1960 Cyclops II

The Cyclops is a simple, ironic, and obscure little car that was the brainchild of Stan Mott and Robert Cumbford. They envisioned a car that could be formed from a sheet of steel. The front and back windshield could be cut out and those pieces could then be used for the sides. In the front was a large headlight, earning the car its name 'Cyclops.' Two leaf springs were used as the suspension. The car was road tested in the September 1957 Road and Track issue and from there, 22 more Cyclops articles were run over the last 53 years.

In late 1956, Stan Mott built the original Cyclops. The body was formed from steel and given a yellow paint scheme. Time did not permit an engine to be installed before being brought to the Detroit Auto Show. In the front was a large, 12-inch diameter headlight sourced from a Rolls-Royce.

After an engine was added, Road & Track test-drove and published an article about the Cyclops in their September 1957 issue. It listed it as having a curb weight of 295 pounds and a list price of $295. The vehicle had no doors; entry and exit were gained by crawling through the window. Inside, the driver was met by an 8-inch steering wheel that had a quick 1/3 turn from lock-to-lock.

The original Cyclops's location is not known.

In 1960, the Cyclops gained doors along with vent panels in the back.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2015