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

Sunday, April 11, 2021

Ferrari 250 GT N.A.R.T. Spider by Fantuzzi

ONE-OFF Throughout the history of the horse prancing logoed car manufacturer in America, seems it cannot be separated from the figure of Luigi 'Coco' Chinetti, Jr. Due to he has an extraordinary understanding of what the American market wants. As in the mid-1960s, while he assumed the spyder design would become the trend in the American market.
1962 Ferrari 250 GT N.A.R.T. Spider by Fantuzzi built based of the 1960 Ferrari 250 Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2 model. (Picture from: Supercars)
Previously, we had discussed about the Ferrari 275 P2 Speciale, a unique American styled sports car created by the design of Giovanni Michelotti under commissioned of Ferrari for Coco Chinetti Jr. based on the Bob Peak-made sketches. The car mentioned above was built on the basis of a spyder race car which made specifically for the Chinetti's racing team, the North American Racing Team (N.A.R.T.)
1962 Ferrari 250 GT N.A.R.T. Spider by Fantuzzi powered by a rebuilding engine according to Testa Rossa's specifications and done on by Alberto Pedretti and Alfredo Caiti. (Picture from: Supercars)
Well, those donor car was what we will discuss on this occasion, and the Ferrari 250 GT N.A.R.T. Spider by Fantuzzi is the car's name. The car began its day as the standard version of the 1960 Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2 model with the chassis number of #2235GT with the bodywork was built by Pininfarina. In the mid-sixties, its Pininfarina bodywork was considered too plain which was later replaced by Coco Chinetti with a new bodywork made by Carrozeria Fantuzzi was inspired the Ferrari's mid-engine sports prototype.

It is known that the car was built before the famous Ferrari 275 GTB variants were born, and was intended as its prototype model. As the result is a more dramatic appearance with an extended front nose and a 275 GTB-like profile car. Many of the race car features borrowed from the 250P such as the Kamm tail at the rear and the integrated roll hoop attached directly behind the interior.
1962 Ferrari 250 GT N.A.R.T. Spider by Fantuzzi has many features borrowed from the 250P such as the Kamm tail at the rear and the integrated roll hoop attached directly behind the interior. (Picture from: Supercars)
Once the aluminum-made bodywork was mounted on the 250 GTE chassis, then installed a rebuilding engine according to Testa Rossa's specifications and done on by former Ferrari technicians who worked for Modenna Motors named Alberto Pedretti and Alfredo Caiti. On those engine, they fitted the Testarossa camshafts, a new intake manifold with six twin-choke Weber carburetors and coupled with a 5-speed manual transmission system.
After completion the car was shown at several major auto show events in America, among others, the 1965 San Francisco Show and the 1966 NY Auto Show. To emphasize his credibility, Chinetti put the North American Racing Team (N.A.R.T.) logo on the back of the car.
After its show duties was over, the car was sold and since then changed owners many times before being owned by someone for more than 33 years. And in 1990, the car returned to the Fantuzzi coachbuilder for a fully restoration process until the mid-1990s. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SUPERCARS | ADRIANFLUX ]
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Saturday, April 10, 2021

All-new ferocious V10-engined Italian supercars features an AI-tech driving assistance

Unique ONES If we talk about the Italian supercar manufacturer, chances are that the name of the FV Frangivento will never come out of Your lips. That's no surprised due to many of the automotive enthusiasts may not know the company as one of the Italian supercar makers. However, that didn't stop the Turin-based carmaker to introducing their latest supercar model named the FV Frangivento Sorpasso.
Frangivento Surpasso Stradale was one of two new supercar variants released by the FV Frangivento, a Turin based automotive manufacturer. (Picture from: Autoblog)
In the 2019, the Italian manufacturer had launched a unique supercar with 1,000 horsepower called the Asfane DieciDieci, and two years before, in 2017 the Charlotte electric roadster debuted and offered for the price of $ 1.6 million (Rp.23.2 billion). Now in 2021, the Turin-based automotive manufacturer is launching a new supercar called the Sorpasso is mentioned to have a series of uniqueness and also as the continuation of the previous car models.

Frangivento Surpasso is available in two variants namely, the Stradale and the GTXX. And the consumers who bought the second variant have the right to change the "XX" mark into the specific numbers according to the choice of them.
Frangivento Surpasso Stradale appears in the hermes gray body color with a clean and elegant appeal. (Picture from: Autoblog)
Besides that the buyers of Sorpasso Stradale and GTXX have a special priority to participate in two personal programs called 'Programma Sviluppo' and 'Programma Ego' for 30 days. In which, they can work side by side with the FV Frangivento designers in designing the Surpasso cars according to their own styles and individual tastes.

In appearance, the Sorpasso Stradale is very different through its clean and elegant appeal. This is a show car that was chosen to the presented images on the company press releases, and appears in the hermes gray body color. While the Sorpasso GTXX, on the other hand, features a two-tones body and carries a more aggressive styling due to inspired by the GT3 Group's racing cars.
Frangivento Surpasso Stradale powered by a naturally aspirated V10 Lamborghini's engine to spew the power of 610 horsepower. (Picture from: Autoblog)
Furthermore, although not revealed in the images for the company press releases, both of the Sorpasso supercar cabins are said to be covered in Alcantara, as well as leather made by Turin-based Mario Levi Group  atelier.

The car will also be equipped with an optional Avatar Driving Assistant, which can be used as an intelligent co-driver with human features that can be adjusted by the driver. Those AI's technology system was developed by the Sistemevo which is claimed to have the ability to communicate by using natural language like a personal travel companion.
Those two Sorpasso supercars run on a four-wheel-drive system and are powered by a V10 Lamborghini's engine. The Stradale variant does not use forced induction to produce 610 naturally aspirated horsepower. Meanwhile, the Sorpasso GTXX is supercharged to produce 850 horsepower (634 kilowatts).

Such the power output allows it to accelerate from 0-62 mph (100 kph) in 2.9 seconds, with a top speed recorded at 214 mph (345 kph). However, until now the selling price has not been stated in the company's press releases. However, FV Frangivento said that the fans and collectors have placed their orders and will receive their cars by the end of July 2021. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FV FRANGIVENTO | AUTOBLOG | MOTOR1 ]
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Friday, April 9, 2021

The streamlined T-bird Mexico concept never been grew up

Concept ONLY In a motorized vehicle design process, sometimes it has to be stopped by non-technical matters. This also happened to a beautiful car design made by Alex Tremulis in 1956. At the time, as it is well known that Alex Tremulis' design philosophy had always been to strike a happy marriage between aircraft and automotive styling.
The Ford Thunderbird Mexico concept developed to be the reply to the Chevy's racing Corvettes. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
Because since teenager, he already inherently understood smooth flowing lines would not only look better but would be more efficient at slicing through the air. This might be achieved by him when he spent much of his time during the 2nd World War in the process of designing an aircraft to fly faster than had ever been achieved through the use of wind tunnels.
Alex Tremulis posed alongside the finished Ford Thunderbird Mexico model as it appeared in numerous PR photo shoots. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
This was later applied by him while working at the Ford Motor Company, when the American automotive company was in the midst of developing an equal contender model for the Corvette that was successfully made by Chevrolet, its rival compatriot subsidiary brand of GM. As it is well known, in the time the Chevrolet was already exploring design improvements to their 1956 Corvette that would eventually lead to the 1957 Sebring SS.
The Ford Thunderbird Mexico concept alongside a turbine concept illustrates how low and sleek it appeared compared to its contemporaries. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
By those reasons followed by Ford to develop the concept models through its R&D department. As the result, several car models managed to develop and one of them was the Ford Thunderbird Mexico Concept designed by Alex Tremulis with his automotive design philosophy, later it proven to be able to make the car speeding more than 200 miles per hour.
Another view of the 3/8 scale street scene provides different perspectives when evaluating various designs from all angles. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
In short, Tremulis managed to help Ford made the highly modified supercharged 1956 Thunderbird Mexico to be the answer to the Chevy's racing Corvettes, through the car's design refinement resulting of the large number of model test carried out in the wind tunnel including with the ground effects.

Initially, Mexico was made to race  in La Carrera Panamericana. The idea is that with less horsepower, the Thunderbird chassis can still win by using aerodynamics to gain a top speed advantage over other race cars especially Mercedes.
The 3/8 scale models of La Tosca and Mexico in the Rotunda with the model makers. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
It's a shame Mexico never made it to the full-scale model, plus a series of tragic racing events took place in the mid-50s, leading the Automobile Manufacturers Association placed a ban on the auto manufacturer supports for racing teams.
The Ford Thunderbord Mexico concept with an added-on rounded nose, similar to the late 1960's Chrysler Superbirds. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
This brought the development of the Mexico's design stopped, with only a few 3/8 scaled models previously ever been made and used for the wind tunnel experimental data collection process. The sheer size of these 3/8ths scale models made for better data in the wind tunnel than smaller sized models, but they took up a lot of room. It's unknown how many of these models were crushed after their useful days were complete. 

Despite this, the development of many future record-setting race cars and their drivers would benefit directly from the lessons learned by Tremulis a decade earlier. So the efforts weren't all for nothing. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSTYLING.RU | ]
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Wednesday, April 7, 2021

A Russian's workshop changed the BMW 3 Series looks into a vintage styled car

UNique ONES Indeed, so far we know that most of the world's exotic car works are produced by automotive companies from Europe (especially the western European region) and North America. Yes, that's the thing we cannot be denied, but that doesn't mean that companies from other regions can't produce masterpiece exotic cars such those.
2015 Bilenken Vintage Coupé built based on a modern BMW platform and debuted at the 2015 Dubai Motor Show. (Picture from: Russian Ambience)
That's we can be seen on the exotic car made by the Bilenkin Classic Car, a Russian automotive company. Turn out, the company can produce an exotic car model equivalent to those made by automotive companies from western Europe and America. Let's take a look, those exotic car works named Bilenkin Vintage Coupé made by them could be said cool and stand out.
2015 Bilenken Vintage Coupé describes the car as a “charming, old-fashioned, yet easy-to-use” vehicle by combining a classic design style but with a brand new engine performances. (Picture from: Russian Ambience)
The Bilenkin Classic Car describes the car as a “charming, old-fashioned, yet easy-to-use” vehicle by combining a classic design style but with a brand new engine performances. The car carries the retro granturismo model is also said to have combined the most advanced features in terms of safety and comfort that were adopted from the BMW 3 Series.

The car was built by the Russian company based on a modern BMW platform that is made in such a way as to appear in a luxurious, elegance retro style. It can be seen from the lines and curves of the exterior which said are inspired by the Volvo P1800 nor the Volga M21, while the interior is thick influenced by the BMW's rear-drive E92 platform.
2015 Bilenken Vintage Coupé's interior puts forward a retro theme but also has a modern premium class, which provides an almost similar atmosphere to the Rolls-Royce's hand made interior styles. (Picture from: Russian Ambience)
The interior puts forward a retro theme but also has a modern premium class, which provides an almost similar atmosphere to the Rolls-Royce's hand made interior styles. There are the carvings that run along the dashboard and doortrim using wood material, it looks so perfect like the interior of a super luxury vehicle with a special personalization touches.

Furthermore inside the cabin, as You could be seen a nice cross-breeding in between the classic and modern styles by the existances of the Volvo P1900's classic styled instruments cluster coupled with the modern infotainment features. Unmitigated, the Bilenkin Vintage uses a high-end audio system, even embedding the BMW iDrive features on its center console.
Yoe even could be seen a nice cross-breeding in between the classic and modern styles by the existances of the Volvo P1900's classic styled instruments cluster coupled with the modern infotainment features on the 2015 Bilenken Vintage Coupé cabin. (Picture from: TopSpeed)
"You will be surprised by the looks and strong, clear sound of the high-end audio we rigorously selected for the Vintage. This car offers a brilliant combination of modern safety and comfort standards, along with the style and quality of iconic old creations," said the Russian company in its press release to media.

Then for its drivetrain, the Russian company pinned a V8 4.0-liter Twinpower Turbo engine was the same as used by the 2007 BMW M3, coupled with the 7-speed automatic transmission system. So it's claimed to be able to produce up to 418 hp and 400 Nm of torque to move its rear wheels and make the car run up to top speed of 249 kph.
2015 Bilenken Vintage Coupé offers a brilliant combination of modern safety and comfort standards, along with the style and quality of iconic old creations. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
As the results of the retro styled car then became one of major topics amongst the world's car enthusiasts when the car debuted at the 2015 Dubai Auto Show. By looking at all those about the car above, we think it deserves to be aligned with the Roll-Royce in terms of luxury and comfort.

Although inspired by two iconic cars, you will not find a BMW nor Volvo emblems on the car made by the Russian company. Because this Russian manufacturer has a high level of pride and self-confidence to pin the Bilenkin Classic Cars brand emblem in the middle of its Vintage grilles.😉
As quoted from Wikipedia, the Bilenkin Vintage has sold more than two dozen units and each sold at the price ranging of €142,000. Until now, the car is still the center of attention of the world's automotive fans. A number of media have repeatedly made reported the Bilenkin Vintage since it was first appeared in 2015 and always received a positive response. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BILENKIN VINTAGE | TOPSPEED | THE DRIVE | WIKIPEDIA | AUTOEVOLUTION | RUSSIAN AMBIENCE ]
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Tuesday, April 6, 2021

What a strange fusion of 2 American muscle cars

ONE-OFF - In the realm of car design, creativity knows no bounds. Sometimes, designers take inspiration from existing models and fuse them together to create something entirely new and unique. This practice is often undertaken by individual designers who aspire to bring their dream cars to life, combining elements from various renowned designs to craft a vehicle that stands out in its own right.
1977 Cooper Markette with a combination appearance of the Corvette and Lincoln Continental Mark V is now owned by Randy Hammitt in a good condition as its heyday. (Picture from: Facebook)
One striking example of this innovative approach to car design emerged on the 
Hemmings some time ago. The vehicle, named the Cooper Markette, is a four-wheeled motorized marvel that boasts a distinctive fusion of a Corvette and a Continental Mark V. Constructed in 1977, this exceptional creation was commissioned by John Hurley, a prominent Chevy dealer in the United States, who proudly displayed it in his showroom upon completion.
1977 Cooper Markette is built from a complete Corvette, including its 350-cu.in four-barrel V8 engine, and combined with the complete Lincoln's distinctive shapes. (Picture from: Hemmings)
While details about this custom car are somewhat scarce, it is believed to be a one-of-a-kind or nearly one-of-a-kind creation. In the 1970s, a similar theme was explored in the 
Dunham Corvorado, which even made an appearance in a James Bond sequel titled "Live And Let Die." However, according to Hemmings, the Cooper Markette outshone its counterparts, earning the title of the best in its class.
The rear of the Cooper Markette hearkens to more of a Lincoln Continental than Corvette and uses separate panes of glass for its rear window. (Picture from: Hemmings)
Crafted by the skilled hands of Byron Cooper's workshop in Knoxville, Tennessee, this unique vehicle seamlessly blends the sleek aesthetics of the Corvette with the classic charm of the Continental Mark V. The foundation of the Cooper Markette is a complete Corvette, featuring a robust 350-cu.in four-barrel V8 engine. The extravagant fender blades reminiscent of a Vette are harmoniously combined with the distinctive shapes borrowed from the Lincoln, including a waterfall grille, stand-up hood ornament, and a Continental-style spare tire hump on the rear deck.
The Cooper Markette was connected to a petite coffin-shaped trailer when it participated in the 2021 Corvette show in Carlisle. (Picture from: CorvetteBlogger)
One notable design quirk that defies traditional regulations is the placement of the headlights below the bumper line, adding a touch of rebellion to the overall appearance. The exterior is further adorned with a vinyl Landau top, a split rear window, coach lamps, and rear lights reminiscent of the 1976 Mark IV.
The poor condition of the Cooper Markette in the 2017 before its fully restoration done. (Picture from: Corvette Forum)
While details about the interior are somewhat elusive, reports suggest a dove grey exterior with red trim, complemented by an all-Vette interior. The interior features a tilt-telescopic leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, Gymkhana suspension, automatic transmission, air conditioning, leather upholstery, wire wheels, a vinyl top, and a crucial stereo tape system with AM/FM radio.
The interior view of the Cooper Markette in the 2017 before its fully restoration done. (Picture from: Corvette Forum)
Back in December 1977, the Cooper Markette was listed in Hemmings Motor News with a price tag of $19,800. Fast forward to today, and it's estimated to be valued at over $77,000. However, in 2017, the unique vehicle was spotted in a state of disrepair, requiring a full restoration. Pictures uploaded by Darling, a member of the Corvette Forum, showcased the Markette's condition during a forum conversation in 2017.
Now, in the latest update from LSX Magazine, the Cooper Markette has undergone a meticulous restoration process and is currently in prime condition. Since 2018, it proudly stands among the impressive car collection of Randy Hammitt. The story of the Cooper Markette serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of unique automotive creations, bridging the past with the present in a captivating journey of restoration and preservation. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HEMMINGS | CORVETTE FORUM | THE MARK OF LINCOLN | LSX MAGAZINE | CORVETTEBLOGGER ]
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Monday, April 5, 2021

Sad story of the Alfa Romeo 412 race car

It's GONE Actually, you don't need a story consisting of a long series of words to describe the Alfa Romeo brand. This is because the activities of one of the oldest automotive brands from Italy have been going on for a long time with a row of four-wheeled vehicles that may have been countless to this day.
The Alfa Romeo 412 Spider Vignale (replica) features a pure Spider style with no folding roof, very long hood, 3-sided chrome air intakes for each side that are placed between the front fender and the passenger cockpit. (Picture from: Pinterest)
In the world of racing, the Alfa Romeo's name had also become a subscription of the championship podium in various world racing events since the 1930s. And of the many variants of Alfa Romeo racing cars, there is a racing car called the
Alfa Romeo 412 Spider Vignale which in our opinion is very unique due to had been changed the bodywork many times, but has tragic fates until its existence then becomes a mystery until today.
This was 1939 Alfa Romeo 412 race car, initially bodied by Touring before changed to its spider body in the 1951 by Vignale. (Picture from: DailyRevs)
Some sources are said that it was a race car built in 1939 for Alfa Romeo with an initial bodywork built by Touring which was later changed in 1951 by Vignale under a more modern and aerodynamic style in accordance to the Alfa Romeo's style at that time.


Well, the 412 race car mentioned above was knew as a design result of Vittorio Jano in 1937, was originally bodied by Touring built on the 8C 2900A frame, identified with the number of 412151, and it is likely the car's name came from those numbers.
The real Alfa Romeo 412 Spider Vignale driven by Bonetto (with Casnaghi as the navigator) while raced at the 1951 Mille Miglia. (Picture from: AlfaBB)
Furthermore, the Alfa Romeo 412 race car was powered by a 4,500 cc, 12 cylinder V-engine which was also used by the 12C race car of 1937. The engine was made in 2 monoblock of 6-cylinder engines in which capable of spewing of 430 hp and also equipped with a turbocharger.

The Alfa Romeo 412 race car debuted in the world of racing at the 1939 GP-Antwerp, which was held in May 1939 and managed to bring their racers at that time Giuseppe Farina and Raymond Sommer to the podium as the first and second place winners. Its briliant achievement continues at the GP. Luxemburg in 1939, it successfully won the second place with Clemente Biondetti behind the wheel.
The real Alfa Romeo 412 Spider Vignale features with 4-sided chrome air intakes for each side and hand written racing livery #427 while raced at the 1951 Mille Miglia. (Picture from: AlfaBB)
After the 2nd World War ended, one of the 4 race cars made was brought to Switzerland by Willy Daetwyler and won the GP. Bremgarten in 1948. It is clear that those race car then took part in different races to its original body but also to other cars made by Vignale at the time.
The Alfa Romeo 412 Spider Vignale (replica) has 4 headlights, two at the end and two turn signals plus the center. (Picture from: Pinterest)
As quoted from Carrozzieri-Italiani, the last Alfa Romeo 412 race car known owned by Felice Bonetto for many years until 1953. Under Bonetto's ownership, the Alfa Romeo 412 race car took part in the Giro di Sicilia racing event at the end of March 1951 and experienced severe body damage due to the severity of the reace's off road terrains. Then the car brought back to Vignale to repaired and changed its bodywork to the very light spider-style as its second outfit.
The Alfa Romeo 412 Spider Vignale (replica) powered by was powered by a 4,500 cc, 12 cylinder V-engine. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)
By using the new race car, in late April 1951, Bonetto (with Casnaghi as the navigator) took part in the classic race event of the 1951 Mille Miglia under the number of 427 and managed to finish in sixth place. In the next race which took place in Oporto in the same year, it won by beating the Ferrari 166 and Maserati race cars.

There are also other sources said, after the 1951 Mille Miglia, the car was modified slightly so that it could be used legally on the public roads. And later when it appeared to race in Oporto, the 412 race car was seen to have a more modern look under the spider style of bodywork.
The Alfa Romeo 412 Spider Vignale (replica)'s engine consisted of two monoblock of 6-cylinder engines in which capable of spewing of 430 hp. (Picture from: GentlemenRacer)
The 2-seater Alfa Romeo 412 Vignale race car features a pure Spider style with no folding roof, very long hood, 4-sided chrome air intakes for each side that are placed between the front fender and the passenger cockpit. While on the front, it has 4 headlights, two at the end and two turn signals plus the center. This car also has a trilobo, appearing in full form for the first time.
The Alfa Romeo 412 Spider Vignale (replica) has two racing bucket seats and simple dashboard. (Picture from: GentlemenRacer)
Unfortunately, Felice Bonetto passed away in a racing accident during the 4th Carrera Panamericana racing event held in Mexico in the 1953. Since then, the race car has undergone several ownership changings. And finally it was discovered that it was under possession of Enrico Nardi until the 1960s.😭
The Alfa Romeo 412 Spider Vignale (replica) powered by was powered by a 4,500 cc, 12 cylinder V-engine. (Picture from: GentlemenRacer)
The Alfa Romeo 412's death occurred in 1960, when it was dismantled, in which the car's frame, engine and body were separated and each had a different fate since then. As we are knew, the chassis was used to make a new car model called the Silver Ray and sold under the Plymouth brand in the United States.😭

It is powered by a 320 hp V8 Plymouth's engine and is said to have been designed by Giovanni Michelotti, the famous Italian automotive designer, and was intended to be a prototype of the next production series but never been happened and remained to be the only car.
The 1960 Plymouth Silver Ray Prototype built on the Alfa Romeo 412 chassis and designed by Giovanni Michelloti. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)
It was rumored, that the original Alfa Romeo 412 engine was remained in Nardi's workshop for many years until his daughter sold it at an auction at the end of 1998 and it was bought by Larry Auriana, an American collector (the possibility that he was still have it until recently), who was later restored by the Berkeley-based workshop named Epifani Restorations. 
Things are different to the Alfa Romeo 412's original body, whose its fate is unknown to this day. Could be said, that's a pretty tragic ending to such a beautiful, unique, and alluring 'suits', most likely it won't last and today it really gone.😭 And what you see in the video above is a replica of the Alfa Romeo 412 Vignale. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | RMSOTHESBYS | DAILYREVS | GENTLEMANRACER | ALFABB ]
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