Three Unbelievable Concept Cars from the 1900s
Unique Concept Cars That Defy Belief
Over the years, automakers have captured the imagination of car enthusiasts and designers alike with innovative concept cars. Some models, however, were so groundbreaking in their designs that it’s almost hard to believe they were created using the technology of the 1900s. These vehicles pushed the boundaries of imagination, blending futuristic technology with the automotive vision of their time. Here are three most unbelievable concept cars that emerged in the 20th century.
Jet-Inspired Innovation: The Ford FX Atmos
Unveiled at the 1954 Chicago Auto Show, the Ford FX Atmos was a concept that truly embodied the future of automotive design. With the FX standing for “Future Experimental,” Ford drew inspiration from jet aircraft to craft this unique vehicle. The front fender-mounted headlights and radio antenna mimicked the sleek lines of a jet engine, while the rocket-exhaust-style tail lights and tail fins gave the car the appearance of a spaceship.
One of the most innovative features of the FX Atmos was its driver’s cabin, which is located centrally in the vehicle and has two rear seats. The cabin was covered by a glass canopy, giving it an almost transparent feel. Instead of a conventional steering wheel, the driver used dual hand grips to steer, further enhancing its futuristic aesthetic. The dashboard featured a screen displaying radar-provided highway information, a concept unheard of at the time. The Ford FX Atmos was a radical step into the future, combining aviation-inspired elements with automotive technology.
The Alfa Romeo Carabo: A Wedge-Shaped Wonder
Revealed at the 1968 Paris Motor Show, the Alfa Romeo Carabo concept car was a stunning example of futuristic design created by legendary designer Marcello Gandini. True to its name—”Carabo,” meaning “beetle” in Italian—the car featured a striking golden-green exterior. Its most defining feature, however, was its wedge-shaped body, an embodiment of sharp lines and angular surfaces that showcased the essence of a forward-thinking, aerodynamic design.
At just under 1 meter (3.3 feet) in height, the Carabo was often described as resembling a spaceship. One of the most innovative features of the Carabo was its scissor doors, which opened upward instead of sideways, providing a dramatic and unique entry to the vehicle. This concept car looked like it belonged in the future and set the stage for many future automotive designs.
GM’s Sunraycer: Harnessing the Power of the Sun
The auto industry has been trying to replace fossil fuels for some time. In 1987, GM introduced the Sunraycer, a car whose entire body was mostly solar cells. The Sunraycer weighed only 177 kg (390.2 pounds) and was said to have been equipped with 7,200 solar cells.
While the Sunraycer was not designed for practicality—it could only seat one person—it demonstrated the potential for solar energy in automotive design. GM entered the Sunraycer in a 3,140 km (1,951 miles) race in Australia, where it reportedly won at an average speed of 67 km/h (42 mph), thanks to its drag coefficient of just 0.125 Cd. The Sunraycer is currently on display at the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.
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