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Image credits: © Cadillac. GM Corp.
1959 Cadillac Cyclone XP-74 Concept news, pictures, and information | ||
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 |  |  | Roadster Designer: Harley Earl |
Built on a 104' chassis, the Cyclone is 197' long and stands only 44' tall; the body is made of steel (not fiberglass, like some experimental models); power is provided by the standard 325 HP engine fitted wîth a low-profile carburetor, a cross-flow aluminum radiator and two fans. The initial white pearlescent paint was replaced later wîth silver; at the same time, the GM Air Transport logo disappeared from the tall fins, to be replaced by an oblong, vertical Cyclone name badge placed at the extremity of each rear fender. The seats are silver leather.Source - GM
The Cadillac Cyclone was an indication of the United States obsession with jet design and aerodynamics. During the early 1950's GM introduced their Firebird concepts which featured dramatic and bold designs powered by gas turbine engines.
Powering the Cyclone was a modified version of a V8 engine capable of producing 325 horsepower. The headlights could be completely hidden above the grill. Located in the nose cones were radars which aided in crash avoidance. The exhaust system was located directly behind the nose cone and in front of the front wheels. Located in the rear were large tail lights which gave the impression of jet exhausts. Small wings finished off the Cyclone and would eventually make it into production.
Getting in and out of the car was relatively easy, thanks in part to sliding doors. The practicality continued with small panels being located in each door, allowing for easy access to pay tolls.
By Daniel Vaughan | May 2006
Powering the Cyclone was a modified version of a V8 engine capable of producing 325 horsepower. The headlights could be completely hidden above the grill. Located in the nose cones were radars which aided in crash avoidance. The exhaust system was located directly behind the nose cone and in front of the front wheels. Located in the rear were large tail lights which gave the impression of jet exhausts. Small wings finished off the Cyclone and would eventually make it into production.
Getting in and out of the car was relatively easy, thanks in part to sliding doors. The practicality continued with small panels being located in each door, allowing for easy access to pay tolls.
By Daniel Vaughan | May 2006
| | | Roadster Designer: Harley Earl |
 1959
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| Tags | |
| Bubble Canopy, fiberglass, Harley Earl, Hydra-Matic, rotary, sliding doors, 1959, 1959 Cadillac, Cyclone XP-74 Concept | |
| Cadillac: 1951-1960 |
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