The ‘world’s craziest, beautiful cars’ | CNN (2024)

Concept 'Dream Cars' on display —

The 1953 Firebird I XP-21 is among the spectacular concept cars featured at an Atlanta's High Museum of Art exhibit titled, "Dream Cars." This one-of-a-kind, plane-like automobile was created by legendary General Motors designer Harley Earl. Curators describe it as a "rolling rocket." Click through the gallery to see more of the exhibit.

1959 Cadillac Cyclone XP-74 —

The 1959 Cadillac Cyclone XP-74 stops you cold when you see it in person. It looks like a silver rocket from a 1950s B movie. And it has futuristic safety features too. A radar-based anti-collision system is tucked inside the Caddy's cone-shaped so-called "dagmar" headlights.

1942 'L'Œuf électrique (Electric Egg)' —

In 1942 Nazi-occupied Paris, French artist, industrial designer, and engineer Paul Arzens created this tiny, electric-powered, Plexiglas, bubble-on-wheels. On a single battery charge, it ran for 60 miles, up to 37 mph.

1970 Lancia (Bertone) Stratos HF Zero —

The 1970 Lancia (Bertone) Stratos HF Zero measures only 33 inches from its rooftop to the floor. Its twin seats are positioned so far forward they're located between the front wheels. Climbing inside is a challenge because there are no doors. As the steering column simultaneously moves forward, its windshield, which is made of Perspex, raises up to allow entry.

1935 Bugatti Type 57S (re-creation) —

This is a replica of the 1935 Bugatti Type 57S Compétition Coupé Aerolithe. The original was designed by Jean Bugatti himself. Steampunk fans will dig this elegant machine. It looks like something out of Disney's "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea."

1955 Chrysler (Ghia) Streamline X 'Gilda' —

"People were more interested in their cars looking fast than actually being fast," said exhibit curator Sarah Schleuning. For this car, Chrysler partnered with Italian firm Carrozzeria Ghia and desiger Giovanni Savonuzzi, who nicknamed it "Gilda" after actress Rita Hayworth's character in the famous 1946 film.

1951 General Motors Le Sabre XP-8 —

This 1951 GM LeSabre XP-8 was the personal car of legendary GM designer Harley Earl. Innovations included a "rain sensor, which could activate the disappearing power top," according to the museum.

1970 Pininfarina (Ferrari) Modulo —

In the late 1960s, designer Carrozzeria Pininfarina joined the industry trend to create the "ultimate wedge." His creation measures 37 inches high.

1956 Buick Centurion XP-301 —

Buick unveiled its Centurion XP-301 at the 1956 Motorama car show. It sports a rear-mounted safety camera for backing up. Inside, the camera can be monitored on a 4-by-6-inch dashboard screen.

1941 Chrysler Thunderbolt —

Designed by Ralph Roberts, the Chrysler Thunderbolt was "the first American car to feature an electrically operated, retractable hardtop and disappearing headlights, which were controlled by push buttons on a leather-covered dashboard," according to the museum.

1934 Edsel Ford Model 40 Special Speedster —

This Edsel Ford Model 40 Special Speedster debuted in 1934. Designed by Henry Ford's son EdselFord and Eugene T. "Bob" Gregorie, it features a "shapely alligator-style hood with louvered side panels," according to the High Museum.

1934 Voisin C-25 Aérodyne —

A Voisin C-25 Aérodyne was named for its designer, Gabriel Voisin, who was also a pioneer French aeronautical engineer. "He was not interested in bowing to popular aesthetics, particularly the American streamlined look of the late 1920s and early 1930s," the museum said. That's quite a hood ornament there.

1947 Norman Timbs Special —

Here's what happens when a mechanical engineer designs a car. Norman Timbs created this vehicle for his personal use, the museum said. Have fun trying to get in the driver's seat. This thing has no doors. It's made from two hand-formed aluminum shapes.

1948 Tasco —

Tasco stands for The American Sports Car Company, which built it. Designed by Gordon M. Buehrig, its front fenders turned with the car's wheels. Its T-top roof design with removable panels was the first of its kind. The Tasco's roof eventually influenced the design of the 1968 Corvette.

2001 BMW GINA Light Visionary Model —

This BMW GINA -- designed by Christopher Bangle features an exterior made from "flexible tensile fabric stretched over a moveable body frame of aluminum and flexible carbon fiber," the museum said. "The fabric comprised two layers: an under layer of wire mesh and an outer layer of polyurethane-coated Lycra that was resistant to water, heat, and cold."

2010 Porsche 918 Spyder Concept Car —

The Porsche 918 Spyder Concept Car, designed by Michael Maurer, is the fastest car of the exhibit, said consulting curator Ken Gross. "It combines high-tech racing features with electric mobility options selected by a push-button control on the steering wheel," the museum said. "The driver chooses between the four options, -- from the fully electric -- to the maximum, which uses all systems for optimum performance."