Flying Tanks To Boat Cars: Failed Funky Vehicle Inventions
“All those cars were just a dream in someone’s head.” - Peter Gabriel. While many of such impressive innovations have become a success and changed the automotive industry completely, some odd vehicle inventions have failed. Let's have a quick look at the latter in this listicle.
Crux of the Matter
Flying Tanks
Known as Antonov A-40 Krylya Tanka, the plan was to glide them into battle to support infantry troops. However, the Soviets couldn’t find any aircraft powerful enough to tow them.
Gas-Shooting Riot Car
Using this vehicle, the police could tackle crowds in riot-like situations. The concept was patented in 1938 but never built.
Monowheel Vehicles
Instead of sitting above the wheel like in a unicycle, the rider sits within the wheel or next to it. Used for entertainment now, they were proposed for actual transportation in the 1860s.
The Boat Car
Also called amphicars, they were thought to be the future of automobiles in the 1950s. Now they are simply bought by novelty collectors.
5. Ford Nucleon
Developed by Ford in 1957, the concept used a steam engine powered by Uranium fission, similar to those found in nuclear submarines. But it failed as it was costly and dangerous.
Fifth Wheel For Parking
Automaker Cadillac once created this wheel which, on being lowered from behind, raised the rear wheels so that drivers could maneuver the car's rear end while parking.
Side-Mounted Flamethrower
The $650 device had nozzles that were fed by LPG tanks in the car trunk. It was introduced in South Africa, to fight carjackings.
8. Onboard Gramophones
Steering Wheel Tray
Curiopedia
The modern V-shaped 3-point Seat Belt was created by Nils Bohlin. He made the invention while as a safety engineer in Volvo.
Curated Coverage