Video: AeroMobil flying car: ready for take-off Klein and his business partner Juraj Vaculik have invested tens of thousands of pounds in the project, which four years ago looked as if it would never get off the ground. "I was a university lecturer and had to work on the car in the garage of my house," said Klein. I reached a point in 2009 when I really needed to find some investment money to take it any further. I had known Juraj for many years and he liked the idea instantly. I had to warn him that the risks were great but he was prepared to open his chequebook and stand beside me. Now that faith may have paid off, with investors from India, China and Russia knocking on their door. AeroMobil has invites for flying shows around the world in 2014, even though the farthest the project car has flown so far is just three miles. "AeroMobil 2.5 is the final prototype before we build the finished car next year," said Vaculik, 45. We have been overwhelmed with inquiries since the Canadian event and now hope to get the production version ready for April. The propeller-powered car weighs 450kg and takes off at 90mph. It has a flying range of 430 miles but once on the ground fits neatly into a normal-sized parking space. The company has just moved to a purpose-built hangar on a private airfield and will employ at least 15 extra staff within the next 12 months. It also plans to build different versions of the car and eventually offer a range of models. Nobody believed me when I first started designing a flying car. Now they don't think I am mad any more because we have had so much interest. The world is changing and many countries, such as America, are looking at new aviation legislation which make the whole idea more feasible," said Klein. Vaculik has yet to hitch a ride in the two-seater but is now taking flying lessons. He says his only major concern with the car was when Klein decided he would adopt the role of test pilot. "Stefan has more than 1,000 hours flying normal aircraft but I was still worried to let our chief designer be the guy who also made the maiden flight," said Vaculik. The pair remain coy about the price of the AeroMobil but say the past failures with flying cars will not deter them to invest more. Vaculik clearly believes he and Klein are justified in their optimism: "People thought the first mobile phones were a joke because they were so big and heavy. Sometimes designs have to be modified and refined before they catch the public imagination. AeroMobil 2.5 Engine: Rotax 912 Construction: steel framework and carbon coating, folding wings Dry weight: 450kg (992lb) Capacity: Two people Aerplane Top speed: 124mph-plus Min speed: 40mph Take-off speed: 90mph Range: 430 miles Fuel consumption: 18.9mpg Width: 8,200mm Length: 6,000mm Automobile Top speed: 100mph-plus Range: 310 miles Fuel consumption: 37.8mpg Width: 1,600mm