Hyundai Motor Company’s Pony Coupe Concept, a significant vehicle in the company’s history, has made its world premiere in Lake Como, Italy, almost 50 years after its original debut.
The unveiling took place at the inaugural Hyundai Reunion, a heritage brand platform that reflects on Hyundai Motor’s past and future. Giorgetto Giugiaro and his son Fabrizio Giugiaro, both esteemed designers, attended the event to mark the completion of the restoration project by GFG Style. The original Pony Coupe Concept, which led to the creation of Korea’s first independently developed mass-production models, has been brought back to life by Hyundai Motor Company.
The restoration of the Pony Coupe Concept is a testament to the unwavering spirit and ambition of Hyundai employees and executives in creating a global brand. Euisun Chung, Executive Chair of Hyundai Motor Group, expressed gratitude to those who played a critical role in the success of the Pony. Despite adverse economic conditions in the late 1970s, the Pony Coupe Concept showcased groundbreaking design and Hyundai’s determination to enter the sports car sector.
Considered a retro-futuristic classic, the Pony Coupe Concept has influenced the design of more recent Hyundai models, including the N Vision 74 hydrogen-hybrid electric ‘Rolling Lab’ and the ’45’ EV concept car, which directly influenced the IONIQ 5 all-electric vehicle. Hyundai Motor Company aims to leverage its heritage as a source of future innovation through initiatives like Hyundai Reunion.
The Pony Coupe Concept features a distinctive exterior with flowing geometric lines, a sleek roofline, and pure surfaces. Its minimalist interior highlights the monocoque design and driver-centered floating architecture, boasting a single-spoke steering wheel and slim-line bucket seats. Giorgetto Giugiaro recalled his first interaction with Hyundai during the development of the 1973 Pony Coupe Concept, praising the passion and commitment of Hyundai engineers.
Luc Donckerwolke, President and Chief Creative Officer of Hyundai Motor Group, emphasized the restoration’s significance as a milestone in Hyundai’s history and its commitment to the future. The rebirth of the Pony Coupe Concept symbolizes the company’s journey from the past to the future. SangYup Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai Design Center, described it as a meaningful milestone signifying Hyundai’s beginnings and its commitment to new dreams.
The Hyundai Reunion platform showcases the brand’s heritage and serves as a reminder of how past success fuels the company’s daring attitude today. Sungwon Jee, Senior Vice President and Global Chief Marketing Officer at Hyundai Motor Company, expressed the importance of bringing together people from the company’s early days with those leading it into the future. Hyundai Motor plans to expand Hyundai Reunion as part of its global heritage project to further promote its brand vision and direction.
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