1983 Lincoln Quicksilver

Built-in collaboration with famed Italian design house and coachbuilder Carrozzeria Ghia, the Quicksilver was somewhere between a stretched hatchback and a station wagon. It had a ridiculously long wheelbase and a low, teardrop-shaped roofline that was designed to minimize drag, and seated five passengers.

The car wasn’t just a showpiece – it was built to be driveable. Oddly enough, its chassis came from a mid-engined two-door sports coupe known as the AC 3000ME, stretched like a limousine by about 11 inches. Its Ford-sourced 2.8-liter Cologne V6 engine sits transversely behind the second row of seats, which I imagine significantly reduced rear cargo capacity. On the other hand, its frunk offered plenty of space upfront.

The concept first turned up at the 1983 Geneva Auto Show and eventually made its way into the hands of private collectors. This unusual car last turned up for sale at a 2014 Mecum auction, where it ultimately fetched just $27,000 – which is a paltry sum for a driveable, one-of-a-kind prototype car from a major automaker.

📸: Mecum Auctions

📚: by Paul Strauss on 4/29/20 (via 95 Octane)