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Minimalism

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11:00

Mazda MX-5

Tom Matano · 1989

The 1989 Mazda MX-5 is a lightweight, two-seat, unibody sports car co-designed by Tom Matano and C. Mark Jordan. It launched at the Chicago Auto Show and was built at Mazda’s Hiroshima plant. Its design follows the Jinba ittai philosophy and draws direct inspiration from 1950s–60s British and Italian roadsters — especially the Lotus Elan. With a curb weight under 1,100 kg, it prioritises balance, responsiveness, and driver engagement over power or luxury. The first generation sold 228,961 units between 1989 and 1997.

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10:10

Chrysler Turbine Car

Elwood Engel · 1950

The Chrysler Turbine Car was an experimental two-door hardtop coupe designed by Elwood Engel and built by Chrysler with bodywork by Carrozzeria Ghia. It used the A-831 turbine engine, was produced in 55 units between 1963 and 1964, and featured power brakes, power steering, and a TorqueFlite transmission. All were finished in 'turbine bronze' paint.

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9:37

Ford RS200

Ghia · 1984

The Ford RS200 is a purpose-built homologation special: mid-engined, all-wheel drive, plastic-fiberglass body by Ghia, built by Reliant in Shenstone to meet FIA Group B’s 200-unit rule. It exists only to enable a rally car—not as a design statement, luxury product, or road-going evolution.

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8:59

General Motors Firebird

Harley Earl · 1953

The Firebird I is a 1953 GM concept car designed by Harley Earl. It was the first gas turbine-powered car tested in the United States. It features a single-seat cockpit under a bubble canopy, a bullet-shaped fiberglass fuselage, short wings, and a vertical tail fin. It was built for the 1953 Motorama show. GM never intended it for production.