Glass Ceiling?Although the '75 Hurst/Olds was the first production vehicle to offer glass "T-Tops," the idea was by no means new. Mercury experimented with them on this XM-Turnpike Cruiser concept car, unveiled to the public at the 1956 Chicago Auto Show. "Virtually unobstructed vision in every direction is a salient feature to permit full enjoyment of the wide new vistas opened to turnpike travelers," claimed Mercury's PR folk, in recognition of the ever-improving and expanding interstate highway system. The XM also demonstrated the notion of individual rear bucket seats, a desirable feature on many of today's premium luxury cars.
Mercury did, in fact, launch a production version of Turnpike Cruiser for '57, though the "transparent plastic 'butterfly' openings" didn't make the mix. There's no question the TC's bumpers, rear window treatment, and several other details were inspired by this particular dream car. While nobody would characterize it as a model of taste and proportion, the 'Pike Cruiser remains one of the era's most interesting Mercs-another example of the dazzling, chromed-to-the-hilt excess that was the '50s.