The AMC Vixen concept car of 1966 was the work of designer Dick Teague. It loosely previewed the 1970 AMC Hornet production car.
The Vixen is a sporty, semi-fastback adaptation of the Cavalier design principle with many of the same interchangeability features. Dimensions are the same as those of the Cavalier, but the windshield moved back to make the hood line 12 inches longer.
The long hood and short deck proportions of the Vixen follow the basic “envelope” design concept, with the blending of the upper and lower body forms to complete the one-unit shape. The sports grille design incorporates a “quad Venturi” look with deeply recessed rectangular headlights within an outer perimeter to give the front end an appearance of boldness and individuality.
The sleek hood displays a functional air-intake “blister” to promote Vixen’s sports-car look further. The landau-type roof has a series of canted vents on the rear portion. When parking or backing up, the vents are angled at 45 degrees for see-through visibility. A sliding glass quarter window under the surface-mounted vents permits flow-through ventilation when desired.
The Vixen’s deeply recessed rear window is concave and non-reflective. Its unique shape and positioning make it appear invisible from inside or outside the car. Non-glare black paint in the trunk area maintains the low light refraction of the concave window to add to the illusion of invisibility. The balance of the car is finished in bright, sun-yellow paint.
Source: auto.howstuffworks.com; AMC’s Project IV Press Release
Images: AMC; Mario Buonocunto Concept Cars Page
