Historical Photos of Convair Model 118 ConvAirCar, a Prototype Flying Car of Which Only 2 Were Built in 1947

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If you think the other flying cars all look a little too much like airplanes, join the club. Industrial Designer Henry Dreyfuss decided to design an actual flying car in 1947, and the ConvAirCar was the result. This was a re-engined development of the Model 116, designed by Theodore P. Hall.

Convair Model 118 ConvAirCar (1947)

The ConvAirCar debuted in 1947, and offered one hour of flight and a petrol mileage of 45 miles per gallon. The car itself sported a lightweight fiberglass body and could seat four. The wings and engine/propeller snapped onto the top of the car, and when not in use were towed behind the car.

Intended for mainstream consumers, two prototypes were built and flown. The first prototype was lost after a safe, but damaging, low fuel incident. Subsequently, the second prototype was rebuilt from the damaged aircraft and flown. By that time, little enthusiasm remained for the project and the program ended shortly thereafter.