Most of the interesting tales in automotive design consist of fascinating prototypes that never have reached the roads. Such cars were usually fitted out with innovative technology, special aesthetics, and totally advanced engineering concepts unprecedented for those times. Let’s consider several remarkable examples of these kinds of vehicles.
1. Jaguar XJ13
The Jaguar XJ13 was an elusive V12-powered sports prototype of the 1960s, designed to finally put Ferrari in its place at Le Mans. Despite being a monster of the track, only one was ever built; it never saw a race due to financial constraints and the emergence of Ford’s similar project1.
2. BMW M8
In the late 1980s, BMW developed a high-performance sports car, the M8, with a V12 power unit. The design was striking and the performance was impressive, but BMW decided not to produce the car due to concerns about sales and pricing1.
3. Porsche 989
The Porsche 989 was a concept for a four-door GT supercar in the late 1980s to fight the uprising popularity of grand tourers. Boasting its V8 and flowing lines, this project would later be shelved, the design elements going into later cars such as the Panamera1.
4. Mercedes-Benz C112
The Mercedes-Benz C112 was an early 1990s supercar prototype, boasting a powerful V12 engine and an aerodynamic, sleek design. Despite its great potential, the C112 never went into production, and only a few prototypes were built1.
5. Cadillac Cyclone
First shown in 1959, the Cadillac Cyclone concept was something from the near future with lots of inspiration in the field of aeronautics. The style had jet-engine pods and featured a bubble-type canopy, with very advanced technology, and too different in style for large-scale production2.
6. Porsche 917/20 “Pink Pig”
The Porsche 917/20, also known as the “Pink Pig,” was an experimental race car from 1971. It featured a very unique aerodynamic design and a powerful flat-12 engine, but handling issues prevented it from competing2.
7. Mercedes-Benz W125 Rekordwagen
In 1938, Mercedes-Benz built the W125 Rekordwagen, an experimental racing car with the goal of setting new speed records. The vehicle was fitted with a streamlined body and a supercharged V12 engine. It never competed in a race due to the outbreak of World War II2.
These prototypes embody the innovative ideas and sometimes brave ones that never made it to the showroom floor. Fascinating pieces of automotive history that remain, a test of creativity and ambition from the designers.
