Cars

author: FutureCar Staff    

The 1938 Buick Y-Job holds a unique place in automotive history as the first concept car ever made. Despite its historical significance, it is often remembered for having one of the worst names in the industry. This practice of showcasing vehicles to the public that may never be available for purchase has become common among car manufacturers.

Harley J. Earl, the renowned automotive designer and industry executive, drove the Y-Job concept for years. It boasted several innovative features such as electric windows, flush door handles, and power-operated hidden headlamps. The car also sported a distinctive waterfall grille design that Buick still uses today.

Earl's decision to name the concept car the Y-Job was driven by his desire to be different. While other concepts typically used the letter "X," Earl opted for "Y" instead.

Although the Y-Job was never intended for consumers, the concept car idea caught on. Car manufacturers continue to test potential vehicles for public reaction at automobile shows and other events. Some concepts go on to become best-sellers, while others end up as failed experiments or hideous cars that never make it to market.

Over the years, the Los Angeles Auto Show has been a hub for concept vehicles. This annual showcase, held in mid-November, serves as a precursor to the upcoming year's new models. However, recent shows have seen a decline in splashy, attention-grabbing concept cars, with several manufacturers choosing not to participate.

Despite this trend, Honda and Kia have remained as stalwarts in the concept car realm. Honda announced the return of the Prelude, a two-door coupe first introduced in 1978. The hybrid-electric version of the Prelude is expected to be available to consumers, although specific details have not been provided.

Kia, on the other hand, unveiled two concept vehicles at the LA Auto Show: the EV3 and EV4. The EV3 is a crossover and a smaller version of the upcoming EV9, Kia's three-row electric SUV. The EV4, a sedan with a minimalist and futuristic exterior, also made its debut. Kia plans to manufacture both vehicles using sustainable materials such as bioplastics, natural dyes, and recycled cotton. These new models are slated to arrive at dealerships in 2024.

While the potential success of the new Prelude and Kia's concept vehicles remains uncertain, there have been numerous instances of successful concept cars transitioning into production vehicles. The 1989 Dodge Viper RT/10 kickstarted the frenzy for performance cars, while the 1994 Volkswagen Concept One became the iconic new Beetle. Elements of the 1981 Ford Probe III also made their way into the popular Ford Taurus.

According to Carl Pulley, a spokesperson for Honda, concept cars allow designers to explore creative ideas without being limited by practical considerations. However, the true impact of a concept car can only be gauged by seeing it in person and observing people's reactions. Some concepts may be polarizing, with some loving the design while others find it awful.

James Raia, a syndicated automotive columnist based in Sacramento, is the founder and senior editor of theweeklydriver.com, an online platform since 2004. The website offers a free newsletter and podcast for car enthusiasts. For any inquiries, James can be reached via email at [email protected].

FutureCar Staff