PROTOTYPES
We were staggered by one car in particular. Underneath a dustsheet, and looking quite forgotten about was the ‘daddy’ of the Sierra family. One that we instantly recognised from old brochures and books from the early 80s – yes the original ‘Jellymould’ prototype, the Probe III! This dates back to 1981 ( way before the ’90s Mazda-based coupe of the same name!), and was created to shock the Cortinabuying public into accepting the slightly tamer aerodynamic shape which would come along soon after in full production. Personally this throwback was one that we didn’t think would even still exist, let alone one we’d be accidentally stumbling upon 30-plus years after it caused a ruckus at its Motorshow launch!
At first glance it might look like an extra from Blade Runner, but get up close and it’s easy to see the ambitious mindset the designers were in during the Sierra project. The sleek digital dash pod, flush side glass and extreme aero are all so much further advanced than anything we got to see on a massproduced Ford for the next 20 years!
Alongside was a less wellknown oddity called the Eltec. A fully functional concept from 1985, built to illustrate Ford’s desire to incorporate as much technology into a small hatchback as possible.
An early EFi CVH motor, CVT transmission, electric height adjustable suspension, ABS, traction control and run flat tyres were all packed in. All stuff we take for granted these days, but remember this was back in the days when the Mk3 Escort and the Capri were current models!
On a more novel level ( which didn’t predict the future quite as clearly) was the five-part electric sliding roof ( which looked more like a futuristic version of a Webasto!) and the interior which was like a miniature branch of Dixons with its array of gizmos and three headunits stacked up around switches and vents stolen from the then-brand-new Mk3 Granada!
Also hiding under a dustsheet was a very unusual car with a strangely familiar vibe. It was the original Ka prototype! The iconic production car may have looked striking and unusual when it was first released, but just imagine the uproar if Ford’s designers had managed to implement their initial design ideas fully? This utilitarian plastic yellow ball looks like a cross between a ’90s pram and a ball pit. The sparse interior is based around mesh hammocks, while clear fuel and water tanks suggests a super lightweight and high- efficiency approach. The roof was a clear plastic sheet, and looked barely any stronger than the dustsheet we had just removed! It might be a shame that some of the outrageous styling on this car was hugely toned down for production, but it’s good to see a tin top was chosen in the end!