A Precursor to Angular Design

The Tesla Cybertruck is undeniably a vehicle that demands attention. With its stark, geometric lines and futuristic aesthetic, it stands out in any parking lot. However, for some enthusiasts, the silhouette of a sharp-edged pickup is not entirely new. Decades before the electric revolution, a rare Brazilian vehicle named the Renha Formigao (later known as the Coyote) introduced a similarly unconventional, angular look to the roads.

Launched in 1979, the Formigao was the creation of Paulo Renha, a powerboat builder who transitioned into automotive manufacturing. By utilizing the chassis and powertrain of a standard Volkswagen Beetle, Renha crafted a small-series utility vehicle that defied the typical aesthetic norms of the late 20th century.


Striking Resemblance to Modern EV Styling

While the Formigao is significantly more compact than a modern Tesla, the visual parallels are hard to ignore. Key design similarities include:

  • Flattened Profile: Much like the Cybertruck, the Formigao features a front end where the hood and windshield appear to occupy a continuous, near-flat plane.
  • Wheel Well Geometry: The sharp, squared-off wheel arches echo the industrial design language that both vehicles share.
  • Aggressive Geometry: Both trucks favor function-first, non-traditional shapes over the rounded curves common to their respective eras.

If the Formigao had featured a larger dual-cab configuration with a sloped rear roofline, the similarity to the Cybertruck would be truly uncanny. As it stands, the diminutive truck with its fiberglass body functions more like a stylistic precursor, capturing the same spirit of unconventional design.


Technical Specifications and Utility

Beyond its looks, the Renha Formigao was designed with a surprising level of detail and utility. The interior departed from the minimalist nature of the period's Volkswagen Beetle, offering leather seats and a sporty, thick-rimmed steering wheel reminiscent of rally vehicles.

Performance was powered by a 1.6-liter engine sourced from a Volkswagen bus. While its output of 58 horsepower might seem modest by modern standards, the vehicle’s incredibly low curb weight of 1,666 pounds (756 kilograms) provided surprisingly agile performance. It was also a capable workhorse, boasting a payload capacity of 1,433 pounds (650 kilograms) and a cargo volume of 25 cubic feet.

Though the total number of units produced remains a mystery, the Renha Formigao stands as a fascinating, often overlooked chapter in the history of automotive design—an early experiment in bringing radical geometry to the utility market.