The World of Cars: Your ChoiceChina Search Auto
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A look at these bizarre cars crafted by masters
-Pain-
Today, we are not discussing the application of 3D printing technology, but rather talking about cars. Whether they are made of steel, aluminum, or 3D printed, over the past century, people have put a lot of effort into the design and manufacturing of cars.
Let’s take a look at some of the avant-garde, high-tech, and even quirky car models designed and manufactured by great automotive designers throughout history.
According to British media Autocar, Honda recently released its first 3D printed electric vehicle, developed in collaboration with Japanese tech company Kabuku.
This vehicle uses a lightweight frame to ensure chassis stability, while the body is primarily achieved through 3D printing. Honda and Kabuku claim that the 3D printing process reduces production costs and time, making this model suitable for mass production.
In fact, 3D printed cars are not a new phenomenon. The world’s first 3D printed car, Strati, has a total parts cost of about $3,500, a production cycle of 44 hours, and can reach a top speed of 80 kilometers per hour. In October 2014, Strati took to the streets of New York for its first trial.
Strati
Today, we are not discussing the application of 3D printing technology, but rather talking about cars. Whether they are made of steel, aluminum, or 3D printed, over the past century, people have put a lot of effort into the design and manufacturing of cars. Let’s take a look at some of the avant-garde, high-tech, and even quirky car models designed and manufactured by great automotive designers throughout history.
Please do not say, “What is this thing?” In 1934, Edsel Ford, then chairman of Ford Motor Company, had a sudden inspiration during an overseas business trip, desiring to launch a more streamlined, European-style “Lincoln Continental” in the United States. Coincidentally, Ford had an aircraft division from 1924 to 1936, which supported the design of a very light and strong body. A series of detailed designs were unprecedented in Ford models at the time.
Ardex is an automotive manufacturer based in Nanterre, France, which launched its first vehicle, a tricycle, in 1934. During World War II, due to the German invasion of France and material shortages, Ardex produced simple electric four-wheel vehicles. By the 1950s, they began manufacturing gasoline-powered cars with an engine displacement of only 0.1L, making them very environmentally friendly…
In 1936, German engineer Karl Schlör designed a car resembling an egg, named Schlörwagen, which underwent extensive wind tunnel testing, ultimately achieving a drag coefficient of only 0.113cd.
The three-wheeled vehicle nicknamed “Electric Egg” L’ouf électrique was born in 1942. Like many tech enthusiasts of that era, it was built for personal use during World War II. The creation of the “Electric Egg” L’ouf électrique was a response to severe energy rationing, with shortages of materials and oil supply.
This vehicle fully embodies the concept of a split vehicle, resembling two twin projectiles flying close to the ground. It was designed in Italy in 1951, and even today, its shape is quite sci-fi, seemingly from another planet. One wonders if the flying cars in “Star Wars” were inspired by this design.
Scootacar is a bubble car produced by the British company Scootacars between 1957 and 1964, featuring only three wheels. In terms of size, it measures 2210mm in length, 1321mm in width, and 1524mm in height, making it much smaller than today’s smallest Smart car. It is equipped with a 0.2L engine and reportedly can reach a top speed of 80km/h, paired with a 4-speed manual transmission.
In the late 1960s, Ferrari approached the Pininfarina design studio, requesting a concept car that would shock the world: the 512 S Modulo. With a height of less than 1 meter, the designer faced extreme design challenges, not only in aerodynamics and aesthetics but also in ensuring space for two occupants and maneuverability, and most importantly, how to actually produce it.
Peraves Mono Tracer is a cabin motorcycle produced by Swiss manufacturer Peraves. Motorcycle enthusiasts no longer need to worry about the weather; this creation from a Swiss aircraft designer perfectly blends the characteristics of cars and motorcycles. It shares the same engine as the BMW K1200 motorcycle, with only 14 units produced.
Claiming to be the world’s first “self-powered” car, Venturi equipped this quirky vehicle called “Eclectic” with solar panels and wind turbines, allowing it to generate energy from these components. It also features an external charging port, as the solar panels and turbines can only provide energy for a daily range of 14 miles. However, electric power still surpasses gasoline combustion. According to recent data from Venturi, you can purchase an Eclectic for $31,500.
Swiss supercar manufacturer Rinspeed plans to launch a car named sQuba, which can dive. It can be driven on regular roads and can submerge to a depth of 10 meters when needed. Notably, the sQuba weighs only 920 kilograms, with a lightweight body made of nano carbon fiber, allowing it to move freely underwater. Additionally, the sQuba embodies an environmentally friendly concept with zero emissions, achieving “zero emissions, zero pollution” in all water bodies around the world.
American company Terrafugia has introduced a new transportation tool called “The Transition,” a concept vehicle that combines the functions of an airplane and a car, allowing you to easily switch between flying and driving. This model can accommodate four people and fly at altitudes above 5,000 meters, using new environmentally friendly fuel. The body resembles that of a regular car, but the doors feature two foldable wings. When driving on land, the wings are folded; when flying, the wings open up.
Colim is a detachable camping car designed by Christian Susana. It is an excellent fusion of a car and a camper. The front part is a uniquely shaped detachable car, which can be used as a two-seater if you do not plan to go camping with family. Colim may not be the most beautiful car, but its multiple uses are very practical.
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