Classic concept cars of the 1950s and 1960s

Concept cars were a different breed in the mid-twentieth century. Designers were set free to explore their wildest fantasies. And Detroit's Big Three auto manufacturers were only too happy to devote hundreds of thousands of dollars to see their art made real.

Now days, concept cars are still trotted out to auto shows, but they're concerned with real world applications instead of seeing how many fins they can pile on, or what jazzy new bubble top they can remotely activate to dazzle show crowds.

But during their golden years of the 1950s and 1960s, dream car fantasies approached the level of pure industrial art.

1957 Chrysler Dart showed that aerodynamic design could be traffic-stopping.

Especially during the late-1950s to early 1960s period, Detroit manufacturers competed to produce the most outrageous futuristic fantasies.

GM design chief Harley Earl had the 1952 LeSabre built for his personal use and drove it daily.

Back in the day, each of the BIg Three had their own approach to dream cars. General Motors built the most examples, explored engineering and technology as well as styling. GM displayed its dreams in their own elaborate shows called Motoramas. Ford economized by making most of theirs as either 3/8 scale models or non-functioning push-mobiles. Chrysler hired Italian coachbuilder Ghia to construct working cars that were sophisticated, Euro-influenced, real world dreams.

Ford Nucleon was a 3/8 scale model of a nuclear-powered coupe.

Futuristic bubble-tops by Italian coachbuilders were rare. This is a Lancia built by Vignale.

A more sober, practical world means we won't see the likes of these fantasies again. Today automakers' challenge is to develop alternate power plants, super slippery aerodynamic styling, and space-efficient body work. But, like the renaissance was to painting and sculpture, the mid 20th Century was the peak period for dream cars as pure art.

 In the future-crazed 1950s, model kits based on concept cars sold in the millions.

Lincon's wild Futura was later converted into the Batmobile by George Barris for the 1966 Batman TV series.