The TV show “Fallout,” produced by Amazon MGM Studios, has captivated audiences with its depiction of an alternative universe based on 1950s futurism, leading up to and after a devastating thermonuclear war. In order to maintain the authenticity of the time period, the show incorporates elements such as ’50s fashion, political ideology, and of course, automobiles. Many of the cars featured in the show are actual production vehicles from the era.
One notable car in the show is driven by a main character named Cooper Howard. He cruises around in a stunning yellow Kaiser Darrin, complete with super cool sliding pocket doors that are showcased in a scene. Another interesting automobile that makes an appearance is the Messerschmitt tandem bubble car, which bears a resemblance to certain vehicles found in the video game series.
However, the most intriguing car in the show is actually hidden in the background of various shots. It can be spotted early on in the first episode during a birthday party scene just before the bombs drop. In this particular shot, Howard and his daughter race past a bright red roadster with gleaming side-exit exhaust and a rear fin reminiscent of period race cars. Surprisingly, this vehicle is not created specifically for the show. It is, in fact, the Plymouth XNR concept from 1960, or at least a replica of it.
The original 1960 Plymouth XNR concept has a rich history. Designed by Virgil Exner, who worked at various car companies including Pontiac, Studebaker, and Chrysler, it represents a significant chapter in automotive design. Exner’s “Forward Look” models, including the iconic 2005 Chrysler 300, were among his notable contributions to the industry. The XNR concept showcases Exner’s daring sense of style. It features asymmetric cues inspired by race cars of the time, a distinctive hood scoop leading into a long rising cowl, and rear fin tied to a chrome “star” connecting it with the pseudo bumper. The XNR also shares design elements with the original 1960 Valiant, which was subsequently placed under the Plymouth brand, while Dodge received its own version called Lancer. According to Motor Trend, the XNR even shares the Valiant’s chassis.
Beyond its striking appearance, the XNR was a fully functional car. It boasted a 170-cubic-inch inline-six engine with 250 horsepower, a three-speed manual transmission, and rear-wheel drive. Although it appears to have only one seat, there is actually a hidden passenger seat concealed by a removable body panel. The car also featured independent front suspension with torsion springs and a live rear axle with leaf springs, with the curve of the rear body neatly fitting the shape of the rear leaf springs.
After Chrysler was done with the XNR concept, it embarked on an interesting journey. It traveled to Italy, where Carrozzeria Ghia built its body. Later, it changed hands multiple times, eventually ending up in the possession of Karim Edde in Lebanon during the 1980s. As civil war broke out, Edde had to carefully move and safeguard the vehicle. In the late 2000s, RM Restorations, now part of RM Sotheby’s auction house, restored the XNR. Its restoration was so impressive that the car won the Gran Turismo award at Pebble Beach in 2011 and was subsequently included in the Gran Turismo video game series, including the latest installment, “Gran Turismo 7.”
Fast forward to today, where the XNR has made its appearance in the TV show “Fallout.” However, there are still some unanswered questions surrounding its involvement in the production. There is at least one replica of the XNR produced by Gotham Garage, as seen in Netflix’s “Car Masters: Rust to Riches.” This replica is currently housed at the Petersen Museum in Los Angeles. It remains uncertain whether this replica or the original XNR was used in the show. Efforts to clarify this matter with the Petersen Museum and Amazon have not yielded definitive answers. While it is possible that the car in the show is computer-generated, it seems unlikely given its convincing appearance in multiple shots and angles.
Regardless of its origin, whether it be the original, a replica, or computer-generated, the XNR is undeniably a remarkable car. Seeing it featured in a major TV show like “Fallout” is a thrilling experience for fans of both the game series and automotive enthusiasts.
