25 best concept cars ever

Buick Centurion Concept

Some cars just command attention and the Buick Centurion from 1956 is one eye-catching example. Taking design cues from the cockpit of an aeroplane, this bubble-top concept cuts through the air with ease, and its two-tone paintjob allows it to do so in style.

Although it probably has the turning circle of a P&O ferry, its 325bhp V8 engine meant it would be no slouch when pulling away from the lights, even if it did weigh nearly two tons.

Lamborghini Gallardo Concept S

Most twin-seaters like the Caterham R500s and Ultimas GTRs of this world tend to look a bit, well, nerdy. Not the Lamborghini Concept S. This 5-litre V10-powered concept, of which there are only two in existence, looks just as gutsy and inspiring as its Gallardo production brother.

At one point the tractor and supercar manufacturer decided to make 100 cars for the richest motoring enthusiasts, but later decided to keep the Gallardo Concept S as a style exercise only.

Audi Quattro Concept

Combining four-wheel drive with a turbocharged engine for the first time ever in motoring history, the original Audi Quattro inevitably became a bit of an icon, not to mention a rally king. Plus it looks tougher than Jason Statham.

Audi rightfully decided to celebrate the original Quattro's 30th anniversary with the Audi Quattro concept, and was planning on selling between 200 and 500 cars. Sadly the concept – and its 2.5-litre turbocharged engine – were canned in 2012.

Lamborghini Estoque

Lamborghini and family car are not words you would expect to see nestled together, but at one point the Italian manufacturer considered the idea. The Estoque, unveiled in 2008 at the Paris Motor Show, was a 4-door sedan powered by a 5.2-litre V10 engine.

Naturally, a car that could get your kids to school faster than just about everything on the road wasn't going to come cheap, especially with that legendary raging bull adorning the front. If Lamborghini ever releases this car, which it probably won't, expect a price tag of around $230,000.

Scion FR-S

The Scion brand was manufactured by Toyota – which decided to create something sporty with the help of ex-rival Subaru. The result was the Scion FR-S – a rear-wheel-drive gaze-magnet that looks cooler than Steve McQueen.

While the FR-S concept isn't for sale, it did result in two almost identical cars with different badges, the Toyota GT 86 and the Subaru BRZ. You can get your paws on either for under £30,000. Send in the differences between the two cars on a postcard.