Not a Plane, Just the Wildest Car of the 1960s: The One-of-a-Kind DiDia 150

Rolling Fantasy - Indeed, in the 1950s to the late 1960s, automotive enthusiasts around the world—especially in America and Europe—were treated to a golden age of imagination. Car shows weren’t just exhibitions; they were playgrounds of futuristic fantasies. Walking through rows of concept vehicles, visitors often found themselves stunned, mumbling phrases like, "What is that?" or wondering aloud if these radical creations could actually run like normal cars. It was a time when car design knew no limits, and nothing embodied this spirit more than one of the rarest and most extravagant automotive creations of the era: the 1960 DiDia 150.

Currently, the 1960 DiDia 150 sat on display at the National Museum of Transportation in St. Louis, Minnesota after donated by its owner Bobby Darrin in 1970. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

This car wasn’t born in a corporate design studio or crafted by a legendary carmaker. Instead, it was the vision of Andy DiDia—a fashion designer, not an automotive engineer—who spent seven painstaking years bringing this dream machine to life. From 1953 to 1960, he invested not just effort, but also a jaw-dropping $93,647 into the project, an amount that would translate to a fortune today. But this was never about money—it was about building a car that looked like nothing else on the road.

The 1960 DiDia 150, a unique-shaped dream car built by Andrew 'Andy' Di Dia for seven years long time and cost of $93,647. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)

And DiDia absolutely succeeded. The DiDia 150 is more than just a car—it’s a moving sculpture. Clad in a deep, metallic red finish made from no fewer than 30 layers of paint mixed with real diamond dust for extra sparkle, it instantly draws attention. Its body, hand-formed from soft aluminum, flows with curves and angles that resemble something more airborne than land-based. Its oversized tail fin—more commonly found on boats or aircraft fuselages—stands as a bold signature, declaring this is not just a car, but a flight of fancy frozen in metal.

The 1960 DiDia 150 is originally powered by a 365 cubic-inch Cadillac engine, later replaced by a 427 cubic-inch high-performance Ford engine. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)

The innovations didn’t stop at the surface. The car featured hidden headlights and swiveling taillights that moved as the car turned, further enhancing its dramatic flair. Its interior was just as ambitious, if not more. There are four plush seats, each complete with its own ashtray, cigarette lighter, and built-in radio speakers—luxuries that felt borderline futuristic at the time. The dashboard was a spectacle on its own, equipped with large aircraft-style levers to control the heating, air conditioning, and defroster. It was less like sitting in a car and more like stepping into a private jet’s cockpit.😁

Inside the cabin of the DiDia 150 has squared steering wheel resembling a superellipse and there's a row of large levers like those of an airplane to control the air conditioning, heating and defroster on the dashboard. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)

The design quirks kept coming. A glass-covered rear cockpit and a squared-off steering wheel that mimicked the shape of a superellipse added to the feeling that the DiDia 150 was designed not just to transport, but to mesmerize. Built on a 125-inch wheelbase, it originally ran on a 365 cubic-inch Cadillac engine. However, in later years, it received a serious upgrade with a high-performance 427 cubic-inch Ford engine—giving this visual marvel the power to match its presence.

The 1960 DiDia 150 is featured in a metallic red color that is made of 30 layers of paint with real diamonds sparkled. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)

Only one DiDia 150 was ever made, making it as exclusive as it is eccentric. Its sole example eventually caught the eye of Bobby Darin, a popular singer and actor of the time. Darin didn’t just drive it—he showcased it in films and appearances, further fueling its mythos. Eventually, he gifted the car to the Museum of Transportation in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1970, where it remains preserved as a symbol of unrestrained creativity in automotive history.

The DiDia 150 was never meant to blend in—it was made to stand out, to challenge perceptions, and to celebrate what could happen when passion overrides practicality. In an age where cars are often shaped by wind tunnels and algorithms, it's refreshing to look back at something so wildly imaginative. The DiDia 150 isn’t just a car; it’s a dream on wheels—a reminder that sometimes the best ideas come from outside the garage. *** [EKA [17102020] [10112021] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CONCEPTCARZ | WIKIPEDIA ]

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Paolo Martin's unique proposal for Bugatti EB110

Radical Concept Apparently gloomy days have also been experienced by a well-known automotive company like Bugatti. In the 1960s, the Molsheim-based company had declared bankrupt and should ceased production for a long time before revived back in the 1980s. The idea of Bugatti’s revival was initially proposed by none other than Ferruccio Lamborghini together with ex-Lamborghini engineer and designer Paolo Stanzani to Romano Artioli.

The most radical proposed design concept for the Bugatti EB110 called Bugatti 110 PM1 by Paolo Martin in 1989. (Picture from: SportscarDigest)

This happened when Ferruccio wanted to start another project after selling his raging-bull logoed company in 1981. At that time Romano Artioli was known widely as a Bugatti collector, turn out also had a personal ambition to establish a company worthy of Ettore Bugatti’s legacy, Bugatti macaron, and the horseshoe grille. And made the initial idea to estabilish a new brand changed into a wildly ambitious plan to revive one of the all-time great auto marques.

The wooden maquette of the Bugatti 110 PM1 posed along with its creator Paolo Martin at the Turin Auto Show 1991. (Picture from: Carstbatnevermadeitetc)

Disagreement with Artioli’s ambition to go huge from the very start, then prompted Ferruccio Lamborghini retreated. Following the dispute, Artioli and Stanzani soon started working on a draft to acquire the Bugatti brand. After successfully acquiring the brand, they teamed up with like-minded enthusiast, automotive historian Jean-Marc Borel founded a holding company called Bugatti International in Luxembourg in 1987.

The Bugatti 110 PM1 featured with a panoramic windshield and a floating rear wing integrated within the diagonal character line starting behind the front wheels. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)

Borel was managing the holding, while Ettore’s youngest son Michel Bugatti was among the board of directors. Romano Artioli himself led the Bugatti Automobili S.p.A. while 35% of the Bugatti International holding was held by Tecnostile, a highly regarded independent engineering company employing former Lamborghini personnel. In short to strategically place Bugatti at the center of the supercar industry, the company then established a modern production facility in Campogalliano, the outskirts of Modena.

It is interesting that in the Paolo Martin's design appears to reference the Luigi Colani’s extraordinary Lamborghini Miura Le Mans Concept of 1970. (Picture from: SportscarDigest)

In early days of this newly resurrected auto brand the man in charges leading the project was Paolo Stanzani together with Tecnostile, envisioning the underpinnings of the car. Both Artioli, Stanzani, and the principal Tecnostile team of Achille Bevini, Tiziano Benedetti, and Oliviero Pedrazzi agreed that the car had to go beyond the well-established concept boundaries of the time, namely the mid-engined V12 supercar. Still, the team spoke from experience, as they developed the chassis and the engine of the Lamborghini Miura.

The Bugatti 110 PM1's design revolved around aerodynamic efficiency, but it proved to be too far-out and definitely not elegant enough to be considered for production. (Picture from: SportscarDigest)

In the car design later known as the forerunner of the Bugatti EB110, apart from involving its own designer team, the company also invited several well-known designers at the time such as Giorgietto Giugiaro, Paolo Martin, Marcello Gandini, and Nuccio Bertone to create the looks of the upcoming car. A quartet of accomplished designers returned their vision for the future Bugatti and each was special in its own right.

The Bugatti 110 PM1 concept sat on display as a wooden maquette at the  the 65th Turin International Motor Show in 1991. (Picture from: Bestinsketch.it)

After some time ago we had discussed Giorgietto Giugiaro' designed car called the Bugatti ID90 Concept. Well, now we will discuss about the most radical proposal came from Paolo Martin (a former Pininfarina designer) who created a unique prototype called the Bugatti 110 PM1 in the 1989.

The Bugatti 110 PM1 concept shown as a model of sports car in 1: 1 scale and made entirely of wood. A structure whose shape exceeds the stylistic value. (Picture from: SportscarDigest)

The car appears in such an unusual shape with a panoramic windshield and a floating rear wing integrated within the diagonal character line starting behind the front wheels. Meanwhile, Bugatti 110 PM1 was a single seater sports car controlled by a joystick and “paddles” rather than a steering wheel. It is interesting that in the Paolo Martin's design appears to reference the Luigi Colani’s extraordinary Lamborghini Miura Le Mans Concept of 1970.

The Bugatti 110 PM1 concept has a single-seater cabin consists of a capsule in which the steering wheel is replaced by two handwheels located on the arm rests, for a more ergonomic ride. (Picture from: Carstbatnevermadeitetc)

The designer said that the philosophy of the project was essentially to create two distinct areas, that of traction and strength tied to earth and that of the living cell with aerial shape and ideally detached from the body. Inside its capsule cabin consists only one-seater in which the steering wheel is replaced by two handwheels located on the arm rests, for a more ergonomic ride. For safety, the driver has a four-point anchor belt that incorporates an abdominal airbag. 

For safety, the Bugatti 110 PM1 driver has a four-point anchor belt that incorporates an abdominal airbag. (Picture from: Carstbatnevermadeitetc)

Although they had made in a 1:4 scale model but this project reportedly did not run smoothly, due to the design proved to be too far-out and definitely not elegant enough to be considered for production and later the project was cancelled.😩

The Bugatti 110 PM1 concept in any case a reality resolved in a traditional way and presented so simply, to reawaken that intimate sense of taste and charm that always accompanies a valid work for a long time. (Picture from: SportscarDigest)

Furthermore, in 1991 this project had back on the track after Joshiro Kitami, a Japanese businessman was interested in it and wanted to revived the Ford Cobra's brand in which he had investments. Even in that time the designer had executed its polystyrene model to start engineering, but unfortunately this operation back to fail due to financial problems.😭

The Bugatti PM1 Concept known as a single-seater supercar made entirely of wood while sat on display at the National Automobile Museum (Il Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile) in early year of 2016. (Picture from: la Repubblica)

It made the designer then switched to build a 1:1 scale model out of wood. Finally, the wooden maquette of Bugatti 110 PM1 (only bodywork) finished and shown to the public for the first time at the  the 65th Turin International Motor Show in 1991.

Observed in its unique technical aspects or appreciated simply as an "unusual mobile" car, the PM1 is in any case a reality resolved in a traditional way and presented so simply, to reawaken that intimate sense of taste and charm that always accompanies a valid work for a long time. *** [EKA [15122021] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BESTINSKETCH.IT | SPORTSCARDIGEST ]

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Iso Grifo 90: The Forgotten Italian GT Dream

Missed Glory - Before the 2nd World War, Renzo Rivolta had already established a successful refrigerator manufacturing company named Isothermos. In the 1940s, the business shifted into the production of scooters under the Iso brand. This venture later expanded into the development of the small-engined bubble car, the Isetta, produced between 1953 and 1955. Although Iso ceased production afterward, the Isetta continued under license in other countries until 1964.

The Iso Grifo 90 was appeared with a sleek body lines and intended to mark the Iso's brand reviving in the 1991. (Picture from: OldCarConcept)

After a delay in developing its next automobile, the company eventually entered the four-wheeled vehicle market with a completely different approach. The result was the Iso Rivolta, a rear-wheel-drive saloon with two doors and four seats, powered by a Chevrolet-sourced 5,359 cc V8 OHV engine. Designed by Giotto Bizzarrini and styled by Carrozzeria Bertone, the model set the tone for Iso’s future identity.

The Iso Grifo 90 is designed by Marcello Gandini with the chassis and powertrain developed by Gian Paolo Dellara. (Picture from: OldCarConcept)

Soon after, Iso’s Milan-based factory introduced the Grifo, followed by the Fidia in 1967. The final production model from the brand was the Lele. In 1966, company founder Renzo Rivolta passed away, and control of the business was taken over by his son, Piero Rivolta.😭

The Iso Grifo 90 has certain changes to the interior so that the potential customers would feel like they were sitting in a very special car. (Picture from: OldCarConcept)

Entering the 1970s, Iso made a critical misstep by deciding to compete in the Formula One with Frank Williams. Unfortunately, this decision came at a time when the company was already financially strained, compounded by the global oil crisis. These combined challenges ultimately led to the collapse of the Iso brand in 1975.

The Iso Grifo 90 prototype is based on the Corvette C5 Z06 with the aluminium body was fitted to a tubular steel chassis frame, so it weighs only 1,200 kg. (Picture from: OldCarConcept)

In the late 1980s, Piero Rivolta, together with Piero Sala, attempted to revive the marque with a new GT model. They commissioned Gian Paolo Dallara to develop its chassis and powertrain, while Marcello Gandini was tasked with the design. The result was the Iso Grifo 90, which incorporated the styling cues of the 1990s. The prototype was unveiled to the press in 1991, with plans for limited production beginning in 1994.

The Iso Grifo 90 prototype is powered by a front mounted turbocharged 5.7-litre Chevrolet V8 engine (tuned by Callaway). (Picture from: OldCarConcept)

However, the prototype presented was incomplete—it lacked an engine, a functional interior, and even usable wheels. Due to insufficient funding, the project was suspended. The model remained dormant until 2007, when Federico Bonomelli, owner of the “Mako-Shark” composite materials company and an Iso Rivolta collector, rediscovered the original mock-up. Together with his brother, Bonomelli redesigned the car and obtained approval from Piero Rivolta to build a series of 12 units of the Iso Grifo 90. 

Federico Bonomelli posed along with one of the classic and rare cars of his owned, the Iso Grifo 7Litri. (Picture from: AutoClassMagazine)

The new prototype was based on the Corvette C5 Z06. It featured an aluminum body mounted on a tubular steel chassis, resulting in a weight of only 1,200 kg. Power came from a front-mounted, turbocharged 5.7-liter Chevrolet V8 engine tuned by Callaway, producing 490 hp. This was paired with a six-speed gearbox, Brembo brakes, and a locking differential. The car was expected to exceed 300 km/h and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds. 

The rolling prototype of the Iso Grifo 90 was completed in 2010. However, the global economic crisis at the time diminished enthusiasm for the project. As a result, Bonomelli decided not to proceed with the full 12-car production run. Thus, Iso’s modern GT effort once again fell victim to unfortunate timing.😐 *** [EKA [21092021] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARTYPE | OLDCONCEPTCARS | AUTOCLASSMAGAZINE | CURVES-MAGAZIN | CALLAWAY | DYLER ]

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The only one Italian-made Corvette

ONE-OFF - As already known that the name of the Chevrolet Corvette always known as an American muscular car, with a body design that is not less muscular and always be dreamed in its homeland. However, the charm of the V8 engine's Chevrolet Corvette mainstay just seems not enough to attract consumers in Europe, where the typical European car has a more beautiful design.

1963 Pininfarina Rondine Coupe made taken base of Chevrolet Corvette C2. (Picture from: Otosia)

Then in 1963, one Chevrolet Corvette C2 had to undergo a makeover to be more pleasing to the eyes of Europeans. The result, Chevrolet in cooperation with Pininfarina, a famous Italian automotive coachbuilder that used to design a Ferrari, which later gave birth to the figure of Pininfarina Rondine Coupe.

Rear side view of 1963 Pininfarina Rondine Coupe. (Picture from: Otosia)

Unlike the Corvette C2 which has a body made of fiberglass, Pininfarina Rondinne has a metal made exterior, which makes its weight so increase, and control is also changed completely. The car's front overhangs are more longer, and the Corvette's typical pop-up lights are eliminated, and on the back there is nothing resembling to the original car, and it is more like a Fiat 124.

Inside, the car has a stock dashboard and seats, but attention to detail around the doors is exceptional. The door jams themselves are chromed and decorated panels are fitted. The greenhouse is quite bright due to the white leather upholstery and a large wraparound rear windscreen.

Because seeing the car's view which then triggered a fairly diverse responses, and finally made Chevrolet was reluctant to continue Pininfarina Rondine to the production line and now the only one ever made was sitting peacefully at the Corvette museum. *** [EKA [20092017] [26092021] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SUPERCARS.NET]

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Is this a Sign of the Resurgence of Russian-Made Supercars?

New RED STAR - Amidst the current global challenges, particularly those stemming from political and economic realms, a glimmer of excitement emerges as we navigate the digital landscape. Russian automotive enthusiasts are abuzz with news circulating on the country's automotive sites, featuring captivating images of what appears to be a Russian groundbreaking addition to the world of supercars.

The pre-production supercar prototype of Russian' new brand Rossa showcased a sophisticated matte black coupe enhanced with a strikingly bold body kit and built based on 2015 Marussia chassis. (Picture from: Carakoom)

It's worth noting that the realm of supercars has seen only a sparse representation hailing from Russia thus far. The Marussia brand briefly graced the scene, producing notable models like the B1, B2, F2 SUV, and even making a remarkable appearance in Formula 1 racing competitions before fading away in 2014. Interestingly, the current news echoes faint reminiscences of this bygone Russian brand.

The pre-production supercar prototype of Russian' new brand Rossa designed by Marussia Motors' chief designer, Igor Yermilin, commissioned by none other than Roman Rusinov himself. (Picture from: AutoNavigator.ru)

In late July 2023, a report from Carakoom highlighted that Roman Rusinov, who played a pivotal role in the inception of Marussia Motors in 2007, showcased captivating images. These images depicted a sophisticated matte black coupe enhanced with a strikingly bold body kit and distinctive, unconventional doors. 

The pre-production supercar prototype of Russian' new brand Rossa interior exudes a palpable aura of futurism, a trait that harmoniously echoes the car's external appearance. (Picture from: AutoNavigator.ru)

This unveiling provides a sneak peek into the realm of pre-production prototypes, brought forth by the emerging Russian marque, Rossa. Reportedly, the model has been crafted under the skillful guidance of Marussia Motors' chief designer, Igor Yermilin, commissioned by none other than Roman Rusinov himself.

The pre-production supercar prototype of Russian' new brand Rossa cabin showcases a single screen arrangement, coupled with the race car-inspired steering wheel with the power unit activation button. (Picture from: AutoNavigator.ru)

The prototype astonishingly stays true to the patent images that had surfaced several weeks prior. Notably, during July, renowned Russian racing driver Roman Rusinov officially registered the Rossa brand, designating its purpose for crafting both passenger vehicles and their accompanying components.

Intriguingly, the center console deviates from the norm, showcasing a distinctive design philosophy. (Picture from: AutoNavigator.ru)

Deeper insight, gleaned from public vehicle registration records, suggests that the supercar draws inspiration from a 2015 Marussia chassis. Sporting a robust 3,456 cubic centimeter engine generating an impressive 277 horsepower, it's plausible that the Rossa supercar is likely to be propelled by a Toyota 2GR-FE V6 engine, as hinted by data from the open database.

The pre-production supercar prototype of Russian' new brand Rossa showcased a sophisticated matte black coupe enhanced with a strikingly bold body kit and distinctive, unconventional doors. (Picture from: AutoNavigator.ru)

A discerning gaze at the pre-production model of Roman Rusinov's brainchild reveals a semblance to the Marussia B1, yet with an air of distinctiveness in its body and optics. Notably, the rear of the car boasts a captivating design featuring an aggressive spoiler, reminiscent of early 2000s formula racing cars, evoking a sense of nostalgia akin to the GMA T.50s Niki Lauda. The aesthetic embodiment is resoundingly modern and futuristic, seamlessly integrating aerodynamic contours that bestow exceptional road maneuverability.

The pre-production supercar prototype of Russian' new brand Rossa is likely powered by a robust 3,456 cubic centimeter Toyota 2GR-FE V6 engine generating an impressive 277 horsepower. (Picture from: Carakoom)

Drawing insights from AutoNavigator, another prominent Russian platform, we delve into the inner sanctum of Rossa's inaugural supercar. The interior exudes a palpable aura of futurism, a trait that harmoniously echoes the car's external appearance. A notable highlight is the ergonomically designed seating, meticulously crafted to anatomically embrace its occupants. Intriguingly, the center console deviates from the norm, showcasing a distinctive design philosophy.

The pre-production supercar prototype of Russian' new brand Rossa also featured with striking design of an aggressive spoiler at rear, reminiscent of early 2000s formula racing cars. (Picture from: AutoNavigator.ru)

A prominent presence in the driver's domain is the race car-inspired steering wheel, seamlessly housing the power unit activation button. The cabin showcases a single screen arrangement, intriguingly akin to Marussia's design language, albeit with distinctive nuances that evoke curiosity around its operational mechanics. Imbued with luxury, carbon fiber elements and genuine leather accents cocoon the cabin in an opulent embrace. The ensuing video serves as a poignant homage to the Marussia supercar's legacy. | MHvrwsOTqJE |

Despite the veil of secrecy shrouding the model's nomenclature, one certainty prevails—the vehicle emerges under the prestigious Rossa banner. Regrettably, details regarding the prospects of mass production and the eagerly awaited launch timeline remain enigmatic. Thus, enthusiasts and admirers alike are left in suspense, fervently anticipating the forthcoming chapters of this thrilling automotive narrative. *** [EKA [16032023] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARAKOOM | AUTONAVIGATOR.RU | AUTOPRONEWS.RU | WIKIPEDIA ]

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The LeMans Coupe: The Forgotten Sports Car Created by Strother MacMinn and John Bond

Legendary ONES - It's a commonplace to comment on something unique and uncommon. As it happened when we've found the figure of a classic sports car which in our opinion has a unique shape, we've never seen before. And we could be sure, that's you had never seen it as well. Immediately, we became curious to dig more infos about the car, eventually we've managed to find it from several sites on the internet...

No other “Special” of the 1950s captured the imagination of the public as the design, build and debut of Strother MacMinn and John Bond’s LeMans Coupe. (Picture from: UndiscoveredClassics)