GM TPC

The TPC, or Two-Person Commuter, was the lightest vehicle ever developed by General Motors, tipping the scales at just 485 kg (1,070 pounds).

Its exceptionally low weight came from the extensive use of aluminum for the doors, front section and rear fenders.

The entire body followed a smooth, rounded design with no sharp lines; even the side windows bulged outward to maintain the flowing shape, and the rear-view mirrors were mounted inside the cabin to avoid disturbing the clean exterior surfaces.

Its sleek form gave it a drag coefficient of 0.31, helped by flush-fitting glass and wheels that sat perfectly within the arches.

GM claimed this aerodynamic efficiency allowed the TPC to reach up to 95 mpg on the highway and around 68 mpg in heavy city traffic.

Beneath the body sat a compact 0.8-liter three-cylinder engine producing 40 hp, paired with a five-speed manual gearbox and supported by a four-gallon fuel tank.

Compact in every sense, the car measured 3,261 mm in length, 1,430 mm in width and 1,176 mm in height, riding on a 2,037-mm wheelbase. Despite its small footprint, the TPC represented a bold exploration of ultra-efficient personal mobility.