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Origins of the 1986 EXP
After a brief absence from the lineup after the end of the 1985 model year, the Ford EXP returned with a new look and a re-badged nameplate, the Escort EXP. How and why did it happen?Two seaters were all the rage in the mid 80’s; the MR2, Fiero, Civic, 300ZX - were so popular even Cadillac was considering producing one. Yet despite their popularity, Ford EXP sales were sluggish. It's styling was stale, and for a sports car it was plain lazy... Ford Motor Co. gave up on it. But when news of the EXP's planned demised reached Ford's Wayne, Michigan, assembly plant, there were revolution of sorts. Loosing an entire model line sent visions of layoffs through the plant. "We hated to lose a whole model. Building another car line gives the plant security," said John Latini, plant manager. The employees, with a bit of assistance from Latini, went down to the body shop and pirated parts from the other models and put together what they thought was a much better looking EXP. "Ford had actually cancelled the EXP, but we took the front end and both bumpers off a prototype of the current Escort GT. We had to smooth some sheet metal back along the body, but it looked real good," Latini said... The employee pumpkin wasn't ready for the big dance just yet. Detroit doesn't work that way. But the plant's version was good enough to be shipped to Ford's Design Center, where the pros smoothed out some rough edges. The result was the 1986 Escort EXP. During its first three months it posted steadily increasing sales... Thriving On Chaos
Handbook For A Management Revolution
By Tom Peters
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Fords Other Two SeatersWe all know that the EXP was Ford Motor Companies first two passenger vehicle since the Thunderbird. What you may not know is that it wasn't the only 2 seater that the designers had on the drawing board. Our SponsorsScattered throughout the site you will find various links to advertisers and sponsors that have partnered with us to bring you those products and services that we feel will be of direct interest to you. In some situations part of our relationship agreement includes special discounts for our members. What Does EXP Stand For?It is a question that is right up there with the Riddle of the Sphinx, and contained in these pages is the answer to a question that has plagued mankind for over twenty years; What do the letters "EXP" stand for?
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