Unconventional Car Designs: Innovations and Oddities in Automotive History
Automotive history is filled with innovative and often unconventional car designs. From weird car designs like the double-decker jeep, to experimental vehicles that push the envelope of what a car can be, this article explores the most fascinating and memorable automotive designs that capture the imagination.
The Double-Decker Jeep: A Mysterious Design
One particularly peculiar car design that stands out is the double-decker jeep. This unique vehicle, while seemingly practical, raises several questions. Why make it so broad and spacious in the front seat? Doesn’t this design utilize more width than necessary? How does it manage to increase seating capacity? Can these benefits justify the added cost of around 250,000—a premium that few would willingly pay for such an unconventional design?
These are just some of the questions that remain unanswered for this particular design. Despite its ostensible novelty, the utility and real-world benefits of a double-decker jeep remain uncertain.
The ETV Extraterrestrial Vehicle
Another fascinating specimen in the world of unconventional car designs is the ETV Extraterrestrial Vehicle. This one-of-a-kind car was created by Mike Vetter, the owner of a car customization company known as The Car Factory. The ETV was built through an innovative approach—stripping the body of a Chevrolet Aveo and replacing it with a futuristic shell.
The ETV is a testament to the creative possibilities in car design. However, its unique appearance and function raise questions about its practicality and appeal to consumers. This unconventional vehicle showcases the potential for car customization and artistic expression within the automotive industry.
Concept Cars That Shaped the Future
Concept cars have often been the precursors to groundbreaking technologies, some of which eventually became commonplace in production vehicles. Here are a few highlights:
Mitsubishi HSR 1
The Mitsubishi HSR 1 is a prime example of a concept car that pushed the boundaries of speed. By marrying the floorpan, transmission, and 2.0L MIVEC engine from the Galant to a sleek, aerodynamic body, Mitsubishi achieved an impressive top speed of 300 km/h. However, subsequent iterations of the HSR series, including the HSR II and HSR IV, faced criticism and inability to maintain the same level of innovation. The original HSR I, however, remains a favorite for its sheer speed and innovative design.
Citroen EOLE Concept
The Citroen EOLE concept demonstrated cutting-edge aerodynamics and design features. Its super-low drag coefficient and innovative wheel spats make it a standout. The concept car also featured extensive high-tech interior design reminiscent of early-1980s science fiction. The EOLE concept, with its design focusing on practicality and safety, offers a glimpse into the potential future of car design.
Ford Probe III
The Ford Probe III is notable for becoming a production car, echoing the other concepts mentioned in this article. Despite being a concept, the Probe III managed to achieve a balance between low drag and practicality, culminating in the Ford Sierra. This study in aerodynamics and engineering highlights the potential for concepts to influence mainstream automotive designs.
Concluding Thoughts
From the double-decker jeep to the ETV and concept cars like the HSR 1 and Citroen EOLE, the world of automotive design is full of innovations and oddities. These unconventional designs not only push the boundaries of what a car can be but also inspire future advancements in technology and aesthetics.
These examples serve as a reminder of the creative potential within the automotive industry, highlighting the need for innovation and the occasional unconventional approach to fulfill future automotive aspirations.