{"id":214913,"date":"2026-04-04T20:39:25","date_gmt":"2026-04-04T20:39:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/the-first-autonomous-car-in-history-dates-back-to-1958-and-had-a-peculiar-problem-it-smelled-like-fish\/"},"modified":"2026-04-04T20:39:27","modified_gmt":"2026-04-04T20:39:27","slug":"the-first-autonomous-car-in-history-dates-back-to-1958-and-had-a-peculiar-problem-it-smelled-like-fish","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/the-first-autonomous-car-in-history-dates-back-to-1958-and-had-a-peculiar-problem-it-smelled-like-fish\/","title":{"rendered":"The First “Autonomous” Car in History Dates Back to 1958 and Had a Peculiar Problem: It Smelled Like Fish"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The Unique Legacy of the Golden Sahara II<\/h2>\n

Automotive design today largely follows streamlined trends, save for a few exceptions like the Cybertruck. However, during the 1950s, creativity in car design soared to new heights. Iconic models like the General Motors Firebird I<\/a>, the quirky Z\u00fcndapp Janus<\/a>, and the charmingly odd BMW Isetta<\/a> exemplified this era. Among these, the Golden Sahara II<\/a> stands out as an innovative marvel.<\/p>\n

Hauntingly Futuristic Design<\/h3>\n

The Golden Sahara II wasn’t just a car; it was a vision of what the future could hold. It came equipped with early forms of driving assistance and a precursor to today\u2019s connected vehicles. Simply put, it\u2019s the grandparent of modern smart cars.<\/p>\n

A Crazy Repair Idea<\/h3>\n

Designer George Barris, famous for creating the Batmobile, faced a challenge after a 1953 accident with his Lincoln Capri. Rather than scrapping it, Barris invested $5,000<\/a> to transform the battered vehicle into the Golden Sahara. To frame this in context, a luxurious Cadillac Eldorado cost around $7,750 back in the 50s!<\/p>\n

Futuristic Features<\/h3>\n

In an era where FM radios were luxury options, Barris’s design incorporated hand-molded steel panels, vertical headlights, integrated fins, and a unique lounge-like interior. The vehicle even featured a removable bubble dome for its roof, pushing the boundaries of automotive design.<\/p>\n

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Innovative Paint Finish<\/h3>\n

Barris sought a finish unlike anything before, resulting in a two-tone 24-karat gold look that became a hallmark of the Golden Sahara II. The paint had an iridescent quality, achieved by mixing fish scales with a natural cellulose clearcoat. However, this unique finish came with a memorable downside\u2014it “smelled like fish,” as Barris humorously noted.<\/p>\n

A Leap into the Future<\/h3>\n

The evolution from the original Golden Sahara to the Golden Sahara II between 1954 and 1958 led to partnerships that introduced features like translucent and luminous tires. The updated model sported quad headlights, a joystick in place of a traditional steering wheel, and even voice controls for various functions.<\/p>\n

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