Future- 1952

Sigvard Berggren embarked on creating his streamlined vehicle known as Future in 1951. Utilizing a retired taxi’s 1938 Dodge seven-passenger sedan chassis, he resourcefully installed a flathead Ford V8 engine in the mid-rear position of the vehicle. With help from a local mechanic, Henrik Neuman, and inspiration drawn from aircraft design, Berggren crafted a tubular steel frame and hand-formed steel panels, achieving an aerodynamic body looking like a wingless aircraft with a Tatra-esque dorsal fin. Despite underestimating the work ahead of them, they completed the Future for a newspaper deadline, gaining significant coverage for the vehicle in the early1950s. While its aircraft-inspired appearance garnered attention, its weight limited its performance.

Following the initial excitement surrounding the Future, Berggren refocused on his life on his passion for Africa and African wildlife. He ventured into zookeeping after saving an orphaned lion in Africa and his approach to animal keeping became a blueprint for zoos around the globe. Berggren’s influence extended to environmental advocacy, which included drilling wells and installing solar power plants in Africa in the 1970s, underscoring his multifaceted commitment to shaping the future.

Specifications:

Manufacturer: Sigvard Berggren

Country of Origin: Sweden

Drivetrain Configuration: Mid-rear engine, rear-wheel drive

Engine: Ford, water-cooled, 239 cu. in., V-8, 4-stroke, 100 hp

Transmission: 4-speed manual with reverse

Top Speed: Unpublished

Years of Production: 1951

Number Produced: 1

Original Cost: Unpublished