Inside out

   

 

Cab forward styling has one drawback – how to transform acres of fascia plastic moulding into a pleasing integrated design. The designers at Dunton were given this task along all other internal upholstery and trim design. The original proposal evolved from an Escort style design to a more organic sweeping facia, giving an air of quality.

 

 

Original facia starting point - note the escort influences.

 

 

The gradual development to final design as we know it, note the round horn push space - borrowed from a parallel Mercury project maybe?

 

 

Note the stylised Italian/Japanese switches on the binnacle, and “Air-bag” steering wheel.
 

 

Integration of air bags was a new challenge as were requirements such as switches that could be operated while wearing gloves ! The rear door mounted speakers were unusual too. Alas the delightful integrated pen holder sadly could not contain the humble disposable biro…

 

 

"But what's YOUR favourite shade of grey!"