The Terrafugia Flying Car is not the first of its kind, but it is the first to approach the flying car from a different angle. Rather than creating a car that flies, the design team worked to make an airplane that can be driven on the street. This groundbreaking vehicle piqued more interest at the New York Auto Show than nearly every other vehicle on display. Crowds of people gathered around the sectioned-off area in the main hall of the Javits Center every hour to watch the three-minute demonstration of the vehicle's capabilities.

As the wings of the Terrafugia lowered and expanded, a process that takes under 45 seconds, the spokesperson explained that the car, while it is street-legal, cannot just take off from a stretch of highway. The vehicle, which qualifies as a Light Sport Aircraft can only leave the ground from an actual runway, and drivers will need to complete 20 hours of pilot training flight time to be licensed as Sport Pilots before they can take to the air.

Drivers won't need special fuel to operate the craft, as it runs on premium gasoline. The first production vehicle is slated to be delivered in the second half of 2012, and about 100 have already been reserved. With a starting price of $279,000, it's not likely the skies will look like a Jetsons cartoon anytime soon.

Until flying cars are the standard mode of transportation, drivers can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction for their next land-based ride. The dealer has a wide variety of used makes and models at affordable prices so you'll be sure to find the perfect vehicle to tide you over until you can fly to work.