Automobile design in the early part of the 20th century was inspired by the streamlined style of the Italian/Russian Futurist art movement. The September 1935 issue of Popular Science included the illustration above, showing off the car of tomorrow.
"A motor car that runs on air-filled spheres, instead of wheels and tires of conventional form, is the invention of a German designer. All parts of the new vehicle, he maintains, merge into a highly streamlined shape, thus minimizing air resistance. The globe-shaped tires require no mudguards, and dispense with the need of springs to absorb road shocks, also reducing skidding and serving as bumpers in the event of collision. Multiple air chambers prevent sudden deflation, with its attendant dangers, if a puncture should occur. In the proposed design, the car runs on a pair of pneumatic spheres at front and rear, and the driver balances it like a motor cycle by manipulating a steering wheel. Small auxiliary spheres may be extended to hold the car upright while it is standing still or getting under way."Via
That car would be like a bicycle or motorcycle, in that any impact from the side would make it unlikely, if not impossible, to recover from.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip. I won't buy one.
ReplyDelete