10 automobiles invented right in Indianapolis
Pacer’s Pogo Pod
Company: Hoosier Hoppers Inc. in Indianapolis.
Model: Pogo Pod
Year: 1945
Status: A vintage novelty item in collectors’ circles.
Indianapolis 500: Bounced out in the qualifiers.
Inventor’s Comment: “It’s not just a car, it’s a vertical experience!” – Phil Pacer
Customer Review: “Had the time of my life hopping to work, but parking was…bouncy.” – Margie Simmons
Corn Cruiser
Company: Indiana Innovations Automotive
Model: Corn Cruiser
Year: 1960
Status: Sold mostly to farmers, now seen in retro parades.
Indianapolis 500: Took a turn too wide and ended up in a cornfield.
Inventor’s Comment: “Eco-friendly and corn-powered!” – Earl Cobb
Customer Review: “Great conversation starter, but squirrels seem too interested.” – Ben Wallace
Speedway Slinky Sedan
Company: Flexi Motors Ltd.
Model: Slinky Sedan
Year: 1975
Status: Was too flexible for conventional roads, now in museums.
Indianapolis 500: Unraveled halfway through.
Inventor’s Comment: “The future is bendy!” – Sarah Speedway
Customer Review: “Hugging curves took a whole new meaning.” – Derrick Holmes
Canal Canopy Coupe
Company: Waterway Wheels
Model: Canopy Coupe
Year: 1990
Status: Limited editions now sold as boat hybrids.
Indianapolis 500: Made waves but didn’t finish.
Inventor’s Comment: “For the urban explorer with amphibious dreams!” – Wendy Waters
Customer Review: “Amazing for waterfront views, not so much for speed.” – Liam Rivers
Monumental Muffler Machine
Company: Brickyard Builds
Model: Muffler Machine
Year: 1980
Status: The echoing sound wasn’t for everyone, but a hit with car show enthusiasts.
Indianapolis 500: Made noise, not records.
Inventor’s Comment: “Revolutionizing road acoustics!” – Mike Monument
Customer Review: “My neighbors either loved or hated me. No in-between.” – Cathy Clank
Circle City Circus Convertible
Company: Jester Journeys Auto Co.
Model: Circus Convertible
Year: 2005
Status: A hot seller for performers on the go.
Indianapolis 500: Clown car antics led to a disqualification.
Inventor’s Comment: “A car that guarantees giggles!” – Cindy Circle
Customer Review: “Roomier than it looks; my 20 friends and I fit perfectly!” – Ronald Ringleader
The Brickyard Blimp-Mobile
Company: Skyward Sedans
Model: Blimp-Mobile
Year: 1995
Status: Grounded for most, but a prize for aviation enthusiasts.
Indianapolis 500: Floated above the competition, literally.
Inventor’s Comment: “Who needs roads anyway?” – Barry Brickyard
Customer Review: “Perfect for dodging traffic, but hard to park.” – Paula Pilot
Racer’s Reverse Roadster
Company: Backtrack Autos
Model: Reverse Roadster
Year: 2010
Status: Backward trend didn’t catch on, now a quirky relic.
Indianapolis 500: Drove the wrong way and was instantly disqualified.
Inventor’s Comment: “Redefining ‘moving forward’!” – Rachel Racer
Customer Review: “Great concept, but a nightmare in reverse traffic.” – Larry Lane
Indy’s Invisible Intrepid
Company: See-Through Sedans Inc.
Model: Invisible Intrepid
Year: 2020
Status: Hard to find and even harder to maintain.
Indianapolis 500: Missed the spotlight due to invisibility.
Inventor’s Comment: “It’s the future you can’t see!” – Ian Indy
Customer Review: “Lost it in a parking lot. Still looking.” – Claire Clear
Hoosier Hover Hatchback
Company: Levitate Limited
Model: Hover Hatchback
Year: 2030
Status: The go-to for tech-savvy youngsters.
Indianapolis 500: Suspended mid-race due to levitation limits.
Inventor’s Comment: “Why roll when you can rise?” – Harry Hoosier
Customer Review: “It’s all fun and games until a bird gets in the way.” – Stella Sky
