Hyundai Motor Company recently unveiled its restored Pony Coupe Concept at the inaugural Hyundai Reunion in Lake Como, Italy.
The event, a heritage brand platform reflecting Hyundai Motor's past and future directions, was attended by representatives, including Giorgetto Giugiaro and his son Fabrizio Giugiaro.
Originally unveiled at the 1974 Turin Motor Show, the Pony Coupe Concept is a seminal piece of Hyundai's design history and its first independently developed production model.
Nearly 50 years later, Hyundai has breathed new life into the car, a testament to the daring spirit that fueled Hyundai's drive to establish a global brand.
Despite challenging industrial conditions in the 1970s, Hyundai's founding chairman, Ju-young Chung, dedicated himself to rebuilding South Korea's economy after the Korean War, ultimately realizing his vision of Korea developing its vehicles. "He finally realized his vision of making Korea a country capable of developing its vehicles with perfection," said Euisun Chung, Executive Chair of Hyundai Motor Group.
Although the Pony Coupe Concept didn't reach commercial production due to the global economic downturn in the late 1970s, it marked Hyundai's bold foray into the sports car sector.
That bold spirit continues to guide Hyundai's leadership in electrification and high-performance hydrogen technology.
Today, the Pony Coupe Concept is recognized as a retro-futuristic classic that has inspired the design of Hyundai's most recent models, such as the N Vision 74 hydrogen-hybrid electric 'Rolling Lab' development vehicle and the '45' EV concept car, which directly influenced the all-electric IONIQ 5.
The Pony Coupe Concept features flowing geometric lines, a sleek roofline, pure, unadorned surfaces, dynamic proportions, and a uniquely shaped B-pillar. Its minimalist interior showcases the monocoque design and driver-centric floating architecture.
Reflecting on the past, Giugiaro recalled Hyundai engineers' passion, curiosity, and dedication when he was asked to redesign the Pony Coupe Concept in 1973.
Hyundai Motor Group President and Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke called the restoration a milestone, symbolizing the passing of the baton from the past to the company's future.
