You might be never heard of this Lambo

Among the many car models that have been produced by the Italian manufacturer with the raging bull logo, perhaps this model is little known to the speed-lover in the whole world until recently. The beautiful Lambo's species in question named the Lamborghini Islero.

Lamborghini Islero is a grand tourer produced by Lamborghini between 1968 - 1969, bodied by Carrozzeria Marazzi, and made as to the replacement of the 400 GT. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3ia5jZC)

The Lamborghini Islero is a grand tourer produced by an Italian premium automaker Lamborghini between 1968 and 1969. It was the replacement for the 400 GT and featured the Lamborghini's V12 engine. The Lambo species is also famous for its appearance in the 1970s thriller-titled 'The Man Who Haunted Himself,' starring Roger Moore.

Lamborghini Islero which is basically the 400 GT bodied, with good external visibility, a more spacious interior, and added soundproof for the comfort of the driver and passengers. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3ia5jZC)

The Islero’s body constructed by Carrozzeria Marazzi, the firm was founded by Carlo Marazzi, a former employee of the now-bankrupt Carrozzeria Touring. The car design is created by Carlo's son, Mario Marazzi, which is basically the 400 GT bodied, with good external visibility, a more spacious interior, and added soundproof for the comfort of the driver and passengers.

Lamborghini Islero appears in the 2 + 2 coupé style and visually intended to be a more conservative alternative of the previous 400 GT traditional style. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3ia5jZC)

The car debuted at the 1968 Geneva Auto Show sat along with its sibling, Lamborghini Espada in the raging bull logoed premium automaker booth. Although both appear in the 2 + 2 coupé style, visually the Islero was intended to be a more conservative alternative of the previous 400 GT traditional style, rather than the Espada which looked quite radical at the time.

As it is known that Lamborghini has been always to name its car model with the bull type names or also the name of the famous one, such as 'Miura' name for a Lamborghini car model produced from 1966 to 1973, while 'Murciélago' was named after another famous bull. While the 'Islero' name is taken from the bull name that had been killed the famous Spanish bullfighter named Manuel 'Manolete' Rodriguez Sánchez on August 28, 1947, in Linares.

Lamborghini Islero is equipped with a Lamborghini's V12 3,929 cc engine the same engine used by the 400 GT, Miura, Espada, and Jarama are capable of producing about 325 bhp (242 kW) of power. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3ia5jZC)

The Islero is equipped with a Lamborghini's V12 3,929 cc engine the same engine used by the 400 GT, Miura, Espada, and Jarama are capable of producing about 325 bhp (242 kW) of power then supported by the Weber 40 DCOE carburetor to supply air and fuel.

The engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission system specially designed by Lamborghini complete with synchromesh and hydraulically operated dry clutch. By using the aforementioned engine, it can make the Islero run-up to a top speed of 154 mph (248 kph), with the acceleration from 0-60 mph (97 kph) in 6.4 seconds.

Lamborghini Islero is able to run-up to a top speed of 154 mph (248 kph), with the acceleration from 0-60 mph (97 kph) in 6.4 seconds. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3ia5jZC)

By the end of 1968, a total of 125 units of Lamborghini Isleros had rolled off the production line. Then an updated Islero model is launched in 1969 and dubbed as the Islero S or Islero GTS, with several stylistic changes, including engine cooling vents on the front fenders, an enlarged scoop hood, and slightly widened fenders.

In addition, the side marker lights are made in a rounded design (not the teardrop-shaped of the old model), while the power output performance is also improved, with larger disc brakes and a revised rear suspension.

The Lamborghini Islero S is equipped with an updated V12 engine that has been tuned to produce 350 bhp (261 kW) of power, but with the same torque. The top speed of the Islero S increases to 161 mph (259 kph), with an acceleration of 0-60 mph (97 kph) in just 6.2 seconds.

At the end of its production period, 100 units of the Lamborghini Islero S had been built, bringing the total production of the Islero model to 225 units. It is also known that Ferruccio Lamborghini himself made the Islero his personal ride until the early 1970s. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | RETROPOWER.CO.UK | VINTAGE CLASSIC CARS]

Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone

The flying supercar is blasting up into the sky like a Jet and speeding like a Lambo while on the streets

The human being's desire to fly has been an obsession since a long time ago, and with more development of technology todays, it's possible to us be built the flying means are getting closer to the original dream, namely 'to fly like a bird.' Then what about the development of flying car technology? It seems that nowadays the development of flying cars is also possible, so it is not surprising that many companies have designed and developed flying car models.

The Firenze Lanciare, a flying car concept designed by a Californian designer named Greg Brown who is claimed to be able to run fast on land like a Lamborghini and fly at 500 mph in the air like a Jet plane. (Picture from: RobbReport)

Here is the Firenze Lanciare, a flying car concept designed by a Californian designer named Greg Brown who is claimed to be able to run fast on land like a Lamborghini and fly at 500 mph in the air like a Jet plane. The flying car mentioned above carries 'hybrid' styles which is able to make it a jet when in the air and a supercar like a Lamborghini when used on the highway. In either mode, the Californian designer claims his Firenze Lanciare will outperform any of the other flying-car designs under development.

While flying in the air, it uses the retractable wings extended, coupled with the the 2,000 lbs harnessing thrust derived from the two Williams FJ-33 jet engines, the Firenze Lanciare looks like a sci-fi aircraft. And said to be had an air cruising speed of 520 mph and a range of about 850 miles, thanks to a 300 gallon fuel tank. While on the road, Firenze Lanciare will uses two Tesla's electric motors with totaling 1,000 hp, so it can be accelerated from 0 to 60 mph such as the Lambo's acceleration, ie in less than four seconds.

With its retractable wings, the Firenze Lanciare able to turn into a jet with a cruise speed of 520 mph. (Picture from: RobbReport)

As a former jet pilot, Brown showed that most of the systems and design elements used in the concept are already present in the aircraft todays. These elements include a blend of high-tech materials to provide strength while keeping weight down, including its foam-core body wrapped in carbon fiber, a chromoly frame and aluminum chassis.

Furthermore, the retractable tires produced by several automotive manufacturers already meet its proposed engineering specs. Then they combine with the off-road truck suspensions to allow rough-strip landings, while the jet thrust and carbon-fiber brakes mean the Firenze would only need 2,500 feet of runway. 

While the cockpit is not like the most aircrafts have, its interior is a pure supercar. Inside, the avionics includes a head-up display and fully redundant mechanical controls backed up by electrically actuated flaps and stabilizers. The leather seats for four occupants are coupled with sound-insulating foam, while laminated polycarbonate windows combine strength and sound dampening.

The U.S. design team incorporated many components of existing cars/trucks and airplanes into the Firenze Lanciare. (Picture from: RobbReport)

So far, the flying car true uses remains an unanswered question and potentially invites endless debate. Not to mention that you still need to take off and land at the airport under current laws and keep appointments for private airstrips. Is it much easier to drive to the airport, switch to flight mode, go through the initial check and take off than just to drive, park and transfer to a plane? Do the flying cars still sound more fun?

Still, in every commuter's minds could generally be described as follow, they driving a supercar down the highway and suddenly blasting up into the sky to get out of a traffic jam, or backing out of the driveway, firing up the jets and using the street as a runway. The fantasy such as the Jetson are universal, and soon to be realized into real.

It indicated and can be seen on the PAL-V which has received its road certification in Europe and is expected to receive approval from aviation authorities next year, so that its production phase will begin in 2022. So it could be said the other flying car concepts will be increasingly possible to immediately realized. *** [EKA (15042021) | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ROBBREPORT ]

Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone.

The most expensive classic car in the history of Aston Martin

It is one of only three cars in the 1950s to win the World Sportcar Championship and the Le Mans 24 Hours (the others being the Ferrari 375 Plus in 1954 and the Ferrari 250TR in 1958). And that car is the Aston Martin DBR 1, a classic sports car that recently made history by setting a new record as the most expensive Aston Martin sportscar ever sold in an auction event.

Aston Martin DBR 1 is crowned as the most expensive Aston Martin sportscar ever sold in an auction event. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3i4bPRX)

The Aston Martin DBR1 is an Aston Martin sports racing car (made started in 1956 to 1959) with only 5 units ever made and intended for the World Sportcar Championship as well as non-championship sports car racing at that time. It is most famous for being the winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1959, the Aston Martin's only straight win in the endurance classic. 

Aston Martin DBR 1 is won its first world title in the 1959 Nürburgring 1,000 km event and driven by legendary racers, namely Sterling Moss, Jack Fairman, and Carroll Shelby. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3i4bPRX)

Its first world title was won at a different event, namely the Nürburgring 1,000 Km in 1959. At that time the car was driven by veteran racers, namely Sterling Moss, Jack Fairman, and Carroll Shelby. In that event, the Aston Martin DBR1/300 led with a record of 7 hours 33 minutes 18.44 seconds driven by Stirling Moss and Jack Fairman. Both won the event and lifted Aston Martin to 3rd place in the F.I.A World Sportscar Championship. 

Aston Martin DBR 1 uses an inline-six 2,922cc engine capable burst out the power of 256 hp @ 6,520 rpm. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3i4bPRX)

In addition, six victories in the World Sportcar Championship racing event was a record for any car in the 1950s and remained a championship record until it was surpassed by the Ferrari 250TR. Three consecutive wins in 1959 at the Nürburgring, Le Mans, and the Tourist Trophy equaled the record set by the Ferrari 250TR with its three consecutive wins at the start of the 1958 season.

Aston Martin DBR 1 is sold at a price of the US $22.55 million at the 2017 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in Monterey, California. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3i4bPRX)

In August 2017, at an auction held by RM Sotheby's at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in Monterey, California, United States, this classic car sold for the US $ 22.55 million or nearly Rp.300 billion. However, the identity of the new owner of this exotic car is not yet known. Previously it was known that the car was owned by several famous people such as Caroll Shelby, Stirling Moss, Roy Salvadori, and Reg Parnell and others.

RM Sotheby's said that the DBR1 racing car with chassis number 1 (DBR 1/1), the engine series number RB6/300/3 with 6 bars and 5 manual transmissions was the most important Aston Martin car as well as the best production ever made by RS William since DBR1 began to be made by the British manufacturer.

Actually, Aston Martin has other models that are no less legendary like the Aston Martin DB5. This model car was used by a famous 007 British (M16) spy agent James Bond (played by Sean Connery) in the 1964  movie-titled of Goldfinger. However, DB5's popularity was successfully beaten by DBR 1 now as the most expensive Aston Martin car ever. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA | MOTORAUTHORITY | TOP SPEED]

Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone

Buick Roadmaster custom wrecker

Usually, we discuss these unique cars in beautiful and smooth conditions like the special vehicle-entitled Lil Redd Wrecker by George Barris. However, this time we will look at and discuss a such car, both in form and function but in the conditions as they are.

1950 Buick Roadmaster Custom Wrecker built by a Buick dealership near or in Oakland, California. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2ZP2ebk)

This is Buick Roadmaster Custom Wrecker which is believed to be a special vehicle that was modified in the 1950s. Although there is no official record regarding it, judging from the condition when it was found it still looks very good as it can be concluded that the custom car is made by a reliable auto builder.

It’s also stated the car runs fine, stops, and is ready for wrecking duty should it come to that. As quoted from Barn Finds, this special car was found in dry storage for years in northern California, and now in Lynchburg, Virginia.

1950 Buick Roadmaster Custom Wrecker was found in dry storage for years in northern California. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2ZP2ebk)

First glance, when you see the shape of this car from the side like a complete Buick Roadmaster where you can't see the shape of a tow car. There are something unique features especially embedded in the wrecker, the boom actually retracts into the floor of the bed. 

That's why it doesn't look like a tow truck, and we thought it’s almost like a James Bond car.😅 And according to the seller, the car that started life as a luxury car was later converted into a wrecker by a Buick dealership near or in Oakland, California with extraordinary craftsmanship.

1950 Buick Roadmaster Custom Wrecker has a special boom actually retracts into the floor of the bed. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2ZP2ebk)

As quoted by Hemmings, the unique Buick Roadmaster custom wrecker is built by a couple of friends named Harper Honea and Clark Burr, who often worked together in the town of Susanville, California. So when Burr decided to go into business as a Buick dealer in 1948, he enlisted Honea’s help in building the dealership on Susanville’s Main Street.

1950 Buick Roadmaster Custom Wrecker is known to be sold with a price tag of $45,000 in 2016. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2ZP2ebk)

Not a big Buick dealer, it can be seen when the two of them are seen doing all the construction work on the building. And when the dealership operates, Honea is the only full-time mechanic in there. According to Harper's son, Darrel Honea, a few years later, his father and their Clark Burr stumbled upon a pair of Buick Roadmaster wrecks, both 1950s, both originally sold through the dealer.

1950 Buick Roadmaster Custom Wrecker while was used as a special big tow vehicle at a Buick dealer in California. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/35Sihci)

So over the course of the next few years, Honea pieced the cars back together, shortened the cabin, and added the bed, boom, generator, and motor to turn the Roadmaster into a wrecker, all according to plans previously had engineered by Burr. And the dealer is operated the Buick custom wrecker until the 1970s.

And in 2016 this unique big tow car is known to be sold with a price tag of $45,000, but it was not stated whether the unique wrecker was successfully sold at the price the seller wanted. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BARN FINDS | GM AUTHORITY | RODAUTHORITY | HEMMINGS]

Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone

Meet the most influential Porsche You've never heard of

It could be said, if there weren't any of the following vehicles, maybe Porsche would never have had a racing program, at least, none that were so entrenched from the start. Yes, this car begins with the figure of Walter Glöckler was initially a motorcycle racer and owner of a car dealer in Frankfurt.

The 1954 Glöckler-Porsche 356 Coupe is the forerunner to the rise of the Porsche in the modern world of racing. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/33TSNbI)

By his curiosity about a car, made him able to spend countless hours of tinkering so then led him became an early adopter of a strange kind of new racing car model which is later known as the Glöckler-Porsche 356 Coupe, a progenitor of Porsche's greatness on the racing tracks.

The 1954 Glöckler-Porsche 356 Coupe has vertical headlights, including a third one placed in the center beside its rounded headlights in the front. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3j0EJn7)

From its appearance, the Glöckler-Porsche 356 was indeed very different from other Porsche 356s, which began to be produced by this German manufacturer in 1948. Well, shortly after being launched, 6 units were assembled by Glöckler and his team into racing cars from the Porsche and Volkswagen parts.

There's a Porsche badge along with a small-sized Glöckler-logo above the third headlights of the 1954 Glöckler-Porsche 356 Coupe. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/33TSNbI)

The new racing car uses an all hand-hammered aluminum body, so then no wonder the weighs less than 1,000 lbs. Thanks to Glöckler's unique expertise to improve the Porsche design, so it is not surprising that his racing car started to reap great results on the track when it managed to win car races under 1,000cc across Germany in those days.

The 1954 Glöckler-Porsche 356 Coupe uses a Type 547 quad-cam engine from the 550 Spyder, the same engine that would eventually support the 356 Carrera. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/33TSNbI)

When the Glöckler racing cars wandered to many racing tracks at that time continued to make the best achievements, vice versa Porsche experienced different things, the German manufacturer is experiencing financial problems led it had an impact on many aspects. One of them that there is no time and means can be allocated to compete on the racing track. Despite these conditions, previously the Zuffenhausen engineers have been attracted by Glöckler's efforts and already gave him their full support.

The 1954 Glöckler-Porsche 356 Coupe appears with a simple dashboard that features several instrument panels and a rounded steering wheel. (Picture from https://bit.ly/33TSNbI)

In the 1950s, Porsche's financial condition was slightly improving and stable, the company decided to produce racing cars again. And they then borrow the Glöckler design for the Porsche 550 Spyder racing car to compete in the Le Mans racing event with Helmut Glöckler (Walter Glöckler's cousin) behind the wheel. Well, it could be said this car was the company savior on the racing track at the time.

The 1954 Glöckler-Porsche 356 Coupe has special features like wheel spats on all four corners. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/33TSNbI)

Even though on early Glöckler-Porsche model was considered a somewhat eccentric, at first glance, resembling a bathtub, with a small pillbox bunker to accommodate its driver. But on later models also included features such as wheel spats on all four corners, small chrome grills on the front, and upright headlights.

The window frames of the 1954 Glöckler-Porsche 356 Coupe were misaligned. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/33TSNbI)

Although all of these racing car models have never achieved huge success on the racing circuit or even matched the achievements of the inspired models, clearly today, all of them become something that is very valuable in the hands of collectors.

The story didn’t end there, the Glöckler's seventh model was designed to compete in the 1954 Mille Miglia is considered sleek and beautiful. The car has a panoramic window split down the center, wheel arches cut into the body, vertical headlights, including a third one placed in the center.

The 1954 Glöckler-Porsche 356 Coupe has a panoramic window split down the center. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/32YyESF)

Subsequently, the window frames were misaligned, the door was cut into the roof, and tailfins were added on the rear. The engine provided by Porsche engineer Ernst Fuhrmann was a Type 547 quad-cam from the 550 Spyder, the same engine that would eventually support the 356 Carrera.

Due to production delays, the Glöckler-Porsche 356 Coupe had to miss the starting lineup at Brescia but it was still able to compete in the Liège-Rome-Liège rally, even though it should be limped to cross the finish line due to serious technical problems.

In 2014, this coupe known to be sold privately. And then traveling from one exhibition to another around the globe, so far it able to make Porsche enthusiasts delight, at the same time made them feel surprised as well while to see there's a Porsche badge above the third headlights on something otherwise not similar to the Porsche car model generally. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ROAD & TRACK | THE AUTO GALLERY]

Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone

The 812 Superfast goes into the next level

Maybe you still remember the figure of the Ferrari 250 GTO, one of the great iconic cars ever made by Ferrari, the Italian renowned premium car manufacturer with the prancing horse logoed in the 1960s.

Just to refresh our memory, the Ferrari 250 GTO ('Gran Turismo Omologata' or 'Grand Touring Homologated' in English) is a GT class car is used a V12 Tipo 168/62 Colombo engine and produced from 1962 to 1964 for fulfilling the homologation condition on the  FIA's Grand Touring Car Group 3 category.

Ferrari Omologata is a unique coachbuilt one-off model and is described by the Maranello-based manufacturer as a vibrant evocation of the values that define Ferrari in relation to GT racing. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3i4ZSvc)

In the present context, perhaps in your mind as a speed lover who idolizes the Italian prancing horse species wondering, is Ferrari in officially launching a model like the iconic 250 GTO once again? It seems those whisper echos had reached to the Maranello-based auto manufacturer and tease them to do something.

Ferrari Omologata designed by a variety of subtle nods of design inspired by science fiction, racing heritage, and modern architecture. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3i4ZSvc)

And now here's good news, Ferrari has officially launched its newest model although only one unit is made under the name Ferrari Omologata.

As quoted from Top Gear, this is a unique coachbuilt one-off model and is described by the Maranello-based manufacturer as a vibrant evocation of the values that define Ferrari in relation to GT racing. Also, it said as equally at ease on the road as it is hitting the apex on the track in the hands of a true gentleman driver.

Ferrari Omologata sweeps back to the rear with a new three horizontal transverses 'cuts', while the new rear spoiler is said to offer downforce, and set off the car’s 'aggressive, sporty stance.' (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3i4ZSvc)

This beautiful car was built by a Ferrari's special design team headed by Flavio Manzoni which is made entirely of aluminum, with a flattened oval grille, which tapers up to a rounded section over the front wheel arches. It sweeps back to the rear with a new three horizontal transverses 'cuts', while the new rear spoiler is said to offer downforce, and set off the car’s 'aggressive, sporty stance.'

Furthermore, Ferrari said that the Omologata was made especially under commission of a 'discerning European client' and was completed in about 2 years and had much to express. And among those many things, this Omologata is built on the base of the Ferrari 812 Superfast model where all that's left of 812 is the headlights, windshield, and chassis, while the rest is a variety of subtle nods of design inspired by science fiction, racing heritage, and modern architecture.

Ferrari Omologata uses a 6.5-liter V12 engine that is estimated to be capable of producing 789bhp of power and described as more a transcendental celebration of the internal combustion. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3i4ZSvc)

Even though it uses the same drivetrain as the 812 Superfast, a 6.5-liter V12 engine that is estimated to be capable of producing 789bhp of power, the Omologata's engine isn’t so much a big, powerful engine, and described as more a transcendental celebration of the internal combustion. Unfortunately, there is no performance record yet, although the Italian manufacturer says that this model has tested it on the Ferrari’s Fiorano test track.

Then what should be underlined about this model is the use of a new red color for the livery called Rosso Magma with a dark carbon fiber coating and special racing graphics developed by the Italian premium car manufacturer.

Inside, the leather/fabric seats are electric blue with four-point racing harnesses, and there are metal parts covered with a 'cracked paint' effect on the dashboard and steering wheel, to reflect Ferrari’s Fifties and Sixties GT racers. There is even a 'paint hammer' effect on the doorknobs and the center 'bridge' console. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TOP GEAR]

Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone