Wild Prototype - The post-war optimism of the 1950s and early 1960s brought with it an explosion of futuristic dreams. From fashion to architecture, everything was touched by the spirit of the Jet Age. It was a time when people believed the future had truly arrived—jets were streaking across the skies, space exploration had just begun, and sleek, aerodynamic shapes started to define the modern lifestyle.
The Mayan Magnum is a wild prototype designed and built by Dean Ing in 1965, based on the Volkswagen Beetle.(Picture from: Hagerty)
Nowhere was this obsession with the future more vividly expressed than in the world of automobiles. Designers weren’t just creating modes of transportation—they were imagining what the future could look like on wheels. The Jet Age spirit pushed creativity to its limits, inspiring bold shapes, experimental engineering, and designs that echoed the excitement of space travel and modern technology. It wasn’t only major automakers who caught this futuristic fever; independent builders and imaginative individuals also stepped up, crafting unique concept cars that defied convention and captured the essence of the era’s optimism.
The Mayan Magnum is a unique two-seater custom car featured with a double-bubble roof and gull-wing bodywork.(Picture from: Autoevolution)
In past discussions, we’ve explored some of these individual efforts, like the 1957 Galileo Concept and the 1960 Di Dia 150. But among the most compelling of these one-off creations is a car so distinctive, it seems as though it was lifted straight from the pages of a science fiction novel. That car is the Mayan Magnum—a truly original prototype built in 1965 by Dean Ing, a man whose background in aerospace and passion for design resulted in one of the most fascinating automotive experiments of the Jet Age.
The Mayan Magnum—a one-of-a-kind prototype built in 1965 by Dean Ing, whose aerospace background and design passion led to one of the Jet Age’s most fascinating automotive experiments.(Picture from: Autoevolution)
Dean Charles Ing, as he was also known, didn’t just want to build a car; he wanted to craft something that expressed the excitement and elegance of the Jet Age in physical form. And he succeeded—with about 3,000 hours of labor poured into the project, the result was as much a sculpture as it was a vehicle.
The 1965 Mayan Magnum by Dean Ing features an aircraft-inspired, sculptural cockpit, complete with a matching dashboard, hidden ancillary gauges, and grab handles for the passenger.(Picture from: eBay)
What makes the Mayan Magnum even more fascinating is how it blends components from various iconic cars to create something completely fresh. The platform and floorpan came from a Volkswagen Beetle, which provided a lightweight and compact base. For power, he opted for a 2.4-liter flat-six engine taken from a Chevrolet Corvair—another rear-engine American classic. That was paired with a Porsche-sourced gearbox, giving the car not just unique looks, but serious engineering credibility.
The Mayan Magnum features two low-back bucket seats trimmed in tan, paired with rich brown carpeting.(Picture from: Autoevolution)
Inspired by European rarities like the Maserati 450S Costin Coupe, the Porsche-Glöckler 356, and perhaps even the Durango 95, the Mayan Magnum features flowing lines, an ultra-low profile, and a smooth,rounded form that seems built to glide through the air. Subtle details, such as the Fiat-sourced wraparound windshield, enhance its futuristic character. The overall design is clean, elegant, and visually striking—standing in sharp contrast to the mass-produced cars of its era.
The Mayan Magnum is powered by a rear-mounted, large flat-six engine sourced from a Chevrolet Corvair. (Picture from: eBay)
Step inside, and you’ll find an interior that reflects the same imaginative spirit. The influence of aviation is immediately clear: low-back bucket seats, tan upholstery, a sculpted dashboard, and aircraft-inspired instrument placement all contribute to a cabin that feels more like a cockpit than a car interior. The VW Beetle’s influence is subtly present, too—in the floor layout and speedometer—blending the familiar with the fantastical.
The 1965 Mayan Magnum by Dean Ing is powered by a 2.4-liter flat-six engine from a Chevrolet Corvair, mounted on the chassis and paired with a Porsche-sourced gearbox. (Picture from: Hagerty)
Despite its obvious appeal, the Mayan Magnum never made it to production. It remained a personal passion project for Dean Ing, a handcrafted example of what could be achieved when creativity meets engineering skill. In 2021, the vehicle appeared at auction through Bring a Trailer, listed by the Ing family. However, with a top bid of $11,750, the reserve wasn’t met. Just a month later, the car finally found a buyer via eBay for $30,500—a modest sum for a machine with such originality and character.😉
The 1965 Mayan Magnum by Dean Ing was clearly influenced by European exotics, particularly the Maserati 450S Costin Coupe by Zagato and the Porsche-Glöckler 356 Coupe. (Picture from: eBay)
The Mayan Magnum may not be a household name today, but that doesn’t diminish its value as a rare gem of Jet Age imagination. Built entirely outside the realm of traditional car manufacturers, it stands as a testament to what one passionate individual can achieve with the right blend of creativity, knowledge, and determination. Dean Ing didn’t just design a car—he shaped a vision that captured the spirit of an era obsessed with speed, innovation, and the possibilities of tomorrow.
The Mayan Magnum feels like a true realization of its creator’s vision—featuring smooth, streamlined bodywork designed with aerodynamic efficiency in mind. (Picture from: Barnfinds)
What makes the Mayan Magnum truly special is how it blends everyday components with a level of design sophistication that rivals many factory-produced concept cars of its time. From its sleek, European-influenced exterior to its aviation-inspired interior, every detail reflects Dean Ing’s background in aeronautics and his fearless approach to design. This wasn’t a car built for mass appeal—it was built for the pure joy of invention and personal expression.
For those fortunate enough to see it in person, the Mayan Magnum is more than just a car—it’s a rolling piece of history, a physical embodiment of an optimistic era when the future seemed limitless. It's a reminder that innovation doesn't always come from big corporations or massive budgets. Sometimes, it comes from a garage, a dream, and someone daring enough to build something the world has never seen before. *** [EKA [01022022] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOEVOLUTION | HAGERTY | BRING A TRAILER | BARNFINDS | EBAY ]
Visionary Metal - After previously diving into the rarely seen Ferrari Dino Berlinetta Speciale — a stunning concept crafted by Pininfarina in 1965 — it’s only natural to explore another exceptional piece from the same lineage. Meet the 1967 Ferrari Dino 206 Competizione, a one-off creation that doesn’t just follow in the footsteps of its older sibling, but boldly redefines the boundaries of what a concept car could be.
The one-of-a-kind 1967 Ferrari Dino 206 Competizione Prototipo, crafted by Pininfarina, stands as a singular design study that blends racing heritage with avant-garde styling in a truly unforgettable concept car. (Picture from: 95Customs)
Unlike production Ferraris or even race-hardened track cars, the Dino 206 Competizione was never intended for sale or competition. It was a design study, a thought experiment brought to life by the legendary Pininfarina design house at Ferrari’s request. The mission was to create a road-going supercar using advanced racing techniques and components — and what emerged was unlike anything seen before.
The 1966 Ferrari Dino 206 Sports Racer, which served as the foundation for the Dino 206 Competizione, provided the racing chassis and engineering inspiration behind its radical design transformation..(Picture from: 95Customs)
Penned by designer Paolo Martin, the car took shape atop one of just 18 racing chassis originally built for the Dino 206SP in 1966. That racing heritage is evident the moment you lay eyes on it. Its dramatic, almost alien form features a bubble-like glass canopy, giving it a distinct fishbowl cockpit and an ultra-low driving position. Everything about the shape feels sculpted for airflow and presence — aggressive, futuristic, and unmistakably unique.
The 1967 Ferrari Dino 206 Competizione boasts a range of unique features, including a fishbowl-style cockpit, a distinctive duck-beak front wing, a rear spoiler, cobalt-blue racing harnesses, and striking gull-wing doors.(Picture from: 95Customs)
Interestingly, the initial version lacked wings. But to give the car an even more forward-thinking, motorsport-inspired appearance, Pininfarina later added a duck-beak style front wing and a subtle rear spoiler. The cobalt-blue racing harnesses inside only added to the machine’s character, blending function with flair. These were not additions made for show — they were meant to elevate the sense that this car belonged somewhere ahead of its time.
The 1967 Ferrari Dino 206 Competizione, shown with its dramatic gull-wing doors opened, reveals an even more futuristic and race-inspired character that highlights its bold design language.(Picture from: 95Customs)
Powering this visual statement was the same 6-cylinder, longitudinally mounted mid-engine that Ferrari used in their 1966 Le Mans race cars. While the Dino 206 Competizione was never destined to race, it carried the same mechanical spirit, and that connection to performance lent it credibility as more than just a static concept. Its debut at the 1967 Frankfurt Auto Show made a bold impression, standing not just as a car, but as a declaration of design freedom.
The 1967 Ferrari Dino 206 Competizione is powered by a 6-cylinder, mid-mounted longitudinal engine, the same type used in Ferrari’s 1966 Le Mans race cars, emphasizing its deep connection to motorsport engineering.(Picture from: 95Customs)
After its public debut, the car spent decades housed at Pininfarina’s museum in Turin, admired but rarely seen outside of insider circles. That changed in 2007, when noted Ferrari collector James Glickenhaus acquired it and brought it to the United States. For Glickenhaus — already known for assembling some of the rarest and most striking Ferrari models — the Dino 206 Competizione was a natural fit. Today, it resides alongside his other legendary pieces such as the bespoke Ferrari P4/5, the racing-bred P4/5 Competizione, and the otherworldly Ferrari 512S Modulo Concept.
In many ways, the Dino 206 Competizione isn’t just a car — it’s a conversation between design and performance, a moment in history when imagination took the wheel. Though it never saw a production line or starting grid, its legacy lives on in the hearts of those who appreciate cars not just as machines, but as art.*** [EKA [30102020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | 95CUSTOMS | SUPERCARS.NET ]
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Chrome Spectacle - Most tow trucks are built to work, not to attract attention. Lil Redd Wreckerbroke that rule completely. Created in the early 1970s for comedian and Sanford & Son star Redd Foxx, this custom wrecker turned an ordinary utility vehicle into one of the most unusual show trucks of its era.
Redd Fox Lil Red Wrecker built by the famous builder George Barris in the early 1970s. (Picture from: TowForce.net)
The project is closely associated with legendary customizer George Barris, whose name is linked to many famous Hollywood vehicles. For Lil Redd Wrecker, Barristransformed the truck into a rolling spectacle with a hand-built steel body, tube-frame construction, Corvette rear suspension, and a dramatic tilt-front cab topped by a tinted sky window. An oval grille, quad rectangular headlights, and extensive chrome work gave it a futuristic appearance that looked nothing like a conventional wrecker.
The cabin of the Redd Fox Lil Red Wrecker covered dominantly with red-velvet while the blue on its seater side. (Picture from: TowForcenet)
Its mechanical layout was just as unconventional. A chrome-plated, supercharged 392-cubic-inch Chrysler engine sat in the middle of the vehicle, while the cockpit featured a rare center-steering arrangement. Power braking and hydraulic controls added to the truck’s highly customized character.
The gorgeous Redd Fox Lil Red Wrecker is powered by an all chrome plated supercharged 392 cubic inches Chrysler's mid-mounted engine. (Picture from: TapaTalk)
Inside, Joe Perez created a striking cabin trimmed with crushed blue velvet, foam-pattern upholstery, and antique-look vinyl. The rear recovery unit was fully chrome plated and operated by electric push buttons. Dual MOON fuel tanks, deep-dish chrome wheels, custom pinstriping, gold-leaf graphics, and thirty coats of Kandy Redd paint completed the truck’s unforgettable look.
Although it was originally built as a show vehicle rather than a working tow truck, Lil Redd Wrecker remains an important piece of custom-car history. Restored to running condition decades later, it continues to reflect the creativity and excess that defined 1970s American show-car culture. Even today, its design feels bold enough to stand out in any automotive event. *** [EKA [30082020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BARIS.COM | TOWFORCE.NET | MOTORIOUS.COM]
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Visionary Machine - Seeing the Mars A20 antique motorcycle today feels like stepping into a different rhythm of engineering history, where machines were not just built for function but also carried a bold sense of experimentation. Among the many early European two-wheelers that shaped the foundation of modern motorcycling, the Mars A20 antique motorcycle stands out as a rare glimpse into how far design thinking had already evolved in the early 20th century. Its presence reflects a period when innovation was still raw, yet surprisingly ambitious, especially in Germany’s rapidly growing industrial landscape.
1921 Mars A20 White Mars.(Picture from: Yesterdays.nl)
The story behind the Mars A20 begins long before motorcycles became the company’s focus. In 1873, Paul Reissmann established Mars in Nuremberg, Germany, initially as a manufacturer of iron stoves and furnaces. Over time, the company expanded its expertise into producing mechanical sirens, grinding machines, and even bicycles, gradually building a strong foundation in mechanical engineering. This steady transformation from household heating products to precision machinery set the stage for Mars to eventually step into the automotive world.
1921 Mars A20 White Mars already has a protective wing to avoid the rider's feet and from water splashes.(Picture from: Yesterdays.nl)
By 1903, Mars had already started experimenting with motorcycles and small car construction, marking a significant turning point in its industrial journey. Among its most remarkable creations emerged the Mars A20, also known as the Weiße Mars or “White Mars,” designed in 1920 by engineer Claus Franzenburger. While the white version became the most iconic, the motorcycle was also available in red and green variations, each reflecting a slightly different visual personality but sharing the same engineering spirit that defined Mars’ approach to design during that era.
1921 Mars A20 White Mars uses a Maybach's boxer twin engine that has a capacity of 955 cc.(Picture from: Yesterdays.nl)
Technically, the Mars A20 antique motorcycle was powered by a Maybach boxer twin engine with a displacement of 955 cc, an impressive specification for its time. Despite its relatively modest output—estimated at around 7 horsepower at the wheel and approximately 12 horsepower at the crankshaft—the machine was built with intention and balance rather than brute force. Its pressed steel frame gave it a futuristic silhouette, setting it apart from many contemporaries that still relied on more traditional construction methods, and reinforcing its reputation as a forward-thinking machine.
However, like many ambitious engineering ventures of the early automotive age, Marsfaced challenges beyond design and innovation. The economic instability brought by the inflation crisis around 1923 to 1924 placed significant pressure on the company, gradually weakening its financial foundation. Although Mars continued operating for decades afterward, it eventually ceased production in 1958. Today, the Mars A20 antique motorcycle remains a fascinating reminder of an era when engineering companies were still defining what mobility could become, and its legacy continues to resonate with collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate the roots of motorcycle evolution.
Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. God will forgive Your sins.... *** [EKA [30122019] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | YESTERDAYS.NL ]
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Racing Legend - As we all know that the Plymouth Superbird was one of legendary NASCAR racing cars along with its similar brother Dodge Charger Daytona. Both are distinguished than other cars by their elongated "nose cone" and huge decklid-mounted wing.
1970 Plymouth Road Runner HEMI Superbird has a typical appearance such the elongated "nose cone" and huge decklid-mounted wing. (Picture from: MoparInsiders)
Recently, in the classic car auction in Las Vegas held by Barret-Jackson auction house in June 30 to July 2, 2022 had been stirred at momment caused by there was 1970 Plymouth Road Runner HEMI Superbird sold at the figure of $ 1.65 millions (approx Rp. 24.7 billions). Wow!😲
1970 Plymouth Road Runner HEMI Superbird's interior looks very authentic garnished with the (TX9) interior paint matching its high-grade trimmed black vinyl seating with silver accents. (Picture from: MoparInsiders)
As quoted of AutoEvolution, those selling numbers directly broke the previous record held by another HEMI car sometime ago perched at $990 thousand (approx to Rp. 14.87 billion). So what's made those cars so special that can be sold at such fantastic price numbers?
1970 Plymouth Road Runner HEMI Superbird is powered by a 426 HEMI engine coupled with a 727 Torque Flite gearbox and 8.75-inch Chrysler differential. (Picture from: MoparInsiders)
The specialty of this car is not only in its prime condition with real authentic and original equipments. As quoted of the AutoEvolution, this Superbirds was specially ordered in red and once homologated for NASCAR racing in 1969 as one of 135 Plymouth Superbird beasts powered by a 426 HEMI engine coupled with a 727 Torque Flite gearbox and Chrysler 8.75-inch with a 3.55 ratio sure grip axle differential.
1970 Plymouth Road Runner HEMI Superbird is one of 135 unit cars were specially ordered in red and homologated for NASCAR racing in 1969. (Picture from: MoparInsiders)
While in the Superbird's interior looks very authentic and also in perfect condition. Inside its interior garnished with the (TX9) interior paint matching its high-grade trimmed black vinyl seating with silver accents. The dash features the factory tachometer, correct pushbutton AM radio, heater/defroster, and three-spoke steering wheel with the Road Runner center cap.
The exterior features a set of hood pins (J45), Superbird graphics package, and its original aero nose and rear wing, fender-mounted air scoops, and front spoiler. As the result, could be said that all the authentic accessories both in the car's interior and exterior are originally maintained.
Being a HEMI car, it features power steering, power brakes with front discs, a max cooling package with a 7-blade fan, HEMI suspension with firm ride shocks as well as dual exhaust with chrome exhaust tips. Meanwhile for the legs still using the original Plymouth Superbird Rallye 15-inch alloy wheels, and wrapped in Goodyear Polyglas tires are fitted to the era when the car was made. *** [EKA [29072022] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOEVOLUTION | MOPARINSIDERS ]
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Heritage Reforged - Custom motorcycles often push the limits of creativity, but few creations have attracted as much attention as The Killer, one of the most remarkable custom motorcycles in 2019. Built by Australian-born motorcycle builder Craig Rodsmith of Rodsmith Motorcycles in the United States, this machine stood out thanks to its unusual shape and highly unconventional engineering.
Rodsmith Motorcycle 'The Killer' by Craig Rodsmith for Haas Moto Museum and Sculpture Gallery at The Handbuilt Motorcycle Show 2019. (Picture from: UltimateMotorcycling)
The project began when Bobby Haas, founder of the Dallas-based Haas Moto Museum, discovered old photographs of a rare Art Deco motorcycle developed by German engineers in Munich during the 1930s. Fascinated by the design, he contacted Rodsmith to explore the possibility of bringing a modern version of the concept to life.
The Killer features the integrated amber headlight, bars, and the thin seat are all similarly crafted from aluminum. (Picture from: BikeExif)
The main inspiration was the 1935 Killinger und Freund Motorrad, a motorcycle remembered for its futuristic styling and front-wheel-drive layout. Rather than copying the original exactly, Rodsmith created a functional tribute that preserved its distinctive character while showcasing modern craftsmanship.
Front view of Rodsmith Motorcycle 'The Killer.' (Picture from: BikeExif)
Its most striking feature was the engine arrangement. Instead of sending power to the rear wheel, The Killerused three hand-built 60cc two-stroke engines mounted in a radial configuration inside the 19-inch front wheel, making it one of the most unusual motorcycles ever constructed.
The Killer completed without a central motor, chain, or driveshaft keeps it minimalist and utterly stunning to behold. (Picture from: BikeExif)
The motorcycle’s chassis was also built entirely by hand without the aid of CNC machines or 3D design software. Every detail was carefully crafted to reflect the flowing Art Deco style of the original inspiration, including an integrated amber headlight and a slim aluminum seat.
Rodsmith Motorcycle 'The Killer' was heavily inspired by this German's art-deco styled front-wheeled drive motorcycle called 'Friedenstaube' (Peace Dove) or Killinger und Freund Motorrad. (Picture from: Wind-Water.nl)
To make the front-wheel-drive system work, Rodsmith engineered a centrifugal clutch connected to a sprocket and axle assembly. The setup delivered power smoothly and created a riding experience unlike that of conventional motorcycles..
The Killer has three 60 cc 2-stroke identical engines, in a radial configuration, on its 19-inch front wheel. (Picture from: BikeExif)
Starting the bike required special engineering as well. Since three engines had to run together, Rodsmith developed a custom Bendix drive system that allowed the electric starter to disengage automatically once the engines were operating.
The Killer is a fully functional bike but the project was commissioned mostly as an artwork to be shown off at the museum. (Picture from: Enrg.io)
According to its creators, The Killer is surprisingly easy to ride despite its unusual design. Rodsmith described the sensation as feeling pulled forward by the engine rather than pushed from behind, giving the motorcycle a unique character on the road.
Although fully functional, The Killer was commissioned mainly as a work of art for display at the Haas Moto Museum. Years later, it remains a fascinating blend of history, engineering, and craftsmanship, proving that even a forgotten idea from the 1930s can inspire one of the most extraordinary custom motorcycles of the modern era.
Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops......
Nowhere was this obsession with the future more vividly expressed than in the world of automobiles. Designers weren’t just creating modes of transportation—they were imagining what the future could look like on wheels. The Jet Age spirit pushed creativity to its limits, inspiring bold shapes, experimental engineering, and designs that echoed the excitement of space travel and modern technology. It wasn’t only major automakers who caught this futuristic fever; independent builders and imaginative individuals also stepped up, crafting unique concept cars that defied convention and captured the essence of the era’s optimism.
For those fortunate enough to see it in person, the Mayan Magnum is more than just a car—it’s a rolling piece of history, a physical embodiment of an optimistic era when the future seemed limitless. It's a reminder that innovation doesn't always come from big corporations or massive budgets. Sometimes, it comes from a garage, a dream, and someone daring enough to build something the world has never seen before. *** [EKA [01022022] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOEVOLUTION | HAGERTY | BRING A TRAILER | BARNFINDS | EBAY ]
