April Fools Day (1st April) is a time for pranks and hoaxes, but some cars are no joke. They may have started as nothing more than a sketch on a piece of paper, but somehow, they managed to make it from the drawing board to the road.
To celebrate the day of tricks and jokes, here at TrackDays, we've picked five cars that prove that sometimes, even the most outlandish ideas can become a reality.
The Dymaxion may look like a cross between a spaceship and a teardrop, but this three-wheeled car was designed by Buckminster Fuller in the 1930s, way before we dreamed of getting up and out into space.
The 1933 Dymaxion was an initially strange concept that was eventually put together at a time when many in the US were strapped for cash during the Great Depression.
With a body made of lightweight aluminium and a 90 bhp engine that could reach speeds of up to 120 mph, this car was also built with sustainability in mind – a concept rarely heard of back in the 1930s. The Dymaxion may not be the most practical car, but it's one of the most unique.
The Iso Isetta is often referred to as the "bubble car" because of its distinctive shape. This tiny car was designed to be an affordable and fuel-efficient mode of transportation for post-war Europe.
Despite its diminutive size, the Isetta could still seat two people and reach speeds of up to 53 mph. Plus, its front-opening door makes it easy to park in tight spaces - perfect for those narrow European streets in say, Italy or France!
It seems small bubble cars were deemed the best prank to pull on the public in the 50s. The Messerschmitt KR200 may look like something out of a science fiction movie, but it was designed by the same company that built fighter planes during World War II and they hoped this little car would take off with the public too.
This three-wheeled car could reach speeds of up to 56 mph and has a distinctive bubble canopy that gives the driver a 360-degree view – perfect to see all the people laughing at you as you drive by.
Plus, its tandem seating arrangement means you can take a friend along for the ride (if they don't mind being part of the joke).
The Bond Bug may have been designed as a fun, affordable car for the masses, but it's hard not to take notice of its unique design. With its bright orange body, bug-eyed headlights, and three-wheeled design, the Bond Bug is definitely a head-turner.
Designed by the mighty Reliant Motor Company, this car was another with unconventional doors, with the roof and windscreen actually lifting up like those of a jet plane. It may only have a top speed of 75 mph, but who needs speed when you're driving something that looks this cool?
The Glenfrome Facet may not be as well-known as some of the other cars on this list, but its design is no less impressive. This futuristic car was built in the 1980s and features a unique wedge-shaped body that was designed to reduce wind resistance and hopefully tempt everyone in the Arab market into thinking this was the car they all needed. It didn't and only 50 units were sold.
These five cars may have seemed like nothing more than a dream when they were first designed, but somehow, they made it from the tip of the pencil and out onto our roads.
Whether it's their unique shapes, their futuristic designs, or their quirky features, these cars are proof that sometimes the most outlandish ideas can become a reality.
So, the next time someone tells you that your idea is crazy, just remember that there's a chance it might just be crazy enough to work. Happy April Fool's Day!
One thing that you can be assured of that isn't a joke is our great Driving Experiences that we have available to book on TrackDays. Visit our Driving Experience Calendar page to browse and book from forthcoming event dates, or purchase one of our open Gift Vouchers to redeem and use towards the experience of your choice.
0
£0
Basket
