Parker thought it more manly than the pink Roller
The six-wheeled Covini C6W presented at the 2004 Geneva motor show is finally headed for limited production, following a gestation that began in 1974.
Italian engineer Ferrucio Covini’s fixation with the six-wheeled configuration began way back then, when his first prototype featured a set of 10ins front wheels due to the lack of appropriately low-profile rubber.
Despite setbacks in the development process, Covini never let the idea drop – although many cynics believed the 2004 show car would be the final iteration of a stillborn project.
However, reports from Italy say new life has been breathed into the C6W, and the car is actually going to make limited production. Perhaps fittingly, the company expects to build just six examples a year with Audi V8 power from late in 2009.
Although overlooked by the mainstream auto industry, Covini remains convinced that the four-wheels-up-front configuration brings benefits. These apparently include a reduced tendency to aquaplaning, improved suspension control over potholes and better directional stability than a two-wheel steered car.
Stay tuned for the next update in 2020...