One of the most remarkable vehicles inside the Vault is a 1999 Ford Mustang GT prototype equipped with an experimental naturally aspirated V10 engine.

The car originally served as an engineering development platform for the Mustang Cobra R program. Ford engineers replaced its standard 4.6 liter V8 with a 5.4 liter engine before installing the experimental V10 during development work for the 2005 Ford GT.

At the time, Ford lacked a single engine control module capable of managing the ten cylinder setup, forcing engineers to use two separate control units.

Like many development vehicles, the Mustang was supposed to be destroyed once testing ended. Instead, employees secretly preserved it, moving it between storage facilities to protect it from being scrapped.

Ford has since updated its wiring harness and engine control system, allowing the prototype to continue contributing to engineering research.

Beyond the V10 Mustang, the collection includes some remarkably preserved production vehicles.

Among them is a 2000 Ford Contour SVT finished in dark red, with approximately 198 km recorded on its odometer. The car even retains its original factory window sticker, making it an exceptional example of Ford performance history.

The Vault also features important vehicles borrowed from private collectors and historical organizations. These include a 1934 Ford pickup owned by Jay Leno, the rare Cougar II concept and four historic Michigan State Police cars dating back to 1957.

Racing enthusiasts will also appreciate the presence of three legendary Ford GT40 race cars that finished first, second and third at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Together, these vehicles demonstrate how Ford has influenced everything from everyday transportation and law enforcement to international motorsport.

The design section offers an especially fascinating look into the creative process behind some of Ford most recognizable models.

One highlight is an early Ford Bronco design study originally created to convince company management to revive the Bronco as a genuine off road SUV.

Interestingly, the prototype is not even a complete vehicle. Its interior consists of little more than visible headrests and a steering wheel, with the exterior representing the main focus of the design exercise.

Displayed nearby is the futuristic 2005 Ford SYNus concept, another unusual example of Ford experimental design.

The collection also includes an early Ford Focus reference model constructed from high density foam. Its aerodynamic shape and forward positioned passenger compartment illustrate how designers explored ways to maximize interior space.

Another unusual discovery is the Ford UXC concept, a mysterious four door design resembling an extended version of the final generation Mercury Cougar.

These models reveal the many creative directions that manufacturers explore before deciding which designs will eventually reach production.

Ford wants the Vault to serve a purpose beyond displaying historic automobiles.

The facility gives designers, engineers and motorsport specialists direct access to vehicles that document decades of experimentation and innovation.

Studying these prototypes allows modern development teams to understand previous engineering decisions, revisit forgotten solutions and discover ideas that could influence future models.

The collection also reflects a significant change in Ford approach to preserving its heritage. Instead of routinely disposing of development vehicles, the company is bringing important examples together under one roof.

With approximately 7,339 square meters of space, the Vault provides room for the collection to grow while accommodating rotating displays and historically significant vehicles on loan.

Ford has already announced limited public access to the Vault, including a special event on November 14, 2026, for selected visitors and employees. Tickets for the initial event sold out quickly.

However, regular public access has not yet been established. The company is working with the City of Romulus to address zoning requirements and building regulations before introducing broader visitor access. No confirmed date for a permanent public opening has been announced.

For automotive enthusiasts, the Ford Vault represents something particularly special. It is not simply a collection of polished classics, but a rare opportunity to discover the experiments, engineering challenges and forgotten ideas behind some of the most recognizable cars in automotive history.

From the V10 Mustang that nearly disappeared to the early Bronco designs that helped inspire a modern icon, every vehicle has a story worth preserving.

As Ford moves closer to making this remarkable collection accessible to more visitors, the Vault could become one of the most interesting automotive heritage destinations in Michigan.