Hooniverse Asks- What's Your favorite Too Outlandish to Produce Show Car?

Robert Emslie

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Car companies hate auto shows. They’re expensive, and everyone expects something new and spectacular to debut there, even when it’s the Des Moines Dealer Round Up. Car makers and design houses are expected to come through on the goods however, and typically the largest of the automotive orgies provide them with the opportunity to flex their styling and engineering muscles – providing a possible glimpse into the future, or a far out representation of just how cool they think they are.
It’s those last dais darlings that we’re interested in today. The cars that are solitary plenipotentiary of a company’s hubris and wherewithal, but that are so outrageous and completely lacking in consideration of ergonomics, safety and usability that to drive one on the road would be tantamount to using a P51 to trim the hedge. Take the Bertone design fitted to Lancia’s Stratos pictured above. It’s lights will do an excellent job of illuminating the road – three feet ahead of you, while the wiper-less windscreen-cum-door means that rainy days and Mondays always get you down.
That’s just one example, there’s thousands more, from GM’s Motorama future-fests to Ford’s ruminations in Aerodynamic one-upsmanship, the Probe series. And in between, four door Ferraris, AC-based Ghias and a plethora of others, but none of them fit to roll out from in the spotlight to out under the streetlights. Which one of those dream cars fills your fantasies?
Image source: [automobilesreview.com]

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Robert Emslie

Robert Emslie

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97 responses to “Hooniverse Asks- What's Your favorite Too Outlandish to Produce Show Car?”

  1. muthalovin Avatar
    muthalovin

    <img src="http://blogs.motortrend.com/files/2009/04/17603137.jpeg"&gt;
    Oh, wait…

    Reply
    1. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
      Peter Tanshanomi

      Yea, that made it and the Ford Carousel didn't. Go figure.
      <img src="http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/1972-ford-carousel-minivan-concept-car-1.jpg"&gt;

      Reply
      1. dukeisduke Avatar
        dukeisduke

        I just think that thing looks way cool. It's too bad Ford didn't make it.

        Reply
        1. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
          Peter Tanshanomi

          But, a miniature-sized van? Who the hell would buy something like that?
          <img src="http://gadgets.boingboing.net/gimages/mudmasterc.jpg"&gt;

          Reply
  2. tonyola Avatar
    tonyola

    GM Firebird III. Nine fins, whitewalls, and a gas turbine. What else do you need?
    <img src="http://www.allcarcentral.com/GMC/GM_Firebird_III_1958_BPB0033_pb_2008.jpg&quot; width="500/">

    Reply
    1. P161911 Avatar
      P161911

      Fewer seats, less weight, and more power and lose the whitewalls.
      <img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b6/FirebirdI.jpg&quot; width="500/">

      Reply
      1. ptschett Avatar
        ptschett

        I'd rather have my turbine goodness in a hardtop coupe package.
        <img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d1/Chrysler_027.jpg/800px-Chrysler_027.jpg&quot; width="500"/>

        Reply
        1. tonyola Avatar
          tonyola

          Here's something cool – the Driver's Guide for the Chrysler Turbine. http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chrysler…

          Reply
    2. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
      Peter Tanshanomi

      The Plymouth XNR scoffs at your silly bubbles and excess wingatude. THIS what the practical car of tomorrow looks like.
      <img src="http://www.moparstyle.com/wiki/images/5/5a/XNRj.jpg"&gt;

      Reply
      1. Alff Avatar
        Alff

        Daroo II finds your fins passe, and shudders at your lack of passenger comfort…
        <DIV style="OVERFLOW: auto"><img src="http://www.velocityjournal.com/images/full/2000/s00032301/dg1967dr01.jpg"width="500/"&gt;

        Reply
      2. RahRahRecords Avatar
        RahRahRecords

        there was thread on this over at slantsix.org last month around the time it's restoration was completed.

        Reply
  3. SSurfer321 Avatar
    SSurfer321

    <img src="http://www.ohgizmo.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/naias08_mazda_furai_01.jpg"&gt;
    IMG from OhGizmo.com

    Reply
    1. tonyola Avatar
      tonyola

      This Mazda gets pointed up as a beauty all over the auto blogosphere. I just don't understand what people see. I think it's hideous.

      Reply
      1. With.a.G Avatar
        With.a.G

        For one, that warped eggcrate/ flame motif in the bodywork is exquisite, functional, and unique. For another thing, this actually runs and could perform quite well as an actual race car.

        Reply
  4. Jennings R. Scroggs, Jr. Avatar
    Jennings R. Scroggs, Jr.

    Obvious choice is obvious
    <img src="http://www.ridelust.com/wp-content/uploads/1958_ford_nucleon.jpg"&gt;

    Reply
    1. P161911 Avatar
      P161911

      I came here to say that.

      Reply
    2. IronBallsMcG Avatar
      IronBallsMcG

      True.

      Reply
    3. Maymar Avatar
      Maymar

      Well sure, that sort of overhang would never work in the real world.

      Reply
      1. Alff Avatar
        Alff

        Yes, that is what killed the concept.

        Reply
        1. JoeyM Avatar
          JoeyM

          ROFL!!!!

          Reply
    4. Feds_II Avatar
      Feds_II

      Sorry
      You've already voted on that comment.
      (Close Message)

      Reply
  5. Alff Avatar
    Alff

    <img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_c-empowfUzU/TDiPr0FLnwI/AAAAAAAAAN0/Hrq_iWH5-gE/s1600/audi_calamaro_concept.jpg"width=500&gt;

    Reply
    1. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
      Peter Tanshanomi

      Only if it makes the Jetsons noise and trails little bubble exhaust.

      Reply
  6. Feds_II Avatar
    Feds_II

    Dodge Razor. I was a 22 y-o single guy about to graduate with no student debt and a $55k/yr job lined up when this concept hit the show circuit. I would have pre-ordered.
    <img src="http://www.seriouswheels.com/pics-2000-2003/2002-Dodge-Razor-FA-Beach-Man-Woman-1280×960.jpg&quot; width=500>

    Reply
    1. P161911 Avatar
      P161911

      The Razor seems very similar to the 1997 Copperhead.
      <img src="http://www.scorpiocars.net/images/Dodge/1997%20Dodge%20Copperhead%20Concept.jpg"width=500&gt;

      Reply
      1. ptschett Avatar
        ptschett

        And why must Dodge keep teasing us with concepts of inexpensive orange roadsters?!?
        <img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ec/Dodge_Demon_Side-Denver_Autoshow_2008.JPG/800px-Dodge_Demon_Side-Denver_Autoshow_2008.JPG&quot; width="500"/>

        Reply
    2. Maymar Avatar
      Maymar

      Looking at it now, the Razor reminds me a lot of a smaller, cheaper Crossfire.
      Of course, with used values the way they are, cheaper Crossfire is sort of redundant.

      Reply
      1. Feds_II Avatar
        Feds_II

        SHHHHHHHHH

        Reply
        1. Maymar Avatar
          Maymar

          And, if any Crossfire fans are reading this, I say cheaper Crossfire not as a statement of quality, but a celebration of the fact that it's an excellent car for little money given how it's been overlooked.

          Reply
          1. Alff Avatar
            Alff

            Are you trying to wake them up?

    3. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
      Peter Tanshanomi

      It's like a Saturn Sky mated with an Audi TT while fantasizing it was a vintage Vette.
      And I mean that in the very best way.

      Reply
      1. patrick Avatar
        patrick

        All of this is well and good, but did anyone get that girl's number?

        Reply
  7. tonyola Avatar
    tonyola

    To think there was a time when we believed that we would actually be driving cars like this. Pininfarina Ferrari Modulo – 1970.
    <img src="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01011/Pg249_-Ferrari-Pin_1011395i.jpg&quot; width=400>

    Reply
    1. salguod Avatar
      salguod

      I was just coming here to post this. Here's another shot:
      <img src="http://www.motorworld.net/gallery/data/530/Ferrari_Modulo_001.jpg&quot; width=500>

      Reply
  8. dwegmull Avatar
    dwegmull

    I was going to say this:
    <img src="http://www.skewsme.com/images/tomahawk2_e.jpg&quot; width =" 500">
    But then, I came across this: <a href="http://auto.niot.net/tag/tomahawk-motorcycle/” target=”_blank”>http://auto.niot.net/tag/tomahawk-motorcycle/

    Reply
  9. Zach Avatar
    Zach

    <img src="http://www.kulturblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Homermobile.jpg&quot; />

    Reply
  10. P161911 Avatar
    P161911

    Lincoln Futura, before Barris molested it.
    <img src="http://www.bat-mania.co.uk/main/vehicles/images/lincoln_futura.jpg"width=500&gt;

    Reply
    1. Charles_Barrett Avatar
      Charles_Barrett

      …And before Batman molested Robin IN it…

      Reply
    2. salguod Avatar
      salguod

      I own the closest thing to a production version:
      <img src="http://www.salguod.net/gallery/1960_thunderbird_convertible/P1110638-photo.jpg"&gt;
      Folks have been know to shout "To the Batmobile!" as I walk to it in a parking lot.

      Reply
  11. Maymar Avatar
    Maymar

    <img src="http://www.autospectator.com/uploads/Saab/Concept/AeroX/AeroX_opening.jpg&quot; /img>
    Partially for that door, partially for Saab's current financial situation.

    Reply
    1. Lotte Avatar
      Lotte

      Thanks; I've just spent 20 minutes looking at videos of that cockpit opening and closing. Even now, it is still so cool!

      Reply
    2. muthalovin Avatar
      muthalovin

      They couldn't afford the parts for that door, sadly. I wish Saab the best, but damn, being in financial trouble sucks the big one.

      Reply
  12. mdharrell Avatar
    mdharrell

    As a rule I don't acknowledge the concept of "too outlandish to produce" but I must admit that the 1958 Arbel Symetric, although charming,
    <img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5247/5245945268_a218b650d1.jpg&quot; width="400">
    might not be the best for mass-production, in light of its twin Genestatom nuclear fission units:
    <img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5030/5654222022_2904c13c63.jpg&quot; width="400">
    Pity, though.

    Reply
    1. mr. mzs zsm msz esq Avatar
      mr. mzs zsm msz esq

      That's da bomb!

      Reply
    2. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
      Peter Tanshanomi

      Why not? I mean, they've certainly done a nice job of giving it a safe, rugged, heavily gussetted frame.

      Reply
      1. mdharrell Avatar
        mdharrell

        It's French.

        Reply
      2. dmilligan Avatar
        dmilligan

        Yes, it is severely overbuilt, isn't it?

        Reply
    3. jjd241 Avatar
      jjd241

      That greenhouse looks like it was made for this guy…
      <img src="http://monroelab.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2006/03/this-island-earth-mutant.jpg&quot; width="300">

      Reply
  13. SSurfer321 Avatar
    SSurfer321

    I believe there is still some discussion at Ford as whether to bring this to market or not. I say eliminate the Ford Edge and bring this back in limited production.

    Reply
    1. $kaycog Avatar
      $kaycog

      I'm all for bringing the Bronco back. I'm also thinking that my next vehicle will be an Edge.

      Reply
  14. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
    Peter Tanshanomi

    Polaris Revolver.
    <img src="http://images.gizmag.com/gallery_lrg/6932_5030783203_4.jpg&quot; width="500">

    Reply
    1. Feds_II Avatar
      Feds_II

      Having driven a Can Am Spyder and a Piaggio MP3, I present you with Feds_II's Third Axiom:
      If you straddle it, and it doesn't lean, it has no business on pavement.

      Reply
      1. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
        Peter Tanshanomi

        Peugeot disagrees.
        <img src="http://www.babez.de/peugeot/quark/newtitel.jpg"&gt;

        Reply
      2. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
        Peter Tanshanomi

        Aprilia DOES agree with you, however. And they're 10x cooler than Peugeot and Polaris put together.
        <img src="http://static.carsculture.com/cache-image/520×350/2010/05/aprilia-magnet-concept-3.jpg&quot; width="480">

        Reply
        1. Tiller188 Avatar
          Tiller188

          Now THAT's an awesome-looking reclining bike. Time to trade up, Kaneda.

          Reply
  15. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
    Peter Tanshanomi

    Cadillac Sixteen.
    <img src="http://tripenglish.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/2003-cadillac-sixteen-concept-side-view.jpg&quot; width="500">

    Reply
    1. Maymar Avatar
      Maymar

      If Cadillac insists on trying to reclaim their "Standard of the World" title, this is the exact type of outlandish they need.

      Reply
  16. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
    Peter Tanshanomi

    VW Concept T
    <img src="http://www.screene.com/free-screensavers/free-screensaver-preview/screensaver-volkswagen-conceptt.jpg"&gt;

    Reply
    1. Feds_II Avatar
      Feds_II

      I'll see your concept T, and raise you a BRAT Borrego
      <img src="http://archive.cardesignnews.com/news/2000/001110gm-concepts/images/chevy-borrega01.jpg&quot; width=500>

      Reply
      1. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
        Peter Tanshanomi

        And the Pontiac Stinger ups the ante.
        <img src="http://poze3.autobook.ro/poze/pontiac/1989-pontiac-stinger/1989-pontiac-stinger-1280×960-poza-1.jpg&quot; width="500">

        Reply
  17. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
    Peter Tanshanomi

    Courtesy Embed
    <img src="http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l0xs95keGi1qaakzyo1_500.jpg"&gt;

    Reply
  18. smokyburnout Avatar
    smokyburnout

    <img src="http://www.cartype.com/pics/4171/full/dodge-sling-shot_1.jpg&quot; width="600">
    Dodge Slingshot. Potentially affordable rear drive sports car based on the Smart? Still has that transmission, though.
    Oh, right, you said outlandish.
    <img src="http://www.tuningnews.net/wallpaper/1024×768/audi-r8-tdi-le-mans-05.jpg&quot; width="600"/>
    IMGs from Cartype, Tuningnews

    Reply
    1. Feds_II Avatar
      Feds_II

      Forgot all about this. A Smart Roadster for America! See my comment above about dodge's concept lineup between 2002 and 2005, and what they would look like on the lot today.

      Reply
  19. P161911 Avatar
    P161911

    Corvette Indy
    The world still isn't ready for a mid-engined 4WD Corvette.
    <img src="http://www.gmphotostore.com/images/53218409_pr.jpg"width=500&gt;

    Reply
    1. Smells_Homeless Avatar
      Smells_Homeless

      Just make sure it makes v8 noises and I'll be an early adopter.

      Reply
  20. OA5599 Avatar
    OA5599

    I don't know that it was too outrageous to produce, but the Y-Job wasn't produced, even though Harley Earl used it as a personal vehicle.
    The concept car that established the concept of concept cars was the best one.
    <img src="http://www.bestcarimages.com/files/images/1938-Buick-Y-Job-Harley-Earl-ra-1280×960.jpg&quot; width=500>

    Reply
  21. skitter Avatar
    skitter

    Right now I am completely smitten with the Wiesmann Spyder.
    2000 pounds, BMW V8 Power, better lines than a Cobra.
    <img src="http://i615.photobucket.com/albums/tt237/jskitter/hooniverse/WeismannSpyderE.jpg&quot; width="500">

    Reply
    1. SSurfer321 Avatar
      SSurfer321

      As Tonyola responded to my Furia post, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

      Reply
    2. Ruckus Avatar
      Ruckus

      to me, front end looks like it was taken straight from a veyron.
      no likey

      Reply
  22. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
    Peter Tanshanomi

    How about a concept car that never made production not because it was too outrageous, but because it was too plain?
    <img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/e4/2002_bel_air.jpg"&gt;
    I for one was in love with it.

    Reply
    1. dukeisduke Avatar
      dukeisduke

      The Bel Air? Didn't it have a shifter on-the-tree?

      Reply
    2. ptschett Avatar
      ptschett

      If I had to pick between the Bel Air and the Ford 49, I'd have a hard time deciding. I loved both those cars.
      <img src="http://files.conceptcarz.com/img/Ford/Ford_Forty-Nine-Concept_Exterior_Image-05-800.jpg&quot; width="500"/>

      Reply
  23. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
    Peter Tanshanomi

    I'd rather they produce the EX.
    <img src="http://archive.in.gr/auto/exhib/photos/big/Ford_EX_NAIAS.jpg&quot; width="500">

    Reply
    1. dmilligan Avatar
      dmilligan

      Bleah.

      Reply
    2. jjd241 Avatar
      jjd241

      Captain Picard ordered one for the Enterprise E!
      <img src="http://plaza.ufl.edu/joec/images/picard_dune_buggy.jpg&quot; width="400">

      Reply
  24. dragon951 Avatar
    dragon951

    No disassemble! Bronco 5 is alive!

    Reply
    1. Tiller188 Avatar
      Tiller188

      I knew there was something about those headlights…and now I can't un-see it.

      Reply
  25. tonyola Avatar
    tonyola

    I thought the question referred to hopelessly impractical and completely over-the-top concepts, which is why I posted the Firebird and Modulo. However, the Dodge Deora is pretty awesome. For cool concept trucks, I'd also include the Chevy XT-2 from 1989.
    <img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3501/3229975251_ce0bfc2295.jpg"&gt;

    Reply
    1. muthalovin Avatar
      muthalovin

      Sleek AND practical. I love it.

      Reply
      1. tonyola Avatar
        tonyola

        It's sleek, alright, but I'm not sure about the practical part. There's no tailgate – the rear panel is solid. Nonetheless, I love it.

        Reply
  26. tonyola Avatar
    tonyola

    Chrysler Atlantic.
    <img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_yW1rgSJLkxM/S6HogHkPDUI/AAAAAAAAAbg/P0knEnyrOSU/1995-chrysler-atlantic-concept-inline.jpg&quot; width=500>

    Reply
    1. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
      Peter Tanshanomi

      Loved it. Perhaps as much more more than the original.

      Reply
  27. dragon951 Avatar
    dragon951

    <img src="http://pcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/porsche-vw-tapiro.jpg"&gt;
    <img src="http://images.thecarconnection.com/med/2003-volkswagen-concept-r_100188308_m.jpg&quot; width="400">
    <img src="http://img2.netcarshow.com/Audi-TT_clubsport_quattro_Concept_2007_800x600_wallpaper_03.jpg&quot; width="400">

    Reply
  28. James Avatar
    James

    <img src="http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii262/Elanagtr/Lamborghini_Portofino_tcm35-1075445.jpg&quot; border="0" alt="Side shot of Portofino Pictures, Images and Photos"/>
    <img src="http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii262/Elanagtr/lamborghini_portofino.jpg&quot; border="0" alt="Rear shot of Portofino Pictures, Images and Photos"/>
    Chrysler Portofino.
    Yeah, it looks a bit bland now, but this was a few years before the Stealth or Intrepid and at that time it spoke of a bright future for the Chrysler/Lamborghini marriage.

    Reply
  29. tonyola Avatar
    tonyola

    Though it was never actually built, Syd Mead's Sentinel is still pretty awesome. It looks like Mattel made a Hot Wheels version so, in a way, it was built after all.
    <img src="http://www.promotex.ca/articles/cawthon/2003/images/12-01-2003-6b.jpg&quot; width=500>
    <img src="http://www.southtexasdiecast.com/hwguide/images/2002/2002_054.jpg&quot; width=500>

    Reply
    1. dmilligan Avatar
      dmilligan

      Hey! That's Meadows!

      Reply
  30. Seth_L Avatar
    Seth_L

    Also to outlandishly awesome to live? Chrysler's old concepts gallery:
    http://replay.web.archive.org/20030220145050/http…
    It was a beautiful thing to browse through.

    Reply
  31. OA5599 Avatar
    OA5599

    Hemi – check.
    E-body – check
    Convertible – check (by Vin, anyway, if not an actual convertible bodystyle.
    <img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3301/3335770968_00d7432892.jpg"&gt;

    Reply
  32. facelvega Avatar
    facelvega

    Not exactly a showcar, but more a perpetually-promised piece of vaporware, the Connaught Type D: greatest GT car to come from Wales since the Gilbern Invader. Also the only one. How does a supercharged, intercooled, narrow-angle two liter V-10 sound to you? There was also some hybrid BS when it was first announced, though the connaught website now seems to regard that as a future version– of a car that is now about five years old but not really in production.
    <img src="http://www.supercarnews.net/photo-gallery/connaught/2005-connaught-type-d-gt-syracuse-edition/connaught-type-d-gt-syracuse-edition-2005-scn-net10.jpg"&gt;
    <img src="http://www.autotrader.co.uk/i/CA/news/editorial/autosportshow/connaught_type-d_gt_800x600.jpg&quot; width="600">

    Reply
  33. dmilligan Avatar
    dmilligan

    My eyes have been over-purpled.

    Reply
  34. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
    Peter Tanshanomi

    A pivoting door on the front was practical?

    Reply
  35. mr. mzs zsm msz esq Avatar
    mr. mzs zsm msz esq

    Kukashima!? But he only met her…

    Reply
  36. discontinuuity Avatar
    discontinuuity

    Ford 021c
    <img src="http://www.diseno-art.com/images/Ford-021C-Concept-2.jpg"&gt;

    Reply
    1. OA5599 Avatar
      OA5599

      But the inspiration for the color scheme and bumper/grille treatment was in production.
      <img src="http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff221/Cometgames/1970%20to%201979/1970-dodge-charger-rt-10.jpg&quot; width=500>

      Reply
    2. topdeadcentre Avatar
      topdeadcentre

      Why do I suddenly find myself reaching for a tennis racket?

      Reply
  37. Mike Avatar
    Mike

    I wouldn't have minded owning this one:
    [IMG ]http://i53.tinypic.com/2vhxaww.jpg[/IMG]

    Reply
    1. Mike Avatar
      Mike

      a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=2vhxaww&quot; target="_blank"><img src="http://i53.tinypic.com/2vhxaww.jpg&quot; border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic">

      Reply