Unique ONES -
A little change of pace from our previous discussions on sports cars and supercars from the past and future, today we will explore a different subject. What might that be, you ask? Well, in this article, we will take a closer look at the often-underestimated figure of the minivan. |
| 1955 GMC L'Universelle was a futuristic minivan concept designed by GM Design to elevate the dignity of this type of vehicle which is always underestimated. (Picture from: GMAuthority) |
Commonly viewed as nothing more than a soulless mode of transportation for goods or people, the minivan had a surprising twist back in the 1950s. American automotive manufacturer
GMC introduced something that was not only practical but also stylish and desirable.
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| 1955 GMC L'Universelle is exuded style and sexiest appeal, could be considered the precursor to the modern minivan. (Picture from: MotorTrend) |
Enter the
1955 GMC L'Universelle, a futuristic minivan concept designed by
GM Design. According to
GM Authority, this unique vehicle is considered the precursor to the modern minivan. Unlike the uninspiring minivans we see today, the
1955 GMC L'Universelle concept exuded style and sexiest appeal.
 |
The 1955 GMC L'Universelle minivan concept was a sight to behold, with its prominent bumper shapes, tail fins, and a striking two-tone color scheme of pink on silver. (Picture from: GMAuthority)
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By examining the images available on the
GM Authority site, sourced from the
GM Design Archives & Special Collections and
GM Design's official Instagram feed, we gain insight not only into the final concept but also the design process, including the creation of clay models.
 |
| The exterior of this futuristic minivan boasted gullwing doors for easy access to the cabin, as well as a lift-up rear door for convenient loading and unloading of cargo. (Picture from: MotorTrend) |
After completion, the
GMC L'Universelle made its debut at the
1955 Motorama show. At that time, the concept minivan was equipped with a front-mounted 287 V8 engine, powering the front wheels. This versatile vehicle offered ample space in the rear for various purposes.
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| 1955 GMC L'Universelle design was penned under the direction of two renowned American designers: Harley Earl and Charles Jordan. (Picture from: GMAuthority) |
So, who were the masterminds behind this unique minivan concept? The design was penned under the direction of two renowned American designers:
Harley Earl and
Charles Jordan. The exterior of this futuristic minivan boasted gullwing doors for easy access to the cabin, as well as a lift-up rear door for convenient loading and unloading of cargo.
 |
| The 1955 GMC L'Universelle concept minivan while in design process as seen here in the creation of clay models. (Picture from: GMAuthority) |
Its name, derived from the French word for "universal," perfectly captured the versatility of the minivan concept. GMC envisioned the vehicle being utilized as a delivery truck, taxi, bus, station wagon, or even as transportation for outdoor enthusiasts. Apart from its practicality, the 1955 GMC L'Universelle minivan concept was a sight to behold, with its prominent bumper shapes, tail fins, and a striking two-tone color scheme of pink on silver.
Unfortunately, the
1955 GMC L'Universelle never progressed beyond the concept stage. Nonetheless, its design served as inspiration for subsequent production vehicles, including the
Chevrolet Corvair Greenbriar, which made its debut in the early 1960s.
*** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GMAUTHORITY | GMC | MOTORTREND ]
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