They are uncommon, but there were in the past several models in stainless steel besides the ORNI (Unidentified Rolling Object) called Cybertruck and the DeLorean. And we're not talking about the recent past, the first of this Ford trio in stainless steel appeared in 1935, 85 years ago.
Ok… they are not mass-produced models like the DeLorean DMC-12 or the Tesla Cybertruck, but, like these, they are stainless steel models, even though they are produced in a few units.
The creation and production of these three models is justified by a partnership initially established in 1935 between Ford and Allegheny Ludlum Steel (based in Pittsburgh, USA). The aim of the partnership was to demonstrate the durability as well as the aesthetic appeal of stainless steel and what better way to do it than in a car?
And so it was decided to build six units of the Ford Deluxe Sedan , during 1936, in stainless steel and were not just for show. Delivered to Allegheny Ludlum Steel executives, each of these six Ford Deluxe Sedans accumulated more than 200,000 miles (more than 320,000 kilometers) during the 10 years they were in service, proving the material's durability.
Of these six models, four survive today, and the Ford Deluxe Sedan up for auction was still in the possession of Allegheny Ludlum, now called Allegheny Technologies.
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The partnership between the two companies did not stop there, returning in the 60s, giving rise to two more stainless steel models.
the first one 1960 Ford Thunderbird it was produced in two units, with the body being formed from T302 stainless steel. The durability of the material was also proven by its… exhausts. Also made in stainless steel, they are still the originals assembled in 1960, with each of the two units accumulating more than 100,000 miles (more than 160,000 kilometers).
the second, a 1967 Lincoln Continental Convertible was produced in three units. The intervention in this model was more modest, having only replaced the steel body panels with stainless steel.
Trio will be auctioned together
The three copies of the images will be auctioned as a set or collection. The auction, organized by Worldwide Auctioneers, will take place on September 5th in Auburn, Indiana, USA. There is no reserve price.
Worldwide Auctioneers"They are extraordinary artefacts from a dynamic era of innovation for both the automotive and steel industries in America. Having been the trustees until now, Allegheny Ludlum believes these models deserve to take their place in a significant collection or museum, where they can be appreciated by future generations in an automobile collection context, and we are honored that they have entrusted us with their sale."
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