BMW Columbus

Another concept, this time from BMW (ItalDesign) from back in 1992 to commemorate the 500 since the discovery of America. The idea was a mix of people carrier with flexibility of a camper van but the performance and luxury of a sports car. This came from the 300bhp V12!!! I must say I like the central driving position and it looks like it could comfortable seat 7, an ideal candidate for a modern luxury limo or taxi if you ask me.

Stoat Scarab

This it possibly the first people carrier, built in 1936 it feature many modern day technologies including a body built out of aluminium, independent spring suspension and didn’t have a body/chassis set up!!!!

It waas built by William Stoat an aeronautical engineer, and you can see the 30’s airplane influences all over this car.

It was powered by a V8 Ford flathead mounted behind the rear axle therefore removing the prop shaft from the cabin creating a large usable interior. The seating was adjustable just like a modern people carrier and could be reconfigured to suit needs. The only seat that couldn’t be moved was the drivers. Only 9 were built and 5 still remain.

If only modern cars could have the style and elegance that this thing is draped in with the practicality, truly a car well ahead of its time.









For more information and to see more pictures-

http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z9131/Stout_Scarab.aspx


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stout_Scarab

http://caughtatthecurb.blogspot.com/2011/06/stout-by-william-stout.html#more