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TheFord Mach I, also known as theFord Levacar Mach I, is aconcept carhovercraft developed by theFord Motor Company in the 1950s.[1] The Mach I was a single-seat[2] automobile which rode on pressurized air, not wheels. Its name was inspired by the speedMach 1, an aspiration speed not yet achieved by vehicles at the time. It used air pressure at a force of 15–100 psi (100–690 kPa) to provide lift and propulsion.[3] In experiments, 50–60 psi (340–410 kPa) was used so that 15 hp (11 kW) was needed for levitation and 2.5 hp (1.9 kW) propelled it 20 mph (32 km/h).[4] An advertisement for the Mach I appeared in the magazineBoys' Life in 1960, in which it indicated the single-seater's dimensions: 94 in (2.4 m) long; 48 in (1.2 m) high; 54 in (1.4 m) wide.[1]
The Levacar project was led by Andrew A. Kucher (a Ford Vice-President for Engineering and Research) and David J. Jay (a Senior Development Engineer).[1] Kucher had initially conceived the concept around 1930.[2] One of the lead designers wasGale Halderman, known for being the initial designer of theFord Mustang.[5] In addition to the Mach I automobile, the project also developed a similarly outfittedscooter, the Levascooter.[1] In experiments on a circular track,[4] vehicles would raise .125 inches (3.2 mm) off the ground and could jump 1 inch (25 mm) obstacles.[1]
The Mach I was displayed for about two years in the late 1950s inDearborn, Michigan.[4]
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