This 1934 Ford Edsel Luxus Concept Car for Lincoln is a custom-built one-off Cabriolet body built to Edsel Ford’s specifications by Carl Deutsch of Cologne Germany.
This was a secret project which helped Edsel design the new “Continental” in 1939. It was removed to Edsel's estate immediately after assembly and was garaged in the carriage house at the estate for security reasons.
The hood ornament was hand crafted for Edsel by friend Jaques Cartier and also personally signed by him.
Overview
- Production Year: 1934
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company (Lincoln Division)
- Class: Concept car
- Body Style: Luxury coupe/convertible (Concept design)
Design and Specifications
- Engine:
- As a concept car, specific engine details might not be fully documented, but it likely featured a V8 engine, consistent with Ford and Lincoln's offerings of the time.
- Ford's flathead V8 engine, which was introduced in 1932, would have been a likely candidate, known for its reliability and performance.
- Transmission:
- A 3-speed manual transmission, typical of the era, would have been paired with the engine to deliver power smoothly and effectively.
- Chassis:
- The Luxus would have utilized a reinforced chassis similar to those used in Lincoln's luxury vehicles, designed to provide a smooth and stable ride.
- Suspension:
- Front: Independent front suspension, a relatively advanced feature for its time, contributing to improved ride comfort.
- Rear: Live axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, offering a balance between comfort and handling.
Performance
- Top Speed: Likely around 90-100 mph (145-160 km/h), depending on the engine configuration and overall weight.
- Handling: Designed to offer a refined and comfortable ride, suitable for a luxury concept vehicle aiming to showcase advanced engineering and design.
Design Features
- Bodywork:
- The Luxus concept car featured sleek, aerodynamic lines, embodying the Art Deco design language that was popular in the 1930s.
- The body would have been crafted from lightweight materials, possibly aluminum, to enhance performance and fuel efficiency.
- Distinctive styling elements included a long, sweeping hood, elegant fender lines, and a luxurious grille, indicative of Lincoln’s design direction.
- Interior:
- The interior was designed to provide the utmost luxury, with high-quality materials such as leather upholstery, wood trim, and advanced instrumentation.
- Features included plush seating, a stylish dashboard, and possibly innovative controls that were ahead of their time.
Legacy
- Historical Significance:
- The 1934 Ford Edsel Luxus concept car represents Edsel Ford’s vision of combining luxury, innovation, and advanced design in the automotive world.
- Although it did not enter production, the Luxus influenced future Lincoln designs and contributed to the brand's reputation for elegance and innovation.
- Design Influence:
- The design elements showcased in the Luxus concept can be seen in later Lincoln models, reflecting Edsel Ford's influence on the brand’s aesthetic and engineering philosophy.
- Collector's Interest:
- As a concept car, the Luxus remains a point of interest for automotive historians and enthusiasts, representing a unique chapter in Ford and Lincoln’s history.
- Original design sketches, photos, and any surviving prototypes are highly valued by collectors and museums.
You may purchase a print of the 1934 Ford Edsel Luxus Concept Car for Lincoln in our dElegance 2019 online gallery.
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