Sleek, angular, and unapologetically futuristic, wedge-shaped concept cars sliced through automotive conventions from the 1960s to the 1980s. These daring designs, with their razor-sharp noses and dramatically sloped profiles, embodied the era’s optimistic vision of tomorrow and left an indelible mark on the aesthetics of speed.
From the iconic Lancia Stratos Zero to the audacious Aston Martin Bulldog, these vehicular sculptures on wheels pushed the boundaries of form and function, forever changing our perception of what a car could be.
Some of these cars will be on display at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance showcase in the Wedge Car class in August 2024.
1978 Sbarro Challenge
The Sbarro Challenge was a unique sports car concept introduced by Franco Sbarro in 1985. It featured a striking wedge-shaped design with innovative elements like a reversing camera instead of traditional mirrors. The original Challenge I was powered by a turbocharged 5.0-liter Mercedes-Benz V8 engine producing 350 hp, with a claimed top speed of 310 km/h (193 mph).
Subsequent versions, Challenge II and III, were based on Porsche 930 underpinnings and intended for limited production of 10 units each. The Challenge series established Sbarro’s reputation for creating adventurous and outlandish vehicle designs, though only seven were ultimately completed
1980 Citroën Karin
The 1980 Citroën Karin was a bold concept car designed by Trevor Fiore, showcased at the Paris Motor Show. Its striking pyramidal shape featured a three-seat layout with a centrally positioned driver, flush glass panels, and butterfly doors.
While not drivable, the Karin incorporated advanced features like integrated computer displays and a unique steering wheel, making it a memorable example of automotive design from that era.
1980 Aston Martin Bulldog
When the Bulldog debuted it reached a speed of 190 mph, which in 1979 was a feat. But, in 2023 it reached a top speed of 205.4 when driver Darren Turner took it for a spin. Aston Martin claimed the car could hit a top speed of 237 mph but that has yet to be reached.
Designed by William Towns, the car featured the engine in the middle of the car and gullwing doors. It was commissioned by a customer in the Middle East, but they canceled the order – leaving the car to be the one and only made.
1988 Italdesign Aztec
The Italdesign Aztec is a unique sports car that debuted at the 1988 Turin Motor Show, celebrating the 20th anniversary of Italdesign, founded by renowned designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. This two-seater features a distinctive design with separate cockpits for the driver and passenger, who communicate via an electronic intercom system. The Aztec is powered by a turbocharged 2.2 L Audi engine, producing approximately 250 horsepower, and utilizes a four-wheel-drive system derived from the Lancia Delta HF Integrale.
Although initially intended as a concept, it went into limited production, with only about 18 units reportedly built, primarily for the Japanese market. The car’s futuristic styling and advanced features, such as a satellite navigation system and various electronic controls, have made it a notable example of 1980s automotive design.
1971 Maserati Boomerang
The 1971 Maserati Boomerang is a concept car designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and produced by Italdesign. It was first unveiled at the 1971 Turin Motor Show as a non-functional model and later became a fully operational vehicle by the 1972 Geneva Motor Show.
Built on the Maserati Bora chassis, it features a 4.7 L V8 engine producing 310 horsepower, capable of reaching speeds up to 300 km/h. The Boomerang’s sharp, angular design and wedge shape influenced many future car designs and remains a significant piece of automotive history
1973 4-Rotor Chevrolet Corvette
The 1973 4-Rotor Chevrolet Corvette was an experimental concept car featuring a mid-mounted four-rotor Wankel engine that produced around 350-420 horsepower. Designed by Hank Haga and Jerry Palmer, it showcased an aerodynamic body, gullwing doors, and a drag coefficient of 0.325.
Although capable of reaching speeds up to 148 mph, the project was abandoned in 1974 due to the fuel crisis and concerns about rotary engine efficiency. Ultimately, this concept influenced future designs, paving the way for the mid-engine Corvette introduced in 2019.
1974 Lamborghini Bravo
The Lamborghini Bravo, designed by Marcello Gandini and unveiled in 1974, was a concept car intended as a “baby-Miura.” It featured a 3.0L V8 engine producing 300 hp and was based on the Urraco chassis.
Despite its innovative design, the Bravo never went into production due to Lamborghini’s financial issues. The sole prototype is now part of the Bertone museum and influenced later models like the Countach.
1968 Alfa Romeo Carabo
The 1968 Alfa Romeo Carabo, designed by Marcello Gandini at Bertone, was a revolutionary concept car based on the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale chassis. It featured a striking wedge-shaped body, scissor doors, and a vibrant green and orange color scheme inspired by the Carabus auratus beetle.
Powered by a mid-mounted 2.0-liter V8 engine, it could reach speeds of about 155 mph. The Carabo significantly influenced the design of future supercars, particularly the Lamborghini Countach.
1970 Ferrari Modulo
The Ferrari 512S Modulo is a concept sports car designed by Paolo Martin at Pininfarina and unveiled at the 1970 Geneva Motor Show. It features a strikingly low, wedge-shaped body with a canopy-style glass roof that slides forward for entry. The car is powered by a 5.0 L V12 engine producing 550 hp, capable of reaching a top speed of around 220 mph and accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 3 seconds.
Originally a Ferrari 512S chassis, it was converted to a show car and has won numerous design awards. In 2014, American entrepreneur James Glickenhaus acquired and restored it to full operating condition
1969 Mercedes-Benz C-111
The 1969 Mercedes-Benz C111 was an experimental concept car unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show, designed to test new technologies and propulsion systems. It featured a three-rotor Wankel engine producing 280 hp, enabling a top speed of around 260 km/h.
The car’s innovative design included a fiberglass and plastic body, gullwing doors, and advanced suspension systems. Despite its promising performance and futuristic aesthetics, the C111 was never intended for production but served as a testbed for future Mercedes-Benz technologies, including advancements in suspension and body materials.
1967 Lamborghini Marzal
The 1967 Lamborghini Marzal is a one-off concept car designed by Marcello Gandini of Bertone, unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. It features a striking design with gull-wing doors and a futuristic aesthetic, characterized by extensive glass surfaces and a hexagonal motif throughout its interior and exterior. The Marzal is powered by a unique 2.0-liter inline-six engine, essentially a half-version of Lamborghini’s V12, producing 175 bhp.
Although it was never intended for production, the Marzal significantly influenced the design of the Lamborghini Espada, which debuted the following year. The car gained fame when it was driven by Prince Rainier and Princess Grace at the 1967 Monaco Grand Prix, marking its place in automotive history as a symbol of innovative Italian design.
1968 Dodge Charger III
While a little less “wedge like” than some of the others on this list, the visual still replicated a wedge look. The car was designed with no engine or drivetrain – but Dodge told the press it could easily house a Dodge 426 Street Hemi under that low profile hood.
The car was specifically created to display on the national auto show circuit and once that time ended, the car was reported to have been destroyed.
1968 Bizzarrini Manta
The 1968 Bizzarrini Manta is a groundbreaking concept car designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, marking one of his first projects as an independent designer after founding Italdesign. Built on a modified Bizzarrini P538 chassis, the Manta features a unique three-seat layout with the driver positioned centrally, flanked by two passengers, a design later popularized by the McLaren F1.
The car is powered by a Chevrolet Corvette V8 engine, producing approximately 355 horsepower, and showcases a distinctive angular body style that contributed to its acclaim at the 1968 Turin Motor Show. Its innovative design and aesthetics have made it a significant influence in automotive design, representing a pivotal moment in the evolution of mid-engine sports cars.
1970 Lancia Stratos HF Zero
The 1970 Lancia Stratos HF Zero was a striking concept car designed by Marcello Gandini at Bertone, unveiled at the 1970 Turin Auto Show. It featured an ultra-low, wedge-shaped body standing only 33 inches tall, with a unique lift-up canopy for entry instead of conventional doors.
Powered by a mid-mounted 1.6-liter Lancia V4 engine producing 115 hp, the Zero was fully functional and occasionally driven by Nuccio Bertone himself. This futuristic concept car cost around $450,000 to build and served as inspiration for the later production Lancia Stratos rally car, as well as influencing automotive design trends throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
1970 Vauxhall SRV
The Vauxhall SRV (Styling Research Vehicle) is a 1970 concept car designed by Wayne Cherry and Chris Field to showcase Vauxhall’s innovative design. Featuring a striking aerodynamic shape and unique elements like adjustable front seats and an adjustable aerofoil, it emphasized advanced technology such as electric self-leveling suspension.
Although never produced, the SRV garnered significant attention at the 1970 Earls Court Motor Show and remained a highlight at auto shows throughout the 1970s.
1969 Alfa Romeo 33 Iguana
The 1969 Alfa Romeo 33 Iguana was a concept car designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and debuted at the 1969 Turin Motor Show. It was based on the chassis of the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale and featured a striking wedge-shaped design with a unique glazed roof and brushed stainless steel pillars.
Despite its controversial appearance, the Iguana remains an important part of Alfa Romeo’s design history and is preserved in the Alfa Romeo museum’s collection.
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