In the early days of human flight in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there were those intent on improving airplanes, and those who thought a plane/auto hybrid would be the future of flight. An unexpectedly fascinating look at both inventions and attitudes follows efforts to develop flying cars through the mid–20th century. Each chapter looks at a different iteration of the flying car concept, introducing the inventors, their idea, and to what extent it met with success (or failure). A couple came close to being mass produced, although government regulations (and at least one untimely accident) ultimately killed the projects. Just as fascinating as the inventions themselves, which show such a vast array of approaches and designs, is the social history, especially post-World War II, when the concept captured public imagination. Photographs of the cars in action (or cars’ inaction), sketches, schematics, and publicity are among the visual material across this well-documented volume. (Ages 10–15)