Unique ONES - Delving into the realm of unique classic cars on the internet is an exhilarating journey, akin to flipping through a treasure trove of automotive creativity from bygone eras. Each vehicle tells a story of innovation and bold design choices that set them apart from the mainstream, capturing the imagination of enthusiasts and collectors alike. What are they? Let's find out.
1. 1957 Spohn Convertible
One such gem is the 1957 Spohn Convertible, a car whose eccentric design makes it a notable curiosity. Carosseriebau Hermann Spohn, established in 1920 in Ravensburg, Germany, produced this vehicle.
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| 1957 Spohn Convertible. (Picture from: Story-Cars) |
With features like a bumper resembling a long beard and mismatched body panels, the car was more of an oddity than a triumph. Despite its peculiarities, the Spohn Convertible, built on a 1939 Ford chassis and powered by a 1953 Cadillac V8 engine, remains a fascinating piece of automotive history.
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| Rear three-quarter of 1957 Spohn Convertible. (Picture from: Story-Cars) |
2. 1959 FMR TG 500 Tiger
The 1959 FMR TG 500 Tiger is another intriguing entry. Designed and built by Fahrzeug- und Maschinenbau Regensburg (FMR), this microcar earned the nickname "micro muscle car" due to its compact size and surprising power. Weighing
only 150 kg and equipped with a 24 hp engine from the VW Beetle 1300,
it fetched a remarkable price at auction, underscoring its unique
appeal.
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| 1959 FMR TG 500 Tiger. (Picture from: Deseeft) |
Although small, this only one car is successfully auctioned at a price of about the US. $250,446 or approx Rp.3 billion. Uniquely, the TG 500's design includes a handlebar instead of a steering wheel and a tandem seating arrangement, blurring the line between car and motorcycle.
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| Rear three-quarter of 1959 FMR. TG 500 Tiger. (Picture from: Deseeft) |
3. 1962 Covington El Tiburon
If the shark had been transformed into the car, then El Tiburon Roadster is the answer. The If ever a car embodied the sleekness of a shark, it would be the 1962 Covington El Tiburon. Industrial designer Henry Covington, inspired by the aerodynamic principles of Dr. Augustus Raspet, created this vehicle in collaboration with fiberglass expert Glenn Gums.
The El Tiburon's name means "shark" in Spanish, fitting its sharp, streamlined profile. Notably, this roadster lacks a roof or pillars, requiring drivers to remain vigilant and perhaps don a helmet, enhancing its unique, sporty character.
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| Rear right side view of 1962 Covington el Tiburon. (Picture from: Pinterest) |
4. 1963 "Shorty" Mustang
The 1963 "Shorty" Mustang represents a bold experiment by Ford Motor Company. In an effort to compete with smaller cars like the AMC Javelin, Ford created this two-seat fastback from a shortened pre-production Mustang chassis shortened 16 inches and stuffed with a 260-cu.in.
V-8 bored and stroked to 302 cubic inches.
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| 1963 "Shorty" Mustang. (Picture from: Hemmings) |
It was built under Vince Gardner's design vision included a fiberglass fastback profile, but despite its innovative design, Ford ultimately decided against mass production. Gardner's attachment to the "Shorty" Mustang led him to hide it in a warehouse, preserving this one-of-a-kind car for future generations.
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| Rear three-quarter of 1963 "Shorty" Mustang. (Picture from: Hemmings) |
5. 1974 Fascination
Finally, the 1974 Fascination stands out with its futuristic design reminiscent of science fiction and 1930s illustrations. Created by Paul M. Lewis, the car features a distinctive rounded shape and an elongated rear axle with a pair of tires.
Resembling an airplane, particularly with its "jet engine" rear wheel casing, the Fascination embodies the forward-thinking design of its era. Lewis's earlier attempt at building an automobile, the 1937 Airomobile Experimental Sedan, faced financial hurdles, but his vision found expression in the Fascination, a testament to his innovative spirit.
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| Rear three-quarter of 1974 Fascination. (Picture from: Conceptcarz) |
Exploring these unique classic cars offers a glimpse into the creative minds of their designers and the bold, sometimes unconventional, paths they took. Each car, from the Spohn Convertible to the Fascination, tells a story of innovation and individuality that continues to captivate enthusiasts. The journey through automotive history is not just about the cars themselves but also about the visionaries who dared to think differently, leaving a legacy of creativity and daring that inspires to this day. *** [EKA [19112014] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CONCEPTCARZ | HEMMINGS | STORY-CARS | DESEEFT ]Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone
