~The Godzilla Ancestor~This is one of the first Japanese-made racing prototypes after the World War 2 ended. The racing car which became known as the Prince (Nissan) R380 was initially developed by Prince Motors, Ltd. before being merged with Nissan Motor Company, and it could be said also, that the car is the ancestor of today's Nissan Skyline GT-R aka 'Godzilla'.
The original Prince (Nissan) R380 A-I with racing livery No.11 driven by Yoshikazu Sunakothat won its first race of the 3rd Japan GP at Fuji Speedway in 1966. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
As mentioned before, this race car was purposely made by Prince Motors following the defeat of its new S54 Skyline GTs powered by a G-7 straight-6 engine at the second Japanese Grand Prix held in 1964 from the Porsche 904 race car. After some major improvements were made, so Prince Motors launched the R380 with increasingly fierce performance, as the result at the third Japanese GP in 1966, the car was able to beat the defending champion Porsche 904.
The original Prince (Nissan) R380 A-I is powered by a mid-mounted 4-valve GR8 DOHC engine, which is a newly engine designed based on the G7 OHC at the time. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
All of that thanks to the Shinichiro Sakurai's magical hands touches, so that the car was so fierce while on the racing circuit. He is a brilliant engineer who initially worked for Prince Motors then moved to Nissan in 1966 (after Prince Motors was mergered with Nissan Motor Company) and is famous for the engineering of the Nissan Skyline generations.
The 1967 Nissan R380 A-II (in pictured as a speed test car) which for the aerodynamic factors has a total of 80 mm more length than the standard ones with body cover made of fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP). (Picture from: Pen-Online)
The original R380 racing car bodywork is aluminum-made, and mounted on the steel tubular frame structure similar to the Brabham BT8, and then is powered by a mid-mounted 4-valve GR8 DOHC engine, which is a newly engine designed based on the G7 OHC. Besides being known as the first Japanese racing car to use an aluminum bodywork, the R380 was equipped with double wishbone suspension on all its 4 wheels which was the most advanced technology at that time.
The 1967 Nissan R380 A-II (in pictured as a speed test car) bodywork is aluminum-made, and mounted on the steel tubular frame structure similar to the Brabham BT8. (Picture from: Pen-Online)
Unfortunately, the Japanese Grand Prix in 1965 was postponed, so Prince Motors switched to make a speed record in the Yatabe test track by using those racing car in October. At that time, the prepared Prince R380 A-I was managed to set the best time that surpassed the international record in its fourth attemps. But the car's achievement was remained set to be a domestic record considering that the Yatabe test track had not been officially recognized by the FIA.
The 1967 Nissan R380 A-II (in pictured as a speed test car) has a simple cockpit and functionally laid out of the operating system and instruments. (Picture from: Pen-Online)
This does not necessarily reduce the determination of the Prince Motors's crews to bring their R380 to be a champion. Then, it was like the wish came true, the R380 managed to beat the Porsche 906 and Toyota 2000GT at the third Japan Grand Prix in 1966, not one but two R380s managed to reach the finish line as the 1st and 2nd winner.
The 1967 Nissan R380 A-II (in pictured as a speed test car) featured much needed aerodynamic improvements, utilizing a much lower and sleeker bodystyle copied from rivals Porsche plus the gullwing-style doors which hinged upward. (Picture from: Pen-Online)
The R380 continued to be developed even after Prince Motors merged with Nissan in August 1966, and becoming a Nissan R380 A-II upgraded type in 1967. Although it lost in the race to the Porsche 906 at the Japanese Grand Prix that year, the car tried again to set the speed records. At the time, the Nissan R380 A-II managed to set seven international records at the Yatabe track which have been officially recognized by the FIA.
It doesn't stop there, in addition to the Nissan R380 A-III type with improved engines continue to play an active role in the racing circuit, this Japanese manufacturer continues to develop the R380 racing cars using larger engines, such as the 5.5L on the Nissan R381 variant of the 1968 and then the 6L on the Nissan R382 variant of the 1969 which also brought victory to Nissan. And all of that played out until the Japanese auto company stopped racing under the prototype engines in 1970. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | NISSAN-GLOBAL | PEN-ONLINE | WIKIPEDIA | DRIVETRIBE ]
Let's FLY In modern times like today, efforts to realize the human desire to fly, especially by using a car, are not something extraordinary, because many companies from all over the world have done it. And some time ago we had ever talked about the Aeromobil, a flying car developed by a Slovakian inventor named Stefan Klein.
AirCar, a dual-mode car-aircraft vehicle is developed by a Slovakian company named Klein Vision. (Picture from: BBC)
As reported by CNN, recently there's flying car called the AirCar Prototype 1 has completed its first intercity test flight of the same Slovakian inventor. This future flying car was designed and developed through his company, KleinVision, by using four wheels, propellers and the unique foldable wings with the switchblade-style.
Slovakian company Klein Vision's flying car AirCar Prototype 1 is seen at the airport in Bratislava, Slovakia June 28, 2021. (Picture from: NewYork Post)
Not only that, the Slovakian flying car also has a telescopic tail that allows the car to turn into a 'land jet' in just three minutes. As reported by the New York Post, Stefan Klein, the Slovakian AirCar inventor and CEO of Klein Vision as well, said in the trials the sophisticated flying car was successful in running on two-mode experiment (it can drive on downtown roads after flying).
The AirCar Prototype 1 seen while on the road after its successfully maiden intercity flight test in June 28, 2021. (Picture from: BBC)
Reportedly, the vehicle had carried out 142 flight tests and this time, it traveled as far as (8,200 feet or about 2,500 meters) from the international airport in Nitra to the international airport in Bratislava by total flight time about 35 minutes in the air. The
AirCar uses a 160 hp BMW engine and has a top airspeed of 118 mph. In
the future it will be upgraded to a 300 hp engine which is claimed to be
capable of run up to 186 mph.
Reportedly, in the future the Slovakian company is would be developing a 3-4 seater and amphibious models that can take off or land on the water surfaces. Unfortunately, the pricing has not been announced yet, but the cost of the prototype development was over US$ 2.3 million or around Rp.33 billion.
Considering the high price, in our opinion, it would be better if sophisticated vehicles such as the AirCar were projected to be used as the public transportation facilities that could be accessed by anyone like a taxi is used today. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SORCES | KLEINVISION | CNN | NEWYORK POST | BBC ]
ONE-OFF 'Flying like a bird,' may be one of humanity's longstanding obsessions. And now maybe part of that obsession has been fulfilled with the invention of the airplane. Why only partly, because humans always try to develop it continuously up to a certain point of achievement which is considered to be the most recent or become what it should be. When was that accomplished? No one knows.
Vespa Alpha played a role as the Dick Smart's sophisticated rides in a spy action movie titled 'Dick Smart 2.007' released in 1967. (Picture from: Gensindo)
In the context of the scooter, which we know as a two-wheeled vehicle that experienced its heyday in the 1950s and 1960s, has there ever been the creation of a flying scooter, both fictional and reality?
In fiction, this has been illustrated by a well-known Belgian writer named André Franquin in his famous comic strips entitled 'Spirou et Fantasio' which published from 1947 to 1969. Well, in those comic strips he illustrated neatly a yellow-colored flying scooter named Zandajet.
The amazing Zandajet flying scooter model is built based of the André Franquin's comic illustrations and sat on display at the 2006 Exposition Le Monde de Franquin in Brussels. (Picture from: Meinekleinfabrik)
Although this yellow-colored scooter can only fly in comic books, it has actually been brought to the real world in a 1 : 1 scaled model to homage to the author and has been exhibited at the 2006 Exposition Le Monde de Franquin which was held in Brussels.
Vespa Alpha built by Piaggio in collaboration with Alpha Willis, a British company for the shooting purpose of a movie titled 'Dick Smart 2.007' in the 1967 and now sat on display at the Vespa Museum in Tuscany. (Picture from: Gensindo)
In reality, there's an Italian company called Piaggio which is also known as one of the world's scooter pioneers as well as the largest and most successful scooter manufacturer to date turn out has ever made a flying scooter named Vespa Alpha in 1967. As we all know that before producing scooters, this Italian company is a manufacturing company that is familiar with the world of aviation until today.
The Vespa Alpha was built by Piaggio in collaboration with Alpha Willis, a British company for the shooting purpose of a movie titled 'Dick Smart 2.007', starring Richard Wyler, Margaret Lee, Rosanna Tapados in the 1967.
Only in the movie, the Vespa Alpha is described as having extraordinary abilities, not only can it be used to go fast on the highway, fly like a helicopter, it can also function as a submarine. (Picture from: Vespacountry)
The Dick Smart's sophisticated scooter built based of the Vespa 180 Super Sport and powered by 2-stroke single cylinder 180cc engine which in the standard condition is claimed able to run up to top speed of 105kph on the streets.
In the movie, the Vespa Alpha is described as having extraordinary abilities, not only can it be used to go fast on the highway, fly like a helicopter, it can also function as a submarine. The flying scooter's front is resembled like a tilapia fish. Moreover, there is a lamp that looks like a fish's eye and a hole in the muzzle is added as the fish's mouth.
Vespa
Alpha built is built based of Vespa 180 Super Sport and powered by a single cylinder 2-stroke 180 cc engine. (Picture from: Arttrav)
Even though it looks like a helicopter, we believe that the Vespa Alpha cannot fly at all, especially if it is used as a submarine. As mentioned before, it built just for the movie making and furthermore its shape and condition are not proper being a flying vehicle or submarine. Yes, at least the scooter can still be used for speeding on the streets, if you look at the engine specifications.
That's it, and if the article above is still considered inadequate or inaccurate, or if you have additional information related to the Piaggio's Vespa Alpha flying scooters, please don't hesitate to let us know via the comments column below this article.
When you walk in front of it, maybe your footsteps will stop for a moment, smiling, then frowning in surprise, and say softly, What is this? So weird, who made it? This is a show car named 'Ewock' created by The 51-50 Foundation, a Novato, California based automotive social group.
This is a show car named 'Ewock' created by The 51-50 Foundation, a Novato, California based automotive social group. (Picture from: MSN)
Well, this cute, funny and unique vehicle in the picture above has shown off at a The Little Car Show at Monterey Car Week 2017 which is usually a favorite of American automotive fans. And this is not an ordinary cute car figure, but already extraordinary.
This is a show car named 'Ewock' created by The 51-50 Foundation, a Novato, California based automotive social group. (Picture from: MSN)
When viewed from the name, it is clear that the car (if you want to call it a car) was inspired by the funny figure of an imaginary creature with the same name that appeared in one of the famous science fiction films "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" released in 2015.
This is a show car named 'Ewock' created by The 51-50 Foundation, a Novato, California based automotive social group. (Picture from: MSN)
The owner-made Ewock is probably our best show ever and looks like something a genius kid put together in an auto shop. The body was two fenders from a 1946 Plymouth welded together and powered by a bicycle engine connected to a 12 volt battery.
This is a show car named 'Ewock' created by The 51-50 Foundation, a Novato, California based automotive social group. (Picture from: MSN)
And at first glance the shape looks similar to the Sqweeks, a new Autobot character in the fifth sequel of Michael Bay's directed movie titled Transformers: The Last Knight, named Sqweeks built based on Vespa VBB.
The funny figure shows a grille, turn lights, console switch and brake light coming from the 1969 Jaguar XJ6. The wheels are taken off a a wheelbarrow and a hand truck.
While the chassis is part of the massage table and the chairs are from the kindergarten classroom. Also equipped with press-to-operate headlights and tillers for steering. What an awesome little monster is not? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | THE 51-50 FOUNDATION | EWOCK | MSN ]
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This is one of ItalDesign's lively pieces that was presented at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show called the Alfa Romeo Brera concept. The concept car is intended as a proposal that is right on target and worthy included in the Alfa Romeo's lineup.
2002 Alfa Romeo Brera concept designed by ItalDesign and presented at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2HPNkMc)
It can say that's quite different for the Alfa Romeo Brera concept in 2002 is praised for presenting it like the stars at the Geneva Motor Show, it assumed will have a real future in the brand from which it was originally created.
The car concept presentation was carried out while the Alfa Romeo brand being on looking the car figure to replace the 156. As we all knew, the model was relaunched by the brand in 1997. And in the same time, ItalDesign often shows its intentions through a concept, meanwhile here in the case, it presented as a coupe.
2002 Alfa Romeo Brera concept designed by ItalDesign and presented at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2HPNkMc)
For the beauty of the concept, the powerful 400 hp V8 engine is in the front center position, and the door is distinguished by its vertical opening, with the hinge located at the bottom of the door. Its style will attract the public, hopely also the management of Alfa Romeo.
2002 Alfa Romeo Brera concept designed by ItalDesign and presented at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2HPNkMc)
ItalDesign won the contract for the new design of the 159 model. Meanwhile in passing the GTV and Spider replacements were signed by Brera and Spider by Pininfarina.
2002 Alfa Romeo Brera concept designed by ItalDesign and presented at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2HPNkMc)
The Brera presentation is almost entirely conceptual, in proportion to the transverse drive architecture and more adequate interior space for rear passengers.
Unfortunately for Alfa Romeo, the styling will be presented with a platform that is often seen as not in line with the character expected of the car model, mainly because there is too much mass. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LEBLOGAUTO ]
Rare ONES - Maserati, a name synonymous with luxury and high-performance sports cars, has etched its mark in the automotive world over the years. Among its iconic creations, the Maserati Bora stands out as a pivotal moment in the brand's history, marking its entry into the realm of mid-engine supercars.
The Maserati Bora is the Maserati's first mid-engine supercar. (Picture from: BlackXperience)
Debuting at the 1972 Geneva Auto Show, the Maserati Bora was not just a car; it was a manifestation of engineering brilliance and aesthetic finesse. Named after the wind of Trieste, the Bora drew inspiration from the earlier Maserati Boomerang Concept, a Giorgetto Giugiaro prototype that hinted at the brand's pursuit of automotive excellence.
1972 Maserati Boomerang Concept by Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italdesign Giugiaro. (Picture from: Autoweek)
With a 4,700 cc DOHC V8 engine under its hood, the Bora signaled Maserati's venture into the mid-engine configuration, a departure from its traditional designs. While sharing similarities with the Boomerang, the Bora charted its course as a unique entity, becoming Maserati's first mid-engine supercar.
The Maserati Bora featured two
kinds of the mid-mounted V8 engine, ie 4,7-liter made started in 1971
and 4.9-liter version started in 1973. (Picture from: BlackXperience)
Despite its initial appearance not being as striking as the Ghibli, the Maserati Bora quickly gained acclaim for its performance. Launched in 1971 and discontinued in 1978, this mid-engined V8 coupe held its ground among the elite supercars of its time, competing with the likes of the Lamborghini Miura.
The Modena-based manufacturer, Maserati produced the Maserati Bora with a total of 564 units. (Picture from: BlackXperience)
The Giorgetto Giugiaro-designed Bora boasted a 4.7-liter V8, combined with Citroen legs, propelling it to a maximum speed of 275 kph. This era marked the pinnacle of Maserati's glory, as the Bora aimed to usher the brand into the modern automotive landscape.
In a limited production run, Maserati crafted a total of 564 units of the Bora, solidifying its status as a rare gem in the automotive world. The early models, equipped with a 4.7-liter engine, constituted the majority of production, with 289 units rolling off the assembly line between 1971 and 1978. The later years saw the introduction of a more potent 4.9-liter engine, adding 275 units to the prestigious Bora lineup.
The Maserati Bora appeared in public for the first time at the 1972 Geneva Auto Show. (Picture from: BlackXperience)
The 4.9-liter engine version, introduced in 1973, demonstrated enhanced power, generating an impressive 330 horsepower. This power was harnessed by a five-speed manual transmission, driving the Bora's rear wheels and delivering an exhilarating driving experience.
As time has passed, the Maserati Bora has become a rare sight on the roads. The scarcity of these mid-engine marvels only adds to their allure, making them highly sought after by enthusiasts and collectors alike. In May 2020, a well-maintained Maserati Bora, showcasing only around 10 thousand kilometers on the odometer, was listed for sale at $139,000 (approximately Rp.2 billion).
In conclusion, the Maserati Bora remains a testament to Maserati's dedication to pushing boundaries and creating timeless automotive masterpieces. Its distinctive design, powerful performance, and limited availability contribute to its status as an enduring symbol of Italian automotive excellence. As we reflect on the legacy of the Maserati Bora, we are reminded of an era when innovation and elegance converged to shape the future of supercars. *** [EKA [27112020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MASERATIUSA | WIKIPEDIA | DRIVE-MY | CLASSICDRIVER | CLASSIC | CAROLENASH | AUTOWEEK ]
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It doesn't stop there, in addition to the Nissan R380 A-III type with improved engines continue to play an active role in the racing circuit, this Japanese manufacturer continues to develop the R380 racing cars using larger engines, such as the 5.5L on the Nissan R381 variant of the 1968 and then the 6L on the Nissan R382 variant of the 1969 which also brought victory to Nissan. And all of that played out until the Japanese auto company stopped racing under the prototype engines in 1970. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | NISSAN-GLOBAL | PEN-ONLINE | WIKIPEDIA | DRIVETRIBE ] 
