Who doesn’t remember the Hyundai Pony? The first model from the Korean manufacturer marketed in Canada, the compact, which arrived in December 1983, was an immediate success. Its fairly aggressive pricing strategy combined with a very honest effort — judging by the reviews of the time — made it possible to introduce the new manufacturer to the general public. Long before its arrival here, however, the brand considered launching a coupé of the same name designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro.
Almost 50 years after its unveiling at the 1974 Turin Motor Show, the Hyundai Pony Coupé is now alive again for a moment. Completely restored under the supervision of the firm GFG Style founded by its designer, this style study will have been striking in its approach. It could also have never seen the light of day, Giugiaro admitting to having been puzzled at first. “ I was skeptical at first, because I did not know Hyundai Motor at the time ”, he admits to Hyundai’s public relations team. It should be noted that at the time, the Italian designer had already worked on many landmark works, including the Maserati Ghibli and the Lotus Esprit.
The origami-inspired design made up of “flowing geometric lines” looks barely aged by today’s design standards. Hyundai also recalls that its Ioniq 5 electric SUV was partly inspired by this Pony Coupe. You can also see a bit of Lamborghini Countach in its wedge-shaped styling. Its small 82 hp 1.3L four-cylinder would not have threatened the Italian supercar in any way.
Despite these great promises, the Pony Coupe never reached the assembly line due to “ difficult economic conditions at the end of the 1970s”, it is said. The global recession that was paralyzing the economy at the time certainly did not favor the development of such vehicles. This Pony Coupé, however, inspired the legendary DeLorean DMC-12, also designed by Giugiaro. A beautiful piece that allows you to better understand where this Korean automotive titan comes from.
