In the late ’50s, aluminum was beginning to get some real interest as an automotive building material, and companies like Kaiser Aluminum were eager and ready, rubbing their hands together while sitting on huge piles of aluminum.

They made a series of ads showing some concept aluminum car ideas, and while they’re all pretty striking, the description of this one caught my eye. Why? Because it has some distinctly VW Beetle-like descriptions: “pan-type frame, air-cooled engine...” it says.

Very Beetle! Plus look at that low hood line and those air intake-looking strakes below the rear window—I bet they were thinking this would have a rear engine.

Is this a proto-Corvair? Hm.