The Epic Journey of the 1960 Plymouth XNR: From War Survivor to Video Game Legend
The tale of the 1960 Plymouth XNR Concept Car is nothing short of cinematic, intertwining a rich history of design brilliance, speed records, global turmoil, and pop culture cameos. This legendary machine carved its niche not just on the asphalt but in the annals of automotive folklore, making a surprise appearance in the Amazon's rendition of the Fallout series and securing its place as a digital immortal in the world-renowned Gran Turismo video game. However, to truly appreciate its significance, one must dive into its extraordinary past, a narrative that is as twisted and intriguing as the car’s unique asymmetric design.
At the heart of the XNR’s inception was Virgil Exner, a visionary designer who sought to dethrone the Chevrolet Corvette and Ford Thunderbird with Mopar's prowess. His ambition was crystalized in the XNR, boasting a design that was both avant-garde and drenched in performance potential. Envisioned during the zenith of his career, after departing Studebaker for Chrysler and during his alliance with Carrozzeria Ghia’s Luigi Segre, Exner’s dream car was born from a collage of inspiration, including the racetrack dominator, the Jaguar D-Type, and the reliably robust slant-six powered Plymouth Valiants.
A Journey Through Conflict and Time
The XNR's story is also a witness to global historical events. From the cozy confines of Chrysler’s Detroit design studios to the tumultuous backdrop of the Lebanese civil war, the XNR survived through times and climes, a feat as remarkable as its design. Initially named the Asymmetrica, it was a powerhouse with a 2.8-liter inline-six engine that could tear through the silence at over 150 mph, a staggering feat for its time.
Yet, its journey was fraught with geopolitical twists. Sold and resold, the concept car found its way from the hands of American industrial might to an anonymous German national, and eventually into the opulent collection of Mohammed Reza Pahlevi, the Shah of Iran. As conflict brewed, the XNR found itself in Kuwait, then Lebanon, where it hibernated in an underground garage while warfare raged above. It was here, in a setting far removed from the glitz of car shows and the glamor of concept car unveils, that the XNR proved its mettle, surviving a 15-year-long civil war.
Resurrection and Immortality
The tale does not end with the cessation of conflict; it was merely a chapter in its illustrious life. The post-war world saw the XNR requiring restoration, a task undertaken with reverence by Ontario’s RM Restorations. The rebirth of the XNR was nothing short of spectacular, earning accolades and the gaze of admirers at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance and the Pebble Beach Concours. Yet, perhaps its most defining moment of modern times came when it was awarded the Gran Turismo Award, ensuring its place in the digital realm, accessible to millions worldwide.
The legacy of Exner's masterpiece is not just in its design or its survival through tumultuous times; it lies in its continuous reinvention and relevance. From the conceptual sketches of a revolutionary designer to a cherished collectible, a video game icon, and a piece of cinematic history, the XNR has traversed domains, each time reasserting its legacy. It’s a testament to the idea that great design endures, transcends mediums, and continues to inspire, much like the enduring appeal of Virgil Exner’s visionary prowess.
In an era where the lines between reality and digital realms blur, the XNR stands as a beacon of timeless design and enduring legend. Its story, marked by speed, survival, resurrection, and digital immortality, continues to captivate and inspire, proving that indeed, in the world of automotive legends, war, time, and even reality change, but great design is eternal.