By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of R.M Sotheby’s Car Auctions and The Robert Tate Collection
Published 10.18.2023
The front end of the 1955 Lincoln Indianapolis concept car (R.M. Sotheby)
For many years, show cars have represented a vision of the future for automakers, with designs showing where they were thinking for new and upcoming models.
In 1955, the Lincoln Indianapolis show car made its debut at the Turin, (Italy) Automobile Salon as a unique and different automobile design. Today, the car is a mostly forgotten design.
The 1955 Lincoln Indianapolis concept car (R.M Sotheby Car Auction)
The Lincoln Indianapolis show car was designed in collaboration with Carrozeria Boano Turino. Ford Motor Company’s design team had nothing to do with the vehicle, as the styling was commissioned to Italian Fiat designer Gian Paolo Boano, who had also coined the concept vehicle’s American-sounding name. Because of this, many automotive historians have said that, in no way was it a Lincoln show car.
Another view of the 1955 Lincoln Indianapolis concept car (R.M. Sotheby car auction)
The 1955 Lincoln Indianapolis was designed to compete with jet age and Buck Rogers-esque space age designs unveiled during the 1950s. The project began with a Lincoln chassis provided by Ford CEO Henry Ford II. The styling featured a jet aircraft look with its pointed nose, rear fenders, great looking fender intakes, and those high marked fins. The interior was designed for two people with leather bucket seats and a divided console. This futurist streamlined aircraft-like design was supposed to represent 1930s Le Mans racing cars. However, I don’t think that worked out.
A 1955 issue of Auto Age Magazine (Robert Tate Collection)
The Indianapolis show car had some success with the Turin show, and a 1955 issue of Auto Age magazine put the car on its cover with the question “Is this the next Lincoln?”
Some auto enthusiasts did not like the 1955 Lincoln Indianapolis show car, and historians have said the model left much to be desired. Some did not like the orange paint color finish, along with the front end and hood design. Ultimately, this was not the future design for Lincoln production as the 50s continued.
The 1955 Lincoln Indianapolis on display in a museum (R.M. Sotheby car auction)
After Henry Ford II purchased the 1955 Lincoln Indianapolis concept car, it was later sold to Thomas Kerr, a prominent Packard collector. Kerr looked to undertake a total restoration project for the car, which included the engine and body enhancements as well. Some automotive historians have reported that the restoration led to numerous awards at prestigious events around the country, like the Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance and the Greenwich Concours.
A glance at the 1955 Lincoln Indianapolis concept car's interior (R.M. Sotheby car auction)
The 1955 Lincoln Indianapolis concept car had many owners over the years. When it was part of the Andrews Collection, it was displayed at various automotive museums. The car was also a part of the Automotive Renaissance collection for a time.
A view of the 1955 Lincoln Indianapolis interior panel (R.M. Sotheby car auction)
In 2013, the fully restored 1955 Lincoln Indianapolis concept car sold for $1.21 million dollars at RM’s Andrew Collection sale in Fort Worth, Texas.
A look at the engine of the 1955 Lincoln Indianapolis concept car (R.M. Sotheby)
In conclusion, Lincoln Indianapolis concept car was introduced to the public in 1955. Featuring a stacked head light design, it was a car that automotive enthusiasts would not talk about for many years. However, this concept is still an intriguing part of our auto history.
Bibliography
Ernst, Kurt. “Straight from Pebble Beach: Lincoln Indianapolis Boano Coupe Heads to Auction.” Hemmings.com, September 13, 2013.
Newton, Andrew. “Sadly, This Gorgeous 1955 Lincoln Indianapolis was Only a Pawn.” Hagerty Media Car Profiles, July 19, 2019.
Auto Age Magazine. “Henry Ford Boano Lincoln.” November 1955.