Although RM Auctions is still ironing out consignment lists for all of its 2010 auction dates, its Automobiles of Arizona event is already shaping up to be somewhat interesting -- especially if you dig concept cars from the 1950s.
A handful of concepts from the ‘50s are lined up for the auction. Although some are more mild than wild, each is somewhat interesting in its own way.
-1954 Mercury XM-800: if this vaguely resembles the 1955 Lincoln Futura concept, it's likely because stylist John Najjar penned both show cars. The XM-800's body is completely made of fiberglass, and so are the bumpers (they're merely chrome plated). This car was offered on eBay in a worn, unrestored state back in 2008, but has since been completely refurbished to operating condition.
-1956 Plymouth Plainsman: billed as “a bold new experiment in station wagon design,” this Ghia-built wagon bears a striking resemblance to the XM-800, and incorporates a power tailgate and a rear-facing third-row seat -- novelties in the day. A Chrysler executive purchased the car after show-car duties were completed, and brought the Plainsman along with his family during assignments in Cuba and Australia. The wagon is largely unrestored, although the driving position has been restored to its original left-hand-drive configuration.
-1956 Cadillac Maharani: although it was designed with India’s ruling elite in mind, the Maharani is commonly referred to as the “kitchen sink car” because it has one. The sink, along with a refrigerator, toaster, cutlery dispenser, and safe, are built into a custom cabinet, which replaced the front passenger seat.
-1958 Cadillac Eldorado “Raindrop": the precursor to rain-sensing wipers, Cadillac displayed its vision of a rain-sensing convertible top to show-goers back in ’58. Roughly 4-6 show cars were built with a power convertible top that raised itself once sensors on the car detected raindrops -- hence the name.