Classic Motors That Never Picked Up Speed

The Independent newspaper has compiled a list of classic automobilia that never actually took off. From a 1946 Invicta Black Prince to a 1963 Chrysler Gas Turbine; here are the highlights from the newspaper’s line-up of motoring flops…

 Chrysler Gas Turbine (1963)

Trying to cash in on a new era of rockets and space travel, the Chrysler installed a jet engine in the Turbine, leading to poor fuel consumption and high emissions.

Conceding the car was a flop, the manufacturer decided to destroy them all, and only nine display models are about today.

Bricklin SV-1 (1974)

With its acrylic body and hydraulic gullwing doors, the SV-1 looks like a car of the future, well it did in 1974.

But selling fewer than 3,000 and with owners getting trapped in the car after the door mechanisms failed, the Bricklin SV-1 was no more.

Aston Martin Lagonda (1976)

Without the style of a classic Aston Martin, the Lagonda had to rely on its gadgets, gizmos and futuristic digital display. Unfortunately, this didn’t work particularly well and quality issues caused delays in delivery.

The manufacturer produced just 650 Lagondas, although it managed to stay in production until 1990.

Burney Streamline (1929)

Doing what is says on the tin, the sleek lines of the Burney Streamline made it quite special aesthetically. But the fact the engines kept catching fire wasn’t for everyone.

Just 37 of the Streamline were made in total, and only two survive today.

Chrysler Airflow (1934)

The Airflow was clunky and fuel-thirsty, and ceased production in 1937.

Honda Insight (1999)

A hybrid ahead of its time, Honda could have probably done with a bit more “insight”, as it could only convince 239 customers to buy the aerodynamic model in Britain.

Invicta Black Prince (1946)

This art deco gem was about a decade too late in terms of design, and a decade too advanced in terms of its gadgetry, including an immersion heater and built-in radio.

It also didn’t bode well for its future that it was priced 10 times the cost of an average saloon.

Jowett Javelin (1947)

On price, style and fuel consumption, the Jowett Javelin was a winner. Unfortunately its loser badge is for its engine and gearbox – leading to the firm to cease production in 1953, and by extension, call it a day for the Jowett company…

Renault A610 (1991)

Built as a competitor to Porsche, the A610 is synonymous with unreliability, and only 67 were sold in the UK before it ceased production in 1995.

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