The Mara: Argentina's Short-Lived Wedge-Shaped Sports Car

Forgotten Innovation - When you think of sports cars, countries like Italy, Germany, and the United States are often the first to come to mind. However, you might be surprised to learn that Argentina, a nation known for its passionate sports culture, legendary racing heroes, and automotive enthusiasts, also made its own unique mark in the world of automotive design, contributing to the global landscape of high-performance vehicles.

The first I.A.V.A. Mara prototype was presented in August 1971, when Fisanotti and his colleague Miguel Angel Galuzzi introduced the idea of a car that would combine Italian design influence with Argentine ingenuity. (Picture from: Mitutu)

Alongside iconic figures such as legendary racer Juan Manuel Fangio, and automotive pioneers like Alejandro De Tomaso and Horacio Pagani, Argentina has its own lesser-known stories of innovation in the automotive industry. One such story takes us back to the 1970s, when the "Industria Argentina de Vehículos de Avanzada," (I.A.V.A.) or Argentine Advanced Vehicles Industry created the unique Mara sports car, marking a fascinating chapter in the country's automotive history. 

The Mara sports car was the I.A.V.A. first project, was a bold and ambitious attempt to create a sports car that could stand alongside some of the most recognized names in automotive history. (Picture from: RareComponentCars)

In the early 1970s, a pivotal development occurred in the small town of Martínez, located within the Province of Buenos Aires. Here, the Industria Argentina de Vehículos de Avanzada (I.A.V.A.) was born, thanks to the initiative of the Fiat dealer group in Argentina. This company was founded by engineer Juan Carlos Fisanotti, who took on the role of technical manager. The Mara, I.A.V.A.’s first major project, was a bold and ambitious attempt to create a sports car that could stand alongside some of the most recognized names in automotive history. 

The I.A.V.A. Mara, the company’s first sports car prototype featuring an enlarged 1200cc engine based on the Fiat 128’s 1100cc, underwent initial road tests as a bold step in automotive innovation. (Picture from: RareComponentCars)

The concept was presented in August 1971, when Fisanotti and his colleague Miguel Angel Galuzzi introduced the idea of a car that would combine Italian design influence with Argentine ingenuity. The Mara's design was nothing short of striking. Despite being a product of a small Argentine company, the Mara clearly displayed the ambition to compete on the international stage. The car’s exterior bodywork was crafted from fiberglass, a material that allowed for flexibility and reduced weight, crucial elements for a sports car aimed at achieving impressive performance. 

The I.A.V.A. Mara’s fiberglass bodywork, influenced by iconic design houses like Bertone and Italdesign, combined flexibility, reduced weight, and a sleek, futuristic appearance essential for high performance. (Picture from: RareComponentCars)

The body shape itself was influenced by iconic automotive design houses like Bertone and Italdesign, giving the Mara a sleek and futuristic appearance. Anyone familiar with the Maserati Boomerang concept car would immediately notice the similar design elements present in the Mara, especially in its bold angles and aerodynamic form. One of the most innovative aspects of the Mara was its engine configuration. I.A.V.A. chose to base the car's mechanicals on the Fiat 128, a well-known Italian model, but made significant modifications. 

The rear view of the I.A.V.A. Mara prototype, showcasing the distinctive Kamm-tail aerodynamic design, enhances its overall performance and sleek appearance. (Picture from: Fiat128DelSur)

The original 1100cc engine of the Fiat 128 was enlarged to 1200cc, giving the Mara an edge in power and performance. This change aimed to push the prototype’s performance to a top speed of 130 mph, a notable figure for a car built in Argentina during the 1970s. To further enhance its sporty characteristics, the engine and transmission were placed in a mid-rear position, which improved the car’s handling and balance, a key feature for sports cars of the era. 

After a series of exhibitions in Europe, the I.A.V.A. Mara was redesigned with a more modern look, including the addition of retractable headlights. (Picture from: RareComponentCars)

Although the Mara was still a prototype, its potential was clear. The I.A.V.A. team intended to take the car to European exhibitions, hoping to gauge public reaction and generate interest in both local and export markets. The goal was not only to introduce a new sports car to Argentina but also to make a mark on the global automotive scene. However, despite the bold ambitions, the Mara never saw mass production. 

The front view of the I.A.V.A. Mara, enhanced with a sleeker design and modern features, following an extensive redesign process. (Picture from: RareComponentCars)

Only one unit of the car was built, and after several public appearances in redesigned versions, the company ultimately shifted its focus to other projects, including a line of tuning accessories for Fiat models that became very successful in Argentina. The story of the Mara, though short-lived, is a testament to the innovative spirit of Argentina’s automotive engineers in the 1970s. While the car was never mass-produced, it represents a fascinating moment in the country’s attempt to carve out a niche in the sports car world. 

The rear view of the I.A.V.A. Mara, following a redesign process, features a shape that subtly resembles the iconic Lancia Stratos HF. (Picture from: RareComponentCars)

The I.A.V.A. may have moved on to different ventures, but the Mara remains a symbol of what could have been—an Argentine sports car that never reached its full potential but nonetheless left a unique legacy. In the end, the Mara serves as a reminder that innovation often comes from the most unexpected places. While Argentina’s automotive history may not be as widely celebrated as some of the world’s biggest car-producing nations, the country’s contributions—like the Mara—demonstrate that the passion for sports cars is truly global. 

After facing challenging times, the I.A.V.A. Mara underwent a restoration process aimed at reviving its former performance, though the results remain unknown to this day. (Picture from: Fiat128DelSur)

The legacy of engineers like Juan Carlos Fisanotti and Miguel Angel Galuzzi may not have resulted in the international fame they had hoped for, but their work in creating the Mara is still remembered as a daring and imaginative step in Argentina’s automotive evolution. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FIAT128DELSUR | MITUTU | IAVA.SANJUAN | RARECOMPONENTCARS | CARSTHATNEVERMADEITETC ]

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