Hyundai’s design inspiration: Pony Concept restored after 50 years

For Hyundai Motor Co., the Pony – its first car – is a bittersweet memory.

When Hyundai set its sights on car manufacturing back in 1974, it was unheard of in the global auto industry to do something such as enlist novice Italian designer Giogretto Giugiaro in the design of a few cars for the company, one of which later became its first independent model and Korea’s first mass-produced sedan – the Pony.

The Pony Coupe concept, one of five prototypes Giugiaro built, debuted at the 1974 Turin Motor Show and was intended for North American and European markets.

With its wedge-style nose, sleek roofline, origami-like geometric lines and circular headlamps – distinguished back then and still ultra-stylish today – the concept was destined to be a big hit, many car enthusiasts and designers recall.

What could have been Hyundai’s first sensational sports car, however, was unable to reach commercial production and was thought to be lost to history due to the adverse global economic conditions of the late 1970s.

Now five decades on, Hyundai, a leading global carmaker, is looking back on the concept with pride, calling it a “retro-futuristic classic” that has served as its design inspiration.

RESTORE TO ITS FORMER GLORY

The top South Korean carmaker said on Friday that it has brought the original Pony Coupe Concept back to life, showcasing the one-off exact replica at a reunion event in Lake Como, Italy.

It was the result of months-long restoration work by Giogretto Giugiaro, the legendary designer, now in his mid-80s, his son Fabrizio, also a designer, and their design firm GFG Style in Italy.

“The restoration of this unique vehicle is a milestone in Hyundai’s history. It represents our beginnings and our commitment to the future,” said Luc Donckerwolke, president and chief creative officer of Hyundai Motor Group. “It serves as a legacy for generations to come.”

Last November, Hyundai called on the Pony Coupe concept designer to restore the car to its former glory, using the original specifications and materials.

“The Pony Coupe concept remains a key part of Hyundai’s legacy and hallmark of its founding Chairman Chung Ju-yung’s vision for the company,” said Group Chairman Chung Euisun.

BACK TO THE FUTURE

The Pony Coupe concept's significance can't be underestimated.

The concept influenced not just Hyundai’s long-running Pony nameplate but also Hyundai’s award-winning IONIQ 5 electric crossover and hydrogen hybrid N Vision 74 Rolling Lab concept.

The design also served as a source of inspiration for Giugiaro’s work on the DeLorean DMC-12, a supercar that debuted in 1983 and was famously used in the movie "Back to the Future."

“In the age of electrification, a key condition for Hyundai to become a leader in future mobility will be our ability to remain faithful to the unshakable values we inherited,” said Chang Jae-hoon, Hyundai’s chief executive. “Moving forward … we will continue to leverage our past as a unique vector for our future innovation.”

Hyundai Motor plans to premiere its N Vision 74 at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, a global concept motor show, on May 20.

Asked if the rebuilt Pony Coupe concept could lead to mass production again, Chairman Chung said at the reunion that there are many things to consider but the company sees no reason not to if it's what consumers want.

THOSE WERE THE DAYS

When asked about his first interaction with Hyundai on the development of the Pony Coupe concept 50 years ago, Giugiaro reminisces: “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.”

He continued, “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 working methods that were new to them. They sacrificed themselves to make a good impression on the company and their partners. I’m proud and honored to witness how this company has evolved since we first met.”

Write to Nan-Sae Bin at binthere@hankyung.com

In-Soo Nam edited this article.