What Do Car Companies Do With Old Concept Cars?

Cars concept designs are the dream visions of automotive designers and engineers. These prototypes, often showcasing innovative technologies, unique designs, and groundbreaking ideas, are crucial to the car development process. However, what happens to these concept cars after they have served their purpose? Let's explore the various fates of old concept cars.

H1: Diversified Destinies of Old Concept Cars

Typically, car companies have several options for disposing of old concept cars. These include outright destruction, selling them to collectors, or repurposing them for creative purposes.

H2: Destruction

One common practice among car companies is the destruction of old concept cars. This often occurs when the concept design was ultimately not chosen for production. For instance, a car company might decide that a particular design was not practical or that the interior materials used were not cost-effective. Such decisions can lead to the disassembly and the disposal of the concept car.

H2: Selling to Collectors and Museums

Another option for old concept cars is to sell them to collectors and museums. This practice not only diverts some of the vehicles from destruction but also serves as a showcase for automotive history and innovation. Cars like the 1955 Lincoln Futura concept car, sold to George Barris by Ford for just one dollar, have found new life through customization and public display. Barris transformed this concept car into the iconic Batmobile seen in the 1966 Batman television series. Similarly, the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray concept car was used as the basis for the Transformers character Sideswipe, appearing in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and Transformers: Dark of the Moon.

H2: Testing New Technologies and Public Interest

Often, concept cars are crucial in testing the feasibility of new technologies and gauging public interest in new automotive features. By showcasing new ideas at auto shows and in magazine articles, car companies can gather valuable feedback and data on public perception. This helps inform future product development and marketing strategies. The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray concept car, for instance, gave the Chevrolet brand insight into what was popular among consumers and helped shape the final product.

H2: Recycled Components

Even when concept cars are not kept or sold, their components often find a new life. For example, parts from old concept cars might be used in the production of test vehicles or even in the finalized models. This ensures that valuable resources are not wasted, as component parts such as electronics, materials, and bodywork can be reused.

H2: Museum Exhibits and Public Displays

Some old concept cars are also displayed in museums, providing a tangible record of automotive history and innovation. These exhibits not only educate the public but also generate interest and excitement about the future of automotive design and technology. The presence of concept cars in public spaces can serve as a bridge between past achievements and future possibilities.

Conclusion

Old concept cars play a vital role in the automotive industry, serving multiple purposes beyond their initial design intent. Whether through destruction, repurposing, or public display, these visionary machines continue to contribute to the story of automobile evolution. As technology and design continue to advance, the legacy of concept cars will undoubtedly inspire and influence the next generation of innovators in the automotive world.