Ford Nucleon – 1958 Nuclear Concept Car
In 1958 Ford Motor Company developed the Ford Nucleon, a nuclear-powered concept car, but no working version ever saw asphalt. The car was to be powered by a small nuclear reactor, set in a space-age power capsule, between twin fins at the rear. The capsule, was designed to be interchangeable, depending on the needs of the owner.
Within the power module, a drive train using electronic torque converters would power the vehicle. Initial estimates of range between re-chargings was approximately 8000 km (5,000 miles). At the end of the core’s life, a charging station, which engineers hoped would some day replace gas stations, would re-power the core.
The Nucleon’s passenger compartment had a one-piece windshield and compound rear window, with a cantilever roof. Air intakes were located at the leading edge of the roof and at the base of the roof pillars. Thje unusual cab-forward style kept the driver and passengers protected from the reactor.
The Nucleon never came to fruition of course. However, it is an interesting relic of the 1950s Atomic Age.
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