Volvo claims it built the first concept car when it presented the Venus Bilo in 1933. Auto historians have long debated whether or not that claim is accurate, but what is certain is that concept cars have been around since at least the 1930s.
A look back at decades of auto shows reveals concept cars have taken almost every imaginable form ranging from highly-futuristic models like the Renault 11-based Gabbiano to more realistic examples such as the Renault Fuego Cabriolet that was largely designed with the United States market in mind. There have been trends, too: Numerous automakers unveiled aerodynamic wedge-shaped concepts in the early 1970s, and many presented safety-focused show cars in the late 1970s and early 1908s.
The latest trend in the auto industry is to present so-called “thinly-veiled” concepts that are essentially upcoming production models with futuristic styling cues like thin mirrors and hidden door handles, but some automakers still dabble in the wild and the highly-improbable.
There are many vintage concept cars that we would have liked to see built. One that immediately comes to mind is the Simca 1501 Coupe that coachbuilder Heuliez presented in 1968. Based on the standard 1501 sedan, the Coupe featured a fastback-like silhouette that was noticeably inspired by the Simca 1000 and 1200 coupes. Inside, the 1501 Coupe boasted a sporty dashboard with a comprehensive selection of analog gauges and a floor-mounted shifter.
How about you, readers, what concept car do you think should have been built?
The 2003 Lancia Fulvietta.
I think that one would had a positive image on Lancia’s image. They passed up an opportunity to rejuvenate Lancia, it’s a shame.
I must admit, I’ve grown up in the 1980s in Ingolstadt, so I have fond memories of the Audi quattro spyder. So much more elegant than the later Audi TT (or anything they build in Ingolstadt at that time). Oh how I love the orange color of the concept car.
And the spyder is probably the only Audi which I thought looked good – besides the 1980s Sport Quattro, of course. 🙂
Chrysler CCV, Renault Fiftie, American Motors AM Van, VW EcoRacer, Suzuki LC, Colani-BMW 700, Volvo Jakob HotRod…
In addition to this pretty Simca 1501, Pinin Farina designed a very nice Peugeot 505 2 door coupe, again with the US in mind, I think.
Fiat 2300 S Coupe Speciale by Pininfarina from 1965:
Ford 021C
The first one that comes to mind is the brilliant Rover P6BS mid-engined V8 sports car prototype of the late 60s – iced by Jaguar’s William Lyons who worried it would shade the ageing E Type in the newly formed and soon to be disastrous British Leyland conglomerate.
The Simca Coupe looks nice.
The Leyland Force 7V should definitely have been built.
Oh, and the Citroen CX Tri Rotor…..
Aston Martin Bulldog http://www.theginpalace.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/AstonMartinBulldog_1-784792.jpg
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Volkswagen Golf GTI W12-650 anyone?
I hope we all agree that Jeremy Clarkson can’t drive, so we can forget his poor review of this car on Top Gear.