A while back we looked at some model cars that were inexplicably not available in any form of diecast. Some were one-off concepts, which are hard to justify cost-wise, and some were production cars that have been ignored despite other vehicles making the cut.
There was some recent sad news about a specific concept car last week, so we thought we’d pick out some additional concepts worthy of miniaturization. We’ll talk about more production cars soon.
Sir Vival – Walter C. Jerome was an engineer who was alarmed at the increasing number of traffic fatalities on U.S. roads. He set out to design the ultimate safety car, using every trick he could imagine. The result, the 1958 Sir Vival, was born from a 1948 Hudson, and it was, umm… unique. Steering involved the entire front end swiveling as one, and the driver rode up high in a dome. The closest model you might find would be Homer Simpson’s design for Powell Motors. The car survives at the Lane Motor Museum, a fitting acquisition by the legendarily strange collection.
Rolls Royce 103 EX – Rolls Royce breathes ostentatiousness as a brand, and the 103 EX concept was a daring, wild ride. The polarizing design unmistakably screams “Rolls” in a retro-futuristic way. Channeling 1930s style with some incredibly impractical design features, this car could never be seriously considered for production. Maybe someone could do it in miniature?
1968 Mohs Ostentatienne Opera Sedan – Speaking of Ostentatious, the designers threw every possible idea at this concept. Rather than safety, it was about over-the-top luxury. Entry to the car was through the rear hatch, and it included features so ahead of their time that no one has ever actually put them into production. Styling was not polarizing, as just about everyone thought it was hideously proportioned.
Ford Probe I Ghia – Built in 1979 as a potential replacement for the Mustang, this concept leaned hard into straight lines and sharp angles. The production Probe would go the opposite direction with smooth curves everywhere. The Probe concept sadly made the news at the 2024 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance where it was part of an exhibit of wedge-shaped cars… and promptly burst into flames when it was loaded onto its trailer for the ride home. The car was incinerated, so could some company please memorialize it in miniature?
What are some of your favorite concept cars that have not been turned into diecast models? Let us know in the comments!
Ron Ruelle is a cartoonist, writer, and illustrator who also writes about model cars. You can see his work at www.ronruelle.com
