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05/11/2025 9:39 am
1928 Martin Aerodynamic Concept
1928 martin 100 aerodynamic concept
The 1928 Martin 100 Aerodynamic concept is a rare, one-of-a-kind prototype automobile built by the Martin Aircraft Company, which applied aviation engineering principles to car design. It was a radical vehicle far ahead of its time, though it never reached mass production due to the Great Depression.
Key Features and Design
- Aerodynamic Design:The car featured a highly streamlined, teardrop-shaped aluminum body designed according to principles developed by Paul Jaray, who was known for his work on airship streamlining. This design aimed to reduce wind resistance and improve fuel efficiency.
- Aviation Construction:The body was constructed of lightweight aluminum panels over a wood framework, similar to aircraft construction of the era.
- Unique Mechanics:It was powered by a rear-mounted, water-cooled 4-cylinder Continental engine and utilized an unusual "airplane-type" suspension system that had no conventional springs.
- Unconventional Entry:The car featured a single door that opened into the back seat area.
- Performance:The lightweight body and aerodynamic shape allowed the car to reportedly reach a top speed of 107 mph during testing in 1928, a remarkable speed for the time.
History and Legacy
Only three prototypes were ever built, and only one is known to survive today, housed at theLane Motor Museumin Nashville, Tennessee. One of the prototypes was built for World War I aviation general Billy Mitchell.
The car was publicly presented at the 1932 National Automobile Show in New York, where it garnered attention but failed to attract investors due to the severe economic conditions of the Great Depression. Despite its commercial failure, the 1928 Martin Aerodynamic is recognized as a visionary piece of industrial design that influenced later streamlined vehicles.
John Bono
North Jersey
05/11/2025 10:13 am
WOW. Cool info and video John. Really might have been something. I could see a variation where the seats fold flat and storage dramatically increases. I could have used it back in our Kayaking days!
Thanks for another terrific Something Different!
John Bono reacted
05/11/2025 5:39 pm
the video is fascinating, so many original facets to the design and concept. Great contribution to our automotive knowledge bank! thanks John
Tony Perrone and John Bono reacted
Topic starter
05/11/2025 11:02 pm
Thanks Tony and Geoff!
John Bono
North Jersey
Geoff Jowett and Tony Perrone reacted
06/11/2025 11:23 am
The car more closely relates to today's market than that of the era when it was built. Thanks John for the education of "something different".