Ford's place in motorsport history. This concept honored that legacy while pushing it into the 21st century. It wasn't just about looks. Ford crammed the GT40 Concept with cutting-edge technology and performance hardware, making it a true driver's car. Concept cars often remain just that – concepts. But Ford went further. They took the overwhelmingly positive response to the GT40 Concept and turned it into a production reality.

The 2002 Ford GT40 Concept wasn't just a show car; it was a statement of intent. It showed the world that Ford was serious about performance, about heritage, and about building cars that truly excited enthusiasts. And the best part? They followed through, delivering the production Ford GT that became an instant classic in its own right. This concept car wasn't just special; it was a turning point. It marked the return of a legend and the beginning of a new chapter in Ford's performance story.

5. 2004 Ford Bronco Concept

A retro-modern dream that almost came true

Back in 2004, SUVs were all the rage, but they were starting to lose their rugged edge. Enter the Ford Bronco Concept, a retro-inspired throwback that reminded everyone what a real off-roader was all about.

This wasn't your typical concept car with outlandish features and pie-in-the-sky technology. The Bronco Concept was a deliberate nod to the original, boxy Bronco of the 60s and 70s. It was compact, tough-looking, and stripped back to the essentials. Think short wheelbase, big tires, and a no-nonsense attitude.

But here's the twist: under the hood, it packed a modern 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine with – get this – nitrous oxide injection! This wasn't just about looking tough; Ford wanted to show they could combine classic styling with modern performance and efficiency.

Why was it so special?

In a world of increasingly bloated SUVs, the Bronco Concept was a breath of fresh air. It tapped into nostalgia while offering a modern take on a classic formula. A small diesel engine with nitrous? It was an unconventional choice that showcased Ford's willingness to experiment. With its short wheelbase and chunky tires, the Bronco Concept looked like it could tackle any terrain. It was a reminder that SUVs could be both stylish and capable.

Sadly, the 2004 Bronco Concept never made it to production. It remained a tantalizing "what if?" for Bronco fans. But its influence can be seen in the reborn 2021 Bronco, which also draws heavily on the original's design. The 2004 Bronco Concept might have been a fleeting dream, but it proved that there was still a strong appetite for a rugged, retro-inspired off-roader. And thankfully, Ford was listening.