Dymaxion

The Dymaxion was an experimental automobile that represented an early attempt at aerodynamic design for what was described as "a car of the future." It was designed by Buckminster Fuller, a figure known for futuristic design work in houses and boats. The first of three examples was built in 1933 at the former Locomobile plant in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

The car featured an unconventional three-wheeled layout, with a single wheel positioned at the rear, and rode on a 125-inch (3,172 mm) wheelbase. It was powered by a Ford V8 engine and was constructed largely from balsa wood and duraluminum. Claimed performance figures included a top speed of 120 mph (193 km/h) and fuel economy potential of 40 mpg.

The Dymaxion's prospects were damaged after the first car was involved in a fatal two-car collision near Chicago, Illinois. The resulting publicity likely eliminated any chance of the vehicle reaching commercial production. Despite this setback, two further examples were completed in 1934, one of which was purchased by Leopold Stokowski, conductor of the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra. Of the three cars built, one is known to have survived.