Hyundai Motor collaborates with Giorgetto Giugiaro to bring back the 1974 Pony Coupe car model

Hyundai Motor is teaming up with renowned Italian auto designer Giorgetto Giugiaro to rebuild the Pony Coupe concept car that was first introduced in 1974. The South Korean automaker will be recreating the vehicle with its original designer, and it will be unveiled in the coming springtime.

Hyundai Motor said on Thursday, Nov. 24, during a design conference in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, that it will work again with Giugiaro, who designed the vehicle in 1974.

The Pony Coupe concept boasts of pure and timeless design that has become an icon for the company since it was first introduced at the Turin Motor Show 48 years ago. The car’s highlight is its geometric lines that bring out an exclusive visual impact.

The car maintained its icon status at Hyundai not only because of its unique presence but because it was the model that launched the brand onto the global stage. It was also credited as the model that kick-started the car industry in South Korea. More than four decades after, Hyundai Motor is now one of the most recognizable vehicle brands worldwide.

The Korea Herald mentioned that the concept car was ready for mass production after its first appearance in 1974, but Hyundai could not proceed at that time because of the economic situation. Now, after almost 50 years, Hyundai Motor got in touch with Giugiaro again for the company’s recreation project of the original Pony Coupe.

Giugiaro is in S. Korea to start the project with resident Hyundai Motor designers. He will work with them to bring back the car based on the company’s vision of shaping the future with legacy.

"I designed the Hyundai Pony when I was still a young designer at the start of my career,” the legendary auto designer said. “I felt very proud that I was in charge of creating a production vehicle for a country that was about to face a fiercely competitive market."

In a separate statement, Giugiaro said that he would design the Pony Coupe with passion like he did in 1974. He is also grateful for this chance to rebuild it with modern features this time.

"We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Giorgetto and Fabrizio to Seoul for this rare occasion and we look forward to collaborating with them and GFG Style on this extraordinary design project," Hyundai Motor Group’s chief creative officer, Luc Donckerwolke, said in a press release. "Not only does this project hold historical value, but it also represents a cross-cultural exchange that could pave the way for more collaborations down the road."