Cars designed according to older models or a certain theme, have come to be known as concept cars. Most times these prototypes make their introduction at car and motor shows. Most companies choose the settings to introduce their cars to the public in order to determine consumer reaction and appeal. By using the sleek lines of past cars and the modern technology of today, these concept cars can frequently be used to see how the public will first react to these new cars.

Concept cars first made their way onto the manufacturing scene after being designed by Harley Earl of General Motors in the 1950s. These cars soon became very popular with the general public. For most this was because the cars offered buyers state-of-the-art motor card technology in a new design. For many this is actually a variation of the older theme which attracted them in their nostalgic search for the good old days.

As soon as General Motors's saw what a hit their concept car would become, they further publicized the car. As their concept car evolved even more, the public was just eating it all up. These cars were not only beautiful but practical to the people also. The cars showed off futuristic designs, the sleek lines powerful engines and sometimes even controversial technology.

Now before you head out to go buy your very own concept car you must understand that although though they may appear flawless under the spotlight, many of the cars often undergo changes before being put on the production line by their manufacturers. Even more importantly all of them are subjected to altercations that make him more suitable and affordable to their target market; people just like you.

In many cases the fate of the majority of concept cars is not as glamorous as it may seem. Most of the cars seen at automobile exhibitions such as the Geneva motor show are the dream cars for automobile fans and racing enthusiasts. Sorry to ruin your hopes, but many times cars seen at the fancy shows are only show models -- therefore they are nothing more than wax, clay, metal, plastic and fiberglass. Heartbreaking, isn't it. Yes, unfortunately the truth is that many concept cars never even reached the stage of production due to impractical design glitches and cost factors. Ouch!

Now for those of you who are currently weepy in the corner, your dreams are not total destroyed. Keep the faith, concept cars are not tough to find. One of the most popular, old, operational concept car that was brought back into service is the 1954 Ford Lincoln Futura. Sound familiar? If it doesn't, it probably should. This specific Futura was stored in the North Hollywood car shop of George Barris. With a little bit of dusting off, yesterday's retired car rose to stardom as the Batmobile of the 1966 Batman series on the ABC television network.

In today's world, concept cars include the Mercedes-Benz bionic car, a car which puts the best of nature, technology, and the BMW Z4 M coupe in to one smooth ride; the 2006 BMW Mille Miglia concept coupe; based off of the earlier BMW 328 Turing coupe, the Camero Concept sports coupe, which follows the lines of the first Cameros, and of course, the Chrysler Imperial Concept 2006, which is a direct descendent of classic Imperial and Chrysler designs.

The sad, sad truth is that once the concept cars have served their meek little purposes, they are frequently crushed, destroyed, or sent to the junk yard to rust alone in a state of discomposure - far from the state of glory intended by their creators. For the lucky concept cars, they are saved and reside the rest of their time sitting in storage or on display in automobile museums.