Throughout the last fifty years, manufacturers have built extravagant, luxurious and sometimes downright ridiculous concept cars. Showcasing the latest in technological advances and state of the art designs, the likes of Lamborghini, Porsche and Rolls Royce have created some real showstoppers in a bid to show their adoring public just how ‘forward thinking’ they can be. In this article, we’ll work back from 1953 through to 2013 – presenting a timeline of the greatest ‘one offs’ ever made.
General Motors Firebird I
Using a gas turbine strapped to a fibreglass fuselage, General Motors built their infamous Firebird I in a bid to research the practical uses of gas turbines on automobiles. Although the experiment was deemed a he failure by many, the resulting 350 horsepower machine was appreciated by all when it exceeded speeds of 100mph in 1953.
1969 Porsche 914/8
Housing a flat-eight engine, only two prototypes of the 914/8 were ever built by German collaborators Porsche and VW. Using the hand-built shell of the 914, this stunningly mad beauty produced a whopping 350 horsepower – making it the perfect gift for none other than Ferry Porsche on his 60th birthday.
Lancia Stratos Zero
Featuring a much smaller engine than the Porsche 914/8, the Stratos Zero’s V4 engine and Bertone-designed body make it one of the most unusual concepts ever made. Wedge-shaped and packing over 500 horsepower, this track prepped street car epitomised the daring flair often associated with 1970s car design.
1996 TVR Cerbera Speed 12
Skipping forward to the 1996, the TVR Cerbera Speed 12 represents all that is great and good in terms of invention, power and design. Armed with an outrageous 12-cylinder engine, the Speed 12 boasts an astonishing 1000 horsepower output – meaning 0-60mph could be achieved in under three seconds!
Rolls Royce 102EX
Signifying a surge towards modernity and green energy, the Rolls Royce 102EX uses a lithium ion battery as opposed to V12 engine used in the Phantom. Originally manufactured to trigger a debate regarding the future of luxury autos, the 102EX was later cancelled due to issues centred around charging time.
Lamborghini Egoista
Celebrating their 50th anniversary, Italian giants Lamborghini introduced the Egoista in 2013. Purposely designed to look like a bull raring to charge, the Egoista boasts a space-age appearance thanks to its one-seat cockpit and futuristic interior. Now on display in the Lamborghini museum in Italy, the Egoista represents the pinnacle of modern engineering, design and artistry.
