The Dymaxion car, a visionary concept conceived by Buckminster Fuller in 1933, was a harbinger of the futuristic vehicles we envision today.* Designed to seamlessly traverse land, water, and air, it prioritized comfort, safety, and aerodynamic efficiency.
While it was a groundbreaking idea at the time, its influence extended far beyond its practical applications. The Dymaxion’s sleek and streamlined design sparked passionate debates about the future of automotive aesthetics, inspiring designers and engineers to explore new possibilities in vehicle design.
One such individual fascinated by the Dymaxion’s vision was Horace Basil “Barney” Oldfield. Inspired by the car’s innovative design and the discussions surrounding its potential impact, Oldfield started on a journey to create his own unique interpretation of the concept.
With a keen eye for detail and a passion for innovation, Oldfield set out to design and build a vehicle that would push the boundaries of automotive design and performance. Born from the ingenuity of a man named Oldfield, the Spirit of Tomorrow was a testament to his boundless creativity and mechanical prowess. Starting with an old Dodge sedan chassis, Oldfield meticulously crafted a unique vehicle that embodied the spirit of innovation.
With a hand formed steel and aluminum body and a Ford flathead V8 engine positioned towards the rear for improved handling, the Spirit of Tomorrow was a car unlike any other. Oldfield’s passion for automotive engineering extended beyond the Spirit of Tomorrow. He built tractors from scrap metal, forged bulldozer blades, and designed advanced tools for the logging industry, including a patented logging truck and portable welders.
His skill and experience, coupled with his love of flying, infused every aspect of the Spirit of Tomorrow. The avionics-inspired interior, built entirely from scratch, could comfortably seat seven people, though as his nephew joked, the five passengers in the back might need to be on particularly good terms.
The Spirit of Tomorrow was a pioneer in its time. Equipped with electric turning lights, air conditioning, and at one point, a roof fin for enhanced aerodynamics, it was a vehicle ahead of its time. Capable of reaching speeds of over 110 mph, it was not only fast but also remarkably reliable and durable. Unlike the three-wheeled Dymaxion that preceded it, the Spirit of Tomorrow was stable on the road and didn’t topple at sharp turns.
Oldfield used it as his daily driver for nearly two decades, driving it across Canada and the United States on countless adventures. Over the years, the Spirit of Tomorrow underwent several modifications. In 1967, it received a newer V8 engine from a Mustang and continued to be used by members of the Oldfield family as a personal car. Later, it became reserved for special occasions only, such as weddings and anniversaries.
Unlike many classic cars, the Spirit of Tomorrow was never a parade car, better suited for cruising thanks to its 2-speed differential. In 1986, the Spirit of Tomorrow was on display at Expo 86 in Vancouver, BC, receiving a complete paint job before being showcased at various auto museums across the country.
Despite being owned and cherished by the Oldfield family, the car has remained in excellent condition. As recently as 2021, it was still running flawlessly and could be easily taken out for a spin. The Spirit of Tomorrow stands as a testament to Oldfield’s ingenuity and a remarkable piece of Canadian automotive history.
