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Showing posts with label Automotives. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Automotives. Show all posts

Friday, September 4, 2020

This three-wheeler was ahead of its time, but nobody wants it

Traffic congestion is not a new problem for modern people living in urban areas nowadays only, it has emerged and has been a problem for a long time. So that many solutions have been tried to solve this, apart from public transport and carpooling, is by creating alternative motorized vehicles that are in a compact (small) size but reliable as a means of daily transportation.
1957 Jurisch Motoplan, a tiny three-wheeler prototype designed by a German engineer named Carl Jurisch. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/31EzjYL)
Like that we can currently see in the form of the small-sized vehicles from Lit Motors to the new single-seat vehicle designs are being worked on by the Japanese carmaker giants like Toyota right now. Turns out that the idea is not new, it could be seen in the figure of a charming one-seater three-wheeler made in 1957.
Only three prototypes of the 1957 Jurisch Motoplan have ever been built, and only one of them has survived. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/31EzjYL)
The vehicle in question is the 'Motoplan,' a single-seater three-wheeler is designed and built by a German engineer named Carl Jurish who believes that single-seat vehicles are the future of transportation. Besides being a talented engineer, it turns out he is also a motorcycle racer.

Previously, he had built his own motorcycle from scratch at the age of 23, as well as witnessed automobiles becoming immensely popular in post-war Germany. Then he looked for ways to redesign a car to make it more like a motorcycle. This futuristic vehicle appears with a full of innovative quirky designs.
1957 Jurisch Motoplan uses a 173 cc single-cylinder Heinkel engine and put out just under 10hp coupled with 4-speed manual gearbox. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/31EzjYL)
Yes, the vehicle was built by using an old motorcycle sidecar. Instead of a steering wheel, it had handlebars that looked more like controls on an airplane. Due to its really small size, so there is no room to pin a regular fuel tank, Jurisch designed the tank to be mounted at the back and pop up. Then the engine is installed openly like a puzzle box, with a canopy, tail unit, seat, and fuel tank that swivels up for easy access.
1957 Jurisch Motoplan can reach speeds of 55 miles per hour (88.51 kph) and presumably got good gas mileage as well. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/31EzjYL)
Only three prototypes have ever been built, and only one of them has survived. It uses a 173 cc single-cylinder Heinkel engine and put out just under 10hp coupled with 4-speed manual gearbox. When we talk about its performance, it can reach speeds of 55 miles per hour (88.51 kph) and presumably got good gas mileage as well. However, You could not hope it runs nimbly on the highway, due to it might look like a turtle in there.😆
1957 Jurisch Motoplan did not succeed in getting the attention of the automotive industry to produce it, because they thought the design was not attractive enough. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/31EzjYL)
When it was just finished, the designer took the prototype to a popular German auto magazine and asked them to take a look, but all he got was ridicule. Then Jurisch had also sent the car to a motorcycle dealer in New York, hoping to get better results.
But Americans preferred big-sized car models with tailfins, and even automotive advertising scripts at the time emphasized car length as a selling point. It seemed that 1957 was not the best time to sell tiny cars. Sadly, nobody wants Motoplan and no one was interested in their designs. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FASTCOMPANY.COM]
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Wednesday, September 2, 2020

This car was extinct, You couldn't be seen it today

Almost all show cars made in the 1950s and 1960s always feature attractive shapes that give a deep impression to those who have witnessed or known the existence of these vehicles in the past. Why is that? Because most of them appear in futuristic designs coupled with advanced features. But unfortunately, now some of these vehicles may have been destroyed after their service life is over or become the private collections of an exclusive circle of automotive enthusiasts.😢😢
1964 Mercury Comet Super Cyclone concept made the first public appearance at the Chicago Auto Show 1964. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/34qcaev)
It doesn't appear there was ever any production intent for the Comet Super Cyclone, Mercury's far-out fastback show car of 1964, but it’s still fun to wonder what if. Designed by Ford advanced stylist David L. Ash and his staff, the Super Cyclone was constructed by Dearborn Steel Tubing, a local Ford contractor that was also responsible for the Fairlane Thunderbolts, the Thunderbird Italien concept, and other exotic skunkworks-type projects.
1964 Mercury Comet Super Cyclone equipped with a 289 CID V8 and a Borg-Warner four-speed gearbox. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/34qcaev)
To create the Super Cyclone, famed designer-fabricator Vince Gardner and his associate Paul Shedlik, then in the employ of DST, started with a stock '64 Comet Cyclone hardtop equipped with a 289 CID V8 and a Borg-Warner four-speed. After removing much of the factory sheet metal aft of the A-pillars, they modeled and constructed a new outer skin in fiberglass. The revised look sported radiused rear wheel openings to match the front and a radically sloped roofline to support a large, wraparound rear glass.

As we can see, the car's backlight bears a powerful resemblance to the one on the original 1964 Plymouth Barracuda, just then going into production. Though we have no reason to presume it's anything more than coincidence, the similarity is striking.
1964 Mercury Comet Super Cyclone assume is destroyed once its show career was over. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/34qcaev)
Other custom features included a complete interior in white Naugahyde, Astro custom wheels with bolt-on knockoffs, and teardrop racing mirrors. The revised front end treatment featured a custom grille with fine vertical teeth and French Cibie headlights. The rectangular lamps were popular on the custom car scene in the '60s but technically, they weren’t legal for street use in the U.S.

The Super Cyclone made its first public appearance at the Chicago Auto Show (above) on February 8-15, 1964. (We can't help wondering what the Plymouth people thought when they saw it.) The fastback was also a regular feature of the Lincoln-Mercury Caravan of Stars, a traveling exhibition on the hot rod show circuit, and in the April 1964 issue of Rod & Custom magazine (below) it shared the cover with Ed Roth’s latest show rod, The Road Agent.

We don't know this, but since the Super Cyclone hasn't been sighted in decades, we assume it is destroyed once its show career was over (the usual fate of show cars and concepts at the time.) *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MACSMOTORCITYGARAGE]
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Tuesday, September 1, 2020

Little Dicky with Ducati engine

So, if you have enough free time, then try typing a keyword, "Dick Tricycle" into the Google search. And see what came after that? There is a French-made three-wheeled vehicle picture with no other information about it.
Dick Tricycle is a tiny antique three-wheeler on display at the 2019 Salon Rétromobile in Paris. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/31zKylf)
This unique vehicle model called Dicky Tricycle is made by a Paris-based coachbuilder company named Dick. In the early 1950s, the company dressed it with a three-wheeled platform and a small two-door body. However, it is not known exactly how many of these tiny three-wheelers were made by this French company.
Dick Tricycle is built by the Paris-based coachbuilder named Dick back in 1952. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2YDTjc9)
Its power comes from Ducati's horizontal 4-stroke 175cc single-cylinder engine. The engine drives a single rear wheel by transmitting power via an automatic transmission system coupled with a hydraulic torque converter and centrifugal clutch.
Dick Tricycle uses a Ducati's horizontal 4-stroke 175cc single-cylinder engine. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2YDTjc9)
In the cabin, this three-wheeled vehicle can accommodate two people in a tandem position (the passenger sits behind the driver). Finally, this cutie vehicle was exhibited in its original condition for auction at the 2019 Salon Rétromobile which was held at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. As quoted from Artcurial.com, the cutie antique three-wheeler sold at a price of €10,728 (approx. US. $12,688 or Rp.186 million) at the event. 
Dick Tricycle is offered from 10,000 to 15,000 at the 2019 Salon Rétromobile and sold at a price of 10,728. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2YDTjc9)
Most definitely modernized and restored in the past, now presented in a less fit condition. In order to restore and maintain the vehicle into good condition, and overall mechanical repair is to be expected. This original and charming three-wheeler will attractive, also delight its future owner in many ways with its rarity status and signature Italian engine. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ARTCURIAL.COM | CLASSICCARWEEKLY.NET | PIXAUTO.NET | INVALUABLE.COM | CHALLENGES.FR]
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Sunday, August 30, 2020

Lil Redd Wrecker

The existence of special utility vehicles such as wreck truck is really needed by automotive workshops in their daily operational duties. Besides playing an important role, its figure has always escaped the attention of automotive enthusiasts. Because in general, these utility vehicles have a less attractive and monotonous shape truck.
Redd Fox Lil Red Wrecker built by the famous builder George Barris in the early 1970s. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2Qjg6p1)
At first glance, a wrecker looks similar to a tow truck, the major differences between both of them only by the driver's scope of duties. While both positions require you to tow cars, a tow truck driver typically only tows vehicles. They do not generally perform repair or maintenance work, while a wrecker driver is authorized to do so.

So when there is a famous car builder who makes this type of vehicle so it becomes beautiful and even emerges a star in every attended auto show. This is certainly something interesting to discuss. The wrecker in question was built by George Barris in the early 1970s for Redd Foxx star of "Sanford & Son" named Redd Fox Lil Red Wrecker. The truck has an awesome piece built of the all-steel body tube frame, corvette rear-end, and suspension.
The cabin of the Redd Fox Lil Red Wrecker covered dominantly with red-velvet while the blue on its seater side. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2Qjg6p1)
This all hand-built body is made of metal and sculptured with the tilt styled front cab tinted sky top window and all. The oval tunneled grille shell housed quad rectangular English-style headlights and a chrome mesh insert.

And the gorgeous designed wrecker is powered by an all chrome plated supercharged 392 cubic inches Chrysler's mid-mounted engine. Another unusual feature is the Center Steering with right-hand power braking plus left-hand hydraulic gas pedal.
The gorgeous Redd Fox Lil Red Wrecker is powered by an all chrome plated supercharged 392 cubic inches Chrysler's mid-mounted engine. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2EyZbMq)
A square foam styled crushed blue velvet interior was created by Joe Perez plus trimmed in a wet look antique vinyl.

The rear wrench is electric push-button power operated and completely chrome plated. Dual MOON gas tanks are installed on each side of the body panels and finished in a machined groove. Extra-wide deep chrome reversed wheels are mounted on Formula Super Stock tires.

Unique pinstripe and gold leafing with Redd's character image were performed by the artistic talents of Ralph Stiers. The finishing touches are in 30 coats of fine sprayed Kandy Redd over a Sungleam platinum under the base.
The truck now runs and drives, when the current owner bought the truck in the 1990's he completely restored the whole truck, to make it run and move on its own. When the truck was originally built is was a pusher show car for the Autorama and indoor car shows, aka trailer queen. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BARIS.COM | TOWFORCE.NET | MOTORIOUS.COM]
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Saturday, August 29, 2020

Testa Rossa Coupe restored by Neil Twyman

Indeed, if we talk about beautiful and exotic sports cars there will be no end. Especially when the mentioned topic is 'Testa Rossa,' and you must be agreed with us if that's the most legendary name in the world's automotive as one of the famous sports car species made by the Maranello-based premium car manufacturer, Ferrari.
Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Coupe is a chimera model of two famous 1961 Ferrari 250 GTE and Testa Rossa restored by Neil Twyman. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3hxfV5D)
Even one of the 'Testa Rossa' named classic sports cars (1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa) has won several races like the Mille Miglia, 24 hours of Le Mans in the 1950s. Now, this roofless classic racing car from the Prancing Horse logoed manufacturer is listed as one of the most expensive cars in the world (its price tag ranging from the U.S. $12 million to $25 million).
Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Coupe still uses an original 3-liter V12 'refreshed' 250TR type Block engine. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2D1z2pe)
Well, the 'Testa Rossa' (not 'Testarossa') which will be discussed this time is a little different, because it is made as a coupe. In fact, the classic Testa Rossa racing car of 1950s had never been made by Ferrari in a coupe platform before. So if there is now a Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Coupe, of course, make you will ask who has built it?
Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Coupe is restored by Neil Twyman over a period of 10 years (from 2001 to 2011). (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2D1z2pe)
As quoted by Velocecars, this Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Coupe was built by Neil Twyman for himself over a period of 10 years (from 2001 to 2011). This is one and the only coupe car was built from a Testa Rossa and a half portion of the 1961 Ferrari 250 GTE wreck which had been in a crash and left to rot. From there, he restored it back into pristine condition by using a mix of authentic 250 Testa Rossa parts and his own fabrications.
Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Coupe is was built by simply adding a 250 GTE-styled hardtop over the legendary Testa Rossa body. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2D1z2pe)
For example, the suspensions and brakes are original type 250 as per what would have been on the cars in period. And as its powertrain uses an original 250TR type Block 3-liter V12 'refreshed' engine and coupled with an original 250TR type Ribbed gearbox.
Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Coupe is an incredible beautifully unique Ferrari red and cream build that just might be worthy of an inane asking price. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3hxfV5D)
Broadly speaking for the exterior appearance, this beautiful coupe was built by simply adding a 250 GTE-styled hardtop over the legendary Testa Rossa body. While the chassis was made by Neils' team using jigs from the original chassis they worked on. So it is clear, that's a chimera of two famous Ferrari models.
And if you've come to the end wondering why this doesn't look anything like a Testarossa, that's because this is a two-word 'Testa Rossa,' the prancing horse species of the '50s/'60s, not a one-word, '80s/'90s Testarossa. The result is an incredible beautifully unique Ferrari red and cream build that just might be worthy of an inane asking price. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FAST IS FAST | VELOCE CARS | INSIDE HOOK | HICONSUMPTION.COM]
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Thursday, August 27, 2020

The weirdest Le Mans racing car

In a racing event that is attended by many motorized vehicle participants from various teams and manufacturers, of course, it will not display a uniform vehicle shape. Yes, various designs made in accordance with the race requirements, of course, will also colorize the excitement of the event.
A unique racing car created by Mario Dalmonte, Carlo Mollino, and Enrico Nardi in 1955 named "Bisiluro Damolnar" for the 24 hours Le Mans racing event. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3hhygDz)
One of the racing events that always features participants with various motor vehicle designs is the 24 hours of Le Mans. This legendary racing event (since 1923), which is held annually at the Circuit de la Sarthe, Le Mans, France, is a venue to compete for the vehicle endurance when it is driven non-stop at high speed for 24 hours around the circuit.
The Bisiluro Damolnar with Carlo Mollino behind the steering wheel while on the speed at the 24 hours Le Mans racing event track in 1955. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3iSP3x8)
Yes, one of the most striking is the appearance of a bright-red open-top Italian racing car that took part in the 24-hour Le Mans of 1955 named Bisiluro Damolnar. Its name derived from the surnames of its three designers, ie Mario Dalmonte, Carlo Mollino, and Enrico Nardi. It looked very different from all the other cars that competed in the legendary endurance competition.
This 1955 Bisiluro Damolnar has a Giannini-tuned twin-cam, 4 cylinders, 737 cc engine mounted on the left-hand side (to counter the weight of the driver, seated on the right). (Picture from: https://bit.ly/34lxlyq)
This racing car which has the appearance like the twin torpedoes which in Italian is called 'Bisiluro,' is an anomaly, it’s asymmetrical, with no passenger seat, and has the engine mounted on the left-hand side (to counter the weight of the driver, seated on the right). And the 450 kg (992 lbs) weighed racing car running by a Giannini-tuned twin-cam, 4 cylinders, 737 cc engine of BMW 750 motorcycle.
The chassis as tested without the body. Note the standard radiator, test fuel tank, Appia suspension and round steering wheel. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/31ycm9J)
Out of context for a moment, the torpedo (siluro) shapes and names seem very popular to use by the Italian' automotive circles in the time. For example, Piaggio, the famous Pontadera-based scooter manufacturer ever made racing scooter species called Vespa Monthléry back in 1950. Shortly after, the real torpedo-shaped design also implemented to its record-breaking scooter known as Vespa Siluro in 1951.
An ovoid steering wheel, designed for maximum legroom, was probably the least weird part of this creation. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3hhygDz)
Back to the car, it is built on a Fiat 500 chassis and frames made of the tubular steel for a lightweight body and attached with an engine with a high (for the time) power to weight ratio, it is said the race car is capable of running up to a top speed of 216 mph (347 kph).
This 1955 Bisiluro Damolnar is built on a Fiat 500 chassis made of tubular steel for a lightweight body and an engine with a high (for the time) power to weight ratio. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/34lxlyq)
But unfortunately, its appearance at one of the most prestigious racing events did not make any achievements. During the race, the Bisiluro was literally blown off the track, after colliding with a close-passing Jaguar D-Type and sustained too much damage to continue the race.
After being repaired and restored, the unusual-shaped racing car now lives on display at the prestigious Leonardo Da Vinci Museum in Milan, Italy. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SILODROME | STYLEPARK | ROAD AND TRACK | WIRED | VELOCETODAY.COM]
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Tuesday, August 25, 2020

One of the jet-age inspired Alfa Romeo beauty creations

Of the many beautiful cars that used the Alfa Romeo brand in the 1950s, it turned out that there were those that had unique shapes and used unusual features to be applied to cars at that time. Well, the Alfa Romeo Superflow IV Pininfarina Coupe was another outstanding vehicle with its Jetsons-style sliding glass roof built by one of the famous Italian coachbuilder Pininfarina.
Alfa Romeo 6C 3000 CM Superflow IV Coupe by Pininfarina began its life as a race car ever used by by five-times World Champion, Juan Manuel Fangio, when he finished second in the 1953 Mille Miglia(Picture from: https://bit.ly/3kJBdis)
This Alfa Romeo beauty creation began its life as a race car with a very different coupe body built by Carrozzeria Colli, built to contest top events like the Mille Miglia and Le Mans. This particular Alfa Romeo is four concept cars in one, in total eight of the 6C 3000 CM's models were built.
Alfa Romeo 6C 3000 CM Superflow IV Coupe powered by the latest development of Alfa Romeo's fabled twin-cam straight-six 3.5-liter engine coupled with six Weber carburetors so it could be produced around 275 horsepower. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3kJBdis)
Yes, this beautiful car is built based on the reliable racing cars ever used by five-times World Champion, Juan Manuel Fangio, when he finished second in the 1953 Mille Miglia by driving a Colli Coupe 3000 CM.
This is the Alfa Romeo 6C 3000 CM (Competizione Maggiorata) Colli Coupe-winning car at the hands of Juan Manuel Fangio at the 1953 Mille Miglia(Picture from: https://bit.ly/2XWrdbx)
As we all know, this 6C 3000 CM has a highly sophisticated construction with a steel tubular spaceframe chassis, independent front suspension, a DeDion rear axle, and all fitted with a Coupe body created by Colli on the chassis 00128.
Alfa Romeo 6C 3000 CM Superflow IV Coupe by Pininfarina was the striking use of Plexiglass, this time on the domed roof as well as the headlight covers. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2Cq7NEy)
For the drivetrain, it used the latest development of Alfa Romeo's fabled twin-cam straight-six 3.5-liter engine coupled with six Weber carburetors so it could be produced around 275 horsepower.

Well, of those eight 6C 3000 CM’s models ever built, then two units were converted to the worthied car to be used on the road, one built by Boano for Argentine President Juan Peron and another was given to another famous Italian coachbuilder Pininfarina.
Interior view of the Alfa Romeo 6C 3000 CM Superflow IV Coupe by Pininfarina with simple dashboard layout features several instruments panel and steering wheel on the right. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3fVbIXC)
On Pininfarina's hand, the second car had been developed in such way to four prototype design studies and it ends with this incredible Superflow looks as you can see today. The car showed at the 1960 Geneva Motor Show incorporating the best features of the previous versions, the car was now dubbed the Coupe Super Sport Speciale or Superflow IV.

The plexiglass features able to see on the headlight covers as well as the domed roof. This time the panels were not hinged but could actually slide down and back underneath the rear window. As a result, the Superflow IV could be used as both a Coupe and Spyder.
Alfa Romeo 6C 3000 CM Superflow IV Coupe by Pininfarina could be used as both a Coupe and Spyder due to the panels were not hinged but could actually slide down and back underneath the rear window. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3fVbIXC)
The show car started out with a rather extreme, jet-age inspired design and finally ended with a strikingly elegant design, typical of the 1960s. It also influenced the design of future Alfa Romeo models, most notably the Duetto Spyder, which was launched in 1966.
And lastly, the elegant and incredible Alfa Romeo 6C 3000 CM Superflow IV had been succeeded to amaze the audience at Salon Privé 2017 held in the Blenheim Palace grounds for the world-renowned Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elégance in the Curvaceous Coupes class. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SALON PRIVE | CARSTYLING.RU | RACECAR.COM | ]
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Monday, August 24, 2020

The world's most weird three-wheeler ever

If we look closely, there are so many strange vehicles that have been made. Yes, it is very strange or unexpected and might make us think for a moment, why the automotive manufacturer can make it? Like this antique three-wheeled vehicle under Scoot Sociable brand made by a Bradford-based automotive company named Scott Autocar Company.
1921 Scoot Sociable Tricar is the world's most weird three-wheeler ever. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3fXk0hR)
How could it not be strange? If the conventional way to make a three-wheeled vehicle is by positioning 2 wheels at the front or back and the other wheel mounted in the center at the other, right? However, the British auto manufacturer made it with slightly different construction, ie by positioning 2 wheels in parallels like a motorcycle and the other is like the sidecar wheel positioned.
The construction of Scoot Sociable Tricar by positioning 2 wheels in parallels like a motorcycle and the other is like the sidecar wheel positioned. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3fXk0hR)
This is understandable because Scott Sociable is basically a brand of motorcycles and sidecars for military purposes. Or in other words, it could be said this three-wheeler once a military purposed motorbike and sidecar that designed to carry heavy guns which then is converted into a civilian version and draped in a car body.
Blue-print images of Scoot Sociable Tricar construction detail. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3fXk0hR)
As a result, after the brand made a three-wheeled vehicle, suddenly it looks weird as if unstable. If you are still confused then the fastest way to understand this unusual three-wheeler is to see it as a motorcycle with sidecar were draped in a car body.
1921 Scoot Sociable Tricar was powered by Scott’s own built 578cc water-cooled, two-cylinder, two-stroke engine linked to a 3 speed gearbox with no reverse. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3j9in2u)
It was powered by the company’s own built 578cc water-cooled, two-cylinder, two-stroke engine linked to a 3-speed gearbox with no reverse. The car itself had a wooden body mounted on a steel chassis.

These unusual look vehicles debuted at the 1920 Olympia Motorcycle Show and built between 1921 and 1925. But seems was no success, probably due to its inherent layout considered unstable and odds. However, during the periods, as many as 110 or so were sold of which 5 still remain. Unfortunately, the company folded in 1925.😢

In our opinion, it was worthy to be one of the weirdest three-wheelers ever. What do you think? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | PROGRESS | THEPETROLSTOP.COM]
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Sunday, August 23, 2020

Tom Meade’s final GT creation in Italy

Some time ago, we delved into the fascinating world of the Thomassima, an iconic car model crafted by the ingenious Tom Meade. The initial creation, aptly named Thomassima I, emerged in 1962, only to meet an unfortunate demise in the devastating flood that swept through Florence in 1966.
1969 Thomassima III 'Lacrima Rossa' is the third model produced by Tom Meade based on a Ferrari 250 GT Coupe. (Picture from: DriveTribe)
In the wake of this setback, Thomassima II took center stage in 1967, surpassing its predecessor in sheer beauty. Commissioned by a private owner in Northern California in 1966, Tom Meade completed the construction in 1968, and the car made its debut at the prestigious 1968 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Astonishingly, Thomassima II vanished from public sight in 1971, only to resurface in 2015 and subsequently change hands for a staggering $9 million, or approximately Rp.121.2 billion!
1969 Thomassima III is the third model produced by Tom Meade and the most famous of his creations now on display at the Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari in Italy. (Picture from: DriveTribe)
The culmination of Tom Meade's creative prowess materialized in Thomassima III, affectionately named Lacrima Rossa. This third iteration, born in 1969, showcased Meade's unique interpretation of Ferrari styling during the sixties and seventies. Built upon the foundation of a Ferrari 250 GT Coupe, Thomassima III stands as the most celebrated among Meade's creations. The additional moniker, 'Lacrima Rossa' or 'Red Tear,' was bestowed by Josh Lange, a close friend of Meade, encapsulating the essence of Tom's final automotive masterpiece.
1969 Thomassima III uses a 3-liter V12 Ferrari engine with a power output of 237 hp. (Picture from: RetroRides)
The Thomassima III emerges as a front-engined supercar inspired by the legendary 330 P4 sports racing model, housing a formidable 3-liter V12 Ferrari engine boasting 237 horsepower. Crafted with precision, the design features a carbon fiber chassis, molded seats, and meticulously handmade instruments, all enveloped in an aluminum body adhering to Tom Meade's meticulous design principles.
1969 Thomassima III has multi-level, multi-functional instruments, and hand made like most of the car's details. (Picture from: DriveTribe)
In an era where building one's car was a rare feat, Tom Meade stood out, employing coachbuilding expertise in Modena and utilizing aristocratic 1960s Ferrari components as the foundation for his Thomassima III. The sweeping style of this masterpiece is a testament to Meade's keen eye for breathtaking bodywork.
1969 Thomassima III's seats molded into the tub, much like the Thomassima II. (Picture from: DriveTribe)
The Thomassima III caused a stir when exhibited at Italy's automobile manufacturers’ show in Turin. Crowds flocked to witness Meade's creation, prompting event organizers to relocate the display to accommodate the enthusiastic throngs. Even Mattel, the renowned diecast model manufacturer, immortalized the Thomassima III as part of its Hot Wheels collections.
1969 Thomassima III is the third model produced by Tom Meade featured the gull-wing doors as the access into its cabin. (Picture from: DriveTribe)
Presently, Thomassima III rests under the protective care of Meade's adopted son in northern Italy. Though its odometer reads under 300km, the car has not graced the roads in decades. However, its timeless shape, embodying the quintessence of 1960s front-engined Italian sports cars, continues to captivate admirers.
Tragically, Tom Meade passed away in August 2013 at the age of 74. In the subsequent year, a revelation shook the automotive world – Thomassima III was not just a long-lost dream but a masterpiece deserving a place of honor in the Galleria Ferrari museum in Fiorano, right by the Maranello factory. An enduring legacy, the Thomassima III remains an awe-inspiring testament to the vision and craftsmanship of Tom Meade. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | THOMASSIMA.COM | DRIVETRIBE | DRIVE-MY.COM | RETRORIDES ]
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Friday, August 21, 2020

The eBussy electric vehicle with 10 different body types

Technological developments seem to be moving very fast in the automotive industry. And the use of electricity as a power source to drive vehicles is also increasingly being carried out by the world's automotive manufacturers. There are countless electric car models that have been produced by automotive manufacturers to date.
The Electric Brands eBussy,  a small commercial purposed car uses a fully electric propulsion base and also has a fully modular platform. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/31nrZzx)
In this context, the electric vehicles could be likened as the blossom flowers that really attract the bee's (the world's automotive manufacturer's) attention. As you can be seen today that not only well-known automotive manufacturers but also startup companies, individuals, even education institutes are also interested in developing it.

As reported by Carscoops, recently there is a small commercial purposed car that uses a fully electric propulsion base and also has a fully modular platform. This means these commercial electric vehicles can be converted from its standard form as an ordinary minivan to a tipper truck, pickup, and various other forms according to their needs.
With the standard battery option, the Electric Brands eBussy can travel as far as 200 km and also has other battery options for farther travel of the 30 kWh ones with a maximum power output of 20 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/31nrZzx)
The car in question named eBussy is the first electric car developed by Electric Brands, a German technology company. Uniquely, the electric-powered car has 10 different body types that will be offered to interested ones. Besides that, there are other special features of eBussy, namely its steering wheel position can be shifted according to the driver's comfort.
The Electric Brands eBussy has 10 different body types besides its standard form as an ordinary minivan, such as a tipper truck, pickup, camper, and various other forms according to their needs. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/31nrZzx)
Yes, the eBussy's steering wheel can be easily moved from the left to the right or even in the center, just by shifting the position of the steering wheel along the dashboard. The car's driving position adjustable ability is possible thanks to drive-by-wire technology. This means no steering wheel or pedals are mechanically connected to the front wheels because everything is connected and controlled by an advanced automotive computerized system. 
Here are other special features of eBussy, namely its steering wheel position can be shifted according to the driver's comfort. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/31nrZzx)
With the standard battery option, the car can travel as far as 200 km. If the driver wants to travel farther, he can use a battery with a capacity of 30 kWh with a maximum power output of 20 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque. Besides that, eBussy is also equipped with solar panels on its roof and brake energy recovery system for additional energy sources.
Although this car has the ability to change shapes like the Transformers, it isn't one of the Autobot or Decepticon gang members who like fighting each other in Michael Bay's Transformers box-office sequel movies. Today, the eBussy electric-powered car still in the imaginary form like the Transformers, but according to the maker, the real car soon will be made in 2021 and sold in Germany for around €15,800 or $33,309 (approx Rp.271 million). *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ELECTRICBRANDS.DE | CARSCOOPS
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