Meet the Retro Pickup That Paved the Way for Futuristic Designs: The Renha Formigao

Nestled in a forgotten chapter of automotive history lies a vehicle that could easily be mistaken for a prop in a sci-fi film. It's not the Tesla Cybertruck, but its aesthetic ancestor – the Renha Formigao. This unique pickup, born from the mind of Brazilian powerboat builder Paulo Renha, is a testament to visionary design that predates its time.

A Brazilian Innovation with a Beetle Heart

The story of the Renha Formigao, later known as the Coyote, begins in 1979. Based on the classic Volkswagen Beetle, this small-series pickup was Paulo Renha's bold foray into road vehicles. After crafting a trike powered by a Beetle engine, Renha went a step further, creating a pickup that snugly fit onto a Beetle chassis. The result? An intriguing blend of familiar mechanics and a body design that screamed innovation.

Echoes of the Future in a 1980s Design

With its sharply angular body and a flat front where the hood and windscreen seem to merge, the Formigao carried a futuristic flair even in the 1980s – a time when angular designs were all the rage in the automotive world. The striking resemblance it bears to the modern Tesla Cybertruck is uncanny, especially considering its era. It's as if Renha had a crystal ball, foreseeing the bold, edgy designs of future pickups.

The 'Mini Cybertruck' That Could

Comparing the Formigao to the Tesla Cybertruck, you can't help but notice the parallels. The Formigao's compact size, with its single cab and petite bed, makes it look like a miniature version of the modern electric behemoth. Its fiberglass body, when painted a metallic silver, almost mirrors the Cybertruck's raw metal finish.

More Than Just Looks

Renha's creation wasn't just about turning heads. Inside, the Formigao boasted an interior that was a cut above the standard Volkswagen Beetle of the time, with sporty leather seats and a steering wheel that wouldn't be out of place in a rally car. Under the hood, the 1.6-liter Volkswagen bus engine delivered modest yet spirited performance, thanks to the vehicle's lightweight build.

A Functional Workhorse with Style

Despite its stylish appearance, the Formigao was built to work. Capable of carrying significant loads in its small bed, it was a practical vehicle that just happened to look like it drove off a movie set. While the details of its use and production numbers remain obscure, the Renha Formigao is undoubtedly a fascinating piece of automotive history.