Future Fords may have decorative exterior molding or body panels with built-in lights, Carscoops.com (via FocusRSClub) has uncovered in patent filings.
The filings detail luminescent panels and moldings that would light up to accent portions of some of Ford’s vehicles.
Or you know, the stuff aftermarket shops have been offering for years now.
According to the patent filing, “Illumination arising from the use of photoluminescent structures offers a unique and attractive viewing experience.” So it’s clear we’re going to love these things.
Although the car depicted in the filing’s drawings is a Mustang, it’s likely that the lights could apply to any of Ford’s vehicles.
Of course, this isn’t the only hubbub we’ve seen from a patent filing this week. Ram’s Ramps hit the United States Patent and Trademark Office earlier this month, and like we learned then, automakers file lots of patents that never see the light of day.
Or the light of a Mustang convertible’s rear deck, in this case.
Opera lights are back!
Please be on the Continental….
Looks like they plan to put a big IV on the door, like a Mustang Convertible Mark IV! ;)
Or when you could have them put your initials there.
Gentleman I completely forgot about this pic to took. Behold the broughamtasm:
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=1zlvp6r&s=8
Aw man work no allow tinypic. Have to remember to look at home.
LOL, is that a dealer package Palm Beach LS400 or something?
Apparently. The car said “Floridian” in gold on the sail panel and “Floridian Edition” on the front quarter panel. It was awesome.
Is that the million mile brougham?
Zing!! Beat me to it! Personally, I think the ’75-79 landau vinyl roof Chrysler Cordobas wore the opera lamps to best effect, followed by the ’79-85 Buick Rivera, with the stunning “R” oval lamps.
I also wouldn’t mind seeing a return of the cornering lamps. Another cool light that was useful and let people know you paid extra.
How about all of this stuff on a re-created Mustang Grande, or Ghia?
I am in favor of modern opera-lampery. I am also in favor of hood ornaments, and lighted emblems on certain brands (not Mercedes).
Please colour-code the front lighted emblem on my Lexus LS. If not, I would like to select a blank grille like the S-Class, and have a hood ornament instead. I would also like there to be another Coach trim on the LS.
Ok theeenks. Oh, and C-pillar model-specific emblems.
It’s already been 19 years since we could get a factory opera lamp!
http://img.favcars.com/buick/roadmaster/buick_roadmaster_1991_pictures_1_b.jpg
Let it be known that I didn’t intentionally seek out this much news on Ford today. It just kinda happened.
So what you’re saying is that Ford has the most to say, and is the most important and best US auto manufacturer. Ok!
That’s exactly it.
These should go over well with those CLA buyers who pay extra for the illuminated star.
And still no decent in-car coffee-maker, just effing lights.
Is this even legal? Most aftermarket lighting systems are for “offroad or show use only”. Are these lights (LED strips) or just glow stickers? The illuminated door sills and other interior accent lighting is a nice touch, but rope lighting or glowing badges? Seems kind of Pep-Boys to me.
Now all we need are some fake convertible tops, fake landau bars, fake radiator shells, fake wire wheels, fake spare tire humps, fake fender vents(oops, too late!), fake gold trim, and fake gauges in the molded in stitched dashboards. Bell bottoms and poor hygiene ahoy!
There’s a Lincoln Bugazzi on eBay…act fast!