1959 Haller Taifun (Germany)

The Haller Taifun, designed by Rudolf Haller in the 1950s, was an ambitious attempt to create a futuristic and aerodynamic two-seater coupe. Haller, known for his expertise in designing fast boats and airplanes, applied his visionary skills to this unique car, which was introduced in the 1952 issue of Popular Mechanics. While it is uncertain whether the Taifun was built on a Volkswagen chassis, it was powered by a VW boxer engine, and many of its components, such as the hubcaps and windshield wipers, bore a striking resemblance to those of the Volkswagen Beetle.

The Taifun’s design reflected the sci-fi influences of the 1950s. Its split windshield was a common feature of cars from that era, and its front bumper was reminiscent of early VW Beetle designs. A notable feature was the roof, which had a Plexiglas insert, enhancing its futuristic aesthetic. The four exhaust pipes, described as "extraterrestrial" in Popular Mechanics, added to the vehicle's space-age charm, with claims that they could propel the car to speeds of 125 miles per hour—a figure that seems optimistic given the engine's modest 40-horsepower output.

The car was offered in the U.S. for $5,000, a significant sum at the time, but it is unclear how many were actually produced. The Haller Taifun remains a fascinating example of mid-century automotive design, blending aviation-inspired features with the spirit of 1950s science fiction.