[1921-1940] 125 ans d'évolution ! Partie 2

Buckminster Fuller had a long and productive career. He was a visionary that worked in many fields, from the environment to architecture. The Dymaxion, which is an acronym for DYnamic MAXimum TensION, was his most famous automotive project.

In 1933, Fuller convinced socialite and friend Anna Biddle to fund the building of the Dymaxion. Progress was rapid, as it was the Deep Depression, and the only thing in short supply was money. In March 1933, Fuller rented a workshop in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and hired a crew. In less than two months, a running chassis was done, and car #1 (of 3) was finished July 21, 1933. Built in only five months, it was sold to Al Williams of the Gulf Refining Company. Unfortunately, on October 27, 1933, car #1 was involved in an accident, killing two of the three occupants. It was repaired, and Gulf Oil continued to use it for promotional purposes.

Construction for car #2 began on September 25, 1933, and pre-sold to Fred Taylor, a London businessman. By the time the car was completed on January 6, 1934, Taylor did not want the car. Car #2 cost $7,688.00 to build (about $130,000 today).

In January 1934, Evangeline Stokowska commissioned car #3, which was finished in October 1934, and immediately displayed at the World’s Fair. The Stokowska’s took delivery of car #3 in November 1934, and sold it in September 1935. Fuller kept car #2 as a demonstrator, and in May 1935 while Fuller was driving with his wife and daughter, the car overturned. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured.

No more orders were forthcoming, and by 1935 Fuller was out of money, and the business closed its doors. Car #1 was destroyed in a fire in 1939; car #2 is the only survivor, and is now at the National Auto Museum in Reno, Nevada. It is believed car #3 was cut up for scrap in the 1950s.

Specifications:
Manufacturer:  4D Dymaxion Corp.
Country of Origin:  United States
Drivetrain Configuration:  Mid-engine, front-wheel drive
Engine:  Ford Flathead V-8, 221 cubic inches, 85 HP
Transmission:  3 speed manual
Top Speed:  Claimed 120 MPH; probably 80 MPH realistically
Years of Production:  1933-1934
Number Produced:  3
Original Cost:  Approx. $7,700

Buick68 a écrit:



car #2 is the only survivor, and is now at the National Auto Museum in Reno, Nevada.