Formigão: The Brazilian Pickup Truck with Cybertruck Design

In 2019, Tesla finally revealed to the world one of the most anticipated projects in automotive history: the Cybertruck. With its futuristic design and bold lines, it quickly became an icon, being compared to science fiction vehicles. However, many do not know that, decades earlier, a Brazilian pickup truck also shared similar characteristics to the Cybertruck's bold design. I'm talking about the Ant, affectionately nicknamed “Iron Horse”, a vehicle that, with its straight lines and sharp angles, already gave a taste of what the pickup truck of the future could be, long before Elon Musk thought of his own model.

In this article, you will understand the history of Ant, the Brazilian pickup truck from the 70s that, in a way, anticipated the design of the Cybertruck, with a bold and futuristic look. We will explore the creation of this model, the work of its creator, and how the pickup became a true rarity in the market. In addition, we will see how the Ant fits perfectly with the idea of innovation and boldness that we see in vehicles like the Cybertruck.

The Story Behind Ant

The pickup truck Ant was created in 1978 by a From Rio called Paulo Sergio Renha. Renha, who until then was just starting his career as an automobile designer, decided to found his own company: Renha Vehicle Industry and Trade Ltda. Renha's idea was to create something completely new, something that would stand out from the conventional models of the time.

O Ant was not just an ordinary pickup truck. It was built on the platform of the VW 1600, but with some important adaptations. One of them was the use of fiberglass for the construction of the vehicle, which already made the project innovative for the time. But the most impressive thing was its design. Formigão had a lead in wedge, with lines straight lines and surfaces flat, very reminiscent of the aggressive and angular style of the Cybertruck by Elon Musk. The windshield and the flashy black fiber bumpers complemented the pickup's bold look.

The Formigão was unlike anything else available on the Brazilian market at the time. Its unique design, combined with innovative use of materials, made the pickup truck a true next step in the evolution of utility vehicles in Brazil. It was a pickup truck with the face of the future, ready to win over the public with its futuristic and innovative style.

Concrete Technical Characteristics and Design

As mentioned, the Formigão was mounted on the platform of the VW 1600, which means that the pickup truck has not undergone any major mechanical changes. However, its chassi It was specially designed to give the pickup truck an imposing and distinctive look that would make it unique in the Brazilian market.

A bucket of Formigão had the capacity to 650 kg, or approximately 724 liters, right up to the edge. Although the platform was not completely flat, the pickup was still quite functional and adaptable for different uses. The cargo bed, for example, could not be as low as the models of the Volkswagen Variant, due to engine supply constraints, but it was still efficient enough for the needs of a utility vehicle.

Another interesting point was the interior of the Ant. With seats equipped with three-point seat belts, the pickup truck already showed that it was concerned with safety, even though it was a model designed for utilitarian purposes. The pickup truck was available in two versions: the Luxury version, which included alloy wheels, radial tires, reclining leather seats, sports steering wheel and rev counter. As optional, the Ant could come with wooden platform for the bucket, canvas cover, trailer hitch and even a low fan motor.

The Success and Decline of Formigão

O Ant was launched in Brazil in 1978 and quickly attracted attention for its boldness and unique proposal. However, despite its initial success, Renha Vehicle Industry and Trade Ltda. could not stay in the market for long. In 1980, Paul Renha closed the company and moved on to other ventures, including the creation of a shipyard.

In 1986, Formigão was relaunched by the company Coyote, but soon the matrices and manufacturing rights were transferred to CBP and finally, for the Menon, which was unable to resume production. As a result, the Ant has become a rarity in the Brazilian market and, today, is seen as a true relic from the past, being sought after by collectors and classic car enthusiasts.

Formigão and Cybertruck: The Surprising Comparison

Now, you may be wondering: how does Ant relates to the Cybertruck of Elon Musk? The answer lies in design. When the Tesla revealed the Cybertruck in 2019, many couldn't help but notice the similarities between the angular and futuristic design of the Cybertruck and the style of the Formigão.

O Ant was, without a doubt, a vehicle ahead of its time, with a design that reflected a more futuristic It is bold, even in the 70s. Just like the Cybertruck, which breaks the conventions of utility vehicles with its straight lines It is cutting angles, the Formigão also distanced itself from what was expected of a common pickup truck.

Both vehicles share the same idea of a design that stands out, that is not afraid to be different, that embraces the future and, in a way, anticipates a new era for utility vehicles. In the case of the Formigão, this design was a reflection of the innovative spirit of its creator, Paul Renha, which has always sought to explore new possibilities and create something unique in the market.

The Legacy of Formigão: The Brazilian Pickup Truck that Anticipated the Future

Despite not being a huge commercial success at the time of its release, the Ant left an important legacy in Brazil. He was one of the first to question the standards of automotive design and showing that it was possible to create something different, something that strayed from the conventional lines of vehicles at the time.

Today, Formigão is a symbol of innovation and boldness, anticipating, in a way, what would become the Cybertruck by Elon Musk. While the Cybertruck promises to transform the global pickup truck market with its futuristic look, the Formigão was already doing this on Brazilian soil in the 70s. It's incredible to think that a vehicle so ahead of its time could be so similar to what we see today in terms of futuristic design.

O Iron Horse, as he became affectionately known, may not have conquered the world like his successor Cybertruck is trying to do, but it certainly deserves to be remembered as one of the first vehicles in Brazil to challenge the conventions of automotive design and show the world that the future of cars could be more audacious than anyone imagined.

So if you are interested in classic cars, innovative design It is inspiring stories about automotive development, the Ant is a perfect example of how innovation has no expiration date, and as a good project can anticipate trends that will only be recognized years later.

O Iron Horse It's not just a 70's pickup truck. It's a real anticipation of the future, and today, it is one of the most sought-after rarities by collectors and car lovers.