Oldsmobile Incas

Vehicle Overview

The Oldsmobile Incas emerged as a remarkable fusion of automotive inspirations, drawing cues from iconic predecessors while showcasing its own distinctive features. Inspired by the 1974 Ford Maya and sharing a kinship with the Italdesign creation Medusa (1980), the Incas was a testament to innovation and daring design in the automotive world. Sporting a sleek and aerodynamic silhouette, the Oldsmobile Incas was characterized by its five-door layout, challenging conventional notions of what constitutes a coupe. Despite its berline roots, it exuded the spirit of a sports car, thanks in part to its unique door configuration. With front doors featuring a mobile dome akin to the Quaranta and rear doors opening in a seagull-wing fashion, the Incas exuded an aura of exoticism and sophistication. Inside, the Incas boasted a spacious and luxurious cabin, reminiscent of a high-end berline. Instead of traditional seats, occupants were treated to plush armchairs, ensuring maximum comfort on long journeys. The steering wheel, inspired by aeronautic design and influenced by Japanese market research, catered to the preferences of a new generation of car buyers who had grown up with video games. Its cloche design required only a 90° steering angle for each turn, with gear controls and essential functions conveniently located on either side. The incorporation of various technical and stylistic elements from previous prototypes further emphasized the Oldsmobile Incas’s innovative pedigree. From the Testudo dome to Tapiro‘s doors, Boomerang windows, and Etna glassed roof, each feature contributed to the car’s overall aesthetic and performance, showcasing a harmonious blend of form and function. Despite its avant-garde design and groundbreaking features, the Oldsmobile Incas never compromised on practicality or convenience. Retaining the comfort and spaciousness of a traditional berline, it offered a driving experience that seamlessly melded luxury with performance. In essence, the Oldsmobile Incas stood as a testament to Italdesign’s ingenuity and ability to push the boundaries of automotive design. With its fusion of classic influences and futuristic elements, it represented a bold vision of what the future of automotive engineering could entail, leaving an indelible mark on the industry’s landscape.