In the mid-1940’s, Consolidated Vultee Aircraft (later Convair) was seeking entry into the post-war aviation boom with a mainstream flying car. Intended for the mainstream public at a cost of $1,500, two prototypes were built and flown. Designed by Theodore P. "Ted" Hall (it is also called the Hall Flying Automobile), the original concept was the Model 116, which flew on July 12, 1946, completing 66 test flights.

The Convair Model 116 at Lindbergh Field.

The next design featured a more powerful engine, called the Model 118, and Convair initially anticipated that it would be purchased in large numbers to be rented at airports. On November 18, 1947, while on a one-hour demonstration flight, it made a low fuel forced landing near San Diego, CA, destroying the car body and damaging the wing. A second prototype flew in 1948, but enthusiasm for the project waned and Convair cancelled the program. This registration card for the “Convair Roadable” was from the Model 118, you can see the Registration Number on the card matches the license plate in the image. 

The registration card's number matches the Flying Car's License Plate.

The Model 118 was designed so that the wings could be removed and the car could be driven away from the airport.

And yes, it flew!....

....until it didn't!

You can see the registration card and other unique artifacts from our collection in the new Consolidated/Convair Aircraft exhibit at our Gillespie Field Annex!   Additionally, our Library and Archives has technical details on the these flying cars, including technical drawings! 

The name badge of the Flying Car's designer, T.P. Hall, is also on display in the exhibit at Gillespie Field.