Detroit, Greek island style

Syros was the only Greek island that once manufactured cars, and it was a doozy, decades ahead of its time. The Enfield 8000, the first commercially viable electric car, was invented on the Isle of Wight in 1966 under John Goulandris, of the wealthy Greek shipping family.

When Goulandris purchased Enfield it had been producing rifles, but when the United Kingdom Electricity Council held a competition for a prototype electric car in 1966 (just when air pollution in cities was becoming a major concern), Enfield Automotive was formed and entered and won with a design by George Michael. Like modern electric cars it ran on rechargeable batteries, had an aluminum frame, unique aerodynamic design and leather seats, and could go 48mph (77km/h) for up to 56 miles (90km).