Monday, March 2, 2009

1961 Ford Gyron


First shown to the world in 1961 at the Detroit Motor Show as a concept car. One wheel was at the front and the other at the rear like a motorcycle and the car was stabilized by gyroscopes. The two occupants of the vehicle were seated side by side and, when the vehicle was stationary, two small legs appeared from the sides to support it.

The vehicle was created for research and marketing purposes, with no intention to put it into production.

Alex Tremulis was the designer , he started his career with the US airforce and worked in 1948 at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base on the concept of Military flying saucers. He then became the chief designer for the ill fated Tucker automobile before joining Ford.

The gyroscopic systems were based on Louis Brennan's theories. Ford Motor Company gave credit for the Gyron to Louis Brennan.