Summary

Rare and only one of one prototype CurveMaster built by Arthur Vogel. This particular Ford came from the factory as a twin to an identically prepared car as the test subjects in a series of safety experiments.

Details

Rare and only one of one prototype CurveMaster built by Arthur Vogel. This particular Ford came from the factory as a twin to an identically prepared car. On April 14, 1952, Arthur Vogel took delivery of the twin Fords. This Ford was selected to be modified and the other was to be untouched and used as the test subject in a series of experiments that would change automobile transportation and safety as we know it. Vogel had invented an anti-roll technology he called the Curvemaster. Rollovers were one of the leading causes of automobile deaths in 1952 and all of the manufacturers faced a serious problem with the need to improve safety. Over the coming months, a series of tests would take place and the results were astonishing. In exact situations, the test car would roll while cornering and this car never did. Life Magazine, along with several other major publications, ran a detailed article and photo essay about the success of these tests and the photo showing this exact car besting a similar car without the equipment. The photo is the property of Time/Life Incorporated and to this day cannot be duplicated or reproduced without permission. Included with the car are virtual volumes of documentation and news stories from the period. The car is still equipped with much of the on board safety equipment, but due to patent issues, the Curvemaster equipment has been removed. This car is an entirely original Ford Crestline Victoria and is presented as original with several modifications. The black and white paint and exterior are original, expect for one repaint that happened soon after the car was purchased new. The chrome and trim are also original. The exterior has the patina of a car that was used thoroughly, but clearly well maintained mechanically and many changes were made to the car including installation of air-conditioning and power windows. 401cid Buick Nailhead V8, Dynaflow transmission and Buick large drum brakes. Most of these additional enhancements were done in the early 1960s. The interior is also entirely original with the exception of some modifications. The seats and doors are original, as are the carpets and many of the original factory controls. The car would remain in the Vogel family until 2003. Included with the car is the following documentation: a three page report on the car itself, a report on Art Vogel, a detailed report on the Curvemaster safety device, photos of the car including the famed NY Auto Show photo and the photo showing this car and a similar car, the similar car in a full roll. The car also has a full set of safety gauges that show virtually every function of the car as well as the conditions outside the car.