Ford's Alternative Fuel Vehicle- From 1957

[85 Cutlass Brougham]

The 1950's were a wonderous time, full of hope, optimisim and scientific naivete. So, it is no surprise that Ford proposed the Nucleon. Yes, a nuclear fission reactor powered car. This was the sort of thing I would draw jokingly in 10th grade science class, but it seems that Ford actually tried to figure out if it could work. They never built a working prototype, but it is fun to look at today. Anyhow, here's a link about it for those who are curious: http://www.damninteresting.com/?p=656

 

[G_Body_Enthusiast]

that has more potential to kill than a pinto being rear ended.

as a kid i wondered if they could make a nuclear powered car, as an adult, i see the folly such an idea.

littelr chernobyls all over the road every day.

 

[Blake442]

And it went into production a few years later with minor tweaks, like the loss of the huge, overhanging nose, and addition of a little more body height. Oh yeah, and no nuclear reactor...

I guess Ford has a knack for cars that bring death from behind...
The Nucleaon would've been a good ground breaker for them to ease into the Pinto, Mustangs, and the Clown Vic's exploding tendancies.

 

[megaladon6]

i'd rather be in an accident with that then a hydrogen gas car. at least a nuc reactor can't explode and wipe out half a city block.
of course maintenance would be a little expensive.