LEGEND Replicas As the famous brand, of course Ferrari has long experience in producing the best sports cars, even many of them are legendary cars that have fantastic price tags. But, the problem was not all of its loyal fans can afford it. This then gave high demand amongst them to be able to have such legendary car even though it is in replica form. Well, for the reason, the Maranello-based automaker then invited a third party to make the replica.
The Ferrari Testa Rossa J is a three-quartered scale replica of the legendary prancing horse racing car of 1950s, the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa. (Picture from: id.Motor1)
And for example is the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, as we all know this is the racing car that successfully made the Prancing Horse logoed automaker to step the pinnacle of glory on the Le Mans racing circuit three times back in the 1950s. So that is why the current price of these classic racing cars is very expensive, even recorded as one of the most expensive cars in the world.
The Ferrari Testa Rossa J replica (on foreground) posed along with the legendary Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa of the 1950s (on background). (Picture from: id.Motor1)
So not many can afford it, apart from being expensive, the number of units is also very limited, though still the interest of prancing horse fans for this classic car is very high. And to meet the high interest of classic car enthusiasts on this legendary prancing horse racing car, as well as to celebrate the marque's racing history, so the Maranello-based automaker partnered with The Little Car Company to launch a special edition of Ferrari Testa Rossa replica back in the 2021.
The Ferrari Testa Rossa J replica (on the left) posed along with the legendary Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa of the 1950s (on the right). (Picture from: Ferrari Testa Rossa J)
Although this is only a three-quartered scale replica of the legendary prancing horse racing car of 1950s called the Ferrari Testa Rossa J, the creation of this fully electric motors driven replica done seriously to bring it to the brand's highest standards. And for that reason this special edition of Ferrari Testa Rossa J 'Pacco Gara' (Italian mean 'Racing Packages') then features a series of upgrades to bring out the Testa Rossa's true racing DNA.
The Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa racing car was successfully made the Prancing Horse logoed automaker to step the pinnacle of glory on the Le Mans racing circuit three times back in the 1950s. (Picture from: Ferrari Testa Rossa J)
This can be seen with the addition of a racing roll cage to provide extra safety protection for drivers who want to enjoy their Testa Rossa J on the racing circuit. However, a bolt-on modification offer (so that the roll cage can be removed) is also provided, made the car owners have the freedom to change the appearance of their Testa Rossa J.
The Testa Rossa J Pacco Gara offers Sabelt seatbelts is bolted to the chassis and rollhoop for a true racing feel as it was originally meant to be driven on the speed. (Picture from: PojokOto)
While they step inside the cockpit, Ferrari fans and collectors will be amazed the finer details of the replica. In which, the Pacco Gara offers Sabelt seatbelts is bolted to the chassis and rollhoop for a true racing feel as the Testa Rossa J was originally meant to be driven on the speed. Ensuring accuracy with the original ones, the tonneau cover on the passenger side has also been matched, with the same Ferrari leather as the car's interior, which is offered in red or black colors.
Beneath the glorious aesthetic enhancements have a variety of performance enhancements that offer more power and give Testa Rossa J drivers an enriched racing experience. (Picture from: Ferrari Testa Rossa J)
Furthermore, in keeping with the original 250 Testa Rossa feels, an additional mirror has been installed on the driver's side, along with period-appropriate spotlights. To bring drivers closer to the real feel, the addition of adjustable dampers and brake bias allows them to fine-tune their Testa Rossa J balance, so as to provide a more flexible and personalized driving experience, besides that the customizable features of the Ferrari Testa Rossa J will increase its immersive refreshing nature.
Ensuring accuracy with the original ones, the tonneau cover on the passenger side has also been matched, with the same Ferrari leather as the car's interior, which is offered in red or black colors. (Picture from: PojokOto)
Beneath the glorious aesthetic enhancements have a variety of performance enhancements that offer more power and give Testa Rossa J drivers an enriched racing experience. These discrete changes include drilled brake discs, and a quicker steering rack ratio, all making for a more responsive and track-focused car.
The three-quartered scale replica of 250 Testa Rossa is driven by a fully electric motors capable burst power of 19 bhp. (Picture from: Ferrari Testa Rossa J)
The biggest performance improvement of the Ferrari Testa Rossa J edition is the increase in power to 14kw. This was a purely a software upgrade, this will take the three-quartered scale replica of 250 Testa Rossa from 16bhp to 19bhp. In the context of the original 250 Testa Rossa as a racing icon, such this increased power brings the Testa Rossa J even closer to unparalleled performance.
The unique and thrilling three quartered scale replica of the Testa Rossa J made for just 299 of these with prices starting at €93,000 each, that's roughly the equivalent of US $110,000. (Picture from: Ferrari Testa Rossa J)
Ben Hedley, CEO of The Little Car Company, said "the Ferrari Testa Rossa J is a modern reimagining of not only one of the most iconic racers in the automotive world, but also one of the most important cars of the 20th century. When we unveiled the new special Testa Rossa J edition, a fine example of our close collaboration with the Ferrari team, we have given racing a boost, with exciting advances both on the car's aesthetics, and as a whole of the show.
As per Ferrari’s tradition, the Ferrari Testa Rossa J will have a wide range of customisation options available, exclusively designed by the Centro Stile. (Picture from: Ferrari Testa Rossa J
Our team has worked closely to ensure that every new feature of Pacco Gara enhances the driving experience of the Testa Rossa J. Every element of Pacco Gara has been developed, and signed off by the Maranello's team and is focused on paying homage to one of the great racers in history, while also offering the driver a substantial, real sense of what it's like to be behind its wheel," as he closed.
As quoted from id.Motor1, the unique and thrilling three quartered scale replica of the Testa Rossa J debut held at the International Concours of Elegance St Moritz 20223 which took place in February 2022 then. At the time besides, it sat on display, the prospected customer also could be performed test drive on the Testa Rossa J in amazing snow of St. Moritz.
Related to its price, the prancing horse logoed automaker is offering replicas of the Testa Rossa J made for just 299 of these with prices starting at €93,000 each, that's roughly the equivalent of US $110,000 (Rp. 1.5 billion). Similar to the Bugatti Baby II, it can be sure that is not an ordinary children's toy car. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FERRARI TESTA ROSSA J | ID.MOTOR 1 |]
WeirdONES Is that a provocative title? We hope not.. As we have discussed some time ago about the unique shaped cars made by the past automotive manufacturers. Some of those are remind us to the car in the cartoon film, and mostly of what we've seen a simply designed roadster.
The first model of the Gebruder Verga Coupé built by Enrico Verga in 1956 has an unusual removable bubble top canopy. (Picture from: MarioTheMultipla)
This could be just a memory refresher for you, if some time ago we had discussed a car like this, namely the Volugrafo Bimbo 46 of 1947. And now we will discuss the similar look car made by lesser known Swiss coachbuilder back in the 1950s. Uniquely, this spectacular little space-aged coupé named the Gebruder Verga Coupé has a special body attached on a Volkswagen chassis, and powered by a rear-mounted air-cooled engine.
The second model of the Gebruder Verga Coupé (may be) a copy which was no less eccentric, a coupé with gull wing styled doors.. (Picture from: MarioTheMultipla)
Well, from the name alone, might be most of you've never heard or know it before. Indeed there's not many information related to this unique car. But reportedly the mentioned unique car was made only two units, one was an unusual shaped car featured with a removable bubble-top canopy and the other (may be) its copy which was no less eccentric, a coupé with gull wing styled doors.
The first model of the Gebruder Verga Coupé has unique bodywork style built on a Volkswagen chassis, and powered by a rear-mounted air-cooled engine. (Picture from: MarioTheMultipla)
Related to the maker is Carrozzeria Verga, which was founded in 1830 by Benjamin Verga as a carriage maker and carriages made of wood and iron. Over times, the business remains in the family and in the following century, the next Verga's generation became a skilled automotive coachbuilder. And the first model prototype of the Gebruder Verga Coupé was built by Enrico Verga in 1956, it firstly appeared to public at the Concours D’Elegance Campione d’Italia competition in Lugano in that year.
The
first model of the Gebruder Verga Coupé has a unique appearance after being converted into a
roadster which resembles the shape of a vehicle in a cartoon. (Picture from: MarioTheMultipla)
Due to the absence of photographic documentation, it is not known what
kind of car was included in the automotive event in Lugano. It is
thought that this is a beautiful and futuristic bubble glass version and
this car pictures are also being displayed on this coachbuilder
business website, unfortunately there is no information regarding the
whereabouts of the antique car, many speculations said probably it hidden somewhere in the Verga
Carrozzeria's workshop as well.
The
first model of the Gebruder Verga Coupé after being converted into a
roadster by replacing the bubble canopy with a curved windshield. (Picture from: MarioTheMultipla)
By the way, it had published in a German magazine back in the 1950’s (Auto Motor un Sport Nr. 24 of 1956), whose wrote that such bubble roof opening had a rather strange and clumsy, in which it lifted up in one piece including the circular door disc. Furthermore, in several of the photos below, it seems to have been replaced with a curved windscreen, maybe the roof was removable or perhaps this was a modification or even a different version, although has the same registration vehicle number.
The
second model of the Gebruder Verga Coupé was seized by the French
Police for being used for smuggling activities back in 1959. (Picture from: MarioTheMultipla)
Then related to the second model designed and built by Verga with a body shape and style that is very similar to the first one but with a slight difference, namely with a fixed roof coupled with gull-wing style doors. It seems that it does have a more interesting stories.
The
second model of the Gebruder Verga Coupé was confiscated by the French's authorities, and kept in storage at the La Rochelle Customs School until its recent retrieval. (Picture from: Flat4Ever)
Over the years, the car underwent some rather extensive modifications for reasons that a bit naughty or actually were not legal. Because the car was used to smuggle auto parts, especially ball bearings for trucks which at the time had high customs duties. For this reason, the frame was strengthened to be able to withstand the extra load, after which a secret compartment was made accompanied by the installation of a jack system at the four corners of the body to lift the compartment which functioned as a storage place for contraband goods.
The
second model of the Gebruder Verga Coupé has a hidden competement
completed with with jack system at the four corners of the body to lift
the compartment which functioned as a storage place for contraband goods. (Picture from: MarioTheMultipla)
The smugling actions were carried out by using this car was against the law, and it did not always go according to plan, because at one time also ended badly, as happened in 1959. At that time, the car was arrested and seized by the French Police in Arnéguy on the Spanish border. Subsequently the car was confiscated by the state and kept in storage at the La Rochelle Customs School until its recent retrieval.
Today, Carrozzeria Verga is still in business and is run by Simone Verga, the Great Grandson of Benjamin Verga. Hopefully we could got more information about the car's whereabouts and soon it could be seen again. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | VERGACAR | MARIOTHEMULTIPLA | JUSTCARGUY | FLAT4EVER ]
New BEAST In the midst of the current bustle of the automotive world which massively and continuously produces their automotive products throughout the world. Recently there is a speed-beast candidate launched by the British top brand intended to complete the one that has existed prior.
The DBS 770 Ultimate is launched as Aston Martin celebrates its 110th birthday in 2023. (Picture from: GoOto)
So, on January 18, 2023, Aston Martin introduced its newest supercar, the Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate, which was introduced as a high-performance V12 engined supercar. Furthermore, this newest Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate supercar is also touted as the ultimate version in the DBS family, reportedly only 499 units will be produced. And then the Gaydon-based automaker company would be produced it into 2 variants, namely the Coupé of 300 units and the remaining 199 units for the Volante.
The Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate was introduced as a high-performance V12 engined supercar. (Picture from: GoOto)
As you can see, the Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate's exterior has received several significant improvements in the form of 2x2 Twill Carbon Fiber Cantrail, Windscreen Surround, Mirror Caps and Fender Louvre as standard equipment. Meanwhile, on the legs, this ultimate car from the DBS family looks stunning thanks to the 21-inch rims with three different colors, inspired by the Aston Martin Valkyrie and Victor, namely Satin Silver, Satin Black and Satin Black with Diamond Turned. Furthermore, to wrap the rims, high-performance Pirelli P Zero tires are used with a 265/35 R21 profile at the front and 305/30 R21 at the rear.
This newest Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate supercar is also touted as the ultimate version in the DBS family. (Picture from: Autocar.co.uk)
As mentioned above, the DBS 770 Ultimate is powered by a high-performance V12 engine which, on paper, has a configuration of a 60 degrees quad-cam, with a capacity of 5,200 cc. This machine is claimed capable of producing power bursts up to 700 PS at 6,500 rpm and 900 Nm of torque at 1,800 rpm to 5,000 rpm. So it is not surprising that the British manufacturer believes that its newest supercar can race on the freeway with its top speed can reach 340 kph.
The Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate supercar's steering system is more responsive thanks to the new solid-mounted steering column. (Picture from: GoOto)
The British manufacturer also stated that they were done a thorough revision of the DBS 770 Ultimate engine, even including improvements to the double turbo. So that the air flow supply has also been designed to be more flexible when needed by the engine and ignition system. Besides that, the maximum turbo boost pressure has now been increased by 7 percent, which makes the engine seem to never run out of performance deployment.
The Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate powered by a high-performance V12 engine which, on paper, has a configuration of a 60 degrees quad-cam, with a capacity of 5,200 cc. (Picture from: GoOto)
To support the distribution of engine power bursts, an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission system is installed with the help of a Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) mounted on the rear wheels, so that it can catapult the Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate to its highest speed. Meanwhile, the car braking system relies on a specially formulated feature, namely the Aston Martin Carbon Ceramic Braking (CCB), in which consisted of the disc measures 410 mm x 38 mm for the front and 360 mm x 32 mm for the rear.
Production of the Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate will start in the Q1 2023 and deliveries to each customers will begin in the Q3 2023. (Picture from: Autocar.co.uk)
Furthermore, the steering system is more responsive thanks to the new solid-mounted steering column model, thus making the DBS 770 Ultimate's driving even more precise, the front tires steer well. The stiffness of the front of the car has been increased by 25 percents. The Adaptive Damping System (ADS) has also been calibrated to improve ride quality.
Production of the Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate will start in the first quarter of 2023 and deliveries to each customers will begin in the third quarter of 2023. Although relatively new announced, turn out the order for this newest Aston Martin supercar has been closed, and seems that all the units to be produced already sold out. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ASTON MARTIN | CARSCOOPS | AUTOCAR.CO.UK ]
Lesser KNOWN As we all knew today, there are a lots of sports cars roaming the streets around the world. Of the many sports cars, there are some of them of course invites curiosity, although it has unique-shaped but have escaped the public's attention just because they were made by lesser known automotive company.
The French-made sports car named the Technical Studio TS07 while sat on display at the Leipzig Auto Show 2007. (Picture from: Auta5p.eu)
So, this time we take a short break in Boismorand, in central-north France to discuss a unique sports car made by a manufacturer from this region called the Technical Studio TS07 that we have never known before (maybe you too). The mentioned car was built to order by a company called Technical Studio by fusing hand-crafted tradition the 21st century advanced technology.
Originally the Technical Studio TS07 sports car was began its developing process as the Helem V6 of the RJ Racing back in 1996. (Picture from: Auta5p.eu)
According to GT1 History, originally the TS07 sports car was began its developing process as the Helem V6 of the RJ Racing back in 1996. However things went pretty hairy between both associates (Jean-Michel ROY and Brian JOHNSON) and soon RJ Racing filled for bankruptcy. So, the road car project was continued by Nogaro Technologies then Technical Studios, it was designed by Gregory Gambara who has worked for those French automaker for over 15 years.
The design process for the Technical Studio TS07 sports car had been done by using the Computer Assisted Design (CAD) softwares or fast prototyping system, before being developed further and realized into a real form. (Picture from: Supercars.net)
The French company also stated that the design process for the Technical Studio TS07 sports car had been done by using the Computer Assisted Design (CAD) softwares or fast prototyping system, before being developed further and realized into a real form. The entire process of developing this sports car took approximately 20 months.
The Technical Studio TS07 sports car uses advanced materials such as light alloys for the chassis and advanced composites for the body with all the main components including the electronics taken of the Peugeot 206 RC. (Picture from: DeviantArt)
Basically, this TS07 sports car uses advanced materials such as light alloys for the chassis and advanced composites for the body with all the main components including the electronics taken of the Peugeot 206 RC. In detail, the chassis of the Technical Studio TS07 is made from aluminium alloy, shaped and then mechanically welded. It gives an excellent compromise between weight and rigidity, at the same time ensuring an ability to absorb frontal and side impacts. It's no wonder then that this French sports coupé has a relatively light weight, which is only 900 kg.
The Technical Studio TS07 sports car offers 3 different engine options ranging from 4-cylinders, 6-cylinders and 8-cylinders, which is installed in the middle and applies the rear-wheel drive system. (Picture from: Auta5p.eu)
As for the propulsion, this French company offers three different engine options ranging from 4-cylinders, 6-cylinders and 8-cylinders, which is installed in the middle and applies the rear-wheel drive system. For that then they also conducted several rounds of tests on the race track for each different engine options as mentioned before.
The Technical Studio TS07 sports car was released and shown to public for the first time at the Salon du coupé et du cabriolet Paris 2006. (Picture from: Auta5p.eu)
The Technical Studio TS07 was released and shown to public for the first time at the Salon du coupé et du cabriolet Paris 2006 (Coupé and Cabriolet Show 2006), with the unit on display at that time was a two-seater sports coupé powered by a liquid-cooled inline 4 DOHC engine combined with a 6-speed manual transmission system and claimed to be capable of spitting out power around 197 hp @ 7,000 rpm and torque of around 162 ft-lbs @ 4,750 rpm. Well, this French automaker company claims that the TS07 can be driven up to a top speed of 250 kph.
Furthermore, to maintain exclusivity of the TS-07, the French automaker would be produced it in a limited number of 12 units only. In addition, Technical Studio also wishes to establish privileged relations in between the car with its respective owner. Unfortunately, the French automaker didn't revealed the price offered for each unit, we've heard from some sources, reportedly this sports car at launch to be sold with a price tag starting at €58,000.😢 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TECHNICAL STUDIO | DISENO-ARTS | DEVIANTART | CARBODYDESIGN | MOTOR1 | SUPERCARS.NET | RAREFRENCHSPORTSCAR | GT1 HISTORY | AUTA5P.EU]
ForgottenONES Indeed, there are still many sports cars that have been made in the past that we have never known. So, here is one of them called the Vixen GT, a British-made sports car that can be said to be one that has been forgotten by the times, and we are sure that some of you have never heard or known it before.
The Vixen GT was one-of-a-kind sports car made by Ian Stronach, a former British racer who was also a gifted engineer back in the 1960s. (Picture from: Otomotif-OkeZone)
The Vixen GT was one-of-a-kind sports car made by a former British racer who was also a gifted engineer back in the 1960s, it had raced several times at several race events before finally being abandoned which was finally found by a car collector and restored to back like new. Well, this sports car was built by Ian Stronach, a former racing driver from Manchester, England.
The Vixen GT was built on a tubular steel frame with the front part of the car taken from the Cooper-Jaguar MkII car. (Picture from: Otomotif-OkeZone)
Ian Stronach.
He raced in England during the 1960s to 1970s, participating in various formula races, starting from Formula 2, Formula Libre, and Formula 5000. During his racing activities, he began to think about making his own racing car. In order to realize his wish, then Stronach started his car project in 1962 which began by building a tubular steel frame with the front part of the car taken from the Cooper-Jaguar MkII car. Due to everything was done by himself, this sports car project was only completed two years later, in 1964.
The Vixen GT car project began in 1962 by building a tubular steel frame with the front part of the car taken from the Cooper-Jaguar MkII car. (Picture from: Drive-My.com)
At the time, Ian Stronach planned to build three cars, even he was built the tubular chassis for the other two cars, but never got around to actually building them. As seen, the Vixen GT sports car carried various innovative designs at the time. Starting from the configuration of the engine which is placed at the rear of the car, right in front of the front axle, making it the first car in its class with an engine configuration like this.
Originally, the Vixen GT powered by a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine of Ford Kent that produced 157 ponies. (Picture from: Drive-My.com)
In addition, the Vixen GT comes with a rear spoiler design that blends with the body, making it the first sports car was implemented such design at that time. While for the drivetrain, initially Stronach wanted to use a 3.5-liter V8 engine of GM, but in the end he used a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine of Ford Kent that produced 157 ponies.
Meanwhile, in the cabin the potentially knee-crushing crossmember under the dashboard has been replaced with a safer, higher-mounted reinforcement. (Picture from: Drive-My.com)
After that the Vigen GT sports car was used to race across Europe and also experienced many owner changes, until it was finally bought by a French racer named Lionel Laglave in 1980. And in 2012, while a Belgium car enthutiast named Didier van der Linden looking for a car to restore, then he found this sports car was on the sale list of a classic car site.
After restoration, the Vixen GT powered by a a 3.5 liter V8 engine from Buick which is capable of producing 280 hp @ 6,500 rpm and torque of 385 Nm @ 3,800 rpm. (Picture from: Drive-My.com)
From this it is known that this car has been sitting in vain for decades in a farmyard in Strasbourg, France. When it was first found, the condition of the car was very poor with a body full of rust and even the paint was missing, so did its engine, plus the interior was gloomy filled with dust.
The
Vixen GT comes with a rear spoiler design that blends with the body,
making it the first sports car was implemented such design at that time. (Picture from: Otomotif-OkeZone)
Shortly after that Didier van der Linden bought the car, and restored this sports car with help from Ian Stronach who is now 81 years old. Even though he is old, his memory is still very strong. By using references from design sketches, old photos of the car, and suggestions from Stronach, after three and half years of hard works, finally Didier managed to restore the Vigen GT came back like its hey day in the 1960s.
Nowadays, the Vixen GT has returned to racing track with a new body design and a 3.5 liter V8 engine from Buick which is capable of producing 280 hp @ 6,500 rpm and torque of 385 Nm @ 3,800 rpm. By combining with a 5-speed manual transmission system taken from the Renault Alpine, this sports car often seen races in circuit of Mettet, Belgium. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DIDIER VAN DER LINDEN | DRIVE-MY.COM | ]
And for example is the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, as we all know this is the racing car that successfully made the Prancing Horse logoed automaker to step the pinnacle of glory on the Le Mans racing circuit three times back in the 1950s. So that is why the current price of these classic racing cars is very expensive, even recorded as one of the most expensive cars in the world. 
Related to its price, the prancing horse logoed automaker is offering replicas of the Testa Rossa J made for just 299 of these with prices starting at €93,000 each, that's roughly the equivalent of US $110,000 (Rp. 1.5 billion). Similar to the Bugatti Baby II, it can be sure that is not an ordinary children's toy car. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FERRARI TESTA ROSSA J | ID.MOTOR 1 |]
