For those who are familiar with the fictional world of Marvel comic books, you would know who Red Skull is. The Red Skull was a former Nazi officer, a member of HYDRA (fictional terrorist organisation) and he is also the archenemy of superhero, Captain America.



In the 2011 feature film, Captain America, Red Skull’s (whose real name is Johann Schmidt) ride is an amazing piece of automotive technology design. It is known as the Hydra Schmidt Coupe. The car was created by designer, Daniel Simon who was formerly a Volkswagen Group concept car designer.

Dubbed as the fastest road car (in the movie), the car is technically a roadster but it was originally designed as a coupe and its name never changed. Together with the film’s director and production designer, Daniel Simon did research on coupes of the 1940s to define of the style of the car.

To fulfil the request of the director’s vision of something classic and upright looking, a combination of style and blend of a Mercedes 540K, a Mercedes G4 Off roader plus some hints of Bentley and Duesenberg was eventually made.

Due to the enormous size of the final prototype, a truck chassis and truck wheels were used. The prototype car was manufactured in England and a Ford V8 dragster engine was used to power the enormous machine. The ten-wheeled car has a final length of 7.62 metres and is fitted with a V16 engine.

The rear twin axle supposedly gives the car a formidable off-road attributes. Sleek, flowing lines of the car indicates an elegant and classic look. Several details such as the toolbox under the front fender, radio equipment and body enforcements indicate military styled usage.

Daniel Simon’s creation is not limited to just the Hydra Schmidt Coupe. He has also designed several other vehicles in the movie such as the Hydra Bike, Hydra Tank and also the Hydra Flying Wing.

Photo credit: danielsimon.com / copyright of Marvel Studios