10 Concept Cars

Here is a countdown of 10 of the most remarkable and adventurous concept cars that hugely influenced the industry, yet never made it to general sale.

1) Buick Y-Job

Designed by Harley J Earl in 1938, it became the industry’s first ever concept car. The car boasted many features, such as hidden head lamps, large wrap-around bumpers and an infamous ‘gun sight’ hood ornament. A true pioneer in vehicle design.

2) Volvo YCC

The first ever car designed entirely by women was presented at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show. The model was designed from the female driver’s perspective. One example is that the petrol and windscreen washer tanks – aspects which women find annoying, according to research – were removed.

3) Alfa Romeo BAT

The idea of the BAT was to create a vehicle with the lowest possible drag co-efficient. There were many of these unique-looking BAT concepts throughout the 1950s. A BAT 11 was made in 2008, over fifty years after its last predecessor was produced.

4) BMW GINA

Presented in 2005, the polyurethane-coated Spandex shell changes its shape according to the conditions and speeds of the car. The driver can also manipulate the shape when necessary. For example, the headlights are revealed when the fabric is pulled back, which is supposed to resemble an eyelid.

5) Ford SYNus

This wagon-esque beast of a vehicle, which was revealed in 2005, points towards the modern obsession with safety. Quite ugly in appearance, it has a tough exterior and soft interior, much like that of an armadillo.

6) Ford Nucleon

The first nuclear-powered car, it was developed in 1958. The vehicle was powered by a nuclear reactor at the end of the vehicle. The car would have been similar to a nuclear submarine, in that it would use a steam engine.

7) General Motors Firebird

This series of three concept cars was influenced by aviation design at the time. The Firebird I looked very similar to a fighter aircraft. All of the cars had the signature bubble-topped canopy.

8 ) Corvair Monza GT

This 1962 mid-engined vehicle was ahead of its time and never likely to be manufactured. Apart from its stunning appearance, the car showcased some forward-thinking modern features, which were not seen for years after. These included alloy wheels, 4-wheel disc brakes, adjustable pedals, and upward-swinging doors.

9) MIT Car

From the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the car was designed from an urban point of view and was made to offer the perfect city driving experience. The project started in 2003 and aimed to redefine the driver’s relationship with the vehicle and metropolis.

10) Huskar Dakar Rally Concept

This car was inspired by Polish winged cavalry uniforms from the 18th century. The tiered seating offers the driver a higher central position and two lower seats for a navigator and engineer. The vehicle is still in design and could potentially revolutionise the rally driving experience.