A Blast from the Past

The Tesla Cybertruck is undeniably a head-turner, standing out with its sharp, aggressive geometry that seems more at home at a SpaceX launch site than in a suburban driveway. However, for some enthusiasts, the vehicle's avant-garde silhouette feels strangely familiar. Decades before the electric revolution, a rare Brazilian vehicle known as the Renha Formigao—later rebranded as the Coyote—pioneered a strikingly similar look.


The Origins of a Geometric Icon

Launched in 1979, the Formigao was the vision of Paulo Renha, a specialist in powerboat construction who transitioned into automotive design. Built upon the ubiquitous Volkswagen Beetle chassis, the truck utilized standard, unmodified mechanical components. While its internals were classic VW, the exterior featured a radical, angular body that stood out even during the 1980s, an era already synonymous with bold, boxy styling.


Striking Aesthetic Parallels

Despite the massive difference in scale—the Formigao is tiny compared to the imposing dimensions of the Cybertruck—the design DNA shares several common threads:

  • The Front Profile: The Formigao features a nearly flat front end where the hood and windshield appear to occupy the same plane, mimicking the distinct angularity of the Tesla.
  • Wheel Well Styling: Both vehicles utilize squared-off wheel arches, a design hallmark that reinforces their rugged, industrial aesthetic.
  • Material Finish: Given that the Formigao's body is crafted from fiberglass, a simple coat of metallic silver paint brings it remarkably close to the raw stainless steel finish of modern EVs.

Performance and Practicality

Beyond its exterior, the Formigao offered a surprisingly refined experience for its time. The interior featured upgraded leather seats and a sporty, thick-rimmed steering wheel reminiscent of rally-spec vehicles. Under the hood, it relied on a 1.6-liter Volkswagen engine. While it produced a modest 58 horsepower, the vehicle's incredibly low curb weight of just 1,666 pounds (756 kg) ensured decent agility.

Functionality was also a priority. Despite its pint-sized frame, the truck was engineered to haul payloads of up to 1,433 pounds (650 kg) with a bed volume of 25 cubic feet. While the total number of units produced remains a mystery, the Renha Formigao stands as a fascinating, often overlooked chapter in automotive history, proving that bold design choices often find their way back into the spotlight decades later.