Not just geodesic domes
The ever-inventive Buckminster Fuller (1895-1983) stands beside one his less well-known inventions, an aerodynamic car, which he called the ‘Dymaxion’. Compared with what was on the roads at the time of its unveiling in 1933, it is a remarkably futuristic design. It was also lethal. This is the second prototype of just three that were built, and is the sole original survivor today.
Fuller’s fame today rests on his geodesic dome lattice shell structures, which have been constructed over the years as military radar stations, exposition buildings and private residences. The Dymaxion car embodied similar lattice shell construction. Powered by a rear-mounted Ford V8, the car was front-wheel drive and was steered by a single rear wheel. The car looked spectacular, a harbinger of future travel, but it proved unstable at speed. A fatal accident involved the first prototype, when it was rammed by another car whose driver was at fault, and that took the sheen off the Dymaxion project. The established automobile industry took no interest in taking up the Dymaxion concept, and Fuller moved on to other projects.
The Tampa Bay Automobile Museum, which showcases innovative car technology over the years, pays tribute to Buckminster Fuller’s restless genius.
Not just geodesic domes
The ever-inventive Buckminster Fuller (1895-1983) stands beside one his less well-known inventions, an aerodynamic car, which he called the ‘Dymaxion’. Compared with what was on the roads at the time of its unveiling in 1933, it is a remarkably futuristic design. It was also lethal. This is the second prototype of just three that were built, and is the sole original survivor today.
Fuller’s fame today rests on his geodesic dome lattice shell structures, which have been constructed over the years as military radar stations, exposition buildings and private residences. The Dymaxion car embodied similar lattice shell construction. Powered by a rear-mounted Ford V8, the car was front-wheel drive and was steered by a single rear wheel. The car looked spectacular, a harbinger of future travel, but it proved unstable at speed. A fatal accident involved the first prototype, when it was rammed by another car whose driver was at fault, and that took the sheen off the Dymaxion project. The established automobile industry took no interest in taking up the Dymaxion concept, and Fuller moved on to other projects.
The Tampa Bay Automobile Museum, which showcases innovative car technology over the years, pays tribute to Buckminster Fuller’s restless genius.