People’s desire for perfection sometimes gets out of control, and they come up with something unique. In some cases, it becomes a brilliant invention, and in others, a completely failed and useless creation. This happens in all areas of activity, including the automotive industry. In this regard, we decided to tell you about the most impressive innovations that could ruin today’s cars.
Toilet in the Car
The most unusual development, which was fortunately rejected, was a toilet in a car. Cadillac proposed this idea in 1947. Its developers even created a suitable model, with which they tried to break the record for a non-stop trip.
After achieving the goal, Cadillac abandoned the doomed innovation, but many other manufacturers became seriously interested in it. In the late 40s and early 50s, there were even discussions about where it would be better to place a toilet in a car, but due to limited space, they decided to abandon the stupid idea. If this had not happened, then in modern vehicles, we would have to forget about such a concept as comfort.
Retractable Extra Wheel
For many decades, parking was the most challenging task for all drivers. This applied to large models that can be bought today at the RAM 3500 salvage auction and to most miniature vehicles. To solve the problem, each car manufacturer developed its innovations. One of the most exciting ideas was to equip the car with a unique retractable 5th wheel (located under the trunk), which could simplify the parking process.
This innovation was introduced in the early 50s by Cadillac. It was part of the models of the famous American car manufacturer for several years, but eventually, it was decided to abandon the fifth wheel. This happened due to the impracticality of the innovation and its malfunctions during operation. Also, the refusal was influenced by the feedback from drivers, for whom it was much easier to drive an extra couple of hundred meters and find a suitable place in the parking lot than to waste time extending an additional wheel.
Partition Between Rows of Seats
Nowadays, some luxury cars allow passengers to separate themselves from the driver with a unique sliding partition. It is used to prevent the person sitting behind the wheel from eavesdropping on the conversations of various VIPs. Many car manufacturers wanted to implement something similar in the 40s and 50s.
The only purpose of installing a partition between the front and back seats was to protect vehicle owners from the screams and conversations of their children. This idea initially seemed quite exciting, and some well-known American manufacturers began implementing it. However, numerous negative reviews forced the companies to abandon any partitions. In the next few decades, there were attempts to revive this idea, but they did not receive much support from drivers.
Air Fresheners in the Car
Even the most modern cars cannot eliminate the unpleasant smell in the cabin. For many, it has long been a mandatory attribute of any trip, so most manufacturers ignored this problem. However, several companies creating premium models decided to try to correct the situation by using a unique air freshener in the car. It is a built-in device that automatically sprays various aromas.
Infiniti and Mercedes have achieved the most tremendous success in this area. They even installed such an air freshener in their luxury models Q45 and S-Class but later abandoned using them. The reason for this was an allergy to certain smells, which almost every tenth inhabitant of our planet has.
Cars with Flamethrowers
Recently, flamethrowers have stopped being used even by representatives of most armies worldwide. This weapon was considered inhumane, so they decided to abandon it altogether. However, before that, flamethrowers were widely used to achieve various goals. Some car manufacturers even began to install such weapons on their models.
In particular, BMW developed a vehicle with flamethrowers attached to the sides. They were intended to protect the car from hijackers and wild animals (for example, during a safari). Such a car was immediately rejected by some countries, which is why their production was stopped. Fortunately, flamethrowers are banned today, so no one will want to return to implementing this idea.
Built-in Record Player
In the middle of the last century, people listened to music using vinyl record players. They were pretty popular for the next few decades. Even after the advent of more modern devices for playing music, they were not wholly abandoned. In the 50s, Chrysler had the idea to equip their cars with such a player. Having done this, every driver could listen to their favorite music during the trip.
However, this innovative solution by Chrysler did not last long. While the car was moving, vibration occurred, so the player’s needle constantly lost contact with the record’s surface. This led to distortions or even a complete stop in playing music. The new product also had a problem because it was difficult for drivers to turn the record over to the other side while driving.
Nuclear Engine
Oddly enough, we can drive cars with nuclear engines under certain circumstances today. In the 1950s, when the boom in nuclear energy began, this idea was considered the most promising and a priority. In 1958, Ford introduced the world’s first atomic engine for a car.
It was to be powered by a reactor installed in the back under the second row of seats or take up the trunk’s space. Other companies were also actively engaged in their own developments but failed to achieve Ford’s results. After tests, they decided to abandon the nuclear engine. It turned out to be not only extremely dangerous but also very expensive to maintain.
Car With the Ability to Float on Water
From the late 60s to the mid-70s, many engineers who were developing cars seriously considered allowing some models to float on water. This resulted from pressure from the public, who did not want to buy expensive cars that could only drive on asphalt. Representatives of the German Quandt Group achieved the most tremendous success in creating a universal vehicle.
They made the Amphicar 700 – a two-seater convertible that could move on land and water. It was equipped with a 4-cylinder Triumph Herald engine and a manual transmission. It was also distinguished by its diminutive dimensions and low maximum speed. Almost 4,000 of these models were produced, but they were not in demand due to the excessively high price. Porsche, Land Rover, and other well-known companies have attempted to create similar vehicles. However, they were also unable to achieve the desired sales results.
Flying Car
Various literary works and films about the future have convinced many people that our cars can fly in the 21st century. To meet the expectations of their customers, many manufacturers began developing flying vehicles. The peak of activity was in the 70s and 80s. At that time, some companies even conducted test flights of their models but still had to abandon the idea of hovering in the air.
The main reason for this decision was excessive fuel consumption, which would make the costs of the car simply enormous. Also, the disadvantage of the tested models was the high noise level and the lack of a guarantee that the engine would be able to work smoothly throughout the flight. Nowadays, attempts are being made to revive this project. At the same time, if they do appear, flying cars will be more like mini-helicopters rather than the sedans or crossovers we are used to.
Side Bags for Dogs
Since ancient times, dogs have been man’s best friends. They accompanied their owners everywhere and became full-fledged members of the family. In this regard, in the 30s of the last century, the idea of creating cars adapted for traveling with your four-legged friends arose.
The developers developed unique side bags installed on a wooden footboard (all models of that time had one) and attached to the vehicle’s body. This design made it possible to transport dogs without fear of their discomfort. However, this development was not taken seriously, and people continued to carry their pets in the vehicle. Later, other similar ideas appeared, but they were also quickly abandoned.
Final Words
Modern cars can be called benchmark products, which appeared due to the developers’ vast experience in creating various vehicles. This experience was far from always positive. At different periods of history, innovative solutions appeared that initially seemed like a good idea but were an absolute failure. Today, knowing about their existence, one can only laugh and thank those who rejected the most unsuccessful developments.
