MYFavorite Having
a car in Japan including becomes a luxury. This is because to the limited roads, the car owners are also required to have a garage for each car that they had.
Shinobu Furutani’s 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air. (Picture from: SpeedHunter)
For
those who like to modify a car, it is becoming much more difficult,
because on average garage space they have is limited in size. The only option is to modify a special workshop that provides a wide space.
Interior view of Shinobu Furutani’s 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air. (Picture from: SpeedHunter)
As
reported from the SpeedHunter, Tuesday, January 6, 2015, the limited space does not seem to be an obstacle for the Japanese people to actively creative, such as one conducted by Shinobu Furutani.
Shinobu Furutani’s 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air inlet fuel tank relocated behind the driver’s side tail lamp.(Picture from: SpeedHunter)
Unlike
the majority of Japanese people who focus on drift modification,
Shinobu just glances at the US-made products as his base modification.
One is the 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air. The concept that used by Shinobu is a
1950s retro style. For starters, this classic car splashed with green-tosca paint, The favorite color of the old car manufacturers.
Right side view of Shinobu Furutani’s 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air. (Picture from: SpeedHunter)
To
reinforce the impression of a classic, on the car's side decorated with chrome accents taken from the output 1950. Because the classic car maker wanted his creation to look clean without disturbing grooves, Shinobu weld gas cap and move the hole to the inside of the right-rear lights.
Rear side view of Shinobu Furutani’s 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air.(Picture from: SpeedHunter)
For the interior, he did my best to maintain the innate car. Two things modern look inside the cabin of this car is the transmission lever-shaped skull and a set of keys that are connected to a hydraulic suspension to increase or decrease the height of the car. *** [EKA [08032015] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SPEEDHUNTERS]
~Unique ONES~ As we have seen, these days have many supercars born and surprised the automotive world. Now, the list will increase with the presence of a supercar called Kode 57. or k.o 57. The new car was revealed in The Quail, a motor sport gathering in Monterey some time ago.
Ken Okuyama unveils his radical Kode 57 world premiere supercar concept at The Quail event in California. (Picture from: Forbes)
The figure behind this masterpiece is Ken Okuyama, an internationally-renowned Japanese designer who led the styling team that penned the mighty Ferrari Enzoand also many other cars.
And now, he designed and built the car sits on a steel chassis and powered by the most powerful V12 engine, which bursts about 600 bhp of power. The machine is installed in front of the car in a still unknown front mid-ship configuration.
The name Kode 57 pays homage to the year 1957, a year in which legendary cars like the Jaguar XKSS and Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa were born.(Picture from: Forbes
Okuyama told that this car will be produced in a limited numbers (only five will be made) and some examples will be produced by handin their state of the art facility. This car got a long nose and short deck. There's big air intakes at the front and a large rear diffuser help airflow and cooling. It almost looks like a Formula 1 car.
The interior incorporates individual color schemes for the driver and passenger. (Picture from: Forbes
The use of aluminum space frame and carbon fiber body panels to make the weight of this car becomes lighter. It gets a half cut front windscreen and uniquely its scissors type doors open backwards.
Check out the rear diffuser. The ground effects on this coupe are inspired by formula cars!(Picture from: Forbes
The engine and suspension can be set accordingly to the owner desires, thanks to a collaboration with German specialist Novitec Rosso. Even the ride height can be adjusted as well. No compromises have been made when it comes to tires, the car gets Pirreli P-Zero tires.
Reportedly, this car is priced at $2.5 million (approx Rp.32.7 billion) and has been ordered by the world's renowned boxer Floyd Mayweather to add his supercar collection. *** [EKA [24082016] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KEN OKUYAMA DESIGN | FORBES | DRIVESPARK ]
Let's PLAY! If you are a playboy or a guy who likes to have fun, what car is suitable for you? Is it an Italian roadster, English limousine, or a rare car whose name is the same as your personality?
A rare unique 1948 Playboy A48. (Picture from: RM Sotheby)
Yes, this unique car name is the Playboy A48 which was produced in 1948. This rare car was the brainchild of Louis Horwitz, a Buffalo Packard dealer; Charles Thomas, a Pontiac engineer; and service station owner Norman Richardson. And reportedly, this car was not made much, and only numbered less than 100 units.
Left side view of 1948 Playboy A48. (Picture from: RM Sotheby)
As reported by RM Sotheby's sites, the Playboy A48 made its debut at the Statler Hotel in Buffalo in the autumn of 1946. The prototype car was a three-passenger runabout with a canvas top, propelled by a rear-mounted Hercules four-cylinder engine.
By the summer of 1947, they had changed to a front-engine configuration and were building a few Continental-powered cars, now with a manually operated retractable hardtop.
Interior view of 1948 Playboy A48. (Picture from: RM Sotheby)
The car using a four-cylinder engine with a total capacity of 2 liters which is only capable of spewing power of 40 hp. From the engine, those power is transferred through a 3-speed manual transmission system. This car has a top speed of 125 km/hour.
Rear side view of 1948 Playboy A48. (Picture from: RM Sotheby)
But unfortunately, Playboy did not last long, because the auto maker company was declared bankrupt in the 1950s, and the remaining car was then sold by distributor Alvin Trumbul, the Hartford, Connecticut, distributor, who sold many of them to a former dealer in Massachusetts.
Reportedly the name was fondly remembered by Hugh Hefner from his childhood and the rest is history. Then, he borrowed the name of this car to build his male entertainment empire named Playboy.
This Playboy A48 is the last model, and once owned by a Florida car collector since the 1960s. Not long ago, these two tone classic colored car was finished repairing, and has been auctioned by RM Sotheby. In the auction held on next October, the car is offered at prices ranging from $55,000 to $75,000. Well, how much is the final price of this car when it was sold at those auction? Does anyone here know about that? Hope you don't mind to share with us through the comment section below. *** [EKA [27092018] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSCOOPS | RM SOTHEBY'S]
Unique ONES Well, this blue and white colored 1966 Volkswagen Kombi with a unique dimensions became one of the vehicles had included on the auction list of the Barrett Jackson, a Las Vegas-based auction house.
1966 Volkswagen Shorty Kombi by Gas Monkey Garage. (Picture from: GasMonkeyGarage)
Gas Monkey Garage auto modification workshops was the creator of the unique shorty VW Kombi. From the car's original known were have a big and length dimensions, and then Gas Monkey Garage cut the car's frame becomes shorter. But, unfortunately not known this VW dimension now.
Interior view of 1966 Volkswagen Shorty Kombi by Gas Monkey Garage. (Picture from: GasMonkeyGarage)
Its wheelbase looks no more than one meter. Nevertheless the classic VW Kombi been designed by the Dallas-based automotive modification house in very precision appearance.
Right side view of 1966 Volkswagen Shorty Kombi by Gas Monkey Garage. (Picture from: GasMonkeyGarage)
But behind its unique appearance, Gas Monkey Garage has working hard to restore the original condition of this VW Kombi. At the exterior of the body that originally filled with the rust restored and given a touch of two colors white and blue.
Rear side view of 1966 Volkswagen Shorty Kombi by Gas Monkey Garage. (Picture from: GasMonkeyGarage)
And then the interior has only two front seats, and still given an original and luxurious touches. Unmitigated the layers of upholstery fabrics designed by the experts which directly imported from Germany.
For the drivetrain, it used a 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine with four-speed manual transmission. Unfortunately there is no detailed information about the machine. And this unique shorty Volkswagen Kombi has been auctioned on Sunday, October 15, 2016. *** [EKA [17102016] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GAS MONKEY GARAGE | BARRET JACKSON ]
Rare ONES A prototype of the oldest jeep formally entered into the National Historic Vehicle Register (NHVR), coinciding with Pearl Harbor Day on Monday, December 9, 2015. The jeep is meant is the Ford Pygmy GP-001.
Ford Pygmi GP-001, the world's oldest existing jeep prototype. (Picture from: Hemmings)
As reported by Hemmings, this jeep to meet three of the four criteria set by NHVR to be a historic vehicle. The criteria in question is to do with the United States historic event, dealing with a great figure, design and construction, as well as the value of the information.
According to the assessment team, with its status as a prototype, the Pygmy contribute to the design of the jeep and its role in the development of a military jeep. Moreover, according to the assessment team, the jeep is one of the main vehicles that helped the US win the war.
Yes, this jeep originally was owned by US Army during World War II. At that time, the Army claimed to need a vehicle that has the speed, lightweight but able to carry machine gun for the forefront soldiers.
Rear side view of Ford Pygmi GP-001. (Picture from: Hemmings)
After all, there are three manufacturers that send the prototypes: Bantam, Willys and Ford. Although Bantam who first made a prototype jeep, but Pygmy who still survive until today.
In fact, when compared to the other two models, the Pygmy prototypes fairly simplest. For example, the flat and very stiff front grill, while the other models have been equipped with rounded hoodlines grating. In addition, this model is also known is not the fastest or lighter than others.
After the war, only the Pygmy is the most exist. On September 1982, a jeep and then auctioned off to a man named Randy Withrow. He then handed over the world's oldest jeep to Veterans Memorial Museum in Huntsville, Alabama. Luckily, the jeep was treated so well that the condition is still maintained until now. *** [EKA [12122015] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HEMMINGS DAILY]
Unique ONES It should be acknowledged that thanks to abundant experiences from a number Italian manufacturers whose had been tested in producing exotic, fast cars since the early development of the world's automotive, it is not surprising then a number of Italian manufacturers such as Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Ferrari were succeeded in establishing themselves as a kind of ruler in world of racing for years.
1959 Scaglietti Corvette (in pictured is the car no. 1) is built by Scaglietti in a such way to combine a beautiful Italian design with a monstrous burst of American-made engine power. (Picture from: CorvetteBlogger)
This has also led to a fierce rivalry situation with other manufacturers espescially the American auto companies whose also have ability to produce similar great cars. Despite of the such fierce competition atmosphere, turn out many also dreaming even speculating about a car is built in a such way to combine a beautiful Italian design with a monstrous burst of American-made engine power.
1959 Scaglietti Corvette (in pictured is the car no. 1) retained its Corvette grille, while inside the interior had Stewart Warner gauges and Corvette knobs. (Picture from: CollierAutomedia)
Well this time we would like to discuss one example of such car made by an Italian coachbuilt company was based on the American muscle car, and dubbed as the Corvette Italia. So it could be said that the vehicle that is the result of a harmonious blend of the two poles of the automotive world always able to present an extraordinary sensation that is able to bring its own excitement among automotive lovers.
1959 Scaglietti Corvette (in pictured is the car no. 1) along with its 2 other siblings have resemblance shapes as the Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France. (Picture from: CollierAutomedia)
As quoted of Collier Automedia, the story begins with Gary Laughlin of Fort Worth, Texas, an oil well drilling contractor and Chevy dealership owner, always raced behind the wheel of Ferraris. Once upon a time, one of his Ferrari Monzas suffered a crankshaft failure that led to not only a useless engine, should a long and ever-pricier wait for its replacement.
This immediately sparked Laughlin's curiosity to know what it would became if an Italian bodywork built based on a Corvette chassis. When all this occurred, back in 1959, the Chevrolet Corvette's developing progress (one of the American muscle cars) under the direction of Zora Arkus-Duntov was in a positive trend that continued to increase from year to year, especially the engine.
1959 Scaglietti Corvette (in pictured is the car no. 2) has a European visage. (Picture from: CollierAutomedia)
Then, he started looking for information about the possibility to fulfil his curiosities, shortly after that he had the opportunity to talk about it with two of his Texan friends, Jim Hall and Carroll Shelby, who also have the same interest in the automotive world. It seem Laughlin’s bottomless pockets combined with Hall and Shelby’s engineering expertise were enough to make it happen. Eventually the three of them agreed to set each-one get his own Corvette Italia and then devised a plan to make it happen.
1959 Scaglietti Corvette (in pictured is the car no. 2) has reliable Chevy V-8 power under its sleek Italian skin. (Picture from: CollierAutomedia)
Firstly they contacted Chevrolet General Manager then, Ed Cole, in order to be able to take three Corvette chassis off the production line and sell them bodyless, that's not for long then they managed to get those three Vette' rolling chassis. Soon Carrol Shelby contacted his fellow American in Italy named Pete Coltrin (Road & Track's correspondent) to find a coachbuilder company willing to build a such car for him, and later arranged the delivery of all of those chassis to the country.
Perhaps the most impressive angle of 1959 Scaglietti Corvette (in pictured is the car no. 2). (Picture from: CollierAutomedia)
As quoted of Autoevolution, the Italian coachbuilder that is willing to carry out the car development project is Carrozzeria Scaglietti located across the road from the Ferrari's headquarters, and known also as the place where the iconic sportscar such the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa gets its lightweight and elegantly stylized bodies.
After the three rolling chassis arrived in Italy, Sergio Scaglietti immediately worked on it and had promised to finish it in a few months. At that time Scaglietti was working on the Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France's body, then Laughlin made a deal with Scaglietti to build a such kind coupe on those three Corvette chassis.
1959 Scaglietti Corvette (in pictured is the car no. 3) is featured with custom grilles as well as reshaped rear ends. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
Besides that, Scaglietti also accommodated a number of requests from each of the prospective car owners such as: Laughlin requested the car retain its Corvette grille, while inside the interior had Stewart Warner gauges and Corvette knobs. Meanwhile the other two came with custom grilles as well as reshaped rear ends.
1959 Scaglietti Corvette (in pictured is the car no. 3) is currently part of the Petersen Automotive Museum collection. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
Not only limited to the shape, to the powertrain which is installed under the hood as well, for example, the Shelby’s car was powered by a 315-hp Ramjet fuel-injected version of the 283-ci (4.3-liter) small-block mated to a Borg-Warner T-10 four-speed manual, whereas the other two were initially fitted with four-barrel-carb variants linked to Powerglide automatics.
Meanwhile, to support the legs, all three bespoke rides dubbed Corvette Italia are equipped with drum brakes behind all four wheels, independent suspensions in the front, and a solid axle supported by leaf springs in the rear.
The Simplicity reigns on the dash of 1959 Scaglietti Corvette (in pictured is the car no. 3). (Picture from: Autoevolution)
Although initially it was promised by Scaglietti that the work on all these cars would be done within a few months, but in fact it took almost two years until they were shipped back to the US. This is understandable because from the start the car project was done secretly away from publicity, besides that Scaglietti should be kept the project away from the prying eyes of Enzo Ferrari as well.
1959 Scaglietti Corvette (in pictured is the car no. 3) is powered by a 315-hp Ramjet fuel-injected version of the 283-ci (4.3-liter) small-block mated to a Borg-Warner T-10 four-speed manual. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
Despite Shelby and Hall’s efforts, the cars never lived up to the expectations of outperforming the era’s Ferraris. Even if they were around 400 pounds (181 kg) lighter than any production C1, the chassis setup made them feel heavy and imprecise.
Unfortunately 1959 Scaglietti Corvette (in pictured is the car no. 3) never lived up to the expectations of outperforming the era’s Ferraris. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
As quoted of Autoevolution, to make matters worse, the Texans were pressured by GM to cease any further development of the clandestine exotics, while across the Atlantic, an infuriated Enzo Ferrari threatened to end the partnership with Sergio Scaglietti if he continued to work with the Americans. In the years that followed, the two carbureted small-block cars were upgraded with the same powertrain setups as Shelby’s variant, as well as a series of scoops.
All of them have survived after exchanging owners multiple times.The one built for the Le Mans-winning driver and engineer has become the most coveted, even though he never actually owned it. Shortly after it was shipped back from Italy, Shelby claimed it was too expensive for what it could do and ended up pulling out of the deal. And now, the car no.3 is currently part of the Petersen Automotive Museum collection. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOEVOLUTION | COLLIERAUTOMEDIA | SUPERCARS.NET | CORVETTEBLOGGER ]
For the interior, he did my best to maintain the innate car. Two things modern look inside the cabin of this car is the transmission lever-shaped skull and a set of keys that are connected to a hydraulic suspension to increase or decrease the height of the car. *** [EKA [08032015] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SPEEDHUNTERS]
