The 1960 Plymouth XNR Concept is a unique and notable concept car designed by Virgil Exner, an influential automotive designer known for his work at Chrysler during the 1950s and 1960s. The XNR was unveiled at the 1960 International Automobile Show in New York and was intended to showcase Plymouth's design and engineering capabilities.
Automobile designer Virgil Exner left Studebaker to join Chrysler in 1949. Chrysler's previous designers favored conservative, upright body styles, but sales were declining. At Chrysler, one of his first challenges was to wrest final say over design away from the engineering department.
Exner commissioned a range of concept cars that were built in Italy by Carrozzeria Ghia.[4] Among these were several sporty, open-top, two-seat cars, including three out of four of the cars in the Dodge Firearrow series, and the Chrysler Falcon. These studies were Chrysler's answer to the Ford Thunderbird and Chevrolet Corvette.
The XNR went through several name changes during development. Some early drawings label it the "Falcon". This was also the development name of the car that became the production Valiant, until Ford registered it for their own new compact. Later the car was called the Asymmetrica, and later still renamed "XNR", a disemvoweled, pseudo-acronym of the designer's own last name.
The shape of the XNR was influenced by a Studebaker Indianapolis race car that Exner owned, as well as by the later asymmetrical Watson Indy Roadster, and the Jaguar D-Type.
As originally built, the car reached a speed of 146 mph (235 km/h) on Chrysler's test track. Exner is said to have personally driven the car on the track at speeds up to 142 mph (229 km/h). Later, after being fitted with a fiberglass nosecone fabricated by Dick Burke and receiving additional engine modifications, the car reached a top speed of 153 mph (246 km/h).
In May 1960, the XNR appeared on the covers of both Road & Track and Motor Trend magazines, then in May 1961 on the cover of Today's Motor Sports magazine.
The car made its first public appearance at the 1960 New York Auto Show.
Chrysler did not put the Plymouth XNR into production. Exner wanted to buy the car from Chrysler, but was unsuccessful and the XNR was shipped back to Ghia in Italy to prevent it from being destroyed.
Background and History
- Manufacturer: Plymouth (Chrysler Corporation)
- Designer: Virgil Exner, a prominent automotive designer known for his bold and influential designs during the 1950s and 1960s.
Specifications
- Engine: The XNR was powered by a 170 cubic inch (2.8-liter) slant-six engine.
- Power Output: The engine produced around 250 horsepower, thanks to a Hyper-Pak intake manifold and other performance modifications.
- Transmission: 3-speed manual transmission.
- Chassis: The car was built on a modified version of the Plymouth Valiant chassis, known for its durability and lightweight construction.
Design and Features
- Body Style: The XNR was a roadster with an asymmetrical design, featuring a prominent driver-side headrest that extended into a vertical fin, inspired by the aerodynamic designs of contemporary racing cars and aircraft.
- Exterior: The body was crafted in steel by Carrozzeria Ghia, an Italian coachbuilder known for its work with many prestigious car manufacturers. The car's styling included sharp angles, a pronounced hood scoop, and distinctive tail fins.
- Interior: The interior was minimalist and driver-focused, with a single bucket seat for the driver and a smaller, auxiliary seat for a passenger.
Performance
- Top Speed: The XNR was capable of reaching speeds in excess of 150 mph (241 km/h), making it a high-performance concept car for its time.
- Handling: Designed with a low center of gravity and balanced weight distribution, the XNR was intended to offer sporty handling and agility.
Legacy
- Significance: The Plymouth XNR Concept is significant for its innovative design and the bold vision of its creator, Virgil Exner. It represented a departure from traditional car designs and showcased what the future of automotive design could be.
- Rarity: As a one-off prototype, the XNR is unique. After its show car phase, it was stored away and eventually sold to a series of private collectors.
- Collectibility: The XNR is highly collectible due to its rarity, unique design, and the historical significance of its designer. It has been restored and displayed at various car shows and concours events around the world.
Notable Facts
- Design Influence: The XNR's design influenced future Plymouth and Chrysler models, contributing to the brand's identity during the early 1960s.
- Cultural Impact: The car appeared in various automotive magazines and was widely publicized, adding to its mystique and allure.
- Restoration: The XNR underwent a meticulous restoration process in the 2000s, bringing it back to its original glory and ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Taken at its 1st Concours showing after restoration at the 2011 Amelia Island Concours.
You may purchase a print of the 1960 Plymouth XNR Concept in our dElegance 2011 online gallery.
