Things people say about the Gyro-X
125 mph? Impossible to tip? Built by Ford? Gently checked.
MythThe Gyro-X did 125 mph.
FactIt was promoted as reaching 125 mph on an 80 hp Mini Cooper S engine, and as swooping through 40-degree banked turns without tipping. Lane Motor Museum Octane’s verdict, in 2026: in reality, the prototype could do none of these things. Octane, 2026
MythIt was impossible to tip over.
FactThat September it was on the cover of Science and Mechanics magazine, billed as “impossible to skid or flip”. Lane Motor Museum Witnesses remembered that at high speeds, over 70 mph, it was unstable. Lane Motor Museum
MythFord built the Gyro-X.
FactOnly one was ever built, by Gyro Transport Systems of Ridgecrest, California. Lane Motor Museum Ford’s management was unconvinced, and balked at the projected $135,000 cost of developing a working gyroscope. Octane, 2026
MythLots were made.
FactOnly one was ever built, by Gyro Transport Systems of Ridgecrest, California. Lane Motor Museum Gyro Transport Systems, Inc. went under around 1970, and the Gyro-X never went into production. Lane Motor Museum
MythThe museum just restored the old gyroscope.
FactThe new gyroscope was built by Agency Impianti of Pisa, Italy, which makes gyroscopic stabilisers for large yachts. Octane, 2026 The new flywheel is a little smaller than the original: 104 kg and 434 mm across. Octane, 2026
MythIt was a failure with nothing to show for it.
FactHüby argues it should not be seen as a failure: regenerative braking, stability control and aerodynamics, all part of the Gyro-X idea, have since found their way into modern cars. Octane, 2026
MythA gyro car stays upright all by itself, with no controls.
FactA tilt sensor and control system kept adjusting the flywheel, like a tightrope walker with a pole, to hold the car upright. Fed with speed and steering, it could also lean the car into corners like a motorcyclist. Octane, 2026