Ten concept cars that revolutionised the history of the automobile

Throughout the history of the automobile there have been many design exercises that have reached us, but today we have made a selection of our ten concept cars that revolutionised the history of the automobile.

Nowadays, a concept is understood to be a model that is almost ready to reach dealerships, but there was a time when this was not 100% the case. So much so that some designers set out to revolutionise the car by creating authentic design gems, and today they could not be missing from our selection. Will you join us to get to know them?

Many manufacturers throughout their history have wanted to innovate by creating authentic design exercises as impressive as those we are going to see below.

Lamborghini Marzal from 1967

The Lamborghini Marzal is a 1967 concept in which glass predominated. Its lines were signed by Bertone and it is clearly aimed at the style of the Lamborghini Espada. What makes it special? The number of hexagons found throughout its chassis. It was powered by a V12 Lamborghini engine with six cylinders and 175 CV. In addition, the powerplant was located over the rear axle.

Alfa Romeo Carabo from 1968

Its lines were signed by Marcello Gandini and it was inspired by the legendary Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 with a mid-mounted V8 engine. Later, it became an updated Lamborghini Miura, also signed by Gandini. This new model featured, for the first time, a type of door that was not fitted until 1974, on the Lamborghini Countach.

Mercedes-Benz C-111 from 1969

As we can see, the sixties were a very good decade for the design of new cars, and now it is the turn of a German. This model, with gullwing doors, mounted a three-rotor Wankel engine producing 280 CV. A year later, the model was updated and incorporated four rotors. In 1978, a new model was born, but this time it would be powered by a diesel engine.

Lancia Stratos Zero from 1970

Wedge-shaped designs kept on coming, and this Lancia was one of the best concept cars in automotive history. Moreover, it was one of the lowest models, at 830 mm. It was also signed by Marcello Gandini and mounted the 1.6-litre V4 engine of the Lancia Fulvia. It delivered 115 CV.

Maserati Boomerang from 1970

Following the wedge style of its counterparts, the Lancia Stratos Zero or the Alfa Romeo Carabo, the new member of the trident family wanted to reach the market. It was up against models such as the Lotus Esprit or the DeLorean DMC-12. Its powerplant was inherited from the Maserati Bora and was a 4.7-litre V8.

BMW E1 from 1991

Twenty-one years later, the Bavarian brand set out to build a model much smaller than what it had accustomed us to. It was called BMW E1 and became one of the first electric cars of the German brand. Two years later, in 1993, it would be available with petrol, hybrid-electric and petrol-electric powertrains. A real revolution for the era, although it should be remembered that the GM EV1 already existed at that time.

The BMW E1 featured a lightweight aluminium body whose aim was to make the model much lighter. Had the model reached the market, it could have become a rival to the Audi A1.

BMW X Coupé from 2001

Ten years later, Chris Bangle, well known to all BMW enthusiasts for having built some of the most radical designs, got to work and designed the BMW X Coupé. At first glance, the model is a blend between the BMW 1M Coupé and the BMW Z4, but the BMW X Coupé featured GPS-controlled swivelling headlights and a 3.0-litre diesel engine. Could it be a foretaste of the BMW 1 Series of 2004?
Renault Dezir from 2010

Although we are not used to seeing models bearing the rhombus badge with these lines, it must be said that it is one of the most beautiful concept cars ever created. It was presented at the 2010 Paris Motor Show and was fully electric. Its aim was to offer a vision of a much greener future.

BMW Next 100 from 2016

When Bayerische Motoren Werke celebrated its centenary, the Bavarian brand brought out its full arsenal and launched this impressive concept in 2016. It is called BMW Next 100 and is fully autonomous. It became a pioneer in its construction, as it used carbon fibre to provide lightness and strength. Its aerodynamic coefficient? 0.18. A real milestone!

DS E-Tense from 2016

Until the presentation of this concept car, DS had only ever given Citroën an extra touch of luxury, but then this model arrived. It was presented at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show and put before everyone present a mid-engined supercar with more than 400 CV, and became a real spectacle. So much so that it has even been driven through the streets of Madrid. A real beauty!