The 1967 Gyro-X is a groundbreaking two-wheeled car created by Alex Tremulis, an acclaimed automotive designer, and gyroscope expert Thomas Summers. They aimed to revolutionize transport with a lightweight design that could use a smaller engine yet reach impressive speeds of 125 mph. The Gyro-X wound up being powered by an 80hp Mini Cooper S engine. The Gyro-X featured a unique 22-inch hydraulically-driven gyroscope, giving it stability and allowing for sharp banked turns without tipping. Its sleek, streamlined body reduced air resistance and improved overall efficiency. Making its debut at the 1967 New York International Auto Show in “The Wonderful World of Wheels” exhibit, the Gyro-X garnered a Science and Mechanics magazine cover, showcasing its innovative spirit. While the concept generated excitement, it struggled with stability at speeds above 70 mph, likely due to the complexities of gyroscopic engineering. Financial issues plagued Gyro Transport Systems, and by 1970, the project was abandoned. Tremulis later expressed concern over the car’s condition as it sat neglected, exposed to the elements. In the 1970s, it was briefly fitted with a third wheel to comply with regulations but soon faded from the spotlight. Resurfacing in 1994, it was acquired by collector Mark Brinker, who later sold it in 2011 to the Lane Motor Museum. There, it underwent a six-year restoration with contributions from specialist Michael Hüby, Stefano De Simoni of Agency Impianti in Italy, and the museum team, returning it to its original two-wheeled form. Finally, fifty years after its debut, the Gyro-X reemerged in 2017 at the @pebblebeachconcours in the “American Dream Cars of the 1960s” class. This rare prototype, featuring a 1275cc inline-four, rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive setup, initially valued at $750,000, stands as a testament to the visionary ideas of its creators and a fascinating chapter in automotive history.
How many made? 1
Engine: 1275cc inline-four
Debut: New York International Auto Show in 1967
Top Speed: n/a
0-60mph: n/a
Photo Credit: @carlover_marco
Research: @rarecarsonly
1967 Gyro-X
05.11.2024
Gyro Transport Systems