8 Ford Prototypes That Make You Wonder What Could’ve Been

Atomic-age optimism meets Detroit iron in ways that would make Elon Musk blush. Ford’s engineering labs have birthed some truly unhinged dream machines—prototypes that pushed boundaries, bent metal, and then vanished like your favorite streaming show after one season. You’re about to witness Ford’s most ambitious laboratory experiments, from nuclear-powered fantasies to 200 mph supercars, all fully engineered but deemed too wild for production. These innovations were so advanced they’d scare conventional automakers straight back to making sensible sedans.

1. Ford GT90

Jay Leno’s favorite garage toy packed a quad-turbo V12 and doors that opened like a Bond villain’s lair.

Jay Leno firing up a 720 horsepower Ford GT90 for the first time probably thought, “Finally, something that makes my chin quiver more than a triple espresso.” Ford’s 6.0L quad-turbo V12 engine was not playing around. The doors opened upward like a Lamborghini, because why not? If you’re going to build a hypercar with a projected top speed of 235 mph, you might as well go full Bond villain.

Let’s be real, though: an estimated cost of $500,000 in 1995 (over $900,000 today) meant most folks only saw this beast in magazines. The GT90 remains a glorious “what if,” a reminder that Ford can dream as big as anyone when they’re not busy building sensible sedans.

2. Ford Evos

Gullwing doors met health monitoring tech in this hybrid grand tourer that predicted your heart attack before you did.

Ever been cruising and thought, “Man, if only my car could call 911 before I faceplant the steering wheel”? The Ford Evos concept was way ahead of everyone. This ride wasn’t just about looking good with its gullwing doors; it was packing tech to monitor vitals and learn driving habits. Think of it as a super-attentive co-pilot, minus the questionable taste in music.

The hybrid powertrain promised efficiency, while the health monitoring could, theoretically, prevent a medical emergency. Of course, some folks would argue that trusting a car to diagnose a heart attack is peak techno-paranoia. But the Evos’ design language influenced the Fusion and Mustang, so maybe it’s time to give credit where it’s due.

3. Ford Mustang Mach 2

Mid-engine V8 Mustang that could’ve embarrassed Ferrari—if only Ford hadn’t been juggling too many racing projects.

Unlike its front-engined cousins, this 1967 pony car put its 289 cubic inch V8 right behind the driver, theoretically turning the handling from “meh” to “hell yeah.” This concept was like swapping grandma’s orthopedic shoes for a pair of Yeezys: instant street cred.

While the standard Mustang wrestled with understeer, the Mach 2, tested at Dearborn Proving Grounds, could carve corners with surgical precision thanks to its custom body and mid-engine layout. The interior? All business with bucket seats and a full roll cage. Why wasn’t this the Mustang we got? Probably because Ford was already juggling too many racing cats, and a mid-engine Mustang might’ve been one existential crisis too many for the bean counters.

4. Ford Escort RS1700T

Group B rally beast with a turbocharged 1.7L engine—about as reliable as a chocolate teapot.

Of the 18 Ford Escort RS700T prototypes built, only one has survived, a testament to the car’s mechanical volatility. Back in the early 1980s, Ford dreamed of Group B rally glory, and the RS700T was their attempt. A 1.7L turbocharged engine punching out over 300 hp, all-wheel drive, ready to rip through rally stages.

But here’s the kicker: the damn thing couldn’t stay running. Seriously, it was about as reliable as a smartphone battery. Today, the only RS700T sits pretty in Ford’s collection. While the RS700T remained a mechanical nightmare, all-wheel drive went on to conquer rally racing.

5. Ford Granada Coupe

Two-door luxury variant that got destroyed faster than a Netflix series nobody watched.

Some prototypes are less “secret agent” and more “canceled reality show.” Take the Ford Granada Coupe, a 1970s two-door version intended to steal sales from personal luxury cars like the Monte Carlo. Think of a Thunderbird doing a trust fall—that’s about where the Granada Coupe landed.

It sported an upgraded interior with leather seats and wood grain—basically, the automotive equivalent of putting lipstick on a pig. It even got a sport suspension! But internal competition was fierce, and practicality won out over aspiration. The punchline? Prototypes were reportedly destroyed; not quite a Bond villain move, but definitely a “Netflix cancels after one season” vibe.

6. Ford Sierra Cosworth 3-Door

Hardcore lightweight version for racing homologation—because apparently Ford hates joy and destroyed most of them.

Anyone who’s ever tried to parallel park knows weight matters. Ford decided to make the Sierra Cosworth lighter and stiffer, proving they understood the assignment. This hardcore version, built for Group A homologation, looks ready to throw down—more aggressive styling, wider wheel arches, and a larger whale tail spoiler all scream, “Get out of my way.”

Racing buckets replaced comfy seats, because business deals involve apexes. With only seven prototypes completed, Ford got cold feet, deeming it too expensive and complicated. Most were destroyed, because apparently, Ford hates joy. However, if anyone finds one of these unicorns in a private collection, treasure it like the last functioning printer in the office.

7. Ford Bronco Concept

Rugged reboot with removable everything and 22-inch wheels—practical as a screen door on a submarine.

The 2004 Bronco concept had gearheads drooling with its rugged reinterpretation of the classic. Removable roof and doors? Check. But those flashy 22-inch wheels were about as practical as a screen door on a submarine—unless the off-roading destination was Starbucks. Still, the waterproof interior materials had promise.

Hosing out the interior after a day of mudding, because who has time to detail? It was a minimalist’s dream, ditching all but the essentials, which could be liberating or bleak, depending on how much creature comforts matter. Rising gas prices and market hesitancy shelved the concept until the eventual 2021 Bronco rebirth.

8. Ford Shelby GR1

Carroll Shelby’s 81st birthday gift packed a 600-horsepower V10—like giving a toddler a flamethrower, beautiful and dangerous.

Carroll Shelby turning 81, getting a Daytona-inspired V10-powered gift. The 2004 GR1 prototype mixed nostalgia with future-shock, flaunting an aluminum body that probably made Ferrari engineers sweat. That 6.4-liter beast pumped out 600 horsepower—but that’s just the start.

The GR1 was canned, partly because the GT was hogging the spotlight, partly because bean counters win again. This wasn’t just a car; it was a statement about what happens when legends run wild. Two running prototypes were built, both surviving with Ford and Shelby, shown at events as reminders of automotive ambition.