At the end of World War II, at the zero hour, private transport had come to a standstill in the former combat zones. Resource shortages and supply problems made it impossible for more than a few cars with electric motors and wood gas generators to drive, right up until the 1950s. With rising prosperity, the desire arose for more luxurious and faster cars, not just amongst the population of the newly founded Federal Republic of Germany, but throughout Europe. Enthusiasts cast jealous glances at the large American road cruisers. After years of deprivation, it was only natural to dream of the car of the future. And so the French hybrid electric vehicle manufacturer Automobiles François Arbel presented their vision of an automobile with atomic propulsion in numerous publications in 1958. Despite numerous publications, the idea of an electric vehicle with atomic propulsion and therefore an almost unlimited range remained a dream that could not be realized, even before Arbel's concept was published.

The dream of the atomic vehicle, presented by French manufacturer Automobiles François Arbel in 1958. This remained but a dream... © Manz Archive)