In pictures: Technology's hidden past

Less successful technologies are also documented including the 1967 Amphicar.

The German-built vehicle was the only mass-produced civilian amphibious car. Fewer than 4,000 were ever made.

"It was a great idea but didn't work," explained Miss Leskard. "It didn’t work well on land and it didn’t work well on water. It was a dead end."

Other examples include the Kreiger Electric Broughmam, a vehicle from 1904 which could run for 50 miles (80km) before its batteries ran out.