At the 1996 Detroit Auto Show, Ford unveiled the Indigo concept car, which captured attention with its futuristic design and race-inspired technology.
Ford’s Advanced Design team and suppliers, such as Reynard Racing Cars and ASC, developed the car in just six months, with oversight from Ford’s New Concepts Organisation.
It was built to showcase cutting-edge Indy car and Formula 1 technologies.
It features an open-wheel design, carbon fibre body, and aerodynamic styling to create a race-like driving experience.
The Indigo was powered by a 6.0-litre V12 engine, producing 435 bhp and capable of 0-60 mph in under 4 seconds.
The advanced pushrod suspension borrowed from Formula 1 enhances the car’s handling and cornering.
Its rear-wheel drive contributed to its aggressive driving characteristics.
Ford commissioned three cars, one fully functional prototype tested at Silverstone, and two non-running show cars for display purposes at car shows.
The functional prototype was tested extensively, showcasing its potential performance,
Ford sold the other two cars to private collectors in the early 2000s.
Despite the excitement and speculation, Ford clarified that the Indigo was never intended for production.
It was a ‘halo car’ highlighting Ford’s design and engineering capabilities.
While the Indigo didn’t reach showrooms, its design elements and technology influenced future Ford performance vehicles.
Cementing its place in automotive history as a vision of what was possible.
The Ford Indigo remains a striking example of how concept cars push the boundaries of automotive design and engineering, even if they never see the light of day as production models.
‘Ford gave it a V12 engine, futuristic tech, and then left it to sit in a corner like a forgotten piece of high-speed sculpture’
