Italy is known to have many traditions, besides making supercars. It turns out that they make some of the best traditional lake boats, plus they are also a cultural and artistic hub of Europe. And on this occasion, we will discuss one of the Italian creations that combining all those elements above and then makes it very unique work.
This unique wooden Ferrari F50 car-shaped boat by Livio De Marchi made over five months in the process. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2VdIImy)
The Ferrari brand is one of the many famous brands from Italy that has become iconic for their automotive tradition, it's proved of more than 16 million people joining the Ferrari's fan pages. But due to the selling price of one unit of a Ferrari is fairly expensive so that not everyone can afford it. No wonder so many people dream of owning these Maranello-made supercars.
A wooden Ferrari F50 car-shaped boat running on the surface of the Venice River. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2zWYfj5)
To satisfy the desire to have a sports car, not a few people who conduct experiments even imitate one of the Ferrari car model shapes. If it's in the form of a four-wheeled vehicle, the easiest way to get it is to make a replica by using the base of the Pontiac Fiero or Toyota MR2. But a different thing was done by Livio De Marchi, who made a wooden boat that has a shape resembled the Ferrari F50.
The details of each part of this unique wooden Ferrari F50 car-shaped boat made in detail so that the shape is similar to the original supercar. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2VdIImy)
As quoted by Autoevolution, De Marchi spent five months working on it. The time was used to pursue the details of each part of this replica workmanship even made in detail so that the shape is similar to the original vehicle ranging from glass to the iconic Ferrari's prancing horse logo.
Unlike the original car that uses a 65-degrees V12 4.7L DOHC engine, the Ferrari F50-shaped boat made by De Marchi uses a Yamaha boat engine capable of carrying it to run along the water surface at medium speed. Thus the 900kg car-shaped boat became the first F50 replica that could pass on the surface of the Venice river.
To all those of you who want a Ferrari but are constrained by its exorbitant price, so the Italian gentleman's way can be an inspiration. Only in five months, his dreamed Ferrari can be owned even if only a wooden Ferrari F50 car-shaped boat. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOEVOLUTION]
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As we all knew, that in July last year, one of the British (road-legal version) racing car makers, Ultima Sports launched its latest 'mechanical beast' named Ultima RS. No half-hearted, the Hinckley-based company created this supercar with remarkable acceleration ability from rest to 100 kph only in 2.3 seconds.
Most of the Ultima RS body that already utilizes carbon fiber material so as to be able to cut the weight to the level of downforce and the best drag coefficient. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2V0peSl)
What is the secret? This capability could be happened because the supercar uses a Chevrolet V8 LT5 engine that is capable of spewing maximum power up to 1,200hp, where all the power is then channeled to its rear wheels, through the Porsche-made 6-speed manual transmission system.
But don't expect any automatic transmission options would applied on this beast, especially the newer variants developed by Porsche, the Porsche Doppel Kupplungs getriebe (PDK) or Porsche Double-Clutch Transmission. According to Ultima Sports, due to the automatic transmission is not suitable to represent the Ultima RS power.
Ultima RS also offers a variety of luxury for the supercar that is comfortable when driving on public roads. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2AFO5UD)
"The PDK system seen in many new Porsche cars is currently incompatible with the Ultima ethos, which is primarily designed to maximize driver involvement and to provide a Le Mans racing-style sensation experience on the roads," said Ultima Sports.
2020 Ultima RS uses a Chevrolet V8 LT5 engine that is capable of spewing maximum power up to 1,200hp coupled with he Porsche-made 6-speed manual transmission system. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2AFO5UD)
The designing and building with aerodynamic levels of race cars is almost no different even about the weight. Most of the body that already utilizes carbon fiber material so as to be able to cut the weight to the level of downforce and the best drag coefficient.
Ultima RS has a price tag of around $120,000 (the fully-loaded version) for those interested to have it. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2AFO5UD)
Then the matter of functionality, the British company said it remained a focus. Furthermore, Ultima Sports also offers a variety of luxury for the supercar that is comfortable when driving on public roads, ranging from air conditioning, Alpine infotainment and navigation units with Bluetooth, rear camera, parking sensors, heated windscreen, specially comfortable and ergonomic designed seats and layered by the Alcantara genuine leather.
As reported by Hyperbeast, after making its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2019 last year, then the Ultima RS continued to the production phase which would later be marketed with a price tag of around $120,000 (the fully-loaded version) for those interested to have it. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ULTIMA SPORTS | HYPERBEAST]
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Alfa Romeo often collaborates with various designers to make their concept cars, like they did in 2010. To celebrate Alfa Romeo's 100th birthday and Pininfarina's 80th. The two then collaborated to realize a beautiful car named Alfa Romeo Pininfarina 2uettottanta, which was read by duettottanta.
Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta concept by Pininfarina is debuted at the 2010 Geneva International Motor Show. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2Y6dfo5)
The 2uettottanta concept car is Pininfarina's vision of how the next generation Alfa spider car should be. Besides that, the 2uettottanta represented the culmination of a long-standing partnership between the two Italian companies and paid tribute to the iconic '60s Duetto roadster.
Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta is Pininfarina's vision of how the next generation Alfa spider car should be. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2Y6dfo5)
How to spell the name of this concept car often causes confusion. The first character is not 2 as it is often considered but the capital letter D as written in the Renaissance. However the name has a meaning: 2 refers to a two-seat configuration, 2uetto for the influence of the classic Alfa Romeo Duetto model and ottanta is '80' in Italian (for how many years Pininfarina has been coming up with such stunners).
Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta concept inside is spacious and comfortable. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2Y6mgxA)
This concept car looks beautiful and elegant with the appearance of red bodywork inspired by the typical Alfa Romeo paint. Meanwhile, 2uettottanta has a width of 1,797 mm (70.7 in), length of 4,212.6 mm (165.9 in), the height of 1,280 mm (50.4 in), and has a wheelbase of 2500 mm. And the faces of the 2uettottanta concept, in particular, is not such a dramatic departure from current Alfa Romeo thinking. And from the side, and the rear, the surfaces are smooth, soft, flowing.
Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta concept, in particular, is not such a dramatic departure from current Alfa Romeo thinking. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2Y6mgxA)
This car is equipped with an elongated turbocharged 1,750 cc four-cylinder engine, a power plant that evokes memories of the 1750 Veloce from 1968, one of many versions originating from the famous "Osso di Seppia" (Cuttlefish). Power is sent to the rear wheels via the TCT box. Another little jewel is the new design for the lever of Alfa's DNA adaptive chassis system.
The Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta concept won the Car Design Award of the Year for the best car design in 2010 in the concept car category at the Geneva Motor Show. And this concept later inspired the birth of the latest generation of Alfa Romeo Spider for the American and European markets in the future. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA | CARSTYLING.RU]
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In the automotive world, there are a lot of coefficient numbers that are needed when the manufacturer or whoever is engineering a vehicle. One of them is the drag coefficient, which is a measure of how efficiently a vehicle moves through the air. When viewed from this drag coefficient number, it turns out that the cars that exist today can not beat the drag coefficient numbers of a 1938 experimental vehicle named Schlörwagen, or known as the nickname "Göttinger Egg" or "Pillbug".
The Schlörwagen was nearly 7 feet wide, mostly due to its body panels that covered the front wheels. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/30LTW56)
This is a hybrid vehicle designed by Karl Schlör. This car was made as an experimental vehicle, which was designed very aerodynamically with a unique shape that rounded in front and then tapers to the back. Seem like, it is intentionally done so that the car gets a minimum coefficient of drag.
This car's story started, when Karl Schlör, a German engineer who worked for Munich-based Krauss Maffei, proposed a very low drag coefficient body in early 1936. Under his supervision at the Aerodynamic Research Institute (Aerodynamischen Versuchsanstalt, or AVA) in German-occupied Riga, a model was later built. The model has then carried out a test in a wind tunnel and produced a very low drag coefficient of 0.113.
The car was designed by German engineer Karl Schlör, who worked at the Aerodynamic Research Institute (Aerodynamischen Versuchsanstalt, or AVA) in German-occupied Riga. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/30LTW56)
The next car model was made in full scale built on the Mercedes-Benz 170H chassis using a rear-mounted 38-horsepower engine. The car's body is made of aluminum which was built by Ludewig Brothers of Essen. Subsequent tests of this full-scale car model showed a slightly higher drag coefficient but still in an impressive number of 0.186.
1942, engineers took a 130-horsepower Russian aircraft motor and bolted it to the back of the car for some test runs. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/30LTW56)
The teardrop-shaped car had flush-fitting windows with curved windows and a closed-floor. Furthermore, the car has a length of about 4.33 meters, 1.48 meters high, 2.10 meters wide, and a wheelbase of 2.60 meters. Although the body was built using aluminum, it was about 250 kg heavier than that of the Mercedes 170H. It was also mentioned due to the aerodynamic shape and its rear-mounted engine far back center of gravity affected the driving safety of the Schlörwagens and made them very vulnerable to crosswinds.
The Schlörwagen, like other aerodynamically-designed cars of the era, took the shape of an airplane wing or teardrop. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/30LTW56)
In a test drive with a production vehicle Mercedes 170H as a comparison, the Schlörwagen was able to run up to a top speed of 135 kph or 20 kph faster than the Mercedes; while the fuel consumption is 8 liters per 100 kilometers or 20 and 40 percent less than the reference vehicles. According to Karl Schlör, the vehicle could reach speeds of 146 kph.
The DLR made a 1:5 scaled model using the original plans and ran it through a wind tunnel to celebrate its 75th anniversary. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/30LTW56)
The experimental car was first introduced to the public at the 1939 Berlin Auto Show and was never mass-produced. Although this experimental car is capable of carrying 7 people in the cabin that is less comfortable, maybe this is one of the reasons why the car was never mass-produced despite being hampered the onset of World War 2.
The Schlörwagen could fit up to seven passengers in its less-comfortable cabin. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/30LTW56)
During the war, the experimental activities of the car were unpublished and almost forgotten. And in 1942, engineers conducted an experiment by attaching a Soviet-captured aircraft engine to the car body. If initially, they expect a result that can provide a breakthrough performance from this awkward and strange creation. However, after several rounds of test tracks in Göttingen. But a 130 horsepower additional power from aircraft engines did not work.
The Schlörwagen was first introduced to the public at the 1939 Berlin Auto Show. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/30LTW56)
After that, the only example of Schlörwagen was kept in a run-down building near Göttingen, in the condition that the chair and wheels were removed. Once, the British Military Administration eventually towed it away somewhere, and it hasn't been seen since. One theory says the car was sent to England, but there is also a mention of the possibility because the body was badly damaged and then scrapped.
And in 2014, the German Aerospace Center (DLR) conducted a retest in a wind tunnel of a model on a scale of 1: 5 based on original images of the Schlörwagen, to see how it performed. The results were amazing, they found that air clung tightly to the vehicle, without causing stalls or turbulence that would slow it down. One of the original drawings kept in the DLR archives in the scale 1:5 is on display in the PS Speicher transport museum in Einbeck. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA | WIRED]
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Nobody doubts that Jean-Pierre Wimille was one of the greatest racing drivers. This great French racing driver should have been the Formula 1 world champion. He who since he was young really loved the automotive world and began sketching four-wheeled vehicle design since the 1930s. His racing career began at the French Grand Prix in 1930 by driving the Bugatti racing cars, his dream vehicle until 10 years later.
1946 Wimille Prototype JPW No. 1 designed by Philippe Charbonneaux to specifications laid out by race driver Jean-Pierre Wimille. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3fkMdPt)
During the Second World War, Wimille began to think about building a very modern car. A streamlined body was designed with a panoramic windscreen, integrated headlights, independent wheels and electrical control gear box. Three versions were already planned, a 70hp Grand Tourisme; the Sport, with a 100hp V6 1,500cm3 engine; and a 220hp racing version expected to reach speeds of almost 300km/h. This was how the Wimille GT came into being on paper in 1943.
Rear three quarter view of 1946 Wimille Prototype JPW No. 1 uses a 56hp Citroën Traction engine with streamlined bodywork built by Henri Chapron. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2UC2pnM)
1946, the first appearance of the Wimille 01 prototype was an immediate success. The car’s shape and design was revolutionary. Due to lack of time, the V6 engine planned was replaced by a Citroën Traction engine, which made it possible to conduct initial tests over long distances. The prototype was made in 1945 and presented at the auto show at the Grand Palais in Paris in October 1946.
1948 Wimille Prototype JPW No. 2 with twin inset headlamps, and then restyled with a central "cyclops" headlamp. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2YpUXgB)
The 1946 Wimille Prototype No. 1 was bodied in Paris by Henri Chapron to Wimille's ideas, didn't much resemble anything that came before it. His concept had a tubular chassis, an aerodynamic body, 3 front seats, central steering, a rear engine, a semi-automatic gearbox, and a panoramic windscreen. The first prototype used a 56hp Citroën engine though Wimille had wanted to use a V6 engine.
1948 Wimille Prototype JPW No. 2 uses an 2,158cc, 8-cylinder, V-shaped Ford engine. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2YpUXgB)
In parallel, Jean-Pierre Wimille pursued his driving career, taking Alfa Romeos to a string of victories. But he never stopped thinking about his (car of tomorrow). To adapt his idea for a revolutionary car to the constraints of production, Jean-Pierre Wimille signed a contract with Ford France.
The restyled of Wimille Prototype JPW No. 2 in 1949 with a central "cyclops" headlamp. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2BSNBuk)
The 2nd prototype was redesigned by industrial designer Philippe Charbonneaux at least attempted to improve visibility to the rear. And the new prototype was fitted with the V8 engine used for Ford Vedettes. At the 1948 auto show, Ford presented two (Wimille) cars.
1949 Wimille Prototype JPW No. 3 which was driven for many years by the Philippe Charbonneaux's son. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2zopvGX)
The amazing car sparked immediate interest, and the model was on the brink of being produced and sold. Later, the Wimille Prototype No. 2 has restyled with a central 'cyclops' headlamp.
1949 Wimille Prototype JPW No. 3 was kept by Cité de l'Automobile in Mulhouse. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3hdEBjE)
But fate was to decide otherwise. On 28 January 1949, Jean-Pierre Wimille was killed at the wheel of his Simca-Gordini at the trials for the Buenos Aires Grand Prix. It was a terrible blow: with the great driver gone, the revolutionary car found itself orphaned, and in the same year Ford France withdrew from the project. The two Wimilles made their last appearance at the 1950 auto show, having clocked up 45,000 kilometers.
During his live, some sources speak about a production of four prototypes, others of eight. And today, at least three Wimille prototypes still exist today. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | VELOCETODAY | RETROMOBILE | CARSTYLING.RU]
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Hidden Gems - In the realm of automotive history, the iconic gullwing door-type often conjures images of the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300 SL from the 1950s to 1960s. Yet, hidden in the annals of American automobile innovation lies a lesser-known gem – the Ford Cougar 406. This concept car, born in 1962 under Ford's visionary gaze, brought a unique flair to the gullwing door legacy.
The Ford Cougar 406 futuristic concept car was debuting at the 1962 Chicago Auto Show featured top-hinged, electrically operated gull-wing doors. (Picture from: Kustomrama)
Internaly known as the D-523 "Cougar" was an experimental Ford built on a Thunderbird chassis, with fuel injection. The genesis of the Cougar dates back to Ford's experimental endeavors in the mid-1950s. Designed by Dean Jeffries in collaboration with Gil Spear’s studio in 1954 (largely by Samsen), this marvel was conceived as a response to Europe's burgeoning sports car market. The Cougar was more than a mere automobile; it was Ford's audacious foray into the realm of high-performance vehicles.
1962
Ford Cougar 406 designed by Dean Jeffries and uses a new 406 cubic inch
V8 engine developed 405 horsepower and 448 pound-feet of torque. (Picture from: Kustomrama)
Interior view of 1962 Ford
Cougar 406 Concept. (Picture from: Kustomrama)
Debuting at the prestigious 1962 Chicago show, the Ford Cougar 406 commanded attention with its avant-garde design. The pièce de résistance? Those mesmerizing top-hinged gull-wing doors, reminiscent of its German counterpart. Coupled with a robust 406 cubic inch V8 engine churning out 405 horsepower, this concept car promised a thrilling ride like no other.
Beyond its distinctive doors and powerhouse engine, the Cougar boasted other innovative features. Its swing-up headlights, discreetly nestled in the fenders, added a touch of futuristic charm.
The Cougar's silver screen debut came in 1963, immortalized in the film adaptation of Frederick Brisson's beloved Broadway hit, 'Under the Yum Yum Tree.' Painted in a resplendent 'Candy Apple Red,' the concept car dazzled alongside Hollywood luminaries like Jack Lemmon and Carol Lynley, etching its legacy in celluloid.
1962 Ford Cougar 406 featured top-hinged, electrically operated gull-wing doors. (Picture from: Kustomrama)
As with many automotive treasures, the Cougar's
current whereabouts remain shrouded in mystery. However, tantalizing
clues suggest its residence in Detroit, Michigan, under the ownership of
Joe Moridian. While sightings have dwindled over the years, the Cougar's allure as a symbol of American ingenuity and automotive artistry endures.
Notably, this wasn't Ford's first dalliance with the Cougar moniker. A 3/8-scale model had emerged in 1956, and in 1964, the automaker also launched a follow-up concept called the Ford Cougar II Concept. This model was intended as a rival to the Chevy Corvette. Later, Mercury adopted the Cougar moniker for a sleek two-door hardtop pony car built on the Mustang platform in 1967.
The Ford Cougar II Concept is built by Ford Motor Company intended to be an equal rival model of the Chevy Corvette. (Picture from: Motorcities)
The Ford Cougar 406 transcends mere nostalgia; it represents a bygone era of boundless creativity and daring design. Its gullwing doors may echo a bygone era, but their allure lingers, a testament to Ford's indelible mark on automotive history. As enthusiasts and historians alike continue to unravel its story, the Cougar stands as a timeless icon of automotive innovation and imagination. *** [EKA [13062020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSTYLING.RU | MYCARQUEST | KUSTOMRAMA | FORUM AACA | DEANGARAGE ]
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The Pioneer - In the roaring 1920s, the automotive industry witnessed an extraordinary leap in technological advancements. Engineers delved into extensive studies, paving the way for concept vehicles that would shape the future of transportation.
The 'Ugly Duckling' or (replica) 1923 Auto Union streamline concept while exhibited at the Bodelwyddan Castle in North Wales and was hugely influenced by Paul Jaray's aerodynamic principles. (Picture from: Robert Knight on Flickr)
Among the pioneers of this automotive revolution was Paul Jaray, a Hungarian-born engineer whose work left an indelible mark on the industry for decades to come. Jaray's focus on automotive aerodynamics and streamlining defined the futuristic aesthetic of numerous cars in the 1920s and 1930s.
1922 Ley T6, the world's first streamliner vehicle design by Paul Jaray during a test drive. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
Autoevolution recounts that Jaray initially made waves by completely redesigning the iconic Zeppelins, transforming their appearance from a tube-like structure to the streamlined shapes we recognize today. Born in Vienna in 1889, Jaray, after studying mechanical engineering, found himself in the hub of Zeppelins and Maybachs, Friedrichshafen.
The blueprint of Paul Jaray's first working prototype was announced on September 8, 1921, and followed with a patent application that made at the Berlin office. (Picture from: EcoModder)
Since 1912, Jaray actively immersed himself in aerodynamics, not only limited to dirigibles but extending his expertise to various forms. His groundbreaking work, initially applied to airships, soon found its way into automotive design. On September 8, 1921, Jaray unveiled his first working prototype, subsequently filing a patent application in Berlin for his groundbreaking inventions.
1923 Ley Stromlinien Wagen racing car using Jaray's aerodynamic principles. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
In essence, Jaray's inventions can be described as a design where "the lower part of the body has the form of a half streamline body, covering the chassis, wheels, engine compartment, and passenger compartment." This groundbreaking teardrop-shaped design set a new standard in the automotive world.
The American' Chrysler test car using Jaray's aerodynamic principles. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
Collaborating with Alfred Ley from Rud. Ley Maschinenfabrik A.G. in 1922, Jaray's principles culminated in the creation of the Ley T6, the world's first aerodynamic car. Adhering to Jaray's streamline principles, the Ley T6 boasted speeds exceeding 100 kph (62 mph) with just a 1.5-liter, 20 hp engine. In contrast, conventional bodywork designs of that era would have limited such a car to a maximum speed of 70-75 kph (40-45 mph).
Following successful car tests, numerous manufacturers sought to adopt and adapt Jaray's streamline principles. Undeterred, Jaray founded his design consulting company, Stromlinen Karosserie Ges., in Zurich, licensing his streamlined designs to manufacturers. Tatra embraced his concepts until 1975, and Maybach and BMW also incorporated Jaray's ideas into their designs.
However, it was Audi (Auto Union) that became synonymous with Jaray's legacy. His influence extended to Auto Union's 'Silver Arrows' race cars, with the 1923 Auto Union streamliner concept, unfortunately, no longer in existence. Despite this, a faithful replica was built and is featured in Audi A5adverts, showcasing the enduring impact of Paul Jaray's visionary contributions to automotive design. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOEVOLUTION | ECOMODDER | AUTOCAR ] Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
You certainly remember to the British automotive manufacturer named Vauxhall Motors. Historically, the company is debuted as a maritime equipment manufacturer founded in 1857 by Alexander Wilson. The Luton-based manufacturer began manufacturing cars in 1903. As quoted by Wikipedia, now the company is registered as General Motors UK Limited and is an affiliate of Adam Opel AG, which is equally owned by General Motors (GM).
Of the many cars that have been made by this manufacturer, there are several concept cars that can be said to be very interesting and unique. On this occasion, we will discuss 2 unique concept cars from Vauxhall that were made in the 1960s and 1970s. And, these two historic Vauxhall concepts that have not been seen outside its Luton-based Heritage Centre for nearly two decades.
1. 1966 Vauxhall XVR Concept
The XVR concept shown for the first time at the 1966 Geneva Salon, and the name stands for the eXperimental Vauxhall Research prototype. When it was exhibited, the Vauxhall XVR which had a front fascia resembling a shark's snout inspired by the Mako Shark II concept car, so many consumers were amazed.
1966 Vauxhall XVR Concept has designs inspired by the Mako Shark II XP 830 concept and debuted at the 1966 Geneva Salon. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3dPZqQe)
The XVR was largely the work of David Jones, Vauxhall's charismatic head of design in the 1960s, and included Wayne Cherry, John Taylor, Leo Pruneau, and Judd Holcombe. Besides that the car also featuring gullwing doors, pop-up headlights, and all-independent suspension, and the XVR's unique dash treatment was used to test reaction to ideas they had for the later Firenza model.
There were 3 XVR prototypes were built in total. Where 2 units were glass fiber rolling mockups with no engine, while the rest was a fully functional example with a metal body built by Motor Panels of Coventry.
1966 Vauxhall XVR Concept is powered by a front-mid mounted 2.0L Slant-4 engine for the power of 100 bhp. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3dPZqQe)
The single fully functional XVR is powered by a front-mid mounted 2.0 L Slant-4 engine producing around 100 bhp (75 kW; 101 PS) and the car was able to reach a top speed of over 100 mph (160 km/h). But unfortunately, this car was never meant to be marketed and its fate stopped as the concept car.
2. 1970 Vauxhall SRV Concept
This concept was joining the XVR will be another wholly in-house Vauxhall concept. And the radical SRV (Styling Research Vehicle) first shown at the 1970 Earls Court Motor Show. The car has the sleek, imposing shape belies its four-door practicality. This concept was the work of Wayne Cherry, the Vauxhall Chief Designer in the 1970s.
1970 Vauxhall SRV Concept designed by Wayne Cherry and debuted at the 1970 Earls Court Motor Show. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2Yn9jhw)
Although the car appeared to have 2 doors, in fact, it had 4 doors and 4 seats. The car's controls were mounted in the driver’s door. The car concept also featured a transversely mid-mounted engine and the car was constructed in GRP (glass reinforced plastic).
There were many advanced features embedded into it, such as an aerofoil nose, electric self-leveling suspension, and a 'manometer' to measure the air pressure on the car's hull, the SRV illustrated Vauxhall's forward-thinking technology stance that endures to this day. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA | AUTOMOBILES REVIEW | CARSTYLING.RU]
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One of the most famous annual racing events in the world held from the 1920s to the 1950s was the Mille Miglia. It was an open race that covered more than 100 km in Italy. Even from this event, many legendary cars were born which later inspired modern concept cars today.
This can be seen in one of the legendary cars made by BMW in 1937 namely BMW 328 Mille Miglia 'Buegelfalte' which had competed and also won various prestigious races at that time such as Mille Miglia, Le Mans, and others.
BMW 328 Mille Miglia 'Buegelfalte' was produced in 1937. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2UFYXaM)
And over time, it turns out that in modern times like today, the German automotive manufacturer is noted to have made several concept cars based on the legendary racing cars mentioned above, such as;
1. 2006 BMW Concept Coupe Mille Miglia
This BMW concept car was deliberately built to commemorate a remarkable moment when the BMW 328 Touring Coupé won the racing event in 1940. And this concept car managed to steal the attention through its shape which is an adaptation of the design of the figure of the legendary classic BMW 328 Mille Miglia when it was introduced to the public on May 10, 2006.
The concept car uses the Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) bodywork and built on the BMW Z4 M Coupe chassis. Amazingly it turns out that the concept car also has fairly impressive innards. How not, this concept car is equipped with a straight-six 3.2 liters engine similar to the E46 M3 model, so it is not surprising that the car is capable of spewing power of 340 horsepower.
Rear three-quarter of the 2006 BMW Concept Coupe Mille Miglia. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/37dTKwJ)
For the interior sector, the Mille Miglia Coupe concept is truly a fusion of the classic style of 328 with the Z4, which certainly gets modern touches. The material used is only three kinds including thin Stainless Steel, Untreated Cowhides, and Lycra fabric. To commemorate those legends car, in some interior surfaces there is a symbol made using laser technology.
2. 2011 BMW 328 Mille Miglia Homage
This BMW 328 Hommage comes in the appearance of a roofless two-seat concept car and was made to commemorate of the 75th anniversary (in 2011) of the legends BMW 328 racing car that has the remarkable achievement as the holder of the highest average speed at the Mille Miglia legendary race event in Italy.
The concept car is based on the Vision Connected Drive roadster design study that has been shown previously by the German manufacturer at GIMS 2011. In order to emerge its retro-futuristic styled fusion, the BMW designer took certain elements from the original 328 model, such as a sleek design, vertical grille double, leather straps on the hood, wheel style, double windshield, and doorless.
Rear three-quarter of the 2011 BMW 328 Mille Miglia Homage. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3f9jxcp)
And most of the exterior and interior are made of plastic materials that are reinforced with carbon fiber so that BMW claims this car is very lightweight and more stable than made of aluminum. It's noted, the carbon fiber reinforced plastic materials which are also ever used on BMW M6 and M3 models.
Then specifically in the interior, it looks like its two-seat also have a retro touch with the same materials used for the interior include carbon fiber, leather, and aluminum. Then there's a six-inline engine with a capacity of 3.0 liters was seen under the hood with the power burst estimated of 340 horsepower. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BMW GROUP | SUPERCARS.NET]
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