Automobiles are an important part of American culture and thus creative people are continually trying to develop new automotive concepts. This includes the marriage of the automobile and the airplane and the marriage of the automobile and the boat. Shown below are some of the unusual automobiles which are displayed at automobile museums.
Taylor Aerocar:
Shown above is a 1968 Taylor Aerocar III on display in the Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington. Following World War II, many people envisioned a boom in private aviation and some foresaw a day in which there would be airplanes in the garages of America’s expanding suburbs. The prototype for the Taylor Aerocar was developed in 1949 but was not certified by the Civil Aeronautics Administration until 1956. While Taylor came close to having his car mass produced, the deals which would have enabled that fell through.
Moulton “Molt” B. Taylor was born in Portland, Oregon, grew up in Longview, Washington, and graduated from the University of Washington with degrees in aeronautical engineering and business. During World War II he was a Navy pilot and following the war he formed his own aircraft business.
Quandt Group:
Shown above is a 1967 Amphicar Model 770 on display in the Montana Auto Museum in Deer Lodge, Montana. This was a non-military amphibious vehicle which could go 7 miles per hour in water and 70 miles per hour on land (hence the 770 designation). Between 1961 and 1967, 3,046 of these vehicles were imported to the United States (about 90% of all built). U.S. government regulations stopped further imports in 1968 and the German factory closed.
HMV Freeway:
Shown above is a 1981 HMV Freeway on display at the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum in Hood River, Oregon. There were 700 of these manufactured in Burnsville, Minnesota between 1979 and 1982.
Comuta-Car:
Shown above is a 1981 Comuta-Car on display in the LeMay—America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, Washington. This car carries eight 6-volt batteries. It can cruise at 35 miles per hour (which is also its top speed) and has a range of about 40 miles.
Owosso:
Shown above is a 1986 Owosso Pulse Coupe on display at the LeMay—America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, Washington. It has a 400cc, 2-cylinder engine and a manual 6 speed transmission.
BMW:
Shown above is a 1958 BMW Isetta 300, 1-Door Coupe on display in the LeMay—America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, Washington.
Messerschmitt:
Shown above is a 1956 Messerschmitt KR200 Cabin Scoot on display in the LeMay—America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, Washington. This is a three-wheeled, two-seat, rear-wheel-drive car built by a West German aircraft manufacturer. The top is hinged so that passengers can get it. The top can also be removed.