The 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 Magic Cruiser was a concept car with an adjustable rear roof section which permitted the vehicle to be a station wagon or a fastback coupe. It was constructed by noted California customizer, George Barris, as part of a multi-vehicle 'Custom Car Caravan' contract with Ford. A series of aircraft hydraulic systems, screw jacks, and a switch on the dash allowed the movable roof section to rise within seven seconds. Lowering the tailgate allowed for easy entry to a rear-facing third seat like Ford's production station wagons:
This glass-roofed Ferrari show car is one of just three examples produced by coachbuilder Pininfarina.
This Mercer-Cobra, a one-off concept show car, was also on display at the 1966 show. It was a Virgil Exner redesign of a classic American automobile reinterpreted to contemporary tastes. The car was constructed by Carrozzeria Sibona-Basano of Turin, a little-known and short-lived (only five years, 1962-66) but highly regarded Italian coachbuilder. The firm charged $10,400 to construct the body and mount it on the supplied Cobra chassis.

Funded by the Copper Development Association, the Mercer-Cobra was finished in late 1964 and whisked off to a world tour promoting the CDA. RM sold it at its 2011 Monterey Auction for $600,000 plus buyer's fee.

copyright 2006-21 - Joseph M. Sherlock - All applicable rights reserved

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The facts presented on this website are based on my best guesses and my substantially faulty geezer memory. The opinions expressed herein are strictly those of the author and are protected by the U.S. Constitution. Probably.

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If I have slandered any brands of automobiles, either expressly or inadvertently, they're most likely crap cars and deserve it. Automobile manufacturers should be aware that they always have the option of giving me free cars to try and change my mind.

If I have slandered any people or corporations, either expressly or inadvertently, they should buy me strong drinks (and an expensive meal) and try to prove to me that they're not the jerks I've portrayed them to be. If you're buying, I'm willing to listen.

Don't be shy - try a bribe. It might help.

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