Not a car in the true sense, the Cella I was a less-than-life-size scale model. Although physically small, the concept was big. Here was a proposal for an autombile powered by an electro-chemical, fuel-cell system with electric motors driving each of the four wheels. The system even foresaw using braking to regenerate electricity for the batteries.

The Cella I predicted today's plethora of domestic-appliances adapted to SUVs and minivans. Inside the flat-floored cabin were representaions of: a refrigerator, television, stereo tape system, pop-up storage and a beverage dispenser.

Equally predictive was the idea of fitting heating elements into the glass. Cella I literature also mentioned "improvements in glass technology" providing better protection from the sun. Perhaps DeSoto was seeing ahead to the Plymouth VIP show car of 1965 with its photo-chemical glass.

Unfortunately, DeSoto never got the chance to put its Cella I ideas into practice. The car never progressed beyond the model and a small, two-color promotional folder. These images are from that folder.

Although called the Cella I, there was no Cella II - whether one was intended before DeSoto went out of business in 1960 isn't known.

Image Source: Bruce Smith