Unique ONES For those of you had ever felt life in the 1980s or 1990s, you may still remember the supercars that were hits at that time. Whether it's the Lamborghini Countach, Ferrari 512 Testarossa or any other supercar. Now those cars mentioned above are classified as rare and much sought after, and here's another of the most limited considered as well forgotten ones is the De Tomaso Pantera GT5-S.
De Tomaso Pantera GT5-S along with its GT5 sibling is produced back in the 1980s as a radical refresher to the Pantera design. (Picture from: BlackXperience)
As we all know, this supercar is one of the car variants of the De Tomaso Pantera models that was developed by an Italian automaker based in Modena called De Tomaso Modena SpA. (todays De Tomaso Automobili) ranging of 1971 to 1993.
De Tomaso Pantera GT5-S featured with its new 'wide-body stance,' represented the first significant body redesign of the Pantera since its introduction back in the 1971. (Picture from: BlackXperience)
As quoted of SportsCarDigest, by launching these variants intended to be a radical refresher to the Pantera design that consisting of the Pantera GT5 and GT5-S. Furthermore, the GT5 variant was firstly develop based on the GTS in 1980, followed by the GT5-S variant in 1984.
De Tomaso Pantera GT5-S has an advanced neatly interior upholstered in tan leather and appointed with burlwood trim, black Veglia gauges with green numerics. (Picture from: BlackXperience)
Actually both Pantera variants have the
same shape, but only slightly differ from their bodywork material (where
the GT5 has a fiberglass-made bodywork, while the GT5-S is made of
all-stell). Although the racing aura is not as thick as Ferrari or Lamborghini, but the car appeared with a thick Italian style coupled with an American-made Ford V-8 engine capable to make it accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in just 5.5 seconds.
De Tomaso Pantera GT5-S is powered by an American-made Ford V-8 engine that can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in just 5.5 seconds. (Picture from: BlackXperience)
With
such a tremendous burst of power from an American-made engine and combined
with Italian-touches technical capabilities, this car is the right
combination for those of you who like high performance classic cars. Plus its
slim body and the distinctive appearance of a supercar, and of course
it will attract many eyes.
Even
though the racing aura of De Tomaso Pantera GT5-S is not as thick as
Ferrari or Lamborghini, it feels like the car also really deserves to be
one of the iconic supercars of the 1980s. (Picture from: RoadAndTrack)
Especially if you look at the number of units that have been produced by the maker, the De Tomaso Pantera GT5-S is much more worthy of being a collectible item because it only produced 182 units when compared to the Lamborghini Countach which was made in an amount of around 2042 units worldwide. It feels like this car really deserves to be one of the iconic supercars of the 1980s equal to the Lamborghini and Ferrari supercars.
According to BlackXperience, nowadays if it's in good conditions, this 38 years old De Tomaso made supercar could had a price tag of around $239,000 or equivalent to Rp. 3.65 billion. Even though in its hey day, this car used to be marketed for less than $100,000 or only around Rp. 1.5 billion only.😎 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SUPERCARNOSTALGIA | SPORTSCARDIGEST | ROADANDTRACK ]
Rare ONESMaybe you are wondering, why did we make the title of the article like that? This is intentional because to show how rare the following BMWcar models are. So it's likely that very few people know about it or see it passing by on the streets today.
If you've never heard or knew of them, that's not surprising, because those models might be produced in limited numbers, or even made only one unit, and you can imagine that the chance to actually drive one is pretty rare.
1. BMW 507
As we all knew, BMW
is a name that is known throughout the globe and stands for Bayerische
Motoren Werke, also known as Bavarian Motor Works in English. And the BMW 507 was a special roadster built between 1956 and 1960. The 507 was conceived by an American engineer, who urged BMW to make a roadster to compete against the likes of not only the Mercedes-Benz 300SL but also the less expensive Triumph and MG roadsters of the era.
BMW complied and used the 501 and 502’s platform to build one of the most gorgeous cars out there, fitted with a 3.2-liter V8. Well, only 252 units were ever made, even one of these roadsters was owned by Elvis Presley while he was serving his mandatory military service in Germany. No wonder if the 507 left a legacy that has lasted to this day in the form of the Z3, Z4, and Z8.
2. BMW 700 RS
Here is another rare BMW models in the speedster-style called BMW 700 RS. This historical model is the vehicle that pulled out the company from the brink of financial ruin and set it back on solid footing to continue in the building of its legacy. The car featured a rear engine placement which was a little on the underpowered side, but it was constructed with a light weight, coming in at just 1,350 lbs.
And reportedly that, the 1960 RS is among the most valuable and rare of these 700-line. It featured a chassis of tubular steel framing with a hand built aluminum body that was more aerodynamic than earlier models. This is the hand built racing version that came without seat belts and weighted in at just 830 lbs versus the already light 1,350 of the regular 700s. This is including the 40-liter fuel tank filled to capacity. Production of the BMW 700s ran from 1959 through November of 1965 with a total of 188,000 sold prior to the end of the production run, with the RS version being the fully cherried racing example.
3. BMW 700 (Colani)
In 1963, Luigi Colani, a renowned German-born Swiss designer made a breakthrough by designing the world's first road sports car with a self-supporting plastic bodywork on the chassis of the BMW 700 subcompact car and introducing it at the Lotus racing team launching event of the 1963 championship. In addition to the car's bodywork architecture, the Colani prototype features a slim body with a drag coefficient of Cx = 0.22.
The BMW 700 Colani weighs 440 kilograms, so despite the mini 700 cc 32 horsepower engine, this sports car can accelerate to 200 kilometers per hour. The project caught the attention of the public, even at the time surprising the Bavarian automaker. Unfortunately, the innovative concept car did not managed to get into production line, as the car is made one unit only.
4. BMW Hurrican
The main thing we could be seen on the BMW Hurrican concept car of 1964 was the absence of BMW's typical twin kidney grilles, and made this car looks different from other BMW's models. The Hurrican prototype was conceptualized by a group of students at Palatine Master School for body and vehicle in Kaiserslautern. This model could be said the best models in its era, although adopted many famous car styles of the 1960s.
As you can see, the windshield was taken from the Ferrari 250 LM, taillights inspired by the Fiat sport spider, sign lights taken from Jaguar, and over all the car is similar to the Mazda Cosmo. The car is powered by a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine, and last exhibited at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2007.
5. BMW 2800 Spicup (Bertone)
The BMW 2800 Spicup was a daring prototype that built as both a spider and a coupe and designed by Stilo Bertone and Marcello Gandini for BMW. The car completed with several unique features such true of the motorized flaps on the semi-hidden headlights, and also preserved BMW’s ‘double kidney’ pattern in the front, but with subtle cushioned inserts with two-tone green on green upholstery on the dashboard, seats, and carpet to match the exterior finishing under similar matched green color as well.
The BMW 2800 Spicup is powered by 2.8-liter six-cylinder engine produced 170 horsepower and was mated to a 4-speed manual transmission that drove the rear wheels, and was debuted at the Geneva Motor Show 1969, but it never reached into production version.
Those are five BMW car models that you may not have known before. If there are other BMW cars that also included into this category, don't hesitate to let us know...😀 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSTYLINGRU | MONEYINC | VEIKL ]
Rare ONES Still reviewing the Corvette, one of American muscle cars like many we've discussed before. Well, in this occasion, we would like to talk about the Corvette C3 L88 was no less famous than previous ones. This model is known as the last generation of Corvettes developed under the leadership of Zora Arkus-Duntov as Chevrolet's Chief Engineer and one of the rarest of its kinds as well.
The Chevrolet Corvette L88 coupe began as a limited-edition package on the C2 spearheaded by the Father of the Corvette, Zora Arkus-Duntov. (Picture from: TopCarRating)
As quoted of the Mecum, this model is built based on the Mako Shark II Concept designs (no wonder they both have a similar shape), and includes into the Corvette C3 family that produced in between 1968 to 1982. The car features its iconic and unforgettable styles of the 1960s era, coupled with the outstanding performance of its V8 engine, so it's undeniable if the Corvette C3 was one of the most desirable sports cars of all time.
1969 Chevrolet Corvette L88 coupe dubbed as “The Camouflaged Soldier”, is a very rare, unrestored example which had once auctioned by Mecum Auctions in Seattle back in the 2015. (Picture from: Mecum)
As we all knew, the Corvette C3 has several engine options ranging from the 7.4-liter LS5, LS6 and LS4, of course any die-hard C3 fan will agree that the 7.0-liter L88 427 cubic-inch engine is top-notch. The L88 began as a limited-edition package on the C2 spearheaded by the Father of the Corvette, Zora Arkus-Duntov. Officially, the L88 produced 435 horsepower from the factory.
The Chevrolet Corvette L88 coupe were produced from 1967 to 1969 and during the transition from the C2 Stingray to the C3 body style. (Picture from: TopCarRating)
But in real life, the car produced somewhere between 540 and 580 horses, good enough for 11-second quarter-mile times and even while raced at Le Mans, Dick Guldstrand had took the car to set a new record speed on the Mulsanne straight at 171.5 miles per hour. When the C3 hit the market in 1968, the L88 package remained on offer with only 116 were ever built for the 1969 model year, of 216 total over three years (1967 to 1969), though it now produced a claimed 430 horsepower, placing it below the L71 and L89 packages despite its clear superiority.
The heart of the L88 package came in the form of a 427 ci V8 that was built using forged internals, solid lifters, aluminum cylinder heads, and an uprated camshaft. (Picture from: TopCarRating)
The automaker provides the Corvette C3 L88 with a variety of standard features such as Soft Ray tinted glass, leather interior, front fender grille, telescopic tilt steering wheel to an alarm system. Alarm? Yep, the alarm system turned out to have been applied by Chevrolet exclusively in the 1960s on several Corvette models.
The Chevrolet Corvette L88 coupe produced somewhere between 540 and 580 horses, good enough for 11-second quarter-mile times. (Picture from: TopCarRating)
However, nowadays finding a Corvette C3 powered by an L88 engine in a neat and original condition turned out to be quite difficult, at least until this Corvette C3 L88 dubbed 'The Camouflaged Soldier' was found. This 1969 Chevrolet Corvette C3 L88 coupe is also equipped with specifications beyond the factory's original features like a faint black racing line that runs from the tip of the hood.
This Fathom Green colored Corvette is not only a small piece of American automotive history, it is also a rare masterpiece as this rare C3 L88 had once auctioned by Mecum Auctions in Seattle back in the 2015. Regardless of whoever the current owner who is managed to get it at the auction that would surely make his car collections even more glamorous. Well, how much its current price? Is it true if someone says the price is around seven digits? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MECUM | HOTCARS | CARSCOOPS | HAGERTY ]
Sports LEGEND Every automotive brand must have the legendary model of their own, there are even some brands that have more than one model that is included in the legendary category. In our opinion, usually one car model gets the legendary label if it has a such unique design then makes an extraordinary sales record that has never achieved before, or has won racing events, or able to achieve another special records within a certain period of time.
Volvo P1800 produced by Volvo start in 1961 due to the automaker company wanted to give a slightly more dynamic brand image. (Picture from: id.Motor1)
Well on this occasion, we would like to discuss about one of the legendary car models that was once owned by the Swedish car brand, Volvo back in the 1960s. And the story begins back in the 1950s, when those Swedish automaker company wanted to give a slightly more dynamic brand image and it was for this reason they then decided to do something about it by adding a coupe model later named Volvo P1800 to their sedan and family car lineup.
Volvo P1800 was the first variant produced in UK by Pressed Steel and Jensen Motors. (Picture from: MartinFromKent's Twitter)
But to produce a coupe which is always almost identical to a sports car was a new experience for Volvo, considering they have never made it before. Well, this became such a kind of tough challenge for those Swedish brand. For the design, they went to study with its experts whose at that time were mostly Italian. In short, the Swedish manufacturer came to Pietro Frua's workshop in Turin to develop classic and elegant bodywork appeared with a long snout and small cockpit which adorned by two massive and striking fins at rear.
Volvo P1800 S was the second variant made in Sweden for production control effectiveness reason started in 1963. (Picture from: id.Motor1)
As for the platform and mechanics sector, Volvo chose the Amazon 120, a longitudinal engine with a rear-wheel drive scheme and a rigid axle at the rear. However, to apply such engine, the wheelbase must be shortened by 14 cm, as a result, the 1.8 liter engine is capable of spitting out about 100 hp of power. Over the years during its production period, the engine power also evolved to 130 hp along with increasing displacement to 2 liters in 1969, and using the injection system.
Volvo P1800 S is powered by a longitudinal 1.8 liter 100 hp engine with rear-wheel drive scheme and a rigid axle at the rear. (Picture from: id.Motor1)
After that another problem arose because Volvo did not yet have the facilities to produce it, so in 1961 when the P1800 model was approved for production, the entire production process was carried out by a third party. Initially Volvo submitted the entire bodywork process including painting and final assembly to Karmann Gmbh. a German company based in Osnabrück, but they turned it down. Finally, the whole process was entrusted to be done by Pressed Steel and Jensen Motors, in England.
Volvo P1800 E was the third variant started to production in 1970, and changed its drivetrain. (Picture from: id.Motor1)
However, in 1963, the Swedish manufacturer decided to cease the previous production method because it was deemed unsatisfactory due to logistical problems as well as the final quality of the materials and the final product. Therefore, the company chose to return all production processes to Sweden, and changed the model name to Volvo P1800 S.
Volvo P1800 E is known as the variant powered by a 2 liter engine with fuel injection system. (Picture from: id.Motor1)
During more than 10 years of production until 1973, Volvo has produced several variants of this model with a total production of 47,492 units, ranging of the Volvo P1800 produced in the UK, then continued with Swedish-made, the Volvo P1800S. Then there is the Volvo P1800 E known as the variant powered by a 2 liter engine with fuel injection system.
Volvo P1800 ES was the fourth variant started to production in 1972 with a quite strange two doors station wagon style accompanied by an all glass rear-door. (Picture from: id.Motor1)
In 1972, there's new variant with a quite strange bodywork is launched, and known as the Volvo 1800 ES. This model carries a sleek two doors station wagon style accompanied by an all glass rear-door. Could it be said that the 1800 ES model is successful model in sale, so the company produced it as many as 8,077 units during its two years of production until 1973.
Volvo P1800 ES is known as the most successful variant in sale, so the company produced it as many as 8,077 units during its two years of production until 1973. (Picture from: id.Motor1)
The Swedish-made sports coupe reaches its peak of popularity when it appears in the British television series "The Saint" starred by famous actors Roger Moore, and was produced from 1962 to 1969 in six seasons with a total of 118 episodes. In those TV series the Volvo P1800 was used as the Simon Templar's car.
Volvo P1800 Cyan is known the modern version of P1800 made by the automaker's racing division to commemorate the glory day of the model. (Picture from: CNET)
~Modern Interpretation~ It doesn't just stop there, in 2020 to commemorate the glory of the Volvo P1800, the Swedish manufacturer has revived its legendary model in a modern version named Volvo P1800 Cyan through Cyan Racing, its racing division (formerly known as Polestar). Now, this Volvo sports car legend is powered by a 2,000 cc turbocharged 4-cylinder engine capable of producing around 413 hp and 455 Nm of torque. The engine power is then transfers to its rear wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission system. Unfortunately, there's no performance numbers came out.
Volvo P1800 Cyan is powered by a 2,000 cc turbocharged 4-cylinder engine capable of producing around 413 hp and 455 Nm of torque.(Picture from: GridOto)
In addition to having a high-performance engine, this modern version of Volvo P1800 was a good looking, where the surface of the Volvo P1800 body is layered with a mixture of carbon fiber and high quality steel. So by using a such high-quality materials like this, the modern version of the Volvo P1800 has a very light weight, which is only 990 kg. Then as you could be seen, its legs is equipped with overhauled suspension couled with two-way dampers, then it wore the 18-inch wheels and are wrapped in high-performance tires from Pirelli P Zero. Cool, right?
As quoted of CNET, the Swedish company plans to make it in a limited number of only 100 units. While for a single unit of the Volvo P1800 Cyan to be sold start at price of $700,000 (approx Rp.10.448 billions) Although the price is expensive, it seems suitable and comparable to other high-end retro vehicles. Are You interested? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CYANCARS | CNET | ID.MOTOR1 | MARTINFROMKENT' TWITTER ]
Rare ONES This time we will discuss about a compact-sized sports car made by Mitsuoka. Did you know those Japanese auto brand? Well, if anyone doesn't know about the brand, that's natural because the Mitsuoka only markets a limited number of car products.
The Mitsuoka Rock Star's styling is modelled after a classic American muscle car, specifically the Chevrolet Corvette C2 of the 1960s. (Picture from: BusinessTimes)
Well, back in 2018, the Japanese car maker, which is known for its quirky design, has again shocked the automotive world in Japan by introducing the Mitsuoka Rock Star figure. Uniquely in appearances and designs, the Mitsuoka Rock Star's figure is not like its predecessor Mitsuoka Orochi or even Mitsuoka Himiko.
When you see this Mitsuoka Rock Star, what's car immediately comes to your mind? In our opinion, as you've seen from the front and back this Mitsuoka's roadster model has similarity designs to the Corvette Stingray C2. However there are clearly some differences, such the Mitsuoka Rock Star has no pop-up headlights, its design lines from the side is more rounded, and looks more modern, plus the rear stern is more sloping.
The
Mazda MX-5 ND or known as the 4th gen of Mazda MX-5 Miata used as the car basis of the Mitsuoka Rock Star. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
Well, did Mitsuoka build this roadster from scratch? Of course not. If you look closely at the car's body line on the side, as you can see there's the doors and rear-mirrors typical shape. From there you can gues the car's base used to build this Mitsuoka Rock Star. Well, those doors and rear-mirrors are still similar with ones attached on the Mazda MX-5 ND (known as the 4th generation of Mazda Miata) which used as the basis of this Mitsuoka roadster.
The
Mitsuoka Rock Star is is powered by a 1,500 cc SkyActiv-G engine that
capable burst out power of 132 PS, and 152 Nm of torque combined with a
6-speed manual or automatic transmission. (Picture from: CarBuyer)
Then for what purpose is the Mitsuoka Rock Star built? The car was intended as a celebration form of the Mitsuoka's 50th anniversary. Well, like the company's previous models, the Mitsuoka Rock Star was sold only for the Japanese Domestic Market with the number of production was only 200 units (with only one unit has left-sided steering wheel), and the model production ceased on February 14, 2021.
The
Mitsuoka Rock Star has similar interior setting as the Mazda MX-5 ND, differ only its logo. (Picture from: BusinessTimes)
Okay, let's discuss the car's design aspects. First from the front, the car's headlights are rounded and small plus it uses a projector model ones. There are no other lights on the front side except for the headlights and a small turn signal at the end of the front bumper. Then what about the bumper? It's cool, and shiny because it has a lot of chrome there, fits the retro concept carried by the car. Its hood also looks muscular with holes and bulges in the middle. While on the side, this car gets 15-inch five-spoke wheels with gunmeal color and black mirrors.
There is a metal strip on the side coupled with the gray-painted side skirts. While the roof, canvas, and the doors still came up under the Miata style. Next, slide to the back side, as you can see the car's has two rounded taillights, and again similar to the Stingray C2, and there are jumbo-sized chrome accents in the shape of a wing like on the rear side. While the rear bumper is gray, harmonizing to its side-skirts. The rear trunk looks sloping and provides quite large of storage spaces.
The
Mitsuoka Rock Star has has two rounded taillights, and again similar to the Stingray C2, and there are jumbo-sized chrome accents in the shape of a wing like on the rear side. (Picture from: CarBuyer)
Then what about the interior? If you've ever seen the interior of the Mazda MX-5 ND, then that's the Mitsuoka Rock Star has also, differ only its logo. It's a shame the interior didn't come with a retro concept. And the last thing is the engine, Mitsuoka Rock Star still relies on Mazda's MX-5 ND engine as well, namely the 1,500 cc SkyActiv-G engine that capable burst out power of 132 PS, and 152 Nm of torque combined with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.
Then, how much do fans have to spend in order to bring home this Mitsuoka Rock Star? When it was launched back in 2018, this unique car was priced at around JPN ¥4,688,200 (approx Rp. 633.5 millions). Expensive? Well, it depends, but at least the Mitsuoka Rock Star can be an alternative for those of you who don't want to have a mainstream style while to drive with a Mazda MX-5 in Japan. So, what do you think? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ID.MOTOR1 | BUSINESSTIMES ]
According to BlackXperience, nowadays if it's in good conditions, this 38 years old De Tomaso made supercar could had a price tag of around $239,000 or equivalent to Rp. 3.65 billion. Even though in its hey day, this car used to be marketed for less than $100,000 or only around Rp. 1.5 billion only.😎 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SUPERCARNOSTALGIA | SPORTSCARDIGEST | ROADANDTRACK ]
