On January 13, 1942, Henry Ford patented a Soybean car (a plastic car), which is 30% lighter than a regular car.
Henry Ford came up with a unique tubular steel framework which he could bolt his plastic panels on. It is believed the plastic was made from Soybean, so that car was also called Soybean car.
The plastic Ford never made it into production as World War 2 started.
Patent Information
Publication number: US2269452 A
Patent Title: Automobile chassis construction
Publication type: Grant
Publication date: Jan 13, 1942
Filing date: Jul 27, 1940
Priority date: Jul 27, 1940
Inventors: Gregorie Eugene T, Henry Ford
Original Assignee: Ford Motor Co
