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The 1955 Lincoln Indianapolis Concept, crafted by Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Boano and designer Gian Paolo Boano, is a legendary showpiece that debuted at the 1955 Turin Automobile Salon. Built on a Lincoln chassis, this concept car exemplifies an avant-garde design that drew inspiration from both American luxury and the futuristic aesthetics of the jet age. The Indianapolis is renowned for its aircraft-inspired style, featuring a sleek, rounded center section that tapers into pontoon-like wings, side-mounted exhausts, and a distinctive glass canopy reminiscent of the streamlined 1930s Le Mans racers.
Exterior Design: Bold Futurism with a Touch of Art Deco
The Indianapolis Concept showcases a daring, sculptural form that captures the spirit of the era’s fascination with aerodynamics and speed. Its curvaceous body, elongated nose, and pointed fenders evoke a sense of movement even at a standstill. The car’s unique styling elements, such as the side exhaust pipes and wraparound windshield, highlight its aircraft-inspired design. The bold orange color and sweeping contours further cement its presence as a striking and unforgettable concept.
Interior: A Refined Yet Futuristic Cabin
Inside, the Indianapolis Concept seats two in a carefully crafted, leather-adorned cabin. Boano implemented a "stepped" center console that divides the plush bucket seats, adding a dynamic visual element to the interior. The dashboard features the word "INDIANAPOLIS" displayed proudly, underscoring the car’s unique heritage. Designed to embody luxury and innovation, the cabin blends fine materials with futuristic touches that were ahead of its time in the 1950s.
Journey and Restoration: From Turin to Global Acclaim
Following its debut in Turin, the car attracted the attention of Ford Motor Company, which acquired the Indianapolis Concept as a showpiece. Eventually, Packard collector Thomas Kerr purchased the car and commissioned a meticulous restoration that enhanced both its aesthetic and mechanical features. This extensive restoration allowed the Indianapolis to regain its original luster and performance capabilities, leading to accolades at prestigious events like the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and the Greenwich Concours.
Legacy and Collector Fame
Over the years, the Indianapolis Concept passed through the hands of several prestigious collectors, including its time in the renowned Andrews Collection. The car continued to make its mark on the concours circuit, earning recognition for its exquisite design and historical significance. In 2015, it joined the collection of its current owner, who showcased it in the Frist Art Museum’s Italian Automotive Renaissance exhibit. Accompanied by extensive documentation and a celebrated legacy, the 1955 Lincoln Indianapolis Concept by Boano stands as an enduring icon of the American-Italian automotive alliance and the pinnacle of 1950s design innovation.
A one-of-a-kind concept, the Lincoln Indianapolis remains a celebrated piece of automotive history and a testament to the era of "hot rod Lincolns."
