In recent years we've been keen to point out how the good 'ol auto show has changed. These days it's a treat to go to the show and have a concept there at all.
Case in point: the 2014 New York Auto Show was devoid of anything particularly interesting. When Volkswagen unveils the 2015 Jetta that looks the same as the 2014 Jetta, you know you're in for it.
Things weren't always this way though. Years ago automakers used to really think outside of the box and create vehicles that were completely innovative. As you'll see in the clip below, there was even a vehicle heavily inspired by a fighter jet. And, don't forget some other concepts that are legendary:
1) Ford actually built a scale concept dubbed the Nucleon. As its name hints, it was propelled via a small nuclear reactor. It only was a scale model but, hey, at least Ford was trying something zany! Obviously having a traveling nuclear reactor wasn't deemed smart.
2) There are still running examples of the Chrysler Turbine. Though few and far between, Chrysler built over 50 jet powered vehicles in a project to see if it could perfect the motor for practical use. Clearly, that never happened.
So as the auto show has changed from a couture fashion show to more a catalog, we have to ask: do YOU miss the days of CRAZY concepts OR do YOU prefer more real-world examples?
Italy has David, Paris has the Mona Lisa and now, Atlanta has the Firebird I XP-21. Don't laugh gallery snobs and car-haters: The automobile has vaulted from the streets to the lofty art world.
Even if automobiles aren't your thing, the Firebird's bizarre wings and bubble cockpit are worth a peek. It's among 17 "concept cars" on exhibit at Atlanta, Georgia's High Museum of Art. Many of these are one-of-a-kind.
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