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The Family Wagon was a concept vehicle built by Toyota based on the Liteace and shown at the October 1979 Tokyo Motor Show. It had three rows of seats, with the two seats in the second row able to swivel 180 degrees or to fold flat to form a continuous surface with one of the two seats in the third row. A small table was placed between the rightmost seats of the second and third rows. A rear-facing television was mounted in the roof just behind the front row of seats. Source: wiki Images: Stepho’s Toyota Site

The CX-80 (also known as the FCX-80) was a concept vehicle built by Toyota and shown at the October 1979 Tokyo Motor Show. It was designed to be an experimental city car for the future that would save fuel by being light and compact. The bonnet sloped sharply, with a pod in the middle for the headlights. Front-wheel drive was used, leaving the cabin floor flat and spacious. The side windows were mounted high on the waistline, but this was offset by having transparent cut-outs in the body's side panels. Dimensions: Length: 3500 mm Width: 1550 mm Height: 1250 mm Wheelbase: 2300 mm Source: wiki; allcarindex Images: Concept Car Central; Stepho’s Toyota Site

The Sbarro Windhawk 6x6 is an off-road vehicle built on special order in 1979. Attracted by the Windhound, King Khaled of Arabia asked Franco Sbarro to build a version adapted for falconry, one of his favorite sports. The king wanted a vehicle capable of going at full speed over the different types of terrain found in Arabia and allowed him to hunt without leaving the vehicle. It had a state-of-the-art hydraulic suspension. The small Swiss company Sbarro made a name for building high-performance replicas, sports cars, exclusive vehicles, and concept cars. It also built a small number of off-road vehicles, including a one-off 6x6 version. Over the years, Sbarro did build several 6-wheel concept vehicles. Its founder, Franco Sbarro, now runs a car design school in France. The Sbarro Windhawk 6x6 was presented in 1979. It was built on special order. The vehicle is based on the Sbarro Windhound 4x4 (1978). Technical details on the Windhawk are bit vague. All sources indicate it does have a Mercedes 6.9L V8 petrol engine (217 hp). Most sources say Sbarro did use a G-wagon chassis (also introduced in 1979) and stretched it for the 6x6 vehicle. Thanks to a hydraulic system, the vehicle's suspension can change the ride height from 25 to 42 cm. Some sources indicate the third axle is hydraulically driven (presumably only at low speeds). Even the seats can be lifted hydraulically. The vehicle was ordered for use during falconry. The passengers can shoot without leaving the vehicle thanks to the sunroof and the lifted seats. The vehicle's top speed is claimed to be around 200 km/h (125 mph). Over the years, Sbarro did present several six-wheel show cars. Features: engine: V8 Mercedes displacement: 6900 cm3 power: 217 ch transmission: 6 wheel drive weight: 2000 kg top speed: 200 km/h production: one off Source: Sbarro Windhawk 6x6 | 6 Wheel Drive. https://www.6-wheel-drive.org/vehicles/sbarro.html Images: Sbarro; Peter Vann

Model produced by the HEULIEZ company between 1979 and 1983. The modification was initially based on an "R5 TS" model and from 1980 on, on the "R5 Automatic" and "R5 Alpine" models. Designed to the spirit and image of the USA vans (incorporating thick carpets, stylish windows and mirrors, Alpine model bumpers, and an exteriorly located spare wheel) trying to be a different proposal for an exclusive clientele of small retailers, with a need only for small payloads but willing to show a different and sophisticated image. Nearly a total of 450 units were built. Source: www.mario-sequeira.supermano.com Images: Heuliez; www.renault-5.com; Andre LE ROUX Site

The first Japanese all-wheel-drive passenger car was the experimental Mitsubishi PX33, built in pre-war 1936. But Mitsubishi began to mass-produce all-wheel-drive vehicles after the war: in 1953, the company bought a license to produce the legendary Jeep. The veteran car was assembled in Japan until the 90s! However, back in the 60s, Mitsubishi thought about its own SUV. Therefore, starting from 1969, a whole series of concept cars based on Willis appeared - Jeep Minica, Pajero I Concept (1973), Jeep Concept (1977). In 1979, the original Pajero II Concept car was shown. And the serial three-door Pajero got on the conveyor in 1981. Source: Newspaper AUTO REVIEW, 2006 / No. 19 (366) Images: Mitsubishi

In 1979, VAZ came up with the idea of ​​creating an open four-seater electric vehicle for servicing resorts, exhibitions, park areas, etc. Yu. Vereshchagin developed an original design project for an electric car VAZ 1801 "Pony." V. Baranovsky became the lead designer. It was expected that he would have time to work at the Olympics in Moscow, but they were not entirely sure about the car, so he did not go to the sports festival. In total, only two samples were made. However, later this electric car participated in many car shows. And as an exhibit and as a service tool, he always aroused the public's keenest interest and desire to ride. Source: carstyling.ru (translated from Russian) Images: AVTOVAZ; rusautomobile.livejournal.com

The Jeep Jeepster II was a concept car built in 1979. AMC came up with the idea for a stubby sports, which they called the Jeepster. This concept was more Jeep-like than the Mustang-influenced XJ001. The car was finished in red and had no roof. Designs by Dick Teague were for this new generation Jeep for the 1980s, but AMC lacked the resources to develop it beyond a drawing. It would have featured: 4-cylinder turbocharged gas engine or lightweight diesel powerplant Independent suspension at all four wheels 160 inches long 65 inches wide 60 inches height Two-piece roof design Bucket seats Soft front and rear panels Roll bar Flat glass folding windshield Aluminum or fiberglass detachable doors Source: Jeep Jeepster II - classiccars.fandom.com. https://classiccars.fandom.com/wiki/Jeep_Jeepster_II Images: www.film.queensu.ca; www.offroaders.com

It is the ideal successor of Isuzu 117 Coupé, designed in 1966. It's "the fifth Copernican revolution" by Giugiaro that will give birth to Isuzu Piazza. The only condition imposed by the producer is the use of the Gemini 1800 platform, the Japanese version of the Chevrolet Corvette. The Italdesign display at Geneva Motor Show in 1979 was overcrowded: everybody is curious to see the news, and Asso di Fiori does not disappoint the expectations. It's a real revolution for the car, the fifth one designed by Giugiaro: in 1960, the first cowling with incorporated lights (Alfa Romeo 2000 Sprint), in 1964 the first stuck windows (Alfa Romeo Canguro), in 1973 the first painted mudguard (Asso di Picche, 1973) and in 1974 the first rear door cut. Asso di Fiori great news is represented by removing external drip (substituted with a gutter-pipe in the door pillar gasket), the windows close to the bodywork, total doors, and rear doors. All of them are integrated and technically producible. All these solutions will be adopted for production cars from now on: the 1987 French Revue Automobile registers the fact that 1/3 of cars produced from 1981 and 1987 are designed with total doors like Asso di Fiori. It would be presented a second time at the 1979 Tokyo Motor Show. Engine & performance: Position: front, logitudinally Type: 4-cylinder, DOHC Capacity: 1818 cc Power: 130 hp @ 6400 rpm Dimensions: Length: 4195 mm Width: 1620 mm Height: 1278 mm Wheelbase: 3405 mm Source: Project: Asso di Fiori - 1979 - Italdesign. https://www.italdesign.it/project/asso-di-fiori/ Images: ItalDesign

1979 Ghia Concept Car, Probe I represents the re-birth of the “American Dream Car” that Harley Earl’s Buick Y-Job started in 1939 and GM continued with the Motorama Extravaganza’s of the 1950s. By the beginning of the ’70s, the purpose-built Dream Car was all but extinct. The Ford Probe I is a product of the collaborative efforts of the famous Turin-based design firm Corrozeria Ghia and Ford. Ghia, which traces its roots in coachbuilding back to 1915 and is the former home to design icons Giugiaro, Tjaarda, and De Tomaso, handcrafted this one-of-a-kind, fully functioning prototype. Ford had a “Better Idea.” As a facet of Ford’s Project Alpha, Kopka, head of Ford’s design department, reasoned that a design based upon serious Aerodynamic Science was an attainable solution to the fuel economy issue. There was a considerable bugaboo regarding Aerodynamics in Automobile design at that time. It was argued that cars would all look like jelly beans and all look alike. Kopka believed there was considerable room for implementing advanced aerodynamics without sacrificing style and individuality. Don Kopka was made Ford’s vice president in charge of design in late 1980 upon the retirement of Gene Bordinat. Some years before, he had realized that the upright and flat-fronted design of Ford products of the Seventies was doing nothing to contribute to the ongoing and expensive battle to meet Federally-mandated Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) requirements instituted in the wake of the ’73 energy crisis and oil embargo. Kopka championed design changes that by his estimate added 1.5 miles per gallon to Ford’s CAFE in the early Eighties, changes that cost under $20 million to implement but were the equivalent of nearly $3 billion in powertrain re-engineering. Kopka adopted a progressive and long-term approach to changing the outlook within Ford to be receptive to aerodynamically efficient design and began, with this concept in 1979, the Probe series of aerodynamically designed concepts and studies. His goal was nothing less than to change Ford’s thinking about design. The Probe I was created at the Ford Dearborn Design Center, where Kopka was the executive director of the Advanced and International Design Studio. Its sleek and pointy aerodynamic shape, flat wheel covers, popup headlights, and skirted rear wheels achieved a drag coefficient in the wind tunnel of 0.25, some 37% less than the 0.40 then typical for a 2door 4-passenger coupe. It was introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1979. Probe I was extensively displayed at shows and events following its introduction and received widespread media attention, helping to spread the impression that Ford was on to something. Finished in red with black lower body sides that accentuate the deep rear wheel skirts, Probe I has a body constructed of metal with a fixed tinted glass roof panel. The windows also are tinted glass. The wheels have machined disc-type wheel covers to reduce turbulence. The interior is upholstered in red cloth with tan leather trim. Its gauges appear to be functional. Features: Experimental One-Off Designed by Ford Motor Company and Fabricated by Ford’s Ghia S.p.A. studios in Turin, Italy Debuted at 48th Frankfurt International Motor Show 1979 Chassis No. 0GHA RD PRBI 001 1,140 miles from new Fully running and functional Original condition Hand-Crafted Steel and Glass Body Extended Mustang Cobra Fox Chassis 170HP Turbocharged 2.3 liter Mustang Cobra Engine Automatic Transmission Every Ford Probe Concept: 1979 Ford Probe I Concept by Ghia 1980 Ford Probe II Concept by Ghia 1981 Ford Probe III Concept by Ghia 1982 Ford Probe IV Concept by Ghia 1985 Ford Probe V Concept by Ghia Source: 1979 Ford Probe I (Ghia) - Concepts. https://www.carstyling.ru/en/cars.1979_Ford_Probe%20I.html Images: Concept Car Central; www.scottgrundfor.com

The Navarre is based on the U.S. Granada and is the five-seat sport coupe fitted with a 5.0-liter V8. It featured a flat rear deck with tie-down straps which could carry extra luggage. Source: Popular Mechanics - May 1980 Images: Mario Buonocunto Concept Cars Page

The 1979 Mustang IMSA (International Motor Sports Association) concept is a performance prototype designed by Ford's group, eventually becoming Ford Racing. Elements include large 12 inch wide Gotti wheels, blanked off the grille, hood louvers, rear-facing shaker hood scoop, air-flow sealed headlamp trim, windows flush with outside body panels (the side windows are flip out), ten bulb rear light strip. Under the hood is a 132hp, 2.3L turbo engine. Inside is a dark plexiglass-covered instrument panel, a sport steering wheel, Recaro rally leather bucket seats. Ford built several IMSA Mustangs in 1979 through the 1982 model year. Source: 1979 Ford Mustang: Ultimate In-Depth Guide. https://www.mustangspecs.com/1979-ford-mustang/ Images: Ford Motor Company

Highly futuristic, the GTK concept stood for Grand Touring Kombi. It was intended as a sporty, aerodynamic grand touring car with ample luggage space. The GTK Concept was built on an extended Fiesta platform. It featured several advanced elements, including electric side windows, an onboard computer, and digital instrumentation. Its design included a central greenhouse effect for the passenger area, which even incorporated glass side pillars. Other GTK features included headlights behind electrically controlled panels. Aero ducts behind these panels channeled air over the bonnet and roof. Though the wedge-shaped Ford Fiesta GTK station wagon prototype had a small 94-inch wheelbase, it still provided a spacious interior. Experimental tubular instrument panel and circular center console housed an onboard computer and digital displays. The Fiesta GTK five-spoke wheels predicted those used on production 1972-74 Mustangs. Source: Ford Media Site; www.chicagoautoshow.com Images: Ford; Concept Car Central; www.chicagoautoshow.com

Felber Rubis 112, based on the Autobianchi A112. Leather upholstered interior polished aluminum and natural walnut panels made this little one a real aristocrat, plus a matching appearance with an oval window in the rear and a vinyl top in the manner of expensive American cars. Source: carstyling.ru (translated from Russian) Images: www.forum-auto.com; Archive “Automobil Review” / Zwischengas.com

The Vector W2 was a fully functional concept car intended for production constructed by Vector Motors in 1978. It had a Bosch fuel-injected twin-turbocharged 350 cid (5.7 L) aluminum Chevrolet V8 engine that produced over 600 hp (450 kW) and over 600 ft·lbf (800 N·m) of torque. The top speed was a claimed 242 mph (389 km/h). The name comes from the "W" for Jerry Wiegert (designer and founder of Vector Motors) and "2" for the number of turbochargers. Over the time before production, the car went through several improvements in performance, technology, updated styling exercises, and color changes. The car was displayed at international auto shows worldwide and featured in many automotive publications. Between 1978 and 1987, Wiegert attempted to raise the money to start the car series. In its lifetime, the car covered over 100,000 mi (160,934 km) in testing, more than any other concept car. In 1989, the final version of the W2 went into production as the Vector W8. Currently, the Vector W2 prototype is owned by Wiegert. The car is currently dismantled and stored alongside other Vector equipment at the current Vector headquarters in Wilmington, California. Source: Vector W2 - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vector_W2 Images: oldconceptcars

Briggs & Stratton is best known for small engines used on lawnmowers to washing machines. And it's not just any car, but a hybrid built in 1980, no less. The simple idea behind the Briggs & Stratton Hybrid concept car was essentially this: if two heads are better than one, why not a car with two power sources? This unique gasoline / electric hybrid is "the best of both worlds." The Briggs & Stratton hybrid concept car was not entirely new like many modern automotive ideas. Electrical power had flourished in the early years of "the automobile" before it was lost to the internal combustion engine, which was noisy and emitted noxious fumes. Still, it provided much more power for its size and weight than any battery or electric motor. The body is vaguely reminiscent of Dodge Omni 024, especially from the rear. The doors and the windshield come from a Volkswagen Scirocco. But that's not what you notice first! The car has six wheels. The two rear-most wheels only support the frame carrying the 12 batteries of 6 volts each. This was probably normal, considering the platform came from a six-wheeled delivery vehicle, the Marathon C360, made by Marathon Electric, a Quebec company. The hybrid setup was parallel, meaning the hybrid could run only on electricity, only gas, and a mixture of the two. Features: Engine: 0.694-liter B&S Twin cylinder + Baldor electric motor. Fuel Type: Gasoline / Electric Hybrid. Power: 26 hp (19 kW / 26 hp) combined. Transmission: Ford Pinto 4-speed manual. Transmission: Front engine, RWD. Weight: 3,200 lbs (1,451 kg). Maximum speed: 50-68 mph (80-109 km / h). Source: Briggs and Stratton 725ex parts diagram. https://static.s123-cdn-static.com/uploads/4501495/normal_5fc78b20e3150.pdf Images: oldconceptcars; en.cockpitdz.com

In 1980, a car with the simple name VCC (Volvo Concept Car - "Volvo Concept Car") was shown, essentially a prototype of the Volvo 760. Its serial production was to begin two years later. VCC was called "Volvo for the eighties," emphasizing the increased level of safety of the car, economy, and environmental friendliness, not to mention the modern design of the body and interior. Source: Sergey Pribytkov - www.carseller.ru Images: Volvo Car Corporation.

Mercury’s answer to America’s driving needs in the late 1980s and beyond was shown in the proposed Antser concept car. The prototype featured an aerodynamic design, lightweight construction, and a 1,200-pound electric hybrid power system. Anster was approximately the size of a Mercury Bobcat and could seat 4-passengers (2-regular seats and 2-jump seats). A comprehensive computer-controlled electronic map display could be programmed to give detours and alternate routes, plus, the instrument panel displayed a computer-calculated average distance required to stop the car. Source: www.chicagoautoshow.com Images: Ford Motor Company; Concept Car Central; www.chicagoautoshow.com Pictured Above: 1980 Mercury Antser Concept Pictured Above: 1976 Ford Anster Concept

The most aerodynamic car in the world. The energy crisis at the end of the '70s brings a general second thought about cars, also paying attention to low fuel consumption. Sport cars, exotic lines, and squared production cars will soon live the place to more aerodynamic shapes that reduce air resistance and consumption. The Medusa was created on the Lancia Beta platform because the back and central engine mechanics allow a very outlined head-on. Smooth lines and some technical solutions like handles and windows close to the bodywork permit to obtain a 0,255 Cx with cast model, increased to 0,263 with the plate prototype: Medusa is the most aerodynamic car in the world. Features: Body architecture: 4-door, 4-seat Overall dimensions (mm): length 4405, width 1813, height 1263 Wheelbase, front, and rear track: 2850, 1486, 1450 Front and rear overhang: 910, 645 Engine position and drive: mid-longitudinal engine, rear-drive Engine: Lancia Montecarlo 4 cylinder inline, 1995 cc/cm3, 120 HP at 6000 rpm Cx: 0.263 Source: 1980 Lancia Medusa (ItalDesign) - Студии. https://www.carstyling.ru/car/1753/ Images: ItalDesign; Cars From Italy

The Lancia Gamma Scala was a Berlina-based four-door sedan with styling similar to the Coupe and four square headlamps replacing the two rectangular units on the standard cars. It was first shown in Paris in 1980 but again was not taken into production. The Lancia Gamma Scala is a pleasant saloon version derived from the homologous coupé version, a one-off with a nice design. In 2007 the Roman collector Francesco Vallucci brought it back to Italy, recovering from England. All four Lancia Gamma-based concepts by Pininfarina: 1976 Gamma Coupe (Pininfarina) 1978 Gamma Spider (Pininfarina) 1980 Lancia Gamma Scala by Pininfarina 1982 Lancia Gamma Olgiata by Pininfarina Source: Lancia Gamma - Lancia Central. http://www.lanciacentral.co.uk/misc/gamma.htm Images: Pininfarina; KiwiGippy Photostream

The Lamborghini Athon is a concept car designed by Bertone for Lamborghini. The Lamborghini Athon can be driven and is a fully functional production concept car. Under the hood of the Lamborghini Athon sits a 3.0 L DOHC V8 engine from the Lamborghini Silhouette, with two valves per cylinder capable of a max power of 260 hp (194 kW) at 7,500 rpm and 237 lb-ft (321 N⋅m) of torque with a compression ratio of ten to one. The transmission contains an all-synchromesh gearbox that consists of a five-speed with a single plate hydraulically assisted clutch and an axle ratio of 14/35. The Bertone company SpA design includes an integral chassis and steel body. The suspension has independent wry coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers. The Campagnolo cast magnesium pneumatically actuated brakes consist of Girling ventilated discs. The front tires are Michelin 195/50 VR 15 and 275/40 VR 15 at the rear. The Lamborghini Athon weighs 2,390 lbs and has an 80-liter fuel tank. In terms of performance, the Lamborghini Athon can reach a top speed of 170 mph (273.6 km/h) and can go from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 7.3 seconds. The RM Sotheby's company auctioned the Lamborghini Athon in Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este on May 21, 2011. It sold for $487,000 United States Dollars, and its present-day estimated price value is between $213,000 to $312,000 United States Dollars. According to the Turin coachbuilder press release, the Bertone company, a private company based in Italy created the Lamborghini Athon to show their everlasting support for the Lamborghini company. The Lamborghini Athon was given its name because the car is a spider and made for fair weather; the name refers to the Egyptian cult of the sun. Marc Deschamps, a Frenchman, led the design process for the Lamborghini Athon, which was Bertone Studio's first-ever concept car. He was chosen to lead the design after Marcello Gandini left the position as the design coordinator in 1979 for Bertone. The car was based on the silhouette sport-type aesthetic and resembled some of the looks of the Lamborghini Urraco. Marc Deschamps honored Bertone's concept cars; he specifically made the Lamborghini Athon much like the concept cars Bertone created in the 1970s. He included "sculpted geometric volumes" that were defined by clear edges and cut lines. Marc Deschamps also did not follow what is universally known as the traditional spider design for the car. The Lamborghini Athon, a proclaimed spider, has its cabin located in a forward position instead of the traditional mid-set cabin in a normal spider. Another detail that sets the Athon apart from the original aesthetics of a spider is the height and position of the rear deck compared to the height and positioning of the sloping hood. This design concept would later be used when the Bertone company created the Jalpa Speedster. The design of the Lamborghini Athon also influenced media and movie productions. The Athon was referenced when making the props for the following films: Tron, Total Recall, and RoboCop. Nuccio Bertone also inspired Marc Deschamp to add a few more unique features to the car's body. For example, Marc Deschamps created the doors to have a noticeable gap between the doors and the door sills. Another thing to note is that Marc Deschamps also designed the tail lights to have very thin grooves to assure that they did not interfere with the solid rear end of the car. Something unique to note about the car is the design of the steering wheel and touch screen panels. The steering wheel was designed with a single spoke. Note that there was a pod to the left of the steering wheel. The mounted pod was used as a place to hold the secondary controls. The touch screen panels were equipped with electronic readouts. Vegalie, an Italian supplier, created the instrumental design of the Lamborghini Athon. They made the windshield wipers turn signals, as well as the indicator switches, which are in close reach within the steering wheel. The Lamborghini Athon's design was created in honor of Fillipo Perini in honor of his devotion to the Lamborghini Silhouette aesthetic appearance. His impact as a designer for Lamborghini is seen in the Lamborghini Athon's front sloping hood. The Lamborghini Athon was forcefully given to the Bertone company as the Lamborghini company was in liquidation and going through financial difficulty. The Lamborghini Athon was retired in the Bertone museum in Rubiana, Italy, directly after being showcased in the Turin Auto Show. Bertone occasionally removed the car from its museum and made it displayed for the public at a few select shows. Although it has had minor repairs to some of the car's mechanical components, the Lamborghini Athon was never restored. Because it has never been restored, the Lamborghini Athon is offered in its original condition. The press associated with this move brought more attention to the Athon and Lamborghini as a company. The Athon was created during Lamborghini's financial crisis, which threatened to end with the company's liquidation. As a result, the Athon's greatest impact on the company would be when Bertone put it in their museum. Source: Lamborghini Athon - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamborghini_Athon Images: Carrozzeria Bertone s.p.a.; RM Auctions