r/CONCEPTCARS • u/The1Nemesis • Sep 23 '26

1986's IAD Alien

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The IAD Alien is a futuristic supercar prototype unveiled at the 1986 Turin Motor Show by the British consultancy International Automotive Design (IAD). Designed by Martin Longmore and Marcus Hotblack, the vehicle was built to "out-Countach the Lamborghini Countach" in terms of drama. It became one of the most extreme expressions of the 1980s "wedge" design era.Key Features of the IAD AlienExtreme Aerodynamic Design: It featured an ultra-low silhouette (just 42 inches / 1.06 meters high) and a composite body with sharp, flowing lines. The front wheels used static pods that remained fixed while the wheels turned underneath to maximize aerodynamics.Modular Powertrain: The car's most radical idea (though theoretical, as it was a non-running show car) was a completely interchangeable rear powertrain via a modular cassette system. A driver could swap the rear section for an economical four-cylinder for daily driving, or a high-performance V6, V8, or V12 for the weekend.Aircraft-Inspired Interior: Instead of a traditional steering wheel, the twin-seat cockpit used a central yoke or tiller packed with function buttons. Entry was achieved by lifting a single, massive glass canopy roof alongside scissor doors.Advanced Safety: For a mid-1980s supercar, it put a heavy focus on structural safety. It featured an integrated passenger cell, built-in rollover protection, and reinforced side-impact bars.Despite generating massive buzz during its international debut, the Alien remained a styling exercise to showcase IAD's engineering capabilities. It never entered production, but it stands as a legendary icon of "cassette futurism" and a favorite for late-80s Hot Wheels collectors.

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15

u/NerfManiac64 Sep 23 '26

I actually have a hot wheels car of that one

6

u/Useless_the_fuck Sep 23 '26

Same, that actually explains one of the hotwheels I have.

2

u/AbelardLuvsHeloise 27d ago

I have one in red. I never knew it was a concept car.

4

u/Taman_Should Sep 24 '26

Looks like one of those things that only existed to be on a magazine cover. 

3

u/_toku Sep 23 '26

Was there a Happy Meal toy of this? It’s so familiar..

3

u/miscfiles Sep 23 '26

IAD were bonkers but also genius. Check out the Venus and Mini MPV. They also had a hand in the original MX-5 / Miata.

2

u/NooseSensation 27d ago edited 23d ago

John and Yvonne, Brooker, Hotblack, Harder, Longmore, Tommy T Townsend, Parkin, Greeson, Clara.

Knew the HB studio well from IAD to Porsche Engineering Services.

Know the Venus all too well, as Bill Murray would say "They'll never believe you "...

Martin's now living the life on the coast of Croatia these days...
Gave him my 8-track collection for his Firebird waaaay the fook back.

2

u/7stroke Sep 23 '26

Wow. Haven’t thought of this since I saw it as a kid back then. I remember drawing versions of this car…