In the foreground of the 1973 Ford Truck exhibit on the lower level of McCormick Place, a radically different recreational pickup is displayed on a raised circular platform. This was the Ford Explorer SUV, a futuristic sport-utility concept, based on the Ford F-100, with a forward control design. The Ford engineers crammed a midship mounted high-performance 429 cubic inch V-8 under the pickup bed. The louvers placed behind the doors vented the engine compartment. Adding to the functionality of Explorer was a foldable poplin tent that could be used within the long bed truck for an "instant campsite." The scene is from the 65th annual Chicago Auto Show, held February 24 - March 4, 1973.