Contemporary hypercars and supercars share a common design inspiration rooted in nature: the bird in flight. This unexpected link traces back to Aurel Persu, a Romanian engineer and musician whose innovative thinking revolutionized automobile aerodynamics in the early 20th century.
Persu’s groundbreaking design principles, informed by his studies in aerodynamics and mechanics, culminated in the creation of the first aerodynamically correct automobile in 1924. Drawing inspiration from the efficient flight patterns of birds, Persu’s car featured a streamlined body reminiscent of a bird in flight.
Despite being ahead of its time, Persu’s invention was met with skepticism from established automakers. While General Motors and Ford expressed interest in his patents, Persu insisted on mass-producing his design rather than relegating it to archives.
His visionary approach to automotive design, coupled with his passion for music, embodies a unique blend of artistry and engineering excellence that continues to inspire innovation in the automotive industry.