# Cartoon Car Revivals The Ford 012c Puts An Eye-Catching Twist on Transportation By Tisah Tucknott | Published 2009-05-22 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cars-ford-012c References: [psfk](http://www.psfk.com/2009/05/ford-021c-ten-years-too-early.html) The [Ford](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ford-future-generation-concept) 021c was a concept car from 1999 that never made the cut in the auto industry. The concept car resembles a vehicle out of a cartoon episode and was criticized because it was designed by Marc Newson, a non-car expert. Although the focus was put on pull-out trunks and wide opening doors, it was still considered to be boxy, and [toylike in a negative way](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/porsche-labubu-project). The Ford 021c was quickly hidden away because of the bad reviews it was getting, but the concept car is making a comeback, as it is now being re-considered for its fresh look. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.1/10 - Popularity: 53% | Activity: 62% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Revival of Concept Cars:** The resurgence of concept cars that were once deemed unsuccessful presents an opportunity for reevaluation and innovation. - **Design Expertise in Automotive Industry:** The potential for collaboration between non-car experts and automotive designers opens up a space for fresh and unique perspectives in car design. - **Toy-inspired Car Designs:** The exploration of toylike aesthetics in car design offers an opportunity to tap into consumer nostalgia and create eye-catching, playful vehicles. ### Where This Applies - **Automotive Design:** The automotive design industry can benefit from reevaluating and reviving previously unsuccessful concept cars. - **Collaborative Design:** The concept of collaboration between non-car experts and automotive designers can be implemented in various industries to bring fresh perspectives and innovative designs. - **Toy and Collectible Industry:** The trend of toy-inspired car designs presents opportunities for partnerships between automotive companies and toy manufacturers to create unique and appealing products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Road-Ready Dune Buggy Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fordzilla-hypervan.md) - [Miniaturized Americana SUVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ford-mini-bronco.md) - [Revived Retro Concept Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/honda-hpx-concept.md) - [Contemporary Restomod Concept Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hyundai-pony-coupe-concept.md) - [Minimalist Americana Truck Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ford-bronco-concept.md) - [Cartoon-Branded Concept Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hyundai-ioniq-5-disney100-platinum-concept.md) - [Retro Sci-Fi-Inspired Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2025-12cilindri.md) - [Retro Off-Road Electric Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/delorean-concept.md) - [Next-Gen Boxy Vehicle Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/boxy-vehicle.md)