Hyundai unveils restored Pony Coupe Concept

Hyundai has unveiled the restored Pony Coupe Concept, rebuilt by its original designer Giorgetto Giugiaro.

Exactly 50 years after its debut at the 1974 Turin Motor Show, the Hyundai Pony Coupe Concept once again made a public appearance. This time, the restored Hyundai Pony Coupe Concept appeared in front of an audience at the inaugural Hyundai Reunion at Lake Como, Italy.

“The restoration of this unique vehicle is a milestone in Hyundai’s history. It represents our beginnings and our commitment to the future. It serves as a legacy for generations to come. It virtually symbolizes the mobile relay baton we are passing from the past to the future of the company,” commented Hyundai Motor Group President and Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke.

The rebuilt Hyundai Pony Coupe Concept still wows with its origami-like exterior features, flowing geometric lines, sleek roofline, pure unadorned surfaces, dynamic proportions, and uniquely shaped B-pillar.

Further, it presents an extremely graphic surface treatment thanks to its body-colored bumpers.

Its wedge-shaped snout, circular headlamps, and coda tronca (cut-off tail) — distinguished in 1974 — still look ultra-stylish today.

Inside, the Hyundai Pony Coupe Concept boasts a minimalist interior with a driver-centered floating architecture. A single-spoke steering wheel and two-toned slim-line bucket seats reinforce its 1970s futuristic aesthetic.

Hyundai asked Giugiaro, the Italian automotive designer, about his first interaction with Hyundai on the development of the 1973 Pony Coupe Concept. To which he answered: “Hyundai approached us to start a complete redesign of a model, without much experience. I was skeptical at first because I didn’t know Hyundai Motor at that time. We were all impressed by the passion and commitment of the Hyundai engineers. They were sharp, curious, open, and extremely eager to learn. They immediately embraced the working methods that were new to them. They sacrificed themselves to make a good impression — for the company and their partners. I’m proud and honored to witness how this company has evolved since we first met.”

The rebuilt Hyundai Pony Coupe Concept is fitted with a 1,238 cubic centimeter engine that makes 82 horsepower. It is laid out in a front longitudinal rear-wheel drive orientation.

Hyundai said that the restored concept car is now considered a retro-futuristic classic that has served as design inspiration for recent Hyundai Motor models including the N Vision 74 hydrogen-hybrid electric ‘Rolling Lab’ development vehicle and the ‘45’ EV concept car that — Hyundai pointed out — directly influenced the Ioniq 5 all-electric vehicle.

“In the age of electrification, a key condition for Hyundai Motor Company to become a leader in future mobility will be our ability to remain faithful to the unshakable values we inherited. Moving forward, through Hyundai Reunion and other heritage communication initiatives, we will continue to leverage our past as a unique vector for our future innovation,” Hyundai Motor Company President and Chief Executive Officer Jaehoon Chang was quoted saying.

Photos from Hyundai

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