1956 Mercury XM Turnpike Cruiser Concept was designed with fast, long driving in mind. It was inspired of the Interstate Highway System. A lot of the design elements was later seen on the regular production model 1957 Turnpike Cruiser.
One of Mercury’s most memorable dream cars of all time is the audacious XM Turnpike Cruiser from 1956. Bold styling featured 12-inch wide V-shaped taillights and matching pealescent concave-sculpted rear fenders. The XM Turnpike Cruiser’s large, flat roof seemed to float above the two-tone interior. Twin transparent roof panels flipped-up when doors were opened.
Source: www.automotivehistoryonline.com; www.chicagoautoshow.com