8 unusual cars of the past, ahead of their time. I would now buy the third one from the list.
Non-standard solutions of engineers of the last century still excite the minds of contemporaries. Here are the most unusual and futuristic models.
In the relatively distant past, designers often thought about what the technologies of the future would look like. To support the imagination of enthusiasts, automakers created unique vehicle designs. Today I will tell you about cars from the XX century, which looked like from the future when they came out.
Bizzarrini Manta (1968)
The first work of the designer Giorgetto Giugiaro (Giorgetto Giugiaro). This is a landmark car in the history of Italian style, because it was with it that the era of wedge-shaped shapes, sharp edges and flat surfaces began. It seems that Giurgaro had a time machine. Otherwise, how to explain the creation of a design that will become popular only in a few years?
In addition to the wedge shape, the designer used a single-volume body structure, in which the hood, cab and engine compartment were not visually separated. The highlight of the Bizzarrini Manta is in the salon. This is a three-seat car, the seats of which are arranged in one row.
The total power of the vehicle was 400 horsepower, and the torque was 490 Nm. The car could accelerate to a hundred in just 3.8 seconds, and its top speed was 316 km/h.
The fate of this car is quite strange. The supercar mysteriously disappeared while returning from an exhibition in Los Angeles. And Bizzarrini Manta appeared under the same unknown circumstances only ten years later — in 1978 at a customs auction. After that, the car was in Europe for several years, and then went to the United States. Since then, the car has won many awards, including a class win at Pebble Beach.
AMC Concept 80 AM Van (1977)
If you look at this amazing car, then there will be only one association: this is a giant Hot Wheels model. This version made a splash at the concept vehicle show in 1977. The car became a real star of the event, with a four-seat comfortable interior, stylish appearance and even all-wheel drive. It seems that the minivan was ahead of its time, because the demand for such models began closer to the 90s.
It was assumed that the car will receive a six-cylinder engine of 4.2 liters with turbocharging and all-wheel drive. The idea of the cabin was to place three-person seats in a row with a great panoramic view. However, due to financial difficulties, the company was not able to implement its plans. The project remained at the concept stage. That is, it is just a life-size model, in which there is nothing of a real car, except for the headlights, wheels and windows.
For many years, the concept car was located in the Historic Center in Kenosha (Wisconsin, USA), and in 2017 it was put on eBay for $ 72,000. It was eventually sold for $ 100,000 to a private collection.
Aston Martin Bulldog (1979)
This model was conceived as a supercar with a limited edition. The car featured both a twin-turbocharged engine located in the middle, and a hinged hood cover that opened at least five headlights. The total power of the Bulldog was 650 horsepower, and the claimed top speed was 381 km / h. The company had hoped to produce 15 supercars, however, as has often been the case in the history of Aston Martin, the money ran out before the project was implemented. Only one Bulldog was built, which was sold to a prince in the Middle East in the early ‘ 80s for about $ 20,000.
In theory, the Aston Martin Bulldog was capable of reaching a speed of 381 km / h, but in tests it never exceeded 308 km/h. In 2020, the car was in the hands of a new owner, who entrusted the company with the complete restoration of the supercar. His goal is to accelerate the Bulldog to 321 km/h. Whether it will be possible to implement the plan, it will be known only at the beginning of 2022.
Capsula concept car (1982)
The design of the car, presented at the Turin Motor Show in 1982, was inspired by buses built on chassis. The design of the Capsula included a front-mounted engine, Alfa Romeo gearbox, suspension, fuel tank, brake system, wheels, axles, front and rear lights. The chassis also had space for luggage between the wheels.
The car was designed in such a way that even those who held a screwdriver in their hands at least a few times could modify it. This is a unique concept that allows you to change the appearance of the car in accordance with the needs. That is, drivers could easily remove the roof and all parts of the car body and then attach others. The company has developed a range of potential top pods, including a version with tarpaulin sides, a cargo van, an extended model for a school bus, and an ambulance.
Steinwinter Supercargo 2040 Cab Under (1983)
The car, unveiled at the 1983 Frankfurt Motor Show, used a Mercedes chassis, a 400-horsepower Daimler-Benz engine, independent air suspension, climate control, anti-lock brakes, and a high-friction differential. The unusual design made it possible to have a cargo platform with a length of 18 meters and a total cargo volume of 150 cubic meters. It was a fairly modern business transport for the 80s.
The company planned to create a truck with improved aerodynamic drag. Such a design would lead to increased fuel efficiency and increased payload capacity.
However, there were many shortcomings in this project. First of all, the driver’s incredibly low seat: it’s probably inconvenient to drive a 40-ton truck sitting as close to the asphalt as in a Mazda MX-5. In addition, there was poor visibility and frequent overheating due to difficult engine cooling.
There are several versions of how the fate of the car ended. One of them says that the truck was upgraded for the TV series “Robber” in 1987. Other sources claim that the supercar is safe and sound in a private collection. The last known appearance of the car occurred in 2002 during the filming of the TV series “Power Rangers”.
Oldsmobile Incas (1986)
This car had a unique appearance that resembled a retro sci-fi ship. The concept of the five-door sedan was distinguished by an aerodynamic design: retractable headlights, a front door with a canopy, rear doors of the “bird’s wing” type, an almost completely glass roof and a canopy of the engine compartment.
The Oldsmobile Incas featured a polished interior with comfortable seating and panoramic views. The highlight of the car was the steering wheel with a maximum rotation of 90 degrees. However, it is worth noting that the design of the steering wheel was far from classical standards. It looked like a pair of video game joysticks.
The only control that wasn’t located on the steering wheel was the turn signal. All the other instruments, including the climate control, lighting, audio system, and transmission, were on the steering wheel. The company did not plan to launch the car into mass production, and therefore the Oldsmobile Incas did not become popular.
Machimoto (1986)
The Machimoto was unveiled at the 1986 Turin Motor Show. Based on the Volkswagen Golf platform, the car had an open top and a unique seat system. That is, two parallel rows could accommodate 6 people. In addition, it was possible to add three additional seats. You can get to the salon by two side fences. Each passenger had a seat belt with two attachment points. As critics have pointed out, Machimoto is not a car or a motorcycle, but their perfect hybrid.
Of course, the car was not put into mass production. However, Machimoto found his place in a cameo role in the 1996 Italian time travel comedy Rescue Pace.
Isdera Commendatore 112i (1993)
The Commendatore was said to be much “cooler” than its predecessor, the Imperator. Under the rear hood cover was a six-liter Mercedes-Benz M120 V-12 engine, the total power of the car was 400 horsepower, and its maximum speed was 340 km / h.
The Isdera Commendatore 112i has an unusual appearance: wide gull-wing doors, a periscope, and a long lizard-like tail. The car immediately attracted attention with its laconic silhouette.
Unfortunately, due to financial difficulties, the company was able to produce only one copy, which is to be auctioned at RM Sotheby’s in Paris in 2021.