20 Vehicle Designs That Pushed the Automotive-Industry Envelope Just a Bit Too Far
Throughout history, innovative engineers and visionary designers have pushed the boundaries of transportation technology. While many of their creations proved revolutionary, others remained fascinating footnotes in the annals of automotive history.
Here is a list of 20 experimental vehicles that, despite their groundbreaking designs and ambitious goals, failed to transform from innovative prototypes into mainstream transportation solutions.
Chrysler Turbine Car
Chrysler’s ambitious experiment with turbine power produced 55 bronze-colored cars between 1963 and 1964. The jet-like engine could run on anything from peanut oil to perfume, making it incredibly versatile.
These futuristic vehicles covered over one million test miles in total. Public reaction praised their smooth operation but criticized the high-pitched whine and poor fuel economy. Chrysler destroyed all but nine of these remarkable machines.
Convair Model 118
This flying car concept from 1947 attempted to combine a standard automobile with removable airplane wings and tail assembly. The vehicle completed several successful test flights and drove effectively on public roads.
Despite promising initial results, technical challenges and high production costs prevented widespread adoption. The complex transformation process between car and aircraft modes proved particularly problematic in real-world conditions.
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Grumman-Olson Kurbmaster
This innovative delivery van from 1960 featured a gas turbine engine and aluminum construction decades ahead of its time. The vehicle’s modular design allowed quick cargo area replacement for different delivery needs.
Despite successful field testing with major shipping companies, high manufacturing costs and reliability concerns ended development. Only twelve prototypes were ever produced.
GM Electrovan
General Motors created the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in 1966, converting a standard GMC Handivan. The entire rear compartment housed the complex fuel cell system, leaving room for only a driver and two passengers.
While technically successful, the prototype cost $7 million to build and required constant maintenance. Safety concerns about hydrogen storage ended the program after only one vehicle was built.
Dean NMG
This single-seat, three-wheeled electric vehicle from 2006 promised 200 miles of range and highway-capable speeds. Its aerodynamic design and lightweight construction generated significant public interest.
Manufacturing difficulties and battery technology limitations prevented mass production. Only a handful of prototypes were completed before the company ceased operations.
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Moller Skycar
Paul Moller spent over 40 years developing this vertical takeoff and landing vehicle designed for personal transportation. Despite numerous prototypes and $100 million in development costs, the Skycar never achieved sustained free flight.
Technical challenges with stability control and power management proved insurmountable. The company’s last prototype now sits in a museum.
Rinspeed sQuba
This submersible sports car concept debuted in 2008, capable of diving to 33 feet underwater. Based on a Lotus Elise chassis, it featured electric motors for underwater propulsion and compressed air for passenger breathing.
While technically impressive, the complex systems and limited practical applications prevented commercialization. Only one fully functional prototype exists.
Ford Seattle-ite XXI
This nuclear-powered concept car from 1962 featured interchangeable front power units and rear passenger compartments. The modular design allowed owners to swap components based on their needs.
While ahead of its time in predicting modular vehicle architecture, the nuclear power plant proved impractical. The concept never progressed beyond full-scale models.
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Levacar Mach I
Chrysler’s experimental ground-effect vehicle from 1959 rode on a cushion of compressed air instead of wheels. The single-seat prototype achieved speeds up to 50 mph floating inches above the ground.
Technical limitations with the air cushion system and high power requirements ended development. The sole prototype required a massive external power supply to operate.
Amphicar Model 770
This German amphibious vehicle saw limited production between 1961 and 1968. The car-boat hybrid could achieve 7 knots in water and 70 mph on land.
While technically successful, high maintenance requirements and mediocre performance in both environments limited appeal. Only 3,878 units were produced before the company went bankrupt.
Tucker Torpedo
Preston Tucker’s revolutionary 1948 sedan featured innovative safety equipment and a rear-mounted helicopter engine. Advanced features included a padded dashboard, pop-out windshield, and center headlight that turned with the steering wheel.
Despite promising technology, only 51 cars were produced before the company folded amid controversy and financial troubles.
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Tasco
This 1948 prototype by Gordon Buehrig featured aircraft-inspired controls and the first T-top roof design. The aluminum-bodied sports car used surplus airplane wheels and a novel independent suspension system.
Manufacturing challenges and unconventional styling prevented production despite successful testing. Only one example was ever completed.
Chrysler TV-8
This nuclear-powered tank concept from 1955 housed its entire crew in a massive turret shaped like a pod. The design aimed to provide nuclear, biological, and chemical protection while floating across water.
The atomic power plant and radical configuration proved impractical for military use. Development ended after scale models and mock-ups.
Curtiss-Wright Air Car
This hovering vehicle from 1959 used a ducted fan system to float on a cushion of air. The prototype achieved stable hovering but struggled with forward motion control.
Poor efficiency and the system’s complexity ended development despite military interest. Two prototypes were built before the program was canceled.
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Aerocar
This flying car design by Molt Taylor earned FAA certification in 1956 and appeared close to production. The vehicle could convert from car to aircraft in under five minutes by attaching stored wings and tail.
While technically successful, the high cost and complex licensing requirements prevented sales success. Only six examples were completed.
Pininfarina X
This radical Italian concept car from 1960 featured a single front wheel and diamond-shaped layout for improved aerodynamics. The unusual configuration provided exceptional stability and fuel economy in testing.
The unconventional design and technical complexity prevented production despite positive reviews. The sole prototype remains in Pininfarina’s museum.
Gyro-X
This gyroscopically stabilized two-wheeler from 1967 could balance itself when stationary or moving. The prototype achieved speeds over 80 mph while remaining stable in turns and emergency maneuvers.
Technical challenges with the gyroscope system and high costs ended development. The single restored example now resides in a museum.
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Fiat Turbina
This gas turbine concept car from 1954 achieved remarkable performance but excessive fuel consumption. The mid-mounted turbine engine produced 300 horsepower while weighing just 22 pounds.
Despite successful testing, the technology proved impractical for consumer use. The sole prototype required extensive modifications to operate safely.
Fulton Airphibian
Robert Fulton’s flying car design from 1946 achieved FAA certification after extensive testing. The entire front section detached to become an aircraft while leaving a roadworthy rear section.
While four prototypes were built, development costs and complex conversion procedures prevented production. All examples were eventually scrapped.
Mercedes C111
This series of experimental vehicles tested various engine technologies between 1969 and 1979. The dramatic designs featured gullwing doors and advanced aerodynamics while testing Wankel, diesel, and turbocharged engines.
Despite setting numerous speed records, none reached production. The surviving prototypes remain among Mercedes’ most valuable experimental vehicles.
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Dreams and Reality
These twenty vehicles represent ambitious attempts to revolutionize transportation through radical innovation. While technical limitations and practical considerations prevented their widespread adoption, each contributed valuable lessons to automotive development.
Their legacy lives on in modern vehicles that successfully incorporate elements of their groundbreaking designs in more practical forms.
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