The debut of the 1990 Ford Explorer Surf Concept was at the 1990 North American International Auto Show in all its purple glory. Ford fields two concept trucks — the Surf, a no-roof, no-tailgate version of its new Explorer 4x4, and the Street, an exercise that goes head-to-head with California customs in creating a mean and nasty street image.
The Surf is promoted as a leisure vehicle — a fun way to get to the beach. Big 15-in. wheels help traction in the loose stuff and add a macho look. Flared fenders control water and sand spray, while special wheel discs keep hubs grit-free. It's all topped off with one of Ford's uninhibited paint jobs.
Source: Cliff Gromer "Trucks Dream Haulers" - Popular Mechanics, Sep 1990
Images: Ford; Concept Car Central