Sculpted Rarity - Automotive history is often remembered through famous marques and mass-produced models, yet some of its most intriguing stories belong to cars that existed only once. These rare creations were shaped not by factory production lines but by imagination, where designers and coachbuilders treated a simple chassis as a blank canvas. One remarkable example is a one-off roadster based on the Simca 8, styled by industrial designer Louis Lucien Lepoix and brought to life through the craftsmanship of Karosseriebau Hermann Spohn. The result was a striking post-war automobile that blended European creativity with an unusually bold design language.
The unique 1948 Simca 8 Roadster designed by Louis Lepoix and built by Spohn features a sleek open-body design that captures the aerodynamic spirit of the late 1940s, with smooth lines flowing from front to rear and integrated fenders seamlessly blending into the car’s form. (Picture from: BugattiRevue)
Originally produced between 1938 and 1951 by Simca, the Simca 8 was a modest French compact known for its reliability and practicality. It typically carried a 1,089-cc engine producing around 32 PS at 4,000 rpm—hardly the sort of platform expected to underpin a dramatic sports roadster. Yet the years following World War II opened new opportunities for experimentation. Surplus or aging chassis were often purchased by independent builders eager to reinvent them. In 1948, Lepoix acquired an old rolling Simca chassis and set out to transform it into something far more expressive than its humble beginnings suggested. His imagination had already shaped a wide variety of machines, from four-wheeled designs likethe Bugatti Type 101to two-wheelers such asthe BMW R12, along with projects including the Horex Regina prototype and the elegant Walba DeLuxe scooter introduced in 1952.
Louis Lucien Lepoix stands beside his spectacular motorcycle featuring futuristic bodywork built on the BMW R12 platform in 1947, a striking example of his bold and imaginative approach to postwar vehicle design. (Picture from: TheVintagent)
Working together with his employee Franz Villing, Lepoix designed a sleek open roadster that captured the aerodynamic spirit of the late 1940s. The body flowed smoothly from front to rear, with integrated fenders that blended seamlessly into the car’s form. Its wheels appeared partially enclosed, enhancing the streamlined silhouette and giving the vehicle a futuristic presence for its time. A distinctive split windshield added character while maintaining a low, purposeful stance, and subtle chrome accents highlighted the sculpted lines. Sitting low over the chassis, the compact roadster looked dramatically different from the practical economy car that originally served as its foundation.
The unique 1948 Simca 8 Roadster designed by Louis Lepoix and built by Spohn featured partially enclosed wheels, a distinctive split windshield, subtle chrome accents, and a low-slung stance that gave it a sleek, futuristic character far removed from its humble economy-car origins. (Picture from: RollingArt in Facebook)
The bodywork itself was crafted by Karosseriebau Hermann Spohn, a respected German coachbuilder with deep roots in custom automotive design. Before the war, the company had produced elegant bodies for prestigious marques including Maybach. In the difficult postwar years, Spohn adapted by purchasing available chassis and continuing its tradition of bespoke coachbuilding. Each project was developed individually, shaped by the ideas of designers and the preferences of clients rather than standardized production methods. The Simca-based roadster perfectly reflected this philosophy—an experimental concept realized through careful metalwork and traditional craftsmanship.
Louis Lucien Lepoix poses beside his personally designed 1948 Simca 8 Roadster, proudly standing alongside a Walba De Luxe scooter, two creations that reflect his distinctive approach to postwar vehicle design. (Picture from: RollingArt in Facebook)
Today, this unusual Simca 8 stands as more than a curious custom creation; it reflects a period when creativity flourished as Europe rebuilt after the war. Designers like Louis Lepoix reimagined what ordinary machines could become, while coachbuilders such as Karosseriebau Hermann Spohn transformed sketches into hand-formed automobiles. The car’s flowing bodywork and imaginative proportions still feel surprisingly modern, showing how innovation often begins not with massive engineering programs but with a designer, a forgotten chassis, and the freedom to create. Those curious about Spohn’s other imaginative postwar works might also look toward distinctive models likethe Veritas SP90 Convertible and the Spohn DV‑13 Convertible, both reflecting the same spirit of experimental coachbuilding. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BUGATTIREVUE | WORLD CARS FROM THE 1930S TO 1980S IN FACEBOOK | THINGIES IN FACEBOOK | ROLLING ART IN FACEBBOK ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
Twin-Turbo Legacy - In the world of performance cars, certain machines represent more than speed—they capture a moment when engineering ambition and creative experimentation collide. During the early 1980s, turbocharging was still evolving from a racing innovation into a road-going technology, and manufacturers were learning how far they could push it. Against that backdrop, the unique 1983 Porsche 911 Almeras 3.3 Liter Twin Turbo emerged as an intriguing chapter in the ongoing story of the 911, transforming an already formidable sports car into something far more daring.
The 1983 Porsche 911 Almeras 3.3 Twin Turbo emerged as an intriguing chapter in the ongoing story of the 911, transforming an already formidable sports car into something far more daring. (Picture from: BringATrailer)
The car’s foundation lies inthe legendary Porsche 911 Turbo (930), a model that introduced the “Turbo” nameplate as the pinnacle of performance in the 911 lineup. By the late 1970s, the 3.3-liter version of the turbocharged flat-six engine produced around 300 horsepower with the help of a single turbocharger and an air-to-air intercooler. It was fast, raw, and demanding to drive, embodying the spirited engineering philosophy of Porsche. Yet for some enthusiasts and tuners, even that impressive setup left room for further experimentation—particularly in how the engine delivered its power.
The 1983 Porsche 911 Almeras 3.3 Twin Turbo is built on the legendary Porsche 911 Turbo (930) platform, the model that established the “Turbo” nameplate as the pinnacle of performance in the 911 lineup. (Picture from: GTSpirit)
That curiosity found a home in the workshops of Almeras Frères, a French racing and tuning specialist known for pushing Porsche platforms beyond factory boundaries. Building upon the 1983 Turbo’s mechanical base, the Almeras team replaced the original single turbo configuration with a twin-turbo system sourced through KKK. The upgrade was paired with a racing-inspired fuel injection system derived fromthe Porsche 934 competition car, turning the road-going 911 into a machine that carried genuine motorsport DNA beneath its rear decklid.
The 1983 Porsche 911 Almeras 3.3 Twin Turbo is built on the legendary Porsche 911 Turbo (930) platform, the model that established the “Turbo” nameplate as the pinnacle of performance in the 911 lineup. (Picture from: GTSpirit)
Inside the engine, Almeras engineers introduced a series of meticulous refinements rather than radical structural changes. The valve system remained largely standard, preserving reliability, while specially designed camshafts allowed for greater valve opening to enhance airflow. Custom pistons were engineered to reduce friction and withstand the elevated pressures produced by the twin-turbo arrangement. To ensure durability under intense operating conditions, the engine was carefully balanced and equipped with an additional oil pump that extracted oil from the turbochargers when they shut down—an elegant solution that helped protect the system during heat cycles.
The 1983 Porsche 911 Almeras 3.3 Twin Turbo retains a cabin that stays largely faithful to its era, blending driver-focused ergonomics with the understated luxury typical of early-1980s Porsche interiors. (Picture from: BringATrailer)
All of these upgrades dramatically altered the car’s performance character. Power climbed to roughly 440 horsepower, a remarkable figure for a road-legal Porsche in 1983. With that output, the modified 911 could reach a top speed of about 291 km/h, placing it among the fastest machines of its era. The car itself has since undergone a thorough restoration carried out by modern technicians at Almeras, bringing its mechanical condition up to contemporary standards while respecting its original identity. Fresh Pirelli P Zero tires, a new clutch, an updated braking system—replacing an earlier setup derived from the Porsche 917 race car—and a modernized engine control system all contribute to keeping the classic performer alive on today’s roads.
The 1983 Porsche 911 Almeras 3.3 Twin Turbo produces around 440 horsepower and reaches a top speed of approximately 291 km/h, remarkable performance for a road-legal Porsche of its era. (Picture from: BringATrailer)
Visually, the Almeras Twin Turboretains the unmistakable silhouette of the 930 generation: wide rear fenders, the iconic whale-tail spoiler, and the purposeful stance that made the turbocharged 911 instantly recognizable. Inside, the cabin remains largely faithful to the period, combining driver-focused ergonomics with the understated luxury typical of Porsche interiors in the early 1980s. The result is a machine that looks authentic to its time while hiding a far more aggressive personality beneath the surface.
The 1983 Porsche 911 Almeras 3.3 Twin Turbo retains the unmistakable silhouette of the 930 generation, with wide rear fenders, the iconic whale-tail spoiler, and the purposeful stance that defines the turbocharged 911. (Picture from: BringATrailer)
This rare creation also belongs to a broader culture of ambitious Porsche tuners who reshaped the brand’s reputation during that decade. Companies such as Gemballa with its dramatic Avalanche and Mirage builds, and RUF Automobile with the legendary RUF BTR, demonstrated just how versatile the 911 platform could be. Within that landscape, the Almeras 3.3 Liter Twin Turbo stands out as a distinctive experiment—an example of how independent engineering passion could transform an already iconic sports car into something even more extraordinary. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GTSPIRIT | BRINGATRAILER ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
Aero Legacy - The story of American automobiles is filled with daring ideas, but few vehicles capture the spirit of mid-century ambition as vividly as the 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz. In the late 1950s, cars were more than practical machines—they were reflections of prosperity, technology, and imagination. Automakers were willing to experiment with bold shapes and dramatic styling, hoping to embody the optimism of the era. From this creative environment emerged a car that seemed almost futuristic for its time, a convertible whose design felt closer to a dream jet than a traditional automobile.
The 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz reflects Cadillac’s bold design evolution, featuring dramatic aircraft-inspired tailfins that grew from the brand’s styling innovations of the late 1940s. (Picture from: Hagerty)
The company responsible for this remarkable creation was Cadillac, long recognized as one of America’s premier luxury brands. Cadillac had already reshaped automotive design in 1948 when it introduced the first tailfins—small, aircraft-inspired extensions at the rear of the car. As the decade progressed, these fins grew larger and more daring, mirroring the public fascination with aviation and the early space age. By 1959, Cadillac designers pushed the concept to its most dramatic form, creating the tallest and sharpest fins the brand would ever produce.
The 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz remains unforgettable, its towering fins rising from the rear fenders like sculpted wings and ending in distinctive bullet-style taillights that glow beneath bright chrome accents. (Picture from: Hagerty)
Visually, the 1959 Eldorado Biarritz remains unforgettable. Its towering fins rise from the rear fenders like sculpted wings, ending in distinctive bullet-style taillights that glow beneath chrome accents. The car’s long, low bodyline emphasizes motion even when parked, while bright chrome trim stretches across the exterior in generous amounts. Interestingly, unlike earlier Eldorado models that had unique rear styling, the 1959 version shared its overall body design with other Cadillac models of the same year. What setthe Eldoradoapart was the extra chrome detailing, premium touches, and an unmistakable aura of exclusivity.
The 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz continues its sense of luxury inside the convertible with soft leather upholstery, polished metal accents, and a wide dashboard reflecting the elegant design language of its era. (Picture from: Hagerty)
Step inside the convertible and the sense of luxury continues. Cadillac filled the interior with soft leather upholstery, polished metal elements, and a wide dashboard that reflected the elegant design language of the time. Buyers could choose from a vibrant range of colors that matched the optimistic mood of the era, including Persian Sand, Seminole Red, Argyle Blue, Olympic White, Pinehurst Green, Gotham Gold, Wood Rose, London Gray, and Vegas Turquoise. The combination of vivid exterior paint and refined interior materials gave each Eldorado Biarritz a personality that felt both glamorous and distinctive.
The
1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz remains unforgettable, its towering
fins rising from the rear fenders like sculpted wings and ending in
distinctive bullet-style taillights that glow beneath bright chrome
accents.(Picture from: Hagerty)
Beneath its flamboyant appearance, the car carried serious performance credentials. Every 1959 Cadillac used a 390-cubic-inch V8 engine, but the Eldorado models received a special triple two-barrel carburetor setup that increased output to around 345 horsepower. Considering the convertible weighed roughly 5,060 pounds, that power allowed it to cruise effortlessly along American highways. Production remained limited as well—only about 1,320 Eldorado Biarritz convertibles were built, making the car an exclusive sight even during its own era. | 2p5ZOCyqwvs |
Decades later, the Eldorado Biarritz continues to symbolize a time when automotive designers were encouraged to dream without restraint. Its enormous fins, extravagant chrome, and confident proportions still provoke strong reactions, yet that is exactly what makes the car memorable. The 1959 model stands as a reminder that bold design can define an era, turning a luxury convertible into an enduring icon of American automotive history. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HAGERTY ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
Mechanical Excess - Progress in the supercar world usually follows a predictable rhythm: more electrification, smarter software, and increasingly complex hybrid systems. Yet every so often, a project appears that seems to ignore the rulebook entirely and instead celebrates the raw drama of internal combustion. That is precisely the spirit behind the ambitious machine being developed by Automobili Rodrigues. The young Italian manufacturer has introduced a bold hyper-grand tourer concept calledthe Berlinetta Veloce, and at the center of the conversation sits an engine so unusual that even the “standard” option already sounds outrageous: a naturally aspirated V12 producing 900 horsepower.
The Automobili Rodrigues Berlinetta Veloce is a bold hyper-grand tourer from the young Italian manufacturer, featuring a naturally aspirated 900hp V12 that already serves as its “standard” engine. (Picture from: SupercarBlondie)
For most performance cars, a 900hp V12 would be the headline feature. Here, it is merely the starting point. Buyers who want something even more unconventional can choose an experimental powerplant known as the Triangolare 18. The name hints at its unusual architecture—“triangolare” means triangular in Italian—suggesting a creative cylinder arrangement rarely seen in automotive engineering. This massive 9.0-liter engine is designed with forced induction from both turbocharging and supercharging, and it reportedly abandons traditional valvetrain components altogether. The result is an extraordinary torque figure of around 1,954 lb-ft, a number so large that it makes the engines of legendary performance cars feel comparatively modest.
The Automobili Rodrigues Berlinetta Veloce features a dramatic coach-built GT silhouette with sculpted bodywork, long proportions, and a cabin blending classic craftsmanship with modern performance ergonomics. (Picture from: HotCars)
What makes the project even more intriguing is the philosophy surrounding it. Rather than pursuing electrification or hybrid assistance, the Berlinetta Veloce doubles down on mechanical intensity. Even more surprising, the car is expected to offer a manual transmission, a rarity in the hypercar world where dual-clutch gearboxes dominate. Visually, the design reflects the same philosophy: a dramatic
coach-built grand tourer silhouette with sculpted bodywork, long
proportions, and a cabin expected to combine traditional craftsmanship
with modern performance ergonomics.
The Automobili Rodrigues Berlinetta Veloce goes far beyond its 900hp V12 base engine by offering the experimental 9.0-liter Triangolare 18—an unusual triangular-layout 18-cylinder with twin forced induction producing about 1,954 lb-ft of torque. (Picture from: SupercarBlondie)
Production is planned to be extremely limited, and depending on configuration, each car could command a price somewhere between five and ten million dollars. Still, the announcement arrives in an era where spectacular digital concepts appear almost weekly. The automotive industry has always had its share of ambitious ideas that never moved beyond renderings, but the barrier to unveiling a futuristic concept is now lower than ever.
The
Automobili Rodrigues Berlinetta Veloce features a dramatic coach-built
GT silhouette with sculpted bodywork, long proportions, and a cabin
blending classic craftsmanship with modern performance ergonomics.(Picture from: SupercarBlondie)
As of early 2026, Automobili Rodrigues has revealed the Berlinetta Veloceprimarily as a design study with astonishing specifications attached. Enthusiasts around the world are already fascinated by the possibility of an 18-cylinder hypercar with a manual gearbox—but the real moment everyone is waiting for is the first time that Triangolare 18 engine fires up and proves that this wild idea can exist beyond the screen. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOMOBILI RODRIGUES | SUPERCARBLONDIE | HOTCARS ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
TriFusion Trail - The automotive world has always been shaped by unexpected collaborations. Sometimes they emerge quietly, without the fanfare of a major launch, yet they leave behind some of the most intriguing vehicles ever produced. The Bertone Freeclimberis one of those rare creations. It combined the rugged practicality of a Japanese off-roader with Italian design sensibilities and German engineering, resulting in a compact SUV that stood apart from almost anything else on European roads in the late 1980s.
The Bertone Freeclimber blended Japanese off-road toughness, Italian design flair, and German engineering into a compact SUV unlike most others on European roads in the late 1980s. (Picture from: BringATrailer)
At its core, the Freeclimberbegan life asthe dependable Daihatsu Rugger, a tough little 4x4 also marketed in some countries asthe Daihatsu Rocky. The Rugger already had a solid reputation as a capable off-road vehicle, but the Italian design house Carrozzeria Bertone saw room for something more distinctive. Rather than treating it as just another imported utility vehicle, Bertone reworked the concept into a small SUV aimed at European buyers who wanted durability without sacrificing a sense of style and refinement.
The Bertone Freeclimber was produced in Italy from 1989 to 1993, with only about 2,800 units built, making it a rare sight today. (Picture from: Motor1)
Production ofthe Bertone Freeclimbertook place in Italy between 1989 and 1993, and the numbers remained modest from the beginning. Only about 2,800 units were built, which explains why the model is rarely seen today. It was never intended to compete with mainstream SUVs; instead, it appealed to a niche audience that appreciated unusual cars—drivers who wanted the practicality of a compact four-wheel drive but also enjoyed owning something a little different from the norm.
The Bertone Freeclimber offered a more refined cabin than most SUVs of its era, featuring leather upholstery and higher-quality trim that brought a touch of European comfort to a rugged off-roader. (Picture from: Motor1)
Visually, Bertone’s influence was subtle but effective. The overall shape remained recognizably Rugger, yet small changes altered the vehicle’s character. The round headlights gave the front end a softer and slightly more European appearance, while OZ Racing wheels added a hint of sportiness rarely associated with compact off-roaders of the era. Details around the bodywork were refined, and discreet Bertone badges signaled that this SUV carried a pedigree beyond its Japanese roots.
The Bertone Freeclimber offered BMW-sourced engines, including a 2.0-liter gasoline unit, a 2.7-liter six-cylinder, and the 2.5-liter M21 turbodiesel known for strong torque and efficiency. (Picture from: Motor1)
Step inside, and the Freeclimber felt noticeably more polished than many utility vehicles of its time. While most late-1980s SUVs still emphasized durability above all else, this one introduced a touch of comfort into the equation. Leather upholstery, improved trim materials, and more carefully finished surfaces created a cabin environment that felt closer to a European touring car than a workhorse designed purely for rough terrain.
The Bertone Freeclimber combined Japanese toughness, Italian craftsmanship, and German engineering into a uniquely rare SUV, with fewer than 3,000 units ever produced.(Picture from: BringATrailer)
Perhaps the most surprising element ofthe Freeclimberlay beneath its hood. Instead of relying on Daihatsu’s original engines, Bertone installed powerplants sourced from BMW. Buyers could choose from a 2.0-liter gasoline engine, a 2.7-liter six-cylinder unit, or the 2.5-liter BMW M21 turbodiesel, an engine known in the 1980s for its strong torque and respectable efficiency. Paired withthe Rugger’sladder-frame chassis, four-wheel-drive system, and generous ground clearance, the Freeclimber retained genuine off-road ability despite its more refined character. | bcgx22x_ruY |
Seen from today’s perspective, the idea behind the Freeclimber feels remarkably modern. The automotive industry now frequently mixes platforms, engines, and design expertise from different companies, but such international combinations were far less common when this SUV first appeared. By blending Japanese toughness, Italian craftsmanship, and German mechanical engineering, the Bertone Freeclimber carved out a personality entirely its own. With fewer than three thousand examples ever produced, it remains one of those curious chapters in automotive history—proof that sometimes the most memorable vehicles are born from the most unlikely partnerships. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SILODROME | BRINGATRAILER | MOTOR1 | PALPOS.DISWAY.ID | HAYU_OPRUD IN INSTAGRAM ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
Heritage Fusion - Automotive history is full of moments when engineering meets imagination, creating machines that feel larger than the era that produced them. In the 1950s, when European manufacturers were experimenting with lighter materials and sportier designs, one remarkable collaboration quietly produced a car that still fascinates enthusiasts today: the AC Ace Bristol Zagato. Blending British engineering with Italian design artistry, the car emerged as a rare and distinctive evolution of the classic roadster that would eventually inspire the legendary Cobra.
The AC Ace Bristol Zagato blending British engineering with Italian design artistry, the car emerged as a rare and distinctive evolution of the classic roadster that would eventually inspire the legendary Cobra. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)
The story begins withthe AC Cars Ace, first introduced in 1953 and built around a lightweight chassis developed by engineer John Tojeiro. Early versions carried a modest two-liter engine, but the model gained new life when a 120-horsepower Bristol engine was adopted after roughly 220 cars had been produced. That upgrade transformed the Aceinto a far livelier machine, sharpening its performance and giving the elegant barchetta-style sports car the kind of pace that made it competitive on road and track.
The AC Ace Bristol Zagato combined the Ace chassis with a lightweight Zagato aluminum body and its signature double-bubble roof, enhancing both aerodynamics and distinctive style. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)
The unique Zagato-bodied version came to life through the vision of Swiss AC distributor Hubert Patthey. Convinced that the already capable Ace chassis could become something truly special, Patthey partnered with the Italian design house Carrozzeria Zagato. Their craftsmen reshaped the car with a lightweight aluminum body, dramatically reducing weight while adding unmistakable Italian flair. The design featured Zagato’s signature double-bubble roof, a functional detail that improved headroom and aerodynamics while giving the car an instantly recognizable silhouette.
The AC Ace Bristol Zagato proved its true capability not only through its striking design but also through its performance in competition. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)
Beyond its striking appearance, the AC Ace Bristol Zagato proved itself where it mattered most: in competition. The car was originally delivered to Swiss driver John Gretener, who used it in hill climb events around Lake Geneva. Later, it passed into the hands of legendary racer Joe Siffert, who continued to campaign the car in various events and historic races, including the iconic Mille Miglia. Its lighter body and agile chassis made it quick and responsive, qualities that helped it stand out among sports cars of its class. We apologize that a video of the specific car discussed is unavailable, so here is a video featuring the AC Cars Ace instead. | asSt90D_3Bs |
Today, the AC Ace Bristol Zagatoremains a rare and fascinating example of cross-border automotive creativity. Born from British mechanical ingenuity, refined with Italian craftsmanship, and shaped by Swiss racing ambition, it captures the experimental spirit that defined late-1950s sports car culture. Decades later, the car still sparks curiosity and admiration, a reminder that sometimes the most memorable machines are created when bold ideas from different worlds come together on four wheels. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | STORY-CARS ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
Heritage Unleashed - The automotive world has always had a soft spot for machines that blend heritage with daring experimentation. From classic race cars reborn for the road to limited-production specials that push design boundaries, certain vehicles exist not merely as transportation but as rolling tributes to automotive history. Among these rare creations stands the Ford GTX1 Roadster, a fascinating open-top interpretation of the already celebrated Ford GT. It represents an unusual moment when engineering nostalgia, modern performance, and a bold idea came together to transform an iconic supercar into something even more dramatic.
The Ford GTX1 Roadster, a fascinating open-top interpretation of the already celebrated Ford GT, was handled by Genaddi Design Group. (Picture from: TheDrive)
The story ofthe GTX1begins withthe first-generation Ford GT, a road car built as a modern homage tothe legendary Le Mans-dominating GT40. Introduced in the mid-2000s, the GTcaptured enthusiasts’ attention with its unmistakable retro-inspired silhouette, supercharged V8 engine, and old-school six-speed manual transmission. Over time, the model has steadily grown in status and value, widely regarded as a future classic. Yet even a car already so revered sparked curiosity among designers and engineers: what if the roof disappeared, allowing drivers to experience that powerful machine under the open sky?
The Ford GTX1 Roadster introduced a carefully engineered open-air design with removable carbon-fiber roof panels, giving the car a roadster character while preserving the original GT’s structural integrity and dramatic lines. (Picture from: TheDrive)
That question ultimately led to the creation of the Ford GTX1. The conversion was handled by Genaddi Design Group, a Wisconsin-based company specializing in convertible transformations. Rather than simply cutting away the roof, the project introduced a carefully engineered open-air configuration featuring removable carbon-fiber roof panels. The changes gave the car a roadster personality while preserving the structural integrity and dramatic lines of the original GT. Only about forty GTX1 conversions are believed to exist today, making the car one of the rarest interpretations of the modern Ford GT platform.
The Ford GTX1 Roadster features a cabin fitted with Sparco racing seats that emphasize its motorsport DNA, complemented by distinctive headrests inspired by those of the Porsche Carrera GT. (Picture from: TheDrive)
The design changes went far beyond the roof. Inside the cabin, the GTX1adopted Sparco racing seats that emphasized its motorsport DNA, along with distinctive headrests inspired by those seen inthe Porsche Carrera GT. Custom floor mats and door-sill badges proudly carried the GTX1 identity, adding subtle exclusivity to the interior. At the rear, a transparent engine cover revealed the mechanical centerpiece of the car: the supercharged 5.4-liter V8. With a Ford Performance upgrade package that included Wilwood brakes and enhanced tuning, the engine’s output climbed to an impressive 700 horsepower, elevating the GTX1 from an already formidable supercar to something even more exhilarating.
The Ford GTX1 Roadster features a transparent rear engine cover showcasing its supercharged 5.4-liter V8, upgraded with Ford Performance tuning and Wilwood brakes to produce an impressive 700 horsepower. (Picture from: TheDrive)
Although technically an aftermarket conversion, the project was far from a random modification. The idea originated with Ford GT development engineer Kip Ewing, who reportedly conceived the concept after slicing the roof off a scale model of the car. Ford quickly showed interest, and the work was entrusted to Genaddi Design Group while Ewing personally oversaw the process with regular visits to the workshop. The inspiration echoed the historic X-1 roadster prototypes created during the original GT40 program in the 1960s. When the GTX1 was unveiled at the 2005 SEMA show, the reception was overwhelmingly enthusiastic, confirming that the open-top GT captured the imagination of enthusiasts. | W81IU9neIE8 |
Today, the Ford GTX1 Roadster stands as a rare and intriguing chapter in modern performance-car history. It merges the legacy ofthe GT40, the engineering brilliance ofthe Ford GT, and the daring creativity of a limited conversion project backed by the original development team. With only a few dozen examples ever produced, the GTX1 remains an uncommon sight and a reminder that even iconic machines can still inspire bold reinterpretations when passion and imagination take the driver’s seat. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | THEDRIVE | ROADANDTRACK ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
Today, this unusual Simca 8 stands as more than a curious custom creation; it reflects a period when creativity flourished as Europe rebuilt after the war. Designers like Louis Lepoix reimagined what ordinary machines could become, while coachbuilders such as Karosseriebau Hermann Spohn transformed sketches into hand-formed automobiles. The car’s flowing bodywork and imaginative proportions still feel surprisingly modern, showing how innovation often begins not with massive engineering programs but with a designer, a forgotten chassis, and the freedom to create. Those curious about Spohn’s other imaginative postwar works might also look toward distinctive models like the Veritas SP90 Convertible and the Spohn DV‑13 Convertible, both reflecting the same spirit of experimental coachbuilding. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BUGATTIREVUE | WORLD CARS FROM THE 1930S TO 1980S IN FACEBOOK | THINGIES IN FACEBOOK | ROLLING ART IN FACEBBOK ]
