This 1959 Cadillac Cyclone is really a light-hearted take on the dream cars ethos.

Here is a car with giant nose cones like a rocket, tail fins as well as aileron side stabilizers out back.

Hidden lamps are so far from prominence that they slink under the hood nearly a foot behind the black rocket-bra-like protrusions ahead of the machine itself.

Sexiness was key to this shape, which also has tail-lamps in a bright machined shroud — looking like they could also blast out hot propellent as they light up red under braking.

1959 Cadillac Cyclone XP-74

Of course, there was no need for these design flourishes, and few had any illusions that there were twin rockets running down the flanks of this new Cadillac.

But these designs were preparing for a brighter future – one when the wheels and tires were more like landing gears than permanent contact patches.

INNOVATIONS

There are some other interesting aero ideas in the Cyclone, though. Like the shrouded and smooth underbody and nose area, the exhaust vents ahead of the front wheels, and the glass bubble canopy roof.

The smooth sides of the door panels are extra lovely — these hid some of the mechanicals needed for the rear-sliding door apertures.

 

 

DREAM CARS runs through September 7th at Atlanta’s High Museum of Art.

• Plan your trip now to see these one-of-a-kind machines up close and in real life!

• http://www.high.org/Art/Exhibitions/Dream-Cars-Innovative-Design-Visionary-Ideas.aspx

The DREAM CARS companion hard-cover book offers outstanding descriptions, insights and photography of the collection – it is available now world-wide via the High Museum shop link below.

• http://museumshop.high.org/collections/dream-cars/products/dream-carsa