You probably know the Hyundai Pony, the car that allowed the South Korean manufacturer to establish itself in the country and, above all, to make itself known. The creators of this production car were, however, inspired by a concept vehicle, the Pony Coupe concept that debuted at the Turin Auto Show in 1974. There is no doubt that the Pony Coupe concept has marked the history of the company and traced the heritage of Hyundai in terms of design.
In order to mark 50 years since the presentation of the Pony Coupe concept, Hyundai has decided to revise the initial concept and make a new unveiling of it. Present at the event was Giorgetto Giugiaro, the stylist commissioned at the time and responsible for creating the original concept. Giorgetto and Fabrizio Giugiaro, his son, have recreated the Pony Coupe concept respecting the original technical characteristics and materials.
According to the stylists, as with the original model, the origami-like exterior design is distinguished by its geometric lines and clean surfaces. As for the minimalist interior, it stands out with its driver-focused floating architecture.
A recognizable concept since 1974
The concept of the Pony Coupe is distinguished by an exterior design with flowing geometric lines. Its silhouette is characterized by an elegant roofline, clean surfaces and dynamic proportions. Its B-pillar features a unique shape that adds to its appeal.
Body-color painted bumpers provide a graphic surface treatment. Since its creation in 1974, it has been recognized by its bevelled nose and its circular headlights which give it an exceptional style. The rear of the vehicle has a truncated coda (“truncated rear”) with a slim tailgate allowing easy access to the rear.
Interestingly, the famous design told the story that led to the creation of the brand’s famous Pony range, namely the first models independently developed in South Korea for mass production.
Behind the N Vision 74 concept
“With its short experience, Hyundai asked us to completely redesign a model. I was skeptical at first, I didn’t know Hyundai Motor at the time. We were all impressed by the passion and commitment of Hyundai’s engineers: they were bright, curious, open-minded and very eager to learn.
They immediately adopted working methods that were new to them. They made sacrifices to make a good impression, for the company and for their partners. It is for me a pride and an honor to see the evolution of this company since our first meeting. »
Not only did the original Pony Coupe concept inspire the brand at the time, but it is also the inspiration for the N Vision 74 concept, the vehicle that will be presented for the first time in Italy during the Hyundai Reunion event. He will then be present at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on May 20th.
Conclusion
The Hyundai Pony wasn’t the sexiest or most accomplished car at the time, but it did provide affordable transportation. She was the choice of several students and she contributed greatly to the recognition of the brand. However, the controversy surrounding its brief production at Hyundai’s Bromont plant left a bitter taste in many Quebecers, at least the older ones.
