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Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Sbarro Challenge: Rare 80s Supercar Series with Futuristic Power and Design

UNIQUE ONES - The 1980s was a vibrant period for automotive design, and few cars encapsulated this spirit of experimentation quite like the the Sbarro Challenge III. Building on the legacy of its predecessors, the Challenge I and Challenge II, this remarkable creation by the visionary Swiss designer Franco Sbarro exemplified the futuristic energy and audacity that defined the decade's supercar landscape.
The Sbarro Challenge III, created by the inventive Swiss designer Franco Sbarro, embodied the futuristic energy and audacity that defined the supercar landscape of the decade. (Picture from: TopCarRating)
The first of the series, the Challenge I, was introduced in 1985 and featured a Mercedes 500 V8 engine boosted by twin IHI turbochargers, producing an impressive 350 horsepower. This power, combined with a unique aerodynamic design, allowed the Challenge I to exceed speeds of 300 km/h. A notable feature of the Challenge I was its four-wheel drive system, a rarity for sports cars at the time. The innovative handling system took inspiration from the Audi Quattro and Porsche 959, paving the way for advanced automotive engineering.
The first Challenge posed alongside its creator, Franco Sbarro, while on display during its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in 1985. (Picture from: Sbarro.Phcalvert.fr)
In 1986, Sbarro unveiled the Challenge II at the Geneva Motor Show. This model featured significant modifications, including the addition of two extra seats and a redesigned dashboard. The Challenge II was equipped with a 300-horsepower Porsche 930 turbo engine, transitioning to rear-wheel drive and a manual five-speed gearbox. Its striking gradient paint job done by Andréini, who had already made a name for himself on the Sbarro Super Twelve, transitioning from red at the rear to grey at the front, made it an eye-catching entry into the supercar arena.
The Sbarro Challenge I, finished in pearly white, features several modifications, including a cover over the rear wheels for improved aerodynamics, a different front bumper and headlights, and a lower rear air intake.. (Picture from: Sbarro.Phcalvert.fr)
The Sbarro Challenge III, which debuted after its predecessors, continued this trend of innovation. It featured a powerful 3.3-liter engine sourced from the Porsche 911 Turbo series, capable of producing an astounding 400 horsepower. This formidable engine allowed the Challenge III to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds, reaching a top speed of 320 km/h. Weighing around 2,200 pounds, thanks to its lightweight fiberglass body, the Challenge III felt lively and responsive on the road, amplifying the thrill of every drive.
The Porsche-spotted Challenge II or Challange 2+2, with its red-grey gradient paintwork by Andréini, who did a similar job on the Super Twelve. (Picture from: Sbarro.Phcalvert.fr)
The design of the Challenge III was striking and futuristic. Its wedge-shaped body featured sharp angles and a low, wide stance, making it stand out from the smoother designs of other supercars of the era. Equipped with unique scissor doors and a canopy-style cockpit, the vehicle's aesthetic resembled something from a sci-fi movie. This unconventional design was not just for looks; it highlighted Sbarro’s commitment to pushing beyond traditional automotive standards.
The front end of the Sbarro Challenge III #7, a Porsche-powered version registered in Spain, appears to plunge into the asphalt. (Picture from: Sbarro.Phcalvert.fr)
Inside the Challenge III, the forward-thinking vision continued. The interior was clean and minimalist, emphasizing functionality over luxury and focusing on the driver’s experience. Sbarro's use of composite materials ensured durability while contributing to the car's lightweight construction. The aerodynamics were finely tuned, with features such as a rear wing acting as an air brake to enhance stability at high speeds.
The Sbarro Challenge III #7, registered in Spain, and differed from its predecessor in that its engine, still of Porsche 930 turbo origin, was increased to 3.3 liters and developed 400 horsepower. (Picture from: Sbarro.Phcalvert.fr)
Produced in extremely limited numbers, the Sbarro Challenge III was more of a concept car brought to life than a mass-produced vehicle. Each unit was meticulously handcrafted, reflecting Franco Sbarro’s vision of merging art with engineering. The car was not intended for the mass market but rather for collectors and enthusiasts who appreciated its unique blend of design and performance.
The Sbarro Challenge III featured a camera replacing the rear-view mirror, a system first introduced in 1985, positioned above the left-hand rear light. (Picture from: Sbarro.Phcalvert.fr)
Overall, with only ten units of the Challenge series ever built, it became an exclusive piece of automotive history. And the Challenge III priced at around $150,000—a considerable sum at the time—the car was clearly aimed at a discerning audience of collectors and enthusiasts who valued rarity and exceptional craftsmanship. The high production cost, combined with the complexity of assembly, made this car a true collector’s item. | AAr_MrTXCSQ |
The Sbarro Challenge series may not have achieved mainstream fame, but its bold design and innovative approach ensure it holds a distinct place in the legacy of 1980s supercars. Its rarity and the visionary spirit behind its creation make it a fascinating chapter in the automotive stories of the era. Today, the Challenge series continues to captivate car enthusiasts, representing a time when creativity and engineering merged to create something truly exceptional. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SBARRO.PHCALVET.FR | TOCARRATING | CARSTYLING.RU | ]
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