It's The Journey...: Dream Cars: Innovative Design, Visionary Ideas

Even if you don't think of yourself as a "car person" you can't help but be charmed and fascinated by the high style, aerodynamics and luxury detailing of these cars and the history of the auto industry they represent.

To celebrate my recent birthday, a friend and I made a trip to the Indianapolis Art Museum to take in the "Dream Cars" exhibit. On display are a selection of "Concept Cars" created from the 1930's to the present. These cars were not conceived for mass production but are examples of groundbreaking innovations in automobile design and engineering.

One of the earliest examples of a concept car.

Check out the upholstery.

The Bugatti: Maybe My Favorite!

1934 Edsel Ford Model 40 Special Speedster


A precursor to the VW Minibus and later the Minivan, the Stout Scarab was designed and hand built by aviation pioneer William Bushnell Stout. It was inspired by nature and the rounded shape of a beetle.

This vehicle carried 7 passengers and featured convertible seating and
a fold out table.

"The Electric Egg": The World's First Bubble Car

This radical 3 wheel design was built by Paul Arzens for his personal use during the German occupation of France during WWII. It was a low cost, light weight, fuel efficient answer to materials shortages and gas rationing.

L' Oeuf (The Egg) was equipped with an aluminum body, a single peddle and steering wheel. It could travel up to 60 miles on a charge and travel at speeds up to 38MPH.

The 1948 Tasco is another concept car built by an independent designer/engineer. Notice the "cockpit" style windshield and roof design. And the red leather interior!

Another example of spirited vision by another independent designer.

Mechanical engineer Norman Timbs built this car over a two and a half year period and then drove it as his personal ride. Cost to build = $10,000 in 1947.

Features a rear engine design without doors to interrupt the sweeping, elongated curving forms of the car.

The Norman Timbs Special was featured in October 1949 on the cover of Motor Trend magazine.

The Thunderbolt was coined "The Car of the Future" by Chrysler. It featured aerodynamic, streamlined design free of excessive ornamentation, with the exception of the thunderbolt on each door.

This 1951 GM La Sabre XP-8, by contrast, relies on excessive ornamentation. The post-war economy was clicking on all cylinders as demonstrated by this long, sleek, decorous and luxury laden vehicle.

A car for George Jetsen and the dreams of space travel evolving in the decade of the 1950's.

Another rear engine design with entry by lifting the windshield.

The Buick Centurion featured a rear mounted camera with a screen embedded in the dashboard eliminating the need for rear view mirrors.

And finally the two most contemporary concept cars that feature state of the art 21st century innovations.

The Porsche 918 Spyder is a hybrid concept car built to address consumer interest in green technology and impact on the environment. It has a V-8 engine plus two electric motors allowing for 4 driving modes.

The BMW GINA Light Visionary Model is a truly striking idea.

Through the use of a flexible Lycra fabric stretched over a movable frame of aluminum and carbon fiber mesh, the design allows for changes in the shape of the car. And is resistant to water, heat and cold.