Comments:
Maserati Boomerang Coupé, by Italdesign ..
Let’s take a trip back to the future of car design as conceived in the early 1970’s.
The Boomerang used the mechanical underpinnings and 4.7-litre V8 engine from the recently introduced Maserati Bora coupé, the Italian firm's first mid-engined production car, for which Giugiaro had styled the body. The performance was good with it 310bhp engine.
Just take a look at this interior, influenced by the space program of the late 60’s.
The futuristic interior though, with its unique dashboard layout where the steering wheel rotates around a stationary binnacle of radially positioned instruments.
The car was a one off concept car which was developed to become fully road registered. It still exists and in 2014 the Boomerang also featured prominently in a series of Louis Vuitton press and television adverts.
Designed by the master of automotive creativity and now a collectors dream. I have had the pleasure of viewing this car and its still a sensual piece of automotive art.
First seen as a concept car at the Turin Motor Show in 1971, the Maserati Boomerang caused an absolute sensation when it was revealed. It was designed by the great Giorgetto Giugiaro.
The Boomerang used the mechanical underpinnings and 4.7-litre V8 engine from the recently introduced Maserati Bora coupé, the Italian firm's first mid-engined production car, for which Giugiaro had styled the body. The performance was good with it 310bhp engine.
Just take a look at this interior, influenced by the space program of the late 60’s.
The futuristic interior though, with its unique dashboard layout where the steering wheel rotates around a stationary binnacle of radially positioned instruments.
The car was a one off concept car which was developed to become fully road registered. It still exists and in 2014 the Boomerang also featured prominently in a series of Louis Vuitton press and television adverts.
Designed by the master of automotive creativity and now a collectors dream. I have had the pleasure of viewing this car and its still a sensual piece of automotive art.
Enjoy !
The Captain
It would have been mind blowing!
Heck, it still is. I mean, to this day, I can't think of another car with a steering wheel like that. I remember seeing the Countach for the first time as a kid. It blew my socks clean off - it was like a space ship. This has a similar wow factor.
The Countach ...
I completely agree with you. It was and still is an incredible design.
That whole layout is nuts! I'm not sure if I love it or hate it, it's just so out there
I love Giugiaro's stuff. His watch offerings aren't bad either.
But can you imagine using those stalks mounted within the steering wheel/ dash layout whilst cruising oh so quickly!
That is just nuts; outside and in.
Which I guess is a real statement; if it gets that reaction today 50 years later I can’t fathom what people thought back then.
Just to it into perspective...
This Fiat was the best selling car in Europe at the time
Yes, this makes it all the more amazing.
My only comparison I think is first seeing the Audi TT on the road. I remember where I was, and whose car it was too. At that time there was nothing else quite like it (on normal roads, I didn’t grow up in Monte Carlo or Hong Kong where super cars are plenty). It was such a contrast. That same year I think the Ford Fiesta, the one that had recently found its curves, was the best selling car.
Mindblowing design - both outside and inside!
It's amazing today - but when you compare it to "regular" cars of that time......
Clearly a one-off
As evidenced by the stiffening triangle RIGHT IN THE WAY of where one's feet have to pass to get in or out
and the chaotic console which offers completely UN ergonomic control layout.
Alas, too many crazy cars, not enough time to try them all ... although I did have one of these ... Citroen Visa from the same era
Cazalea
Well spotted Mike ...
Not forgetting the indicator/ turn signal stalk. It is road registered and still out there.