Down The Road… At Disneyland!

Note: This column first appeared here on June 4th, 2007. And traffic is still backed up on the 5 trying to get to the Park…

Lot’s of attention going on in Tomorrowland in Anaheim lately. With the resurrection of the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, that’s not a surprise. I’m sure it will make for a busy summer in what has been a somewhat quiet place. About time, some folks will say…

So, rather than look at the Subs, I thought you might enjoy some tidbits from the next door neighbors – The Autopia.

An early prototype Autopia car, now in the collection of the Walt Disney Family Museum.

Almost looks like it’s smiling…

The finished product without the full body bumper. Classic 50’s sports car inspiration here. Bob Gurr admits that his love for Ferrari was part of the design.

A side by side comparison.

How about the rare Midget Autopia? Something for the smallest of drivers.

Yet another Autopia car design – as seen on this 1959 map.

The back of the much sought after Richfield Autopia Driver’s License has a rendering of the in-service car complete with the full bumpers.

And while we’re on the subject, here is the front view.

Fast Forward ahead to the 1970’s…

Okay, so what CM organized all of the cars by color?

Yes, the classic Corvette inspired car bodies. 

Just can’t beat the work of Bob Gurr.

Remember when there  were two different Autopia’s?

Here’s the Fantasyland  loading area, right under the Monorail, 

today part of the off-road segment.

Then we have today’s group of body styles and colors including the golden 50th anniversary one.

And thanks to Chevron as the sponsor for bringing back the Driver’s License. 

Why is it that all driver’s license photos always look so bad?