Meet The Nashole: The 1957 Nash That Won the 2019 Hot Wheels Legends Tour

Rebel Classic - Car culture has always been about more than just speed. It’s about expression, identity, and the stories that cars carry with them. That’s why some builds instantly grab attention, not because they’re polished to perfection, but because they dare to be different. One of the best examples of this rebellious spirit is a small but unforgettable machine that rolled into the spotlight a few years ago: a 1957 Nash Metropolitan with a wild makeover, better known today as The Nashole.

The 1956 Nash Metropolitan aka. The Nashole. (Picture from: Otoblitz)

Back in 2019, the SEMA Show in Las Vegas hosted the Hot Wheels Legends Tour grand finale, a competition searching for one-of-a-kind custom cars worthy of being immortalized as a Hot Wheels die-cast. Out of nearly 5,000 entries across 20 U.S. cities, this quirky little Nash ended up stealing the crown. Built by Greg Salzillo and Dave Ford, The Nashole was never intended to blend in. Their vision was to create something that stood apart from the typical glossy builds, and they nailed it.

Left side view of the 1956 Nash Metropolitan aka. The Nashole. (Picture from: Otoblitz)

Instead of shining chrome and spotless paint, this Nash wore its attitude like a badge of honor. Its faded finish, rusty accents, weathered grille, and steel wheels with whitewall tires made it look tough, raw, and unapologetically different. While other cars looked like they belonged in a showroom, this one looked like it was built to raise eyebrows—and it did just that.

Dashboard view of 1956 Nash Metropolitan aka. The Nashole. (Picture from: Otoblitz)

Under the hood, the personality matched the looks. The tiny Nash Metropolitan originally rolled out with a modest 40 horsepower engine, but Salzillo and Ford decided that wasn’t nearly enough. They dropped in a 5.0-liter V8 equipped with an Edelbrock carburetor, a dice-shaped air filter, and side-exit exhaust pipes. The result? Roughly 300 horsepower—over seven times the original output. For a car this size, that’s nothing short of outrageous.

 

The judging panel, which included automotive icons like Jay Leno, Richard Rawlings, Adam Carolla, and Hot Wheels designers, couldn’t ignore what this car represented. It wasn’t just about the numbers; it was about originality, spirit, and attitude. As Hot Wheels’ Vice President of Design, Ted Wu, put it, the car perfectly embodied the idea of “built, not bought.” It was quirky, bold, and instantly recognizable as something that belonged in the Hot Wheels lineup.

Engine view of 1956 Nash Metropolitan aka. The Nashole. (Picture from: Otoblitz)

That recognition turned into reality when The Nashole was officially chosen as the 2019 Hot Wheels Legends Tour winner. Following tradition, the car was transformed into a 1:64 scale die-cast model, released in 2020 for fans around the world to collect. What started as an old Nash Metropolitan rescued from obscurity became a miniature symbol of creativity sitting on toy store shelves everywhere.

Looking at it now, several years later, The Nashole still stands as proof that cars don’t have to be perfect to be legendary. Sometimes it’s the imperfections, the bold choices, and the refusal to follow trends that make a build unforgettable. Just like its real-life counterpart, the die-cast version continues to inspire enthusiasts and collectors—reminding us all that the coolest cars are the ones with character. *** [EKA [07122019] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSCOOPS ]

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Ferrari 812 Superfast Taken to the Next Level: The Omologata Story

Tailored Fury - There are cars people admire, and then there are cars that somehow stay in the conversation long after their time has passed. The Ferrari 250 GTO is one of those rare cases. Built in the early 1960s—between 1962 and 1964—it wasn’t created to be legendary, just to meet FIA Group 3 homologation rules. It carried a V12 Tipo 168/62 Colombo engine, but that alone doesn’t explain why it grew into something far bigger than its original purpose. Ever since, the idea of Ferrari revisiting that kind of spirit has never really disappeared. Not in an obvious way, but it’s always been there, quietly. 

The Ferrari Omologata is a unique coachbuilt one-off model and is described by the Maranello-based manufacturer as a vibrant evocation of the values that define Ferrari in relation to GT racing. (Picture from: TopGear)

Ferrari didn’t respond with a remake. That would’ve been too easy, maybe even unnecessary. Instead, they did something far more personal. The Omologata exists as a single car—just one—commissioned by a European client who clearly wasn’t looking for something ordinary. It took about two years to complete, which already tells you this wasn’t rushed or formulaic. Ferrari described it as a kind of expression of their GT racing values, something that feels just as natural on the road as it does attacking a corner on track, especially in the hands of someone who actually enjoys driving rather than just owning.

The Ferrari Omologata designed by a variety of subtle nods of design inspired by science fiction, racing heritage, and modern architecture. (Picture from: TopGear)

What’s interesting is where it starts. Underneath it all, the Omologata is based on the Ferrari 812 Superfast—but only in the loosest sense. You still get the core structure: the chassis, the windshield, the headlights. After that, everything changes. It’s less of an upgrade and more of a transformation, like the 812 has been taken apart and rethought from a different angle. The design team, led by Flavio Manzoni, built the body entirely from aluminum, shaping it into something that doesn’t immediately scream for attention, but holds it anyway. The front grille is flatter, wider, then it curves upward into the arches in a way that feels smooth but deliberate. Along the sides, there are three horizontal cut lines—subtle, but they break the surface just enough to keep your eyes moving. The rear finishes it off with a redesigned spoiler that doesn’t just sit there—it gives the car a certain tension, like it’s ready to move even when it isn’t.

The Ferrari Omologata sweeps back to the rear with a new three horizontal transverses 'cuts', while the new rear spoiler is said to offer downforce, and set off the car’s 'aggressive, sporty stance.' (Picture from: TopGear)

The design doesn’t lock itself into one idea either. There are traces of Ferrari’s past, especially if you know their GT racers, but there’s also something else layered in—something a bit more modern, even slightly futuristic in places. Maybe even architectural, depending on how you look at it. The Rosso Magma color ties everything together. It’s deeper than typical Ferrari red, combined with a darker carbon fiber effect and racing graphics that don’t feel decorative, but intentional. It’s the kind of finish that changes character depending on the light, which suits a car that isn’t meant to be easily defined.

The Ferrari Omologata uses a 6.5-liter V12 engine that is estimated to be capable of producing 789bhp of power and described as more a transcendental celebration of the internal combustion. (Picture from: TopGear)

Inside, it gets even more interesting. The seats come in a bright electric blue, a choice that shouldn’t work as well as it does, but somehow fits. They’re paired with four-point racing harnesses, so there’s no confusion about the car’s purpose. Across the dashboard and steering wheel, there’s this cracked paint texture—an unusual detail, but it echoes the look of older Ferrari race cars from the ’50s and ’60s. Even the smaller elements, like the door handles and the central bridge, have a hammered finish. It doesn’t feel overly polished, and that’s probably the point. There’s a kind of rawness to it, but controlled. | ts2x67E6vmg | 9BxxGW9Th1E | 6roRMEpHJY0 |

Mechanically, it keeps the same 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 from the 812 Superfast, producing around 789 horsepower. But describing it just in numbers misses the point a bit. Ferrari themselves framed it more as a celebration of internal combustion, which sounds dramatic, but in this case, it fits. There’s no official performance data released yet, though it has been tested at Fiorano, so it’s clearly more than just a design exercise. The Omologata isn’t trying to prove anything in the usual way. It feels more like a reminder—that even now, with everything changing around the industry, there’s still space for something built slowly, personally, and without the need to be repeated. *** [EKA [26092020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TOP GEAR ]

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Alessi AR-1: An American Supercar Built for the Modern Era

Vision Forged - There’s something endlessly fascinating about how bold ideas in the automotive world often begin as childhood dreams. Long before sketches turn into steel and fiberglass, there’s usually a moment where imagination takes the wheel. That spirit can be traced back to 1979, when an ambitious concept first appeared at the New York Auto Show—an early glimpse of what would eventually resurface decades later as a fully realized modern supercar in 2012.  

The Alessi AR-1 supercar presents a sleek and low-slung front profile, combining aerodynamic curves with a sharp, modern supercar identity. (Picture from: BeverlyHillsMagazine)

The story centers on Nick Alessi, who began designing cars at just 12 years old. His early concept work in the 1980s laid the groundwork for what would eventually become the AR-1. Although the idea lingered for years, it wasn’t until 2012 that the project was revived and transformed into a production-ready vehicle, updated with contemporary engineering and design. This modern interpretation reflects persistence as much as innovation, carrying forward the original vision while adapting to the expectations of a new era. 

The Alessi AR-1 supercar reveals a driver-focused interior with sporty seats, a cockpit-style dashboard, and a clean, functional layout built for performance. (Picture from: GTSpirit)

Visually, the AR-1 blends classic supercar drama with modern refinement. Its low stance, flowing lines, and sculpted fiberglass body give it a striking presence, while the structure beneath combines a reinforced steel chassis with hand-laid panels for both strength and lightness. One of its most distinctive features is the retractable rear section, which opens to reveal the engine bay—turning the car into a moving showcase of mechanical artistry rather than just a means of transportation. 

The Alessi AR-1 supercar displays its engineering drama with a lifted rear section exposing the powerful engine, highlighting its raw mechanical presence. (Picture from: BeverlyHillsMagazine)

Performance is central to its identity. Powered by a Corvette-derived V8 engine, the AR-1 delivers around 600 horsepower in standard form, with optional twin-turbo configurations pushing output to approximately 750 horsepower. This allows it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed close to 200 mph. Despite its raw power, the car’s relatively light weight—just over 3,000 pounds—helps maintain agility and balance, offering a driving experience that feels both intense and composed. 

The Alessi AR-1 supercar showcases its muscular rear design with bold lines, wide stance, and distinctive taillight elements that emphasize its aggressive character. (Picture from: CorvetteBlogger)

Inside, the AR-1 presents a different kind of appeal—one rooted in personalization and driver focus. The cabin is fully customizable, allowing each owner to shape the interior according to their preferences. A cockpit-style dashboard, illuminated gauges, and a flat-bottom steering wheel create a purposeful yet refined atmosphere. Every control is positioned with intent, blending comfort with a sense of engagement that reinforces the car’s performance-oriented character. | 4rQBTm7rWGg |

What ultimately defines the AR-1 is not just its design or speed, but the reality behind its production. Originally planned as a limited run of 50 units, the car was envisioned as an ultra-exclusive offering. In practice, however, only a small number are believed to have been completed, making it even rarer than intended. That gap between ambition and reality adds another layer to its story—turning the AR-1 into more than just a supercar, but a reflection of how far passion can go, even when the road to completion remains uncertain. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BEVERLYHILLS MAGAZINE | GTSPIRIT | CORVETTE BLOGGER | TOPSPEED | DAILY TURISMO ]

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Ron Aguirre’s 1956 Corvette X-Sonic: The Birth of Hydraulic Custom Car Innovation

Hydraulic Imagination - There was a moment in automotive history when creativity began to rival performance as the driving force behind car culture. Post-war optimism, access to surplus technology, and a growing appetite for individuality pushed builders to imagine vehicles that felt closer to science fiction than transportation. Out of that experimental spirit emerged a machine that didn’t just follow trends—it quietly rewrote them. 

The 1956 Corvette X-Sonic by Ron Agguirre appears in its earlier form, blending classic Corvette proportions with radical custom touches and smooth, flowing lines. (Picture from: Hemmings)

Built by Ron Aguirre, the X-Sonic started life as a 1956 Chevrolet Corvette but quickly evolved into something far more radical. Aguirre wasn’t interested in subtle customization; he wanted a car that could adapt, surprise, and stand apart. His most groundbreaking contribution came in the form of an early hydraulic suspension system. By installing hydraulic rams between the springs and frame—powered by repurposed aircraft components—he created a setup that allowed the car to raise or lower itself at will. What began as a clever way to avoid tickets for driving too low soon became a defining innovation that would echo through lowrider culture for decades. 

The 1956 Corvette X-Sonic by Ron Agguirre captures a unique moment of driver interaction, emphasizing its space-age canopy and low, aerodynamic stance. (Picture from: WorldCarsFromThe1930sTo1980s in Facebook)

Visually, the car embraced the futuristic language of its era. A dramatic bubble top canopy replaced the conventional roof, giving it a space-age silhouette that felt years ahead of its time. The body itself underwent multiple transformations, eventually featuring sculpted fenders, hidden headlights, and flowing lines that blurred the boundary between car and concept art. The paintwork, handled by Larry Watson, added another layer of identity through bold scallop patterns that shimmered under show lights. Inside, the car pushed boundaries even further—abandoning the traditional steering wheel in favor of an unconventional push-button system, reinforcing its identity as a rolling experiment rather than a conventional road car. 

The 1956 Corvette X-Sonic by Ron Agguirre showcases a futuristic, jet-inspired design with a striking bubble canopy and sculpted body that feels decades ahead of its time. (Picture from: Hemmings)

The X-Sonic wasn’t built in isolation; it emerged alongside other pioneers exploring similar ideas. Around the same time, Jim Logue was experimenting with suspension concepts inspired by Citroën hydropneumatic suspension. Yet while others faded into obscurity, Aguirre’s creation captured the imagination of the public. It became a fixture on the 1960s indoor show circuit, evolving with each appearance and influencing builders like Ed Roth, who would go on to popularize bubble-top designs in his own iconic creations. 

The 1956 Corvette X-Sonic by Ron Agguirre reveals its dramatic bubble-top canopy lifted open, highlighting an aircraft-like cockpit and bold experimental styling. (Picture from: WorldCarsFromThe1930sTo1980s in Facebook)

Despite its fame, the car’s journey wasn’t a straight line. After its final show appearances in the mid-1960s, it slipped into storage, changed hands, and was gradually stripped of many of its defining features. By the 1990s, it was dangerously close to being lost entirely, nearly reduced to scrap before being recognized and preserved by enthusiasts who understood its significance. Today, efforts led by Galpin Motors, with restoration work involving figures like Dave Shuten, aim to bring it back to its former glory—specifically its bold 1960s form. | hMsWomFcsd8 |

What makes the X-Sonic resonate today isn’t just its wild design or technical firsts, but the mindset it represents. It reflects a time when builders weren’t constrained by practicality or convention, when imagination dictated form and innovation followed instinct. In a modern era where automotive design often leans toward efficiency and standardization, the car stands as a reminder that progress can also come from daring to be different—sometimes even a little impractical. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KUSTOMRAMA | CORVETTEFORUM | HEMMINGS | JALOPY JOURNAL | WORLD CARS FROM THE 1930S TO 1980S IN FACEBOOK ]

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From Coachbuilt Experiment to Icon: Zagato’s Lightweight Appia Coupé Story

Sculpted Elegance - There is a certain appeal in revisiting cars from a time when performance and design were shaped more by creativity than by technology. Long before modern systems took over the driving experience, some vehicles stood out simply because they dared to be different. One of those examples emerged from Italy in the late 1950s, where a compact coupé evolved into something far more distinctive through collaboration and experimentation. 

The 1958 Lancia Appia GTZ by Zagato. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

Between 1956 and 1963, Lancia developed the Appia as a refined small car, while also exploring sportier variations through partnerships with well-known coachbuilders. Pininfarina was assigned to create a coupé, and Vignale worked on a 2+2 Lusso and a convertible. At the same time, Zagato entered with a different vision, producing lightweight bodies such as the GTZ in 1957 and the GT in early 1958. These cars were built on chassis supplied by Lancia customers, which meant they were initially treated as special editions rather than official factory models. 

The 1958 Lancia Appia GTZ by Zagato. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

The first Zagato-bodied version appeared at the Turin Motor Show and immediately drew attention. Its two-tone blue finish and unusual raised sections on the roof, hood, and rear gave it a unique silhouette. These shapes earned it the nickname “Cammello,” or camel, reflecting its hump-like contours. Beyond aesthetics, the design followed Zagato’s aerodynamic philosophy, aiming to reduce drag while maintaining a lightweight structure. 

The 1958 Lancia Appia GTZ by Zagato. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

A more defined identity took shape in 1957 when the GTZ was presented at the Geneva Motor Show. Built on a shortened chassis from the Appia’s third series, it offered improved agility and sharper handling. This compact and lightweight configuration made it suitable for both road use and racing, helping establish a line of sporty berlinettas that remained active for nearly a decade. 

The 1958 Lancia Appia GTZ by Zagato. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

Official recognition from Lancia only arrived toward the end of 1958, at the same time the GTE (Gran Turismo Esportazione) and the final Sport version were introduced. While the rear design of the Sport Zagato closely resembled that of the GTE, the GTZ maintained its own identity through its shorter chassis and more agile character. This moment marked its transition from a niche, customer-driven creation into a recognized part of the Appia lineup. | x_zWYZm-Ilg | JNG9T4iQVR4 |

What continues to make this car interesting today is not just its appearance, but the way it came to exist. It represents a period when manufacturers, designers, and even customers played active roles in shaping a vehicle’s final form. With its distinctive exterior, purposeful interior, and unconventional development path, it captures a spirit of innovation that still resonates, showing that true character often comes from bold ideas rather than conformity. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI ]

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The Journey from Pontiac Chassis to Home-Built Ferrari

Forged Dream - For many car enthusiasts, passion often starts with admiration from afar. Dream cars feel untouchable, locked behind price tags and rarity. But for some, that distance becomes motivation rather than limitation. Instead of chasing ownership in the traditional sense, they choose a more personal route—building something that captures the essence of what they love. 

A tribute to the classic Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta, reimagined on a Pontiac Solstice by Bart Jones. (Picture from: Hagerty)

That mindset took root early in Bart Jones’ life. At just ten years old, he realized the classic grand tourer he admired would likely remain out of reach. Rather than letting go, he began quietly planning. Over the next 30 years, he studied design, worked as a boat builder, and developed deep knowledge of composite materials. Even his first attempt—a fiberglass sports car inspired by an iconic Italian model built on a Pontiac Fiero—became a learning experience after it failed during mold production. That setback pushed him toward creating something truly one-off. 

A Pontiac Solstice chassis begins its transformation, wrapped in a precise wooden mock-up that defines the будущ silhouette of a handcrafted classic-inspired body. (Picture from: Hagerty)

When he finally began the project in 2018, Jones approached it with clarity. He chose a Pontiac Solstice chassis, mainly because its proportions closely matched the car he had envisioned for decades. The wheelbase, cabin position, and engine layout allowed him to recreate the right silhouette without extreme compromises. Finding a clean, stripped chassis by chance gave him the perfect starting point, and from there, the transformation moved quickly. 

The interior blends vintage character with modern structure, featuring quilted leather, a wood-rim steering wheel, and a driver-focused manual setup. (Picture from: Hagerty)

The body was shaped by hand using fiberglass, refined through experience and persistence. The exterior echoed the flowing lines of a classic grand tourer, while the interior followed a more functional approach, adapting to the modern platform underneath. The biggest challenge came from something many builders avoid—windows. Jones insisted on fully functional, weather-tight side and rear glass, complete with roll-up mechanisms. It was a difficult and time-consuming process, but it elevated the car beyond a typical home build. | KzlZH-Z43SY |

After decades of planning, the actual build took only about 18 months to complete. What stands out is not just the result, but the discipline to finish it properly—something many ambitious projects never achieve. The car represents more than a replica; it’s a realization of patience, skill, and determination. And while this dream has taken shape in metal and fiberglass, it’s clear that for Jones, the journey of building is far from over. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HAGERTY ]

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