7 special-made Jeeps that are rarely seen & known (Part-2)

Rare ONES You must have often heard about this brand of cars called Jeep originating from America. This car was previously assigned to make the MB Willys which was used as a military vehicle in the World War II.

An advertisement of Jeep FC-150. (Picture from: Hooniverse)

In addition to the MB Willys, Jeep has been producing many powerful cars with various models and types for a long time. For example, there are Wrangler, Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Wagoner, and many more.

But did you know that it turns out that Jeep has done some special types that are rarely heard and seen by many people. Here are the second part of 7 types of Jeep cars that are counted very rarely owned by ordinary people.

5. Jeep Forward Control

This is a Forward Control Jeep or called FC designed by Brooks Stevens in the early 1950s. This Jeep was made with the cabin design inspiration that was found in trucks in its time. Jeep FC slid into the market for the 1956 model with modifications from CJ-5.

1957 Jeep FC-150. (Picture from: VelocityJournal)

For the FC itself, there are three engine options, namely inline four venerable Hurricane, L-head inlne 6, and 318 cubic V8. These machines are also followed by 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual and 3-speed automatic transmission systems.

1958 Jeep FC-150 Van. (Picture from: CurbsideClassic)

Jeep FC also issued two forms, each the FC-150 with an 81-inch wheelbase and the FC-170 with a 103-inch wheelbase. Uniquely, they also prepare several versions with different uses. As for fire trucks, vans, ambulances, military cars up to tow trucks.

6. Jeepster Commando 

Then there is the Jeepster Commando, seen from its name which looks very militaristic. This car came into existence in 1966 to rival similar car manufacturers from the International Scout and Ford Bronco.

1971 Jeepster SC-1 Sport Commando. (Picture from: TopClassicCarForSale)

However, not much different from other Jeeps they use this car as a versatile truck. For the first generation, Commmando uses a four-cylinder Hurricane F-Head engine and another option is the Buick's Dauntless V6.

Not stop in here, Commando had changed its name by removing the name Jeepster in front. They then made a new model by increasing the wheelbase distance by a few inches. In addition they also prepared two models, namely inline 6 and V8 engines. But unfortunately the production of this car only lasts 2 years.

7. Sea Going Jeep

The last one is the Sea Going Jeep that looks like a boat. This car is made together with Ford and is very similar to the Willys MB design, which is different is the ability of a car that can float on water for use by the river and lake.

1942 Sea Going Jeep ('Seep') or Ford GP-A. (Picture from: Flickr)

This Jeep was made between 1942 and 1943 and was designed by Roderick Stephens, a cruise ship designer who was assigned to make a quarter-tonne vehicle that could carry troops from the ship to the beach. Another function of this Jeep is to be able to easily pass through the waterway when the bridge has been destroyed.

Besides Seagoing Jeep another name for this car is the GP-A (General Purpose-Amphibious). When viewed from the name that shows the intelligence side of this Jeep but the reality is the opposite.

1943 Sea Going Jeep ('Seep') or Ford GP-A. (Picture from: Flickr)

Ford GP-A or Seagoing Jeep is even heavier than GPW and MB WW2 Jeep. In addition, when in the water the IPK turns out to be unstable and cannot load many. So finally this type of Jeep was declared a failure.

Well, that's 7 special types of cars that ever been made by Jeep for various purposes, but rarely seen or known to the public. (Back to Part-1.) *** [EKA [11102018] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HOONIVERSE | CURBSIDECLASSIC | VELOCITYJOURNAL ]

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Rare French-made sportscars commissioned by Patrick Veyrat

Rare ONES After talking about many cars so far across time, the story todays will begin with the dream sports car specially made for Patrick Veyrat whose initially collaborated with ARC (Ateliers-Recherche-Création), a Dijon, French based racing car manufacturer founded by Michel Faure. From what we have observed, ranging from the car' name to the maker, it is likely that this French-made sports car of the 1990s is included one of the rare and not widely known by the public.

The ARC Narval Concept is powered by a mid-rear mounted Gordini 1,300 cc (135 hp) engine. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)

As quoted of Rare French Sports Car, the first figure is Patrick Veyrat who is known as a creative thinker and funder for the creation of reliable sports cars. He is also very famous as a reliable driver of many Ferrari cars in the past, which then made him obsessed with creating cars like the Ferrari 348 specifically intended for those with high financial capabilities. As self-aware that he does not have the ability and knowledge about engines and design of four-wheeled vehicles, and for this reason he feels need help from ARC to make real his dream car. 

The ARC Narval Concept designed by Michel Faure, and had built in co-operation with Jacques Durand (JIDE). (Picture from: Wikipedia)

On the other hand, as the company principal, Michel Faure was a professional engineer. Which in its early development, the automotive company based in Dijon, France, is known to have started its work as a racing car maker which all started in Michel Faure at young-ages when he built as a project a single seat mid-engined road car around certain race-car principals back in 1960s to 1970s.

The ARC Narval Concept is named after the sword billed whale known as Narwhal in English. (Picture from: Classic and Recreation Sportscar)

This car indeed sets the pattern for many of the sports racing cars to follow. It was called the ARC Narval, named after the sword billed whale known as Narwhal in English. As quoted of Wikipedia, this ARC Narval prototype had built in co-operation with Jacques Durand (JIDE) and is powered by a mid-rear mounted Gordini 1,300 cc (135 hp) engine.

The ARC Narval Concept sets as the pattern for many of the sports racing cars to follow. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)

At the time, as a compact team, they seem to have everything ranging from money, vision, knowledge to talent. However, in fact the partnership broke up due to differences in direction, after completing the first two cars. In short, the cooperation is known to have resulted in two targa sports cars named the Veyrat 630 that were launched at the 1990 Paris Car Show.

Michel Faure at young-ages posed along with the ARC Narval Concept's wooden bucks. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)

And from the pictures, one of the cars is powered by a PRV (Peugeot-Renault-Volvo) V6 engine. While the red ones was in fact a non-runner model and was then sold to an individual who completed it according to their own specifications.

One of two the Veyrat 630 prototypes commissioned by Patrcick Veyrat to ARC powered by a PRV V6 engine, and were launched at the 1990 Paris Car Show. (Picture from: FrenchAutoMuseum)

Not for long, Veyrat found new partner, Karfex that had experience with single seaters, sports racing cars of JDR and Alfa cup racers. This new models were heavier than the Faure's lightweight version, but by production car standards were still very light for their size and yet they possessed what appear to be rather sturdy chassis that made use of some specialised oval section tubing.

This Veyrat 630 prototype originally a non-runner model and was then sold to an individual who completed it according to their own specifications. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)

Meanwhile, the Veyrat car made by Karfex known also as the Opio 630 was very similar in style to those two ARC prototypes, but noticeably had smoother curves than the ARC version, with sharper lines and harder curves. While the engines for these were now the 3 liter SOHC V6 of Alfa Romeo coupled with its 5-speed transaxle sporting few modifications save for a special exhaust system. 

The Veyrat 630 production version or the Opio 630 by Karfex powered by a 3 liter SOHC V6 of Alfa Romeo coupled with 5-speed transaxle, and few modifications save for a special exhaust system. (Picture from: RareFrenchSportscars)

These units produced similar power to the 2.5 litre PRV V6 turbo engine and 39 bhp more than the 3 liter non-turbo ones. However, as mentioned above they were about 30 kg heavier all up with their transverse transaxle, but more compact for mid-engine packaging.

The Veyrat 630 as the ARC further version named ARC Ellipse taken by Michel Faure down its original design. (Picture from: FrenchAutoMuseum)

In the mean time, back at the ARC cars, in which Faure takes the car version down its original route, and now powered by a 24-valve DOHC V6 drivetrain of the Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio model with more over power of 40 bhp than the SOHC version.

The Veyrat 630 as the ARC further version named ARC Ellipse taken by Michel Faure down its original design. (Picture from: FrenchAutoMuseum)

Furthermore now the sports car called the ARC Ellipse, just how many were sold is open to question. Until now, not many would be a fair answer, while in later versions were shown too, but we're not sure if any were completed.

The ARC Ellipse is powered by a 24-valve DOHC V6 drivetrain of the Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio model. (Picture from: FrenchAutoMuseum)

As we quoted from the French Motor Museum, during 1990 to 2000 sports cars specially built under commissioned of Patrick Veyrat, only 4 units, consisting of 2 units of Veyrat 630 Prototype, each 1 unit of Opio 630 and ARC Ellipse. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | RAREFRENCHSPORTSCARS | FRENCH MOTOR MUSEUM ]

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John Fitch's Phoenix prototype, an American Porsche 911 wanna be

Rare ONES One of the attractions of the world's automotive lies in the unique design created by automotive designers specifically to provide convenience and comfort in driving. And for each design result that is considered appropriate and suitable for the times and trends, then put it into prototype form to undergo a series of trials before it is decided to mass produce. 

The Fitch Phoenix prototype was touted as the most ambitious from the 1960s era created by John Fitch, a former Corvette racer and Corvair tuner along with his neighbor, Coby Whitmore. (Picture from: CurbsideClassic)

By the way, not all of them will make it to this stage, so we encounter many designers' works that can be said to be good in design, but for one reason or another made them have to stagnant at the concept stage. However, we believed a good work always can find its right way to be born and known by the public. Indeed, there are many ways for automotive designers to convey their work to car manufacturers.

The Fitch Phoenix prototype final design was executed in steel by Frank Reisner’s Intermechanicca Group in Turin, Italy. (Picture from: CurbsideClassic)

Not to forget the following car prototype called Fitch Phoenix which was touted as the most ambitious from the 1960s era created by John Fitch, a former Corvette racer and Corvair tuner. Besides that, the car is an original American car that is touted to be the fiercest competitor of the Porsche 911 in a series of 500GT cars built based on Corvair underpinnings.

The Fitch Phoenix prototype's interior shows a rather strong Italian influence featured with the low seat backs. (Picture from: CurbsideClassic)

The car making process began, soon after Chevrolet released the 140-hp Corsa engine option on its Corvair in 1965, Fitch started tinkering with it in his Connecticut garage. It was there that the bespoke Sprint fastback model was produced and quickly became a favorite among those in the know. But you know it's actually his second project based on Corvair, due to since 1963, Fitch and his neighbor, a legendary cartoonist Coby Whitmore. They began work on a unique rear-engined prototype, which was intended as a super-exclusive grand touring coupe.

The Fitch Phoenix prototype is powered by an air cooled 164 c.i. Corvair flat six coupled a quadruple Webber carb setup made it capable burst out 170 hp at a low 5200 rpm. (Picture from: CurbsideClassic)

By using a quadruple Webber carburetor setting, Fitch coaxed an impressive 170 hp for the base model car powered by a flat six-cylinder air-cooled engine. He then fitted a targa upper body designed by Whitmore onto a shortened '65 Corvair chassis, installed Girling disc brakes, and added staggered front-rear 6 and 7-inch wheels. 

Uniquely, the Fitch Phoenix provided a weird spare tire hump on the fender. (Picture from: CurbsideClassic)

As quoted of Curbside Classic, the final design was executed in steel by Frank Reisner’s Intermechanicca Group in Turin, Italy and wedded to a highly modified Corvair drive train and running gear. Building on a base of readily available mechanical parts was essential to ensure that spares would be available and to simplify servicing.

The Fitch Phoenix prototype has a curb weight of just 2,150 lbs, and could reach 60 mph in 7.5 seconds en route to a top speed of 130 mph. (Picture from: CurbsideClassic)

Shortly after the Fitch Phoenix completed with a curb weight of just 2,150 lbs, it could reach 60 mph in 7.5 seconds en route to a top speed of 130 mph, such an impressive figures for its time. Oh, there's also a spare tire mounted on the fender. As you can see, it fast and classy.

The Fitch Phoenix prototype, like so many other cars styled by a non-professional designer/studio, shows some good elements but a number of shortcomings too. (Picture from: CurbsideClassic)

In June 1966, John Fitch debuted his Phoenix, shortly after which the US. Congress gave their approval to the creation of the Bureau of Highway Safety to regulate and distribute automotive safety standards in the country. By the time those measures were put in place two years later it appeared debacle Unsafe at Any Speed had effectively grounded the Corvair which is implicated the Fitch-Whitmore GT prototype as well. As a result, the planned production of 500 units fell apart, leaving only one unit that was built as a prototype.😓

This car isn't just a (gorgeous) vestige of one of America's pioneering motorsports figures, it's also a tiny glimpse of proof into a strange, alternate timeline where high-horsepower, rear-engine, special-edition GM grand touring cars are well, as if unaffected and still there and holding on while this one has to step aside.😢 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CURBSIDECLASSIC | ROADANDTRACK ]

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A wild looking of 1963 Ford Thunderbird Custom by George Barris

ONE-OFF Watching unique cars especially those custom made from the 1960s was great, and these following custom car of 1960s have long held our attention and also arouse curiosity. Well, we saw for the first time the car known as the 1963 Ford Thunderbird Custom with a plate number of '3RDE641' was when interacting on social media Twitter and Pinterest. 

1963 Ford Thunderbird Custom with a plate number of '3RDE641' called Scorpion is built by George Barris back in the 1960s, and commisoned by Eddie Leon. (Picture from: CustoCarChronicle)

This one-off custom-made classic car with a striking exterior looks and different from any model of its kind that has ever existed. It's deniable those unique exterior shapes is inspired by the world of aviation, which was becoming a trend at that time in the US. In addition, it has a long body, uniquely, this 1960s classic car wearing a Corvette-badge at the front, chopped top, extended roofline, rear tire covers and also custom interior. What's even more extraordinary, if the standard Ford TBird model has 2 taillights at the rear, but this custom car has 3 taillights placed in a section that is made to resemble a fighter jet thruster.

1963 Ford Thunderbird Custom with a plate number of '3RDE641' wearing a Corvette-badge at the front, chopped top. (Picture from: Pinterest)

Then who had the initial idea for a custom car like that? As quoted of Hooniverse, the car's story began when Eddie Leon, a furniture store owner in Los Angeles who commissioned a custom car maker to build the 1963 Ford Thunderboard that he purchased in the late 1960s.

1963 Ford Thunderbird Custom's interior is covering by color combination of red and gold such a kind of the ancient Egyptian Pharaoh's themed. (Picture from: CustoCarChronicle)

As quoted of CustomCarChronicle, the current owner was found an old Craigslist's advertisement from 2007 saying that the car was built by George Barris for Eddie Leon from the Leon Furniture Shops (his name all over car including badge on bonnet and on dash also says build one of one what's it called the Scorpion). 

1963 Ford Thunderbird Custom's science-fiction themed interior is fascinating featured with many switches, lights, and knobs successively covering every corner of the dashboard. (Picture from: CustoCarChronicle)

More likely, George Barris had talked about it once and then claimed he built it as he has with numerous other custom cars of the 1960s. Then when was this car built? Based on information of the current owner, he found a trophy at the car's trunk shown the car had won the trophy for the Best Custom Car 1968 San Mateo. So it must have been created pre 1968.

1963 Ford Thunderbird Custom with a plate number of '3RDE641' has a long body with extended roofline and a unique rear tire cover. (Picture from: CustoCarChronicle)

As quoted of CustomCarChronicle, the classic custom car is powered by a 1963 427 Ford Top Oiler or Center Oiler engine. In 1975 were added a set of ported and polished 1966 (C5AE) Medium Rise heads (2.19 intake / 1.73 exhaust). It is estimated that the machine mentioned above is capable of producing around 450 ponies which isn’t bad for a low (9.5:1) cruiser.

1963 Ford Thunderbird Custom with a plate number of '3RDE641' is powered by a 1963 427 Ford Top Oiler or Center Oiler engine, and estimated capable of producing around 450 ponies. (Picture from: CustoCarChronicle)

It is tough to describe the inside of this Ford Thunderbird Custom. As you can see, the car interior is covering by color combination of red and gold such a kind of the ancient Egyptian Pharaoh's themed.

1963 Ford Thunderbird Custom with a plate number of '3RDE641' has 3 taillights placed in a section that is made to resemble a fighter jet thruster. (Picture from: CustoCarChronicle)

Uniquely, the 1960s science-fiction themed interior is fascinating featured with many switches, lights, and knobs successively covering every corner of the dashboard, and according to the current owner of the vehicle, everything still works. Even it has the voice control? Can you imagine what voice control from the 70s is like, and what for?

1963 Ford Thunderbird Custom with a plate number of '3RDE641' should been created pre 1968, due to in that year it had won trophy for the Best Custom Car 1968 San Mateo. (Picture from: ReddIt)

The Scorpion, as the car came to be known, and is currently in Adelaide, Australia. The car's current order of ownership can be traced back to Eddie Leon's family since the custom car spent most of its life in Vacaville, Southern California before an Australian car collector bought it, and then the current owner bought it from him.

1963 Ford Thunderbird Custom with a plate number of '3RDE641' called Scorpion is currently in Adelaide, Australia. (Picture from: CustoCarChronicle)

Since it is an unusual looking vehicle, and judging from the pictures circulating in cyberspace where the car looks shabby with relatively makeshift conditions, we hope the Australian owner able to restore it to its full period-correct glory conditions. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HOONIVERSE | CUSTOCARCHRONICLE | THEDRIVE | WIKIPEDIA ]

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Here's Oduvaldo Barranco's dream about the best supercar of Brazilian

Rare ONES Still from the southern tip of the American continent, after some time ago we also had discussed some of the best automotive creations ever made in this Samba country such as the famous work of Toni Bianco ranging from the Fúria GT to the Bianco S, then there is also the Lobini  H1 sports car which is reportedly also had shocked the blue continent of Europe in early of 2000s.

The Aurora 122C is touted as the most ambitious ever developed by the Valinhos, São Paulo based automotive company, which reportedly also spent quite a fantastic money of around 3 million American dollars in only 3 years. (Picture from: RareComponentCars)

So, this time what we will discuss is the Aurora 122C, which is no less great, and even said as the best work by a talented Brazilian automaker from the 1990s inspired by the best European sportscars made by Ferraris and Porsches. Moreover, this sports car is also touted as the most ambitious ever developed by the Valinhos, São Paulo based automotive company, which reportedly also spent quite a fantastic money of around 3 million American dollars in only 3 years.

The Aurora 122C was designed by Oduvaldo Barranca assisted by two Argentinean racing car designers, and starting to be built by Aurora Projetos Automobilísticos Ltda. in 1989. (Picture from: QuatroRodas.Abril)

As we could be seen, there's no Beetle chassis here; no less efficient backbone; nor is there the suspension of a large series car that is generally seen on other cars made in Brazil. Everything is done as it should be done by the supercar maker if it wanted to be ones. Even though the exterior looks a bit disappointing, while the interior is made in an extremely professional and quality manner. Well, what is shown here looks like a Brazilian sports car was finally coming of age.

The Aurora 122C's appearance adopts freestyle supercar proportions inspired by Ferrari, Porsche and another GT supercars of 1990s. (Picture from: RareComponentCars)

As quoted of Lexicar Brazil, the out-of-series unique car's appearance adopts freestyle supercar proportions inspired by Ferrari, Porsche and another GT supercars, was designed by Oduvaldo Barranca assisted by two Argentinean racing car designers, and starting to be built by Aurora Projetos Automobilísticos Ltda. in 1989.

The Aurora 122C is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder is equipped with twin horizontal Weber carburettors, and a Garrett turbocharger, which is said to be capable of producing more than 200 bhp. (Picture from: RareComponentCars)

At that time, it was stuffed by the automaker using a number of unique features that set it apart from its counterparts. As you can see, it's a mid-rear tranverse engined two-seater car design with the chassis was a fiberglass-reinforced plastic monocoque, coupled with unequal-length a-arm suspension and coil-over forks front and rear. Furthermore it also uses ventilated disc brakes on all four corners.  

The Aurora 122C was a mid-rear tranverse engined two-seater car design with the chassis was a fiberglass-reinforced plastic monocoque, coupled with unequal-length a-arm suspension and coil-over forks front and rear. (Picture from: RareComponentCars)

Furthermore, its drivetrain is sourced from Brazil's Chevy Monza, the 2.0-liter four-cylinder is equipped with twin horizontal Weber carburettors, and a Garrett turbocharger, which is said to be capable of producing more than 200 bhp. This power is then used to drive the rear wheels, after being channeled through a 5-speed manual transmission system. 

The back of the Aurora 122C is clearly taken inspiration of the Ferrari F40. (Picture from: RareComponentCars)

According to a Brazilian automotive magazine,  Quattro Rodas, the Aurora 122C' performance was able to outperform all of its domestic rivals at the time, with a record time of acceleration from rest to 60 mph in just 8 seconds, and being able to reach a top speed of more than 140 mph. After it completion was shown for the first time as a concept car at the 16th São Paulo Automotive Salon 1990 and its production version debuted at the following year's exhibition.

It's too bad, as the domestic market was opened to imported competition, it's clear that the Aurora 122C can't compete and was rendered obsolete by cars made by European famous manufacturers such Ferrari F40, Porsche 911, and many others. As the result, only 3 production examples found buyers and by 1993 the automaker should be closed its doors, and burried Oduvaldo Barranco's dream of making five Auroras in a month. Today, one of the Auroras was sat on display at the Curitiba Automobile Museum. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AURORA | LEXICARBRASIL | QUATRORODAS.ABRIL.COM | AUTOENTUSIASTAS | RARECOMPONENTCARS ]

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