The 1974 Hyundai Pony Coupe It’s not just an important car for Hyundai, but also for the South Korean industry, by representing the original vision of what would be its first mass-produced car. Sadly, the original model disappeared after its presentation at the Turin Salon of those times and the model was never heard from again.
The legacy of this car has been rediscovered by Hyundai, who in recent years have resorted to their classic models to rediscover themselves with a new design language. Thanks to the Pony Coupe Concept, is that today the Hyundai Ioniq 5 looks the way it does, as does the N Vision 74 Concept, which is almost a futuristic reinterpretation of the original.
“Despite the poor industrial scene of the 1970s, my grandfather and founding Chairman of Hyundai, Ju-young Chung, put his heart and soul into rebuilding the South Korean economy, improving the lives of his people after the war. He envisioned making South Korea a country capable of developing its own cars to perfection,” said Euisun Chung, who is also an HMG executive. “I want to express my sincere thanks to everyone, from Italy to South Korea, who played a critical role in the success of the Pony.”
the story of the pony
Hyundai had already made cars before the debut of the Pony, but they were licensed models from Ford (the Cortina). They quickly got to work to make something of their own. for that, “they rose” various engineers and executives from British Leyland, in addition to closing an alliance with Mitsubishi. They built a factory in 12 months on what could very well be a swamp and equipped it with the best tools. Leading the charge was George Turnbull, the managing director of Austin-Morris.
Seeking to generate a global impact, Giorgetto Giugiaro, then in charge of Italdesign, was commissioned to design the model. Five prototypes came out of that project, one of them being the coupe.
The idea was to direct this model to more prestigious markets, especially North America and Europe, relegating the five-door versions to other markets. Unfortunately, in 1981, the global economy was not the best and Hyundai canceled the project before putting it in the oven.
The characteristics of the Pony
The design of the Pony is 100% Giugiaro, especially for its origami-like folds, its wedge shape, its clean panels and dynamic proportions; a car that when looking at it inspires that feeling of “70s science fiction”. It is very reminiscent of other Giugiaro models born around the same time. As an example, we can cite the Audi Asso Di Picche, the BMW Asso Di Quadri, the Isuzu Asso Di Fiori, the Volkswagen Scirocco, the Lotus Esprit and the Delorean DMC-12, as well as some Alfa Romeo models.
Its interior stood out for the two-tone tapestry, cylindrical design elements and floating dashboard, not to mention the single-arm steering wheel.
The dimensions were very compact, almost close to those of a B-segment model, with 4,080 mm in length and 2,340 mm between axles. It was powered by a 82 Hp 1.2 engine with rear-wheel drive.
return to the source
In November last year, HMG met with Giorgettonow away from Italdesign and owner of a new firm (GFG Style) which he manages with his son and main apprentice, Fabrizio Giugiaro, in order to completely recreate the missing Pony, with the same techniques, plans and specifications of the original.
Giugiaro, 85 years old, referred to the first time he worked with the people of Hyundai: “Hyundai approached us to work on a complete model redesign, without much experience. I was skeptical as I had never heard of Hyundai at the time. We were all impressed by the passion and commitment of Hyundai engineers. They were sharp , curious, open and extremely eager to learn. They immediately adopted all the working methods that were new to them. They sacrificed to make a good impression, both for the company and its partners. I am very honored and proud to be able to witness the evolution of this company since we first met.”
“It is very special to see the meeting between the people who were part of the beginnings of this company and those who are driving it towards the future today,” said Sungwon Jee, vice president and global CMO of HMC. “This also marks the launch of Hyundai Reunion, our platform to showcase our brand’s heritage. This will be the place to see how our past successes continue to form a foundation for our attitude today.”
