Unique ONES - Cars have always been a reflection of human ingenuity, pushing the boundaries of both technology and design. Over the decades, we’ve seen vehicles evolve from mere transportation tools to symbols of luxury, power, and even artistic expression. The automotive world has introduced many quirky and unconventional designs that have captured the imagination of enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike. One such peculiar car that has continuously sparked curiosity is the Adams Brothers Probe 16 also known as Adam Probe 16, a machine that defies conventional automotive design in many ways.
The Adams Brothers M-505 Probe 16 / Durango 95 from A Clockwork
Orange, on display at the Stanley Kubrick: The Exhibition held at the
Design Museum of London from April 26 until September 17, 2019. (Picture from: TheDrive)
At first glance, many people find themselves puzzled by this car's unique shape. Its smooth, futuristic design immediately stands out, leading some to wonder if it is a real car at all. What makes it even more unusual is the fact that it doesn't have traditional doors. How, then, does one enter the vehicle? Surprisingly, access to the cockpit is through a sliding glass roof, an uncommon and innovative feature for its time. This design choice hints at the car’s futuristic ambitions, but also at the bold creativity of its makers. The Probe 16 is not just a car; it is a statement, a symbol of out-of-the-box thinking, crafted to break boundaries in both form and function.
The Adams Probe 16 built in 1969 with the internal code name M-505, this car wasn’t just about performance—it was a deep dive into experimental styling.(Picture from: TheImpSite)
This intriguing vehicle, which boasts curvaceous body lines reminiscent of a sleek sports car, was the brainchild of the Adams Brothers, a duo of British automotive designers. Dennis and Peter Adams, the minds behind this creation, were former designers for Marcos, a prominent automotive manufacturer in the UK. They founded their own company to bring their own vision to life, resulting in the Probe 16, a car that exudes both beauty and eccentricity. Built in 1969 with the internal code name M-505, this car wasn’t just about performance—it was a deep dive into experimental styling, or as the designers put it, “an investigation into extremes of styling.”
The Adams Probe 16’s stature is another remarkable aspect, standing at only 34 inches tall, and its low profile gives it a racecar-like appearance and reinforces its futuristic vibe.(Picture from: TheImpSite)
Only three units of the Adams Brothers Probe 16 were ever made, making it one of the rarest cars on the planet. Its design has a fluidity that some have said was inspired by the curves of the female form. Whether this inspiration was intentional or not is still debated, but there is no doubt that the car’s design carries a certain allure. Despite its limited production, the car has managed to gain a lasting place in automotive history.
Inside, the cabin seats two passengers, with a layout similar to traditional sports cars, giving the driver and passenger a familiar yet futuristic feel.(Picture from: DevianArt)
As time passed, the Probe 16 earned another nickname: Durango 95. However, this has nothing to do with the modern Dodge Durango, a popular SUV that came much later. The name Durango 95 became attached to the car when it was featured in Stanley Kubrick's iconic 1971 film A Clockwork Orange. In the movie, the car was used in several scenes, instantly cementing its place in pop culture. Although the Probe 16 had no direct connection to the fictional world of the film, its appearance there ensured that the car gained a new level of fame, especially among movie enthusiasts and car collectors alike.
The Adams Brothers Probe 16 were ever made, making it one of the rarest cars on the planet with a unique design has a fluidity that some have said was inspired by the curves of the female form. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
Mechanically, the Adams Brothers Probe 16 is as interesting as its exterior design. The car is powered by a mid-mounted Austin 1800 engine that was upgraded to suit the car’s sleek frame. This setup gave the Probe 16 a respectable amount of power for its time, making it more than just a showpiece. The car’s stature is another remarkable aspect, standing at only 34 inches tall. Its low profile gives it a racecar-like appearance and reinforces its futuristic vibe. The wheels, with a smaller 10-inch diameter at the front and 13 inches at the rear, add to its unconventional stance and unique driving dynamics.
The Adams Brothers M-505 Probe 16 / Durango 95 from A Clockwork Orange is powered by a mid-mounted Austin 1800 upgrade engine. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
As for the three units produced, each has a story of its own. The first, with the chassis number AB/2 and the license plate MJO 145H, was sold to American songwriter Jimmy Webb. The second unit, AB/3, carried the plate number PWV 222H and was purchased by Jack Bruce, the bassist of the legendary band Cream. Bruce later gave the car to Corky Laing, a fellow musician, as a birthday gift. The third and final unit, with the AB/4 chassis and the license plate JFB 220H, found its way into the hands of Robin Gibbons. Remarkably, all three units are still in existence today, albeit with different owners, which further adds to their mystique and appeal.
The final unit of the Adams Probe 16 with the AB/4 chassis and the license plate JFB 220H, found its way into the hands of Robin Gibbons. (Picture from: MarcosForum.org)
This remarkable car not only stands as a piece of automotive history but also as an example of how daring design and creativity can turn a vehicle into an iconic artifact. The Probe 16 was never about mass production or practical use—it was about exploring the limits of what a car could look like and how it could make people feel. To this day, the Probe 16 remains a symbol of innovation and the unique power that design holds within the automotive world.
In a world where many cars often blend into the crowd, the Adams Brothers Probe 16 continues to stand out as a daring example of how bold ideas can leave a lasting legacy. It serves as a reminder that cars are not only a means of transportation but can also be a reflection of artistic expression, creativity, and a deep passion for pushing the boundaries of what is possible. This rare gem of automotive history holds a special place in the hearts of collectors, movie fans, and anyone who appreciates the beautiful, yet quirky, aspects of design. *** [EKA [20112020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | THE DRIVE | CARBUZZ | WIKIPEDIA | BONHAM | DEVIANART | THEIMPSITE | GTPLANET | MARCOSFORUM.ORG ]one
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At first glance, many people find themselves puzzled by this car's unique shape. Its smooth, futuristic design immediately stands out, leading some to wonder if it is a real car at all. What makes it even more unusual is the fact that it doesn't have traditional doors. How, then, does one enter the vehicle? Surprisingly, access to the cockpit is through a sliding glass roof, an uncommon and innovative feature for its time. This design choice hints at the car’s futuristic ambitions, but also at the bold creativity of its makers. The Probe 16 is not just a car; it is a statement, a symbol of out-of-the-box thinking, crafted to break boundaries in both form and function.
In a world where many cars often blend into the crowd, the Adams Brothers Probe 16 continues to stand out as a daring example of how bold ideas can leave a lasting legacy. It serves as a reminder that cars are not only a means of transportation but can also be a reflection of artistic expression, creativity, and a deep passion for pushing the boundaries of what is possible. This rare gem of automotive history holds a special place in the hearts of collectors, movie fans, and anyone who appreciates the beautiful, yet quirky, aspects of design. *** [EKA [20112020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | THE DRIVE | CARBUZZ | WIKIPEDIA | BONHAM | DEVIANART | THEIMPSITE | GTPLANET | MARCOSFORUM.ORG ]one
