When Ford introduced the Airstream Concept, it wasn’t just an experiment—it was a statement. At the time, crossovers were still carving their place in the market, and Ford boldly projected that by 2010, 3 million crossovers could be sold annually. Fast forward to today, and that estimate seems quaint—in 2023 alone, over 8 million crossovers and SUVs were sold, cementing their place as the dominant vehicle type worldwide.

The design of the Airstream Concept was unlike anything on the road at the time. With its sleek, egg-shaped body, it resembled the first-generation Ford Edge, which also debuted in 2007, but with a futuristic twist. The massive gullwing door, the wraparound interior lounge, and even the digital lava lamp centerpiece—a clear nod to Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey—all emphasized Ford’s ambition to blend automotive innovation with space-age luxury.

Inside, the floating instrument panel, capacitive controls, and dual-view screens hinted at a tech-filled future that we now take for granted in modern cars. Features like exterior cameras for enhanced visibility and entertainment-focused screens in the rear were ahead of their time, foreshadowing today’s digital dashboards and infotainment systems.

While many concept cars are designed simply to turn heads, Ford’s Airstream Concept had an advanced powertrain that was just as ambitious as its design. Unlike conventional hybrids that combine gasoline engines with electric motors, the Airstream used a hydrogen fuel cell to charge a 336-volt lithium-ion battery pack. This allowed it to drive an estimated 25 miles on battery power alone, with a total range of 305 miles before requiring a recharge.

This setup, though never put into production, showcased Ford’s early interest in alternative fuel solutions—an approach that has since evolved into today’s push for electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell technology. While hydrogen fuel cells remain a niche solution, the concept of electrification, regenerative energy, and hybrid powertrains has become an integral part of the modern automotive industry.

Unlike many concept cars that fade into obscurity, the Ford Airstream Concept survived. Today, it rests in Ford’s Heritage Fleet Vault at the company’s headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan, alongside some of the Blue Oval’s most legendary vehicles.

Though it never saw production, the Airstream Concept’s influence is undeniable. Crossovers have become the best-selling vehicle category, tech-heavy interiors have become the norm, and the push for sustainable propulsion has only intensified. While the hydrogen fuel cell and lava lamp centerpiece may not have caught on, the Airstream Concept successfully predicted the crossover-dominated automotive landscape we see today.