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Future- 1952
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Sigvard Berggren embarked on creating his streamlined vehicle known as Future in 1951. Utilizing a retired taxi’s 1938 Dodge seven-passenger sedan chassis, he resourcefully installed a flathead Ford V8 engine in the mid-rear position of the vehicle. With help from a local mechanic, Henrik Neuman, and inspiration drawn from aircraft design, Berggren crafted a tubular steel frame and hand-formed steel panels, achieving an aerodynamic body looking like a wingless aircraft with a Tatra-esque dorsal fin. Despite underestimating the work ahead of them, they completed the Future for a newspaper deadline, gaining significant coverage for the vehicle in the early1950s. While its aircraft-inspired appearance garnered attention, its weight limited its performance.
Following the initial excitement surrounding the Future, Berggren refocused on his life on his passion for Africa and African wildlife. He ventured into zookeeping after saving an orphaned lion in Africa and his approach to animal keeping became a blueprint for zoos around the globe. Berggren’s influence extended to environmental advocacy, which included drilling wells and installing solar power plants in Africa in the 1970s, underscoring his multifaceted commitment to shaping the future.
Specifications:
Manufacturer: Sigvard Berggren
Country of Origin: Sweden
Drivetrain Configuration: Mid-rear engine, rear-wheel drive
Engine: Ford, water-cooled, 239 cu. in., V-8, 4-stroke, 100 hp
Transmission: 4-speed manual with reverse
Top Speed: Unpublished
Years of Production: 1951
Number Produced: 1
Original Cost: Unpublished