An experimental two-passenger GT car designed in the Ford Motor Company Design Center, the Cougar II has a fastback roof, concealed “pop-up” headlamps, and a businesslike, fully instrumented interior. The one-of-a-kind unit, with a Fiberglas body constructed in the Design Center fabrication shops, is powered by a 260-cubic-inch high-performance V-8 engine.
An unusual feature across the rear of the passenger compartment is an air pressure relief panel, a self-operating gate that opens when interior air pressure exceeds 15 pounds per square inch. The device was incorporated not only because of the extremely high speeds such a vehicle could attain, but also because the roof panel could be designed to be detachable. With the roof panel removed, great pressure could be built up against the fixed rear window at high speeds.
The Cougar II’s clean design includes a rollover bar integrated into the roof. The front and rear bumpers flow out of the Sheetmetal surfaces in uninterrupted lines as natural extensions of the car’s profile. A unique window-lift mechanism allows occupants to instantly raise or lower the curved side glass to any desired position. A single handle with a spring-loaded tab can be moved up and down on a ratcheted track in the door panel. When the tab is released, the window is locked in place.
The wood-and-aluminum steering wheel telescopes fore and aft with three inches of adjustment. The car is equipped with Dayton straight-laced wire wheels with knockoff hubs and 6.50—6.70 x 15 special sports car tires.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Wheelbase 90.0″
- Over-All Length 167.8″
- Over-All Height 47.8″
- Over-All Width. 66.6″
- Front Tread 50.5″
- Rear Tread. 52.0″
- Tire Size . 6.50-6.70 x 15
The Cougar II, another in the fast – growing stable of styling experimental cars by Ford Motor Company destined for the New York World’ s Fair, has just been unveiled by the company. The original Cougar a two-passenger personal car with electrically operated gull-wing doors, was exhibited last year .
Cougar II joins the Allegro and the Mustang as more recently introduced operable models designed to test public reaction to a number of styling and engineering innovations . It is described by Gene Bordinat Ford vice president and director of styling , as “a simple, yet unique design for effective total performance in a distinctive and versatile all -weather vehicle.” Powered by a 260 cubic inch high -performance V-8 engine, the car could be engineered to attain speeds in the 170 miles per hour range, according to Mr. Bordinat.
Cougar II is 167 .8 inches long and has a 90 – inch wheelbase . Its over – all height is 47 .8 inches, over-all width 66 .6 inches, tread width 50 . 5 inches in front and 52 inches in the rear . An unusual feature across the rear of the passenger compartment is an air pressure relief panel — a self – operating gate that opens when interior air pressure exceeds 15 per pounds per square inch. “This device was incorporated not only because of the extreme speeds such a vehicle could attain,” Mr. Bordinat said, “but also because the roof panel could be designed to be detachable . With the roof panel removed, considerable pressure could be built up against the fixed rear window at high speeds.”
The interior of the car consists of an all-black color scheme with two individually adjustable bucket seats, a console-mounted four-speed gear shift lever, and a straight-line array of gauges on the instrument panel. Rich black leather covers the seats, door panels, instrument panel and console top . Black carpeting covers the floor and the package area behind the seats.
A unique window -lift mechanism instantly allows occupants to raise or lower the curved side glass to any desired position. A single handle with a spring-loaded tab can be moved up and down on a ratcheted track in the door panel. When the tab is released, the window is locked in place. The wood- and – aluminum steering wheel telescopes fore and aft with three inches of adjustment. A racing -type hand brake is located to the right of the console, and a specially designed radio is installed in the area where the console rises to meet the instrument panel.
1963 Ford Cougar II Concept (1965 Bordinat Cobra / XD Cobra concept)
One-off concept built as a personal dream car by Gene Bordinat, modeled on the earlier Cougar II coupe but executed as an open‑top roadster. Constructed on a Shelby Cobra chassis, specifically chassis number CSX3001, which was a coil‑spring chassis (initially intended for a 427‑ci engine), the prototype actually used a 289‑cubic‑inch V8 high-performance engine with a C4 automatic transmission, as a test powertrain.
The Bordinat Cobra is more than just a styling exercise—it represents a bold experiment in materials, performance packaging, and conceptual autonomy within Ford’s design world. Though it never reached production, it embodies the spirit of experimentation that led to iconic Sixties vehicles like the Mustang.
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