Taylor Aerocar (Unusual Aircraft Collection)

Every ten years of so, somewhere in the world an inventor slaps himself on his forehead and says, "Now why didn't I think of that before?".   After drawing up some preliminary sketches he makes his way to some unsuspecting investors and presents his plans to build and market a revolutionary aircraft - a hybrid automobile and commuter plane!   Now Joe Public will be able to drive his car out to the nearest airfield, get it ready for flight and then soar high above the congested freeways below him, filled with imbeciles gazing heavenward in wonder.

The idea that those very same imbeciles will be the ones filling the skies over everyone's heads doesn't faze either the inventor or his investors, whose eyes are filled either with stars or dollar signs.   The money goes on the table, the demonstration models are built and flown and then - nothing.   No hordes of ordinary people rushing out to pony up large quantities of cash for theflying car, no mass production and thankfully no imbeciles weaving dangerously above us.

The Taylor Aerocar was probably the most successful of these flying automobiles, though only six were ever built, and this is the only one which is still flying.   The same engine drives either its propeller or its front wheels.   With its wings folded backwards it can travel at 60 mph along the road, and in the air it can reach 110 mph.