Classics in Motion-A Deep Dive

Buckminster Fuller's Dymaxion Car: Dream and Disaster


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The Dymaxion car was a revolutionary three-wheeled concept vehicle designed by Richard Buckminster Fuller in 1933. Named for "dynamic maximum tension," Fuller envisioned the aerodynamic, teardrop-shaped machine as the ground component of a future flying transport. It was designed for maximum efficiency, offering space for up to eleven passengers and claiming high speeds and excellent fuel economy of 30-36 miles per gallon. Built with a lightweight aluminum body, the Dymaxion utilized innovative front-wheel drive and rear-wheel steering, allowing for an incredibly tight turning radius. However, its inherent instability led to a fatal crash soon after its launch, causing production plans to halt despite its visionary design.

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Classics in Motion-A Deep DiveBy Kristo Cairns