Giugiaro to rebuild 1974 Pony concept it designed for Hyundai

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Hyundai is once again reaching back into its stable to lead out its first independent model, the Pony and Pony Coupe, this time as a “rebuild” involving original designer Giorgetto Giugiaro meant to replace the concept car, which was scrapped in-period.

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The original Pony, which consisted of five prototypes (including one Coupe) designed and built by Giugiaro, debuted in 1974 at the Turin Motor Show. If you’re thinking that the little car’s profile looks a bit like that of the DeLorean DMC-12, good eye—Giugiaro went on to help design the famous Back to the Future movie car in 1983, two years after plans to mass-produce the Pony Coupe were killed. 

The Pony, however, did go on to become the brand’s first independently produced nameplate, running from 1975 to 1990. 

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Now, Hyundai will look to bring the abandoned original Pony Coupe’s style forward into the modern era, including what the brand calls its “wedge-style nose, circular headlamps and origami-like geometric lines.” This follows the production of multiple one-off Pony-inspired models including the 2019 ‘45’ concept car that influenced the Ioniq 5; and the 2022 N Vision 74 hydrogen-hybrid development vehicle. 

“The original Pony and Pony Coupe Concept were one of those rare creations that influenced the designs of not just one but multiple production and concept vehicles, including our award-winning Ioniq 5 and attention-grabbing N Vision 74,” said EVP SangYup Lee. “Since the original concept car no longer exists, we’ve commissioned Giorgetto Giugiaro to rebuild it based on our design philosophy, ‘Shaping the future with legacy.’”

Giugiaro will work alongside his son Fabrizio Giugiaro and the team at GTG Style to recreate the icon. 

“I designed the Hyundai Pony when I was still a young designer at the start of my career,” said Giugiaro. “I felt very proud that I was in charge of creating a vehicle for a company and country that was about to take on a fiercely competitive global market. Now, I’m deeply honoured that Hyundai has asked me to rebuild it for posterity and as a celebration of the brand’s heritage.”

The rebuilt Pony Coupe concept should be completed and be ready to debut by spring 2023.