Electrochemical Reverie - The late 1950s were an era when the American auto industry dared to imagine tomorrow with fearless optimism. Tailfins soared, dashboards looked like aircraft cockpits, and engineers chased bold new propulsion ideas. In the middle of that restless creativity—just as one historic brand was nearing its end—an extraordinary vision emerged:
the Fuel Cell Dreams embodied in the 1959 DeSoto Cella I.
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| The DeSoto Cella I Concept, presented only as a 3/8-scale model, explored the possibility of hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell propulsion rather than refining conventional combustion performance in the late 1950s. (Picture from: MacsMotorCityGarage) |
By early 1959,
executives within Chrysler were already discussing the possibility of discontinuing DeSoto,
a decision that would become final on November 30, 1960.
Yet even under that shadow,
chief engineer A.E. “Kim” Kimberly pushed forward with a concept that looked far beyond the conventional V8 formula.
Rather than refining combustion performance,
Kimberly—
remembered as the driving force behind the legendary DeSoto Adventurer I and
Adventurer II—
turned his attention to hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell propulsion,
naming the
project Cella I to reflect its radical energy source. It was a bold
pivot at a time when alternative propulsion remained far more
theoretical than practical.
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| The 1959 DeSoto Cella I Concept 3/8 scaled model was photographed alongside DeSoto’s chief engineer A.E. “Kim” Kimberly, highlighting his central role in bringing the futuristic fuel cell vision to life. (Picture from: MacsMotorCityGarage) |
Fuel-cell science itself traced back to 1842,
when William Grove demonstrated the basic principle.
A century later,
British engineer Francis Thomas Bacon advanced the technology significantly,
and by 1958 Pratt & Whitney had licensed his work to develop systems that would later serve NASA missions. Against this scientific backdrop,
the Cella I’s power unit was described cautiously in period materials as an “electrochemical principle.” Beneath its proposed hood,
a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell would generate electricity for four independent wheel-mounted motors,
delivering four-wheel drive without a traditional transmission or differential.
Even regenerative braking was envisioned—
an astonishing detail for 1959.
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| The 1959 DeSoto Cella I Concept appears as a smooth 3/8-scale model with sculpted fenders, jet-inspired rear detailing, and an ultra-low profile that reinforces its advanced hydrogen-powered vision. (Picture from: MacsMotorCityGarage) |
Despite its technical ambition,
the Cella I never advanced beyond renderings and a detailed 3/8-scale model.
No functioning prototype was recorded.
Still,
the concept’s layout was remarkably forward-thinking.
Each wheel would be powered individually through stub axles and universal joints,
eliminating mechanical complexity. The idea suggested not just a new engine, but an entirely new philosophy of drivetrain architecture—one that modern electric vehicles now embrace.
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| The 1959 DeSoto Cella I Concept reveals a futuristic lounge-style interior with swivel seating, a yoke-inspired control, and a panoramic canopy that emphasizes its experimental, forward-thinking character. (Picture from: MacsMotorCityGarage) |
The cabin design amplified the sense of futurism.
Swivel bucket seats and a yoke-style steering control replaced traditional norms,
while a periscopic rear-view system eliminated the need for a rear window.
For safety reasons, rear passengers were positioned facing backward,
transforming the space into a lounge-like environment.
A small refrigerator,
powered by the fuel cell,
kept beverages chilled,
and a swing-out television with stereo audio offered in-motion entertainment.
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| The 1959 DeSoto Cella I Concept is illustrated with dramatic tailfins, a sweeping canopy roofline, and turbine-like wheels, capturing the bold space-age optimism that defined late-1950s American design. (Picture from: Madle.org and CCDisccusion) |
When
the Cella I appeared at
the Chicago Auto Show on January 22,
1960,
it was introduced as an idea car that might be realized “within a generation.” DeSoto would not survive to see that generation unfold,
but the prophecy carried weight.
Today,
hydrogen-powered vehicles such as the Toyota Mirai operate in limited production,
proving that the dream was not misplaced—
only premature.
The 1959 DeSoto Cella I remains a striking reminder that even in its final chapter, a fading marque dared to imagine a cleaner, electrified future long before the world was ready to build it.
*** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MACSMOTORCITYGARAGE | MADLE.ORG | CCDISCUSSION | KEVIN KUCZYNSKI IN FACEBOOK ]Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
