Ford Motor ( F - news - people ) has already been testing the theory of small premium cars, with some success.

FORBES: Autos

Although Heyerdahl did take some modern equipment -- such as radios, charts and a sextant -- he argued these were all incidental to testing the theory that the craft itself could make the 4, 300 mile journey across some of the most challenging seas on Earth.

CNN: The Kon-Tiki: Crossing an ocean on balsa

He said the lengthy and costly inquest had played a crucial role in testing those theories - but that some people would continue to believe in the murder theory no matter what the verdict was.

BBC: Duke 'did not order Diana death'