It’s low and futuristic and absolutely nothing like it ever came out of Detroit, Turin or Stuttgart. The only place it could possibly have come from was Hollywood—but it didn’t quite make it there, either. In 1993 Universal Studios commissioned Trans FX, an automotive prototype facility in California, to build several futuristic cars for use in a movie project that was ultimately cancelled. This car was dubbed the “Hero Car” for used by the film’s protagonist.

Trans FX started with a Pontiac Fiero powered by a 2.8-liter fuel-injected V-6 engine mated to an automatic transmission. This driveline was kept stock in order to ensure reliability and facilitate easy maintenance and repair. The chassis was stretched by 12-inches and modified by the addition of adjustable nitrogen-filled racing shocks and modified and reinforced shock tires. The fuel tank was also removed from the tunnel area and a fuel cell was located in the rear of the vehicle. Other safety features include and onboard Halon fire suppression system, as well as an overhead roll structure, inside the passenger compartment.

The drivetrain is stock, but has been equipped with auxiliary cooling fans to make sure the space-age machine doesn’t overheat under its sleek molded epoxy/fiberglass shell. That shell has a long, low nose that necessitated remounting the front radiator at a steeper angle and shrouding it to ensure that it remained efficient. Though all four wheels are fully-skirted, access panels allow for service and the changing of wheels. The doors feature double action hinges to open the doors away from the body and then tilt them upwards. A hydraulic system operates the doors, although there is a manual override. Because this car is so low, it was fitted with steel skid rails as well as steel tubes mounted just below the rocker panels to protect the body.

The electrical system is configured so there is one battery to start and run the engine and another to handle all lighting, hydraulic and electromechanical system. A third electrical system has been installed to support studio electrical requirements. There is also a remote control system to allow an off-camera person to operate many of the vehicle’s systems.

To facilitate film use, the car was built with camera ports up front, in the rear and on each side. Plugs in the camera ports are replaced with platforms to accept Speed Rail components to allow an infinite number of camera configurations.

Shortly after it was build 12 years ago, this wild and exciting movie car was sold to its current owner and it has been stored ever since. It has never been used in filming or made available for public viewing. Finished in medium blue known as “Fast Lane Blue Dyna Pearl,” this blast from the future features a red and black interior. Fully serviced with new batteries, fresh oil and filter, this car is ready to go. It is ideal for display or museum use. There is also no reason not to put it to work on a film or television set.