Italdesign Columbus: The Wild 1992 Luxury Van That Never Was
Concept cars are meant to push boundaries, but the 1992 Italdesign Columbus went all out. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro’s Italdesign, this massive luxury van looked like a mix between a bullet train and a superyacht on wheels.
At nearly 20 feet long, the Columbus was powered by a BMW V12 engine, featured six plush seats in a 2-2-2 layout, and had a central driving position like the McLaren F1.
It also boasted all-wheel drive, all-wheel steering, and a digital dashboard, making it shockingly advanced for its time.
But as bold as it was, the Columbus was also wildly impractical—too big, too expensive, and too futuristic for the real world.
Though it never made it past the concept stage, it remains a fascinating glimpse at what high-end travel could have been.
Would you take a ride in one today? 🚀
The Columbus, introduced to mark the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America, was a “sailing ship for dry land”.
Images via ItalDesign.
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7 Comments
Where was the engine located? A V-12 would take a lot of room, you would think. Must have been a real gas-hog, and it didn’t carry as many people as a normal Toyota van, and it gets great hybrid mileage.
Good insight! We agree it sounded overpowered, which probably meant way too expensive.
Nice concept! Looks like a good platform for a multipurpose vehicle similar to the original VW camper. Not sure the V12 is necessary, but a reliable, modern V8 would be sufficient. The central driving position would also make it compatible for driving in all countries by not having to convert it to a left or right hand drive.
I like the concept with one exception. I do not like that central seat for the driver.
I like the design; it kind of reminds me of the old Toyota Previa but larger. My family definitely would have bought one of these if they were ever made and brought Stateside. Now it seems like it’d be a good candidate for an EV or hybrid, marketed as either a large delivery van or as one of those larger family vans that can sit 7-9 depending on seat arrangements.
I love it! Where is that prototype today? Would love to see it in person.
Roomy unique van