Beyond 2000: Revisiting the Revolutionary Machimoto Concept from 1987
Cool Car of the Future
I found a VHS tape in my collection containing a clip that explores historical perspectives on the future.
In 1987, the popular science and technology program "Beyond 2000" offered viewers a glimpse into the future, showcasing groundbreaking innovations and forward-thinking designs. Among the many segments, one particularly stood out: the imaginative Machimoto concept from the renowned Italian design house, ItalDesign, founded by the legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro.
The video segment dedicated to ItalDesign and Giugiaro highlighted his prolific career, noting that he had already designed over 30 major production cars by that time, including iconic vehicles like the Fiat Panda, the Uno, the Lotus Esprit, various Volkswagens, and even the entire range for Hyundai.
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The Makimoto: Blurring the Lines
However, the true star of this segment was the Makimoto, a vehicle that boldly blurred the lines between a car and a motorcycle. This unique creation promised the exhilarating freedom of two wheels combined with the enhanced safety and practicality of four. The Makimoto's design was strikingly simple yet ingenious, featuring a basic tubular frame. Despite its minimalist structure, it boasted impressive passenger capacity, capable of seating six adults and two children.
One of the most innovative aspects of the Makimoto was its steering system, which allowed for both conventional driving and effortless maneuvering for parking. Underneath its futuristic exterior, the Makimoto was surprisingly grounded, utilizing the running gear and a 16-valve engine from a Volkswagen Golf, demonstrating a clever integration of existing, reliable technology.
Giugiaro's design philosophy, as explained in the program, emphasized practicality alongside futuristic visions, always focusing on client needs and the ability to build working prototypes and even plan factory layouts. This dedication to real-world application, coupled with a continuous search for unique solutions, cemented Italy's enduring influence on global design.
The "Beyond 2000" segment also touched upon other innovations from ItalDesign, such as the Incas supercar, designed for Oldsmobile, which was described as a "high-performance living room" with an aircraft-style control system.
This dive back into the 1987 "Beyond 2000" episode reminds us of the timeless allure of innovative design and the enduring legacy of visionaries like Giorgetto Giugiaro, whose concepts continue to inspire and shape the automotive world.