Inside the Toyota GT-Z Comfort Supercharger: TRD’s Most Unexpected Creation

Turboquaint Marvel - In a world where performance cars often scream for attention with aggressive styling and deafening exhaust notes, the true charm sometimes lies in the unexpected. Among the many rare automotive curiosities, few vehicles have defied their utilitarian roots as boldly and bizarrely as the Toyota GT-Z Comfort Supercharger. At first glance, it blends into the background—a familiar silhouette to anyone who's ever hailed a cab in Japan, Hong Kong, or Singapore. But hiding beneath its mild-mannered exterior is a piece of Toyota's forgotten experimentation, equal parts strange and wonderful.

The Toyota GT-Z Comfort Supercharger looks like a taxi, but is one of the best sleepers and rarest car Toyota ever made. (Picture from: JapaneseNostalgicCar)

Originally, the Toyota Crown Comfort was a vehicle designed with a singular purpose: durability and reliability for fleet service. Released in 1995, it was intentionally a step backward in technology, prioritizing simplicity over sophistication. With its live rear axle, drum brakes, and upright stance, it became the go-to taxi platform across much of Asia. Its presence was so dominant that even today, over 90 percent of Hong Kong's taxis remain Toyota Comforts. But in 2003, Toyota, through its motorsport arm TRD (Toyota Racing Development), decided to do something entirely unexpected.

The Toyota GT-Z Comfort Supercharger recently found new life through a meticulous restoration by Contempo Concepts, a Hong Kong shop renowned more for reviving supercars than aging ex-taxis. (Picture from: Contempo Concepts on Facebook)

They took 59 of these workhorses and gave them a complete factory makeover. The result was the Crown Comfort TRD GT-Z Supercharger—an almost laughable contradiction in terms, and yet undeniably intriguing. At the heart of this transformation was a 3S-FE engine boosted by an Ogura Clutch TX07 roots-type supercharger, doubling the original output from a modest 80 horsepower to a respectable 160. That was only the beginning.

The Toyota GT-Z Comfort Supercharger's inside featured with bucket seats, bespoke steering wheel, performance gauges. (Picture from: CarGuide)

To match the newfound power, Toyota added a TRD body kit, a performance exhaust, and RS-Watanabe 15-inch wheels that became a rare factory addition. Inside, the cabin received racing-style TRD bucket seats, a sporty TRD steering wheel and shift knob, and a unique triple-Omori-gauge center stack. These weren’t just visual upgrades—they helped complete the identity of a true enthusiast’s sleeper car, one that wore its taxi costume with ironic pride.

Despite its performance aspirations, the GT-Z retained the basic underpinnings of the Comfort, including the suspension setup meant more for pothole resilience than corner carving. That quirky mismatch only added to its charm, making it an anomaly in Toyota’s lineup and a cult favorite among collectors and restorers today.

The Toyota GT-Z Comfort Supercharger borrowed the Toyota built 3S-FE motor from a Camry and boosted by an Ogura Clutch TX07 roots-type supercharger. (Picture from: JapaneseNostalgicCar)

One such example recently found new life through a meticulous restoration by Contempo Concepts, a Hong Kong-based shop better known for reviving supercars than ex-taxis. With impressive dedication, the team stripped the car to its bones and reassembled it using nearly all OEM Toyota parts still in circulation. The attention to detail was staggering—from new factory splash guards to fresh dashboard plastics and even period-correct RS-Watanabe wheels.

While many parts were easily sourced due to the car’s taxi origins, items unique to the GT-Z—like its badging, special gauges, and interior trim—required patience and resourcefulness. The final result wasn’t just a rebuild; it was a resurrection of something incredibly rare and weirdly lovable. The Comfort GT-Z Supercharger may never match the pedigree of a Supra or Celica, but its story is arguably more fascinating. | jwQAoXhxxNU |

It’s hard to explain why Toyota made a high-performance version of one of its most boring cars, but maybe that’s the beauty of it. In a lineup filled with deliberate decisions and market research, the GT-Z feels like a passion project that slipped through the cracks—proof that even the most unassuming vehicle can become legendary with the right touch of madness. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CONTEMPO CONCEPTS ON FACEBOOK | JAPANNOSTALGICCAR | CARSGUIDE | JALOPNIK | CARINLIFECLASSIC | WIKIPEDIA ]

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Ferrari 296 Speciale Piloti: A Rare Tribute to Racing Spirit

Racing Reverence - In the world of high-performance cars, few names ignite excitement quite like Ferrari. Each new model is a celebration of engineering precision, automotive art, and motorsport legacy. And just when you think Maranello has done it all, they find a way to go even further. This time, the spotlight falls on something rare, refined, and racing-inspired—the Ferrari 296 Speciale Piloti.

The Ferrari 296 Speciale Piloti crafted as a salute to those who race, those who dream, and those who live for the spirit of competition. (Picture from: BlackXperience)

Unveiled under the dramatic skies of Le Mans, France, ahead of the legendary 24-hour race, the 296 Speciale Piloti steps into the limelight with a clear purpose: to honor Ferrari’s endurance racing pedigree. While some might have expected wild mechanical upgrades or revolutionary tech under the hood, what Ferrari delivers instead is something more understated—yet still very much thrilling in its own right. It’s a car designed not just to drive fast, but to pay tribute to the team spirit, history, and emotion that fuel Ferrari’s racing DNA.

The Ferrari 296 Speciale Piloti, featuring a striking motorsport livery, is a special creation designed not merely for speed but to honor the team spirit, rich history, and passion that define Ferrari’s racing DNA. (Picture from: Evo.co.uk)

At first glance, what sets the 296 Speciale Piloti apart is its exclusive design. Drawing inspiration directly from the Ferrari 499P Le Mans Hypercar, this special edition wears a striking motorsport livery that turns every head and stirs every heart. Buyers can personalize the car in one of four dramatic shades: Rosso Scuderia, Blu Tour de France, Nero Daytona, or Argento Nurburgring—each one echoing Ferrari’s race-bred identity. This isn’t just about color—it’s about character.

The Ferrari 296 Speciale Piloti stands out at first glance with an exclusive design inspired by the 499P Le Mans Hypercar, finished in a captivating 'Rosso Scuderia' shade that instantly draws attention and stirs emotion. (Picture from: Evo.co.uk)

Inside the cockpit, Ferrari has crafted an environment that blends raw racing feel with refined Italian craftsmanship. Black Alcantara racing seats dominate the interior, enhanced by unique accent stitching and a sense of purpose that matches the car’s heritage. Carbon fiber details are everywhere—from the custom door sill plates to the center plaque—giving the driver an immersive, race-ready atmosphere. Even the metal floor accents are customizable, offering a subtle but personal touch.

The Ferrari 296 Speciale Piloti features a cockpit that seamlessly blends raw racing energy with refined Italian craftsmanship, highlighted by black Alcantara racing seats with distinctive accent stitching that reflect its performance-driven heritage. (Picture from: Evo.co.uk)

While the "Piloti" tag suggests a tailored experience for racing enthusiasts, Ferrari kept the powertrain untouched from the base 296 Speciale. And that’s not a complaint. The car’s 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 plug-in hybrid still roars with an electrifying 867 horsepower. That’s enough to rocket the car from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.8 seconds, with a top speed nudging 205 mph. All of this is managed through a highly refined suspension setup that includes stiffer, lighter titanium springs and advanced Multimatic adjustable dampers. The result? A Ferrari that sticks to the asphalt like a true racer but still delivers the feedback and emotion every enthusiast craves.

The Ferrari 296 Speciale Piloti retains the same powertrain as the base 296 Speciale, with its 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 plug-in hybrid delivering an electrifying 867 horsepower. (Picture from: TheSupercarBlog)

What makes the 296 Speciale Piloti special isn’t just its performance—although it certainly doesn’t lack that. It’s the story it tells. Ferrari didn’t create this car to break records or reinvent the wheel. They built it as a salute to those who race, those who dream, and those who live for the spirit of competition. With a highly limited production run, it becomes more than just a machine—it becomes a symbol, a rare collectible, and a personal connection to Ferrari’s trackside glory. | WBnWbdvmAiU |

Despite its racing-inspired identity, the Ferrari 296 Speciale Piloti isn’t reserved only for Formula 1 stars like Lewis Hamilton or Charles Leclerc. It’s built for those who embrace Ferrari’s driving spirit—on or off the circuit. Participation in the accessible Ferrari Challenge series opens the door for enthusiasts to own this rare machine, no elite-level skills required. With this edition, Ferrari doesn’t just celebrate speed—it honors passion, turning heritage into something you can truly drive. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | THESUPERCARBLOG | EVO.CO.UK | BLACKXPERIENCE ]

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Fiat 500 Transformed into a Porsche 911: A Bold Customization

Bold Reinvention - In a world where creativity knows no bounds, car enthusiasts often find themselves at the crossroads between imagination and engineering. From lifted supercars to tiny trucks turned into tanks, the automotive modification scene continues to surprise us with ever more daring and eccentric builds. Among these bold statements on four wheels, one peculiar creation has recently caught the internet’s eye—a Fiat 500 transformed to look like a Porsche 911 Turbo. And no, this isn’t just a bumper swap or a decal trick. This is a full-blown metamorphosis of a friendly little city car into a faux-German speedster, and it's hard to look away.

A bold Fiat 500 Piccolino customization by a Greek car enthusiast, who transformed it to resemble a Porsche 911. (Picture from: HowNotToDesignACar on Facebook)

At first glance, it’s hard not to do a double-take. The front fascia is strikingly reminiscent of a Porsche, complete with the iconic grille design and headlamps reshaped to mimic those of the legendary 911. The bumper has been flattened to eliminate any trace of the original Fiat's cartoonish smile, leaving a more aggressive, focused expression in its place. From this angle alone, it becomes clear that the builder wasn’t aiming for subtlety—they wanted transformation.

The rear of the vehicle doesn’t disappoint either. Instead of the rounded charm typical of a Fiat 500, this modified version sports a continuous taillight setup that’s clearly inspired by modern Porsche models. Sitting just above it is perhaps the most amusing addition: a rear wing reminiscent of the Porsche 996 or 911. Functionally useless for a car of this size and speed, the wing exists purely for aesthetics—although whether that aesthetic is a hit or a miss depends entirely on the viewer’s taste.

The builder went far beyond simply adding Porsche badges, extensively reworking the hood, trunk, rear bumper, and sculpting in faux side vents, all complemented by a rear wing reminiscent of the Porsche 996 or 911. (Picture from: HowNotToDesignACar on Facebook)

Reportedly spotted in Greece and shared widely via the Facebook page “How Not to Design a Car,” this build has stirred up quite the debate. The page itself is dedicated to celebrating—or perhaps roasting—over-the-top and unusual car modifications, making this Fiat 500 a perfect candidate for the spotlight. But underneath the polarizing exterior lies a story of passion and dedication.

The Fiat 500, after all, is no stranger to attention. First rolling off the production line in 1957 in Turin, this tiny Italian icon quickly captured hearts around the world. Nearly four million units were sold before production of the first generation ended in 1975, and even today, hundreds of thousands still roam Italian roads. Its legacy is one of endurance and charm, a testament to its design and loyal fan base.

The front fascia is strikingly reminiscent of a Porsche, complete with the iconic grille design and headlamps reshaped to mimic those of the legendary 911. (Picture from: HowNotToDesignACar on Facebook)

That’s what makes this transformation even more fascinating. While some purists may cringe at the idea of dressing up a Fiat as a Porsche, others might see it as a tribute—albeit a cheeky one—to both marques. The builder didn’t just slap on a few Porsche badges and call it a day. They reworked the hood, the trunk, the rear bumper, and even sculpted in faux side vents. Every panel seems to have been touched, reshaped, and reimagined with remarkable detail. Say what you will about the outcome, but there’s no denying the sheer effort involved.

Sure, this isn't a turbocharged sports car ready to take on the Nürburgring, and yes, the Porsche resemblance may be more costume party than carbon fiber, but that’s not the point. This car stands as a bold expression of individuality—a testament to the idea that cars are more than just machines; they’re canvases. Not everyone has the guts to turn their vision into reality, especially when that vision blurs the line between adorable and absurd.

The rear of the custom vehicle doesn’t disappoint either, replacing the Fiat 500’s typical rounded charm with a more dramatic continuous taillight setup that’s clearly inspired by modern Porsche models. (Picture from: HowNotToDesignACar on Facebook)

Unfortunately, a video of this unique custom car is not available at the moment. However, here is a featured video showcasing a rare 1957 Fiat 500 as a worthy glimpse into the model’s iconic heritage.

In the end, we’re not here to decide whether it’s beautiful or bizarre, good or odd—we’re simply appreciating it through the lens of creativity and bold design. The rest is up to you. One thing’s certain: this Fiat 500 turned Porsche lookalike is unforgettable, and in the ever-evolving world of car culture, sometimes standing out is the greatest win of all. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HOWNOTTODESIGNACAR ON FACEBOOK | TOPGEAR | THEDRIVE | DRIVEMAG ]

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Italdesign Moray: Stunning Corvette-Based Concept Car

Elegance Unleashed - This gorgeous Moray project result presented for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show on March 4, 2003, embodies the homage that Giorgetto and Fabrizio Giugiaro wish to pay to the fifty-year era of the Chevrolet Corvette, the supreme symbol of the American sports car under the name of Italdesign Chevrolet Corvette Moray.

2003 Italdesign Chevrolet Corvette Moray built by Italdesign to pay homage to the 50-years of the Chevrolet Corvette era in 2003. (Picture from: Supercars.net)

Realized without hesitation on Corvette mechanics and chassis, the outcome of seeking out a sports car designed as an elegant extreme leap into the limelight carrying a pure profile, designed as though touched by drifting tides with long and slender front lights, bringing immediately to the mind the Moray, the English term for the eel-type fish, which found in Mediterranean waters.

2003 Italdesign Chevrolet Corvette Moray is presented for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show on March 4, 2003. (Picture from: TopSpeed)

Also resembling a moray rippling through sea waters is the sinuous contour line, whilst shaping the elongated front section (an unmistakable look of the Corvette grille) to a far stronger, more accentuated curvature is the serpentine bonnet (which projects frontward) forming a contrast with the upraised cut-off tail.

2003 Italdesign Chevrolet Corvette Moray is fitted with a powerful front-mounted six-liter Chevrolet Corvette V8 engine to spew abundant power of more than 400 hp. (Picture from: Mobile.CorvetteStory)

"We vowed to honor the rhetorical principles that dictated the American muscle-car of excellence era: simplicity and pragmatism, hand lasting with the hedonist concept of sportiness evolving beyond the restraints of time," explain Giorgetto and Fabrizio Giugiaro.

The dashboard of the 2003 Italdesign Chevrolet Corvette Moray is fitted with various instruments and a steady steering wheel. (Picture from: Mobile.CorvetteStory)

Hinged to the rear door frame, thereby assuring freedom of access to the inside of the car, the clear crystal semi-dome of the doors (by which the side window and roof merge into one complete unit) swings open like seagull wings. 

Quick and simple to remove, these door wings ease the way to transforming the Moray from a coupé, with its unmistakable roof panel under the unique, clear crystal dome, into a quasi roadster. The direct, immediate feeling of fresh-air motoring is enhanced by removing the B door frame. 

Look this cozy, elegant, and ergonomic seat also fitted inside the cabin of the 2003 Italdesign Chevrolet Corvette Moray. (Picture from: Mobile.CorvetteStory)

This is replaced by a central arch-shaped steel structure to which the two wings are hinged. In perfect symbiosis with the fresh and free extreme of the car, there are no side-mirrors, which have been replaced by some kind of CCTV system with dashboard-integrated viewers.

The 2003 Italdesign Chevrolet Corvette Moray has the bodyshell and paintwork color blends into the capsule, becoming one and the same. (Picture from: Mobile.CorvetteStory)

The bodyshell and paintwork color blends into the capsule, becoming one and the same. Only those surfaces inside the car touched by the driver or passenger are warmed by soft leather upholstery made with the cooperation of Dräxlmaier Group.

 

Essential to catering the needs and preferences of the dynamic driver are its dashboards fitted with various instruments. Underlined by the same dashboard layout, assigned to the passenger are precise co-pilot functions.

Cool, sleek and supremely agile, of exceptional beauty and legerdemain like the sea creature from which it takes its name, the Moray is fitted with a powerful Chevrolet Corvette V8 engine, the longitude front-mounted six-liter, which reaches command of more than 400 horsepower, combined with a perfect balance ensured from the ground up by Michelin Pilot sport 335/30 ZR20 rear tires. *** [EKA [18052020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ITALDESIGN] | TOP SPEED | SUPERCARS.NET | MOBILE.CORVETTESTORY ]

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Porsche 935 History: From Racing Glory to Modern Revival

Enduring Brilliance - There’s something timeless about the roar of a race car at full tilt, especially when it belongs to a machine built not just for speed, but for absolute dominance. Throughout history, a handful of cars have redefined what it means to be fast, and few have managed to leave the kind of legacy forged by the Porsche 935. As whispers of its legend continue to circulate among car enthusiasts, the story of the Porsche 935 'Baby' — and its incredible rebirth — deserves to be revisited, especially for those who appreciate the craft behind true automotive masterpieces.

The 1977 Porsche 935 'Baby' was a 911 racing version that brought home another World Sportscar Championship in 1976, after a five-year hiatus. (Picture from: Carbuzz)

Did Samsung Step Into the Sports Car Game?

Carved Ambition - When we talk about innovation in the automotive world, we often picture names like Ferrari, Tesla, or Porsche—brands that have consistently been in the spotlight. But hidden among the giants, there was a brief, bold, and fascinating attempt by an unexpected name: Samsung. Known globally for its dominance in electronics—smartphones, TVs, refrigerators—you’d be forgiven for not associating the South Korean tech giant with sports cars. However, in the late 1990s, Samsung made a daring move that brought them into the fast-paced world of performance vehicles, with the creation of the Samsung Sports Car-1 (SSC-1).

The Samsung Sports Car-1 (SSC-1) while sat on dislay at the Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance Transportation Museum, Yongin, in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. (Picture from: Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance Transportation Museum on Facebook)

This story begins with Lee Kun-hee, the ambitious chairman of Samsung, whose vision went beyond circuit boards and home appliances. In the thick of the 1990s, Lee harbored dreams of entering the automotive market—not just with regular passenger vehicles, but by producing a sleek, powerful sports car that could compete with global players. After a failed attempt to acquire Kia Motors, Samsung didn't back down. Instead, they established two new subsidiaries: Samsung Motors, focused on producing cars, and Samsung Commercial Vehicles, for trucks and heavy equipment.

The Samsung Sports Car-1 (SSC-1) is a testament to the South Korean manufacturer’s bold ambition to make its mark in the automotive world. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)

1997 was a significant year for Samsung’s automotive dreams. Despite the ongoing Asian financial crisis, the company managed to unveil something extraordinary at the Seoul Motor Show: the SSC-1, which stood for Samsung Sports Car-1. Unlike anything Samsung had produced before, this prototype turned heads with its bold design and serious performance specs. Borrowing design cues and parts from Nissan, thanks to a technical partnership, the SSC-1 came equipped with a fiberglass body and a 2.5-liter V6 engine sourced from Nissan—delivering 190 horsepower. A 5-speed manual transmission, Brembo brakes, and a double wishbone suspension system rounded out the car’s impressive feature list, making it more than just a visual concept—it was road-ready.

The Samsung Sports Car-1 (SSC-1) is a sleek and powerful sports car that made its debut at the 1997 Seoul Motor Show. (Picture from: MotoringWeekly)

At first glance, the SSC-1 had similarities to the Nissan 300ZX and possibly even the French-built Venturi Atlantique, sparking rumors about its origins. Some speculated that Samsung may have used or even modified an imported chassis to fast-track the project. Either way, the result was a fully functional prototype that gave Samsung a presence in a sector no one expected them to explore.

The interior design of the Samsung Sports Car-1 (SSC-1) closely resembles that of the Nissan 300ZX, reflecting similar styling cues and layout. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)

Despite the initial excitement, the SSC-1 never entered mass production, as the economic downturn and declining sports car sales in the late '90s strained Samsung’s finances and forced the project to be shelved; adding to its mystique, a silver version was seen in 1997, while a yellow one appeared in the early 2000s—sparking speculation about multiple prototypes or a repaint—though today, the only known SSC-1, now yellow, resides at the Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance Transportation Museum in Yongin, South Korea, serving as a lasting symbol of the company’s bold ambition.

The Samsung Sports Car-1 (SSC-1) prototype turned heads with its bold design and impressive performance, featuring a fiberglass body and a 2.5-liter V6 engine sourced from Nissan through a technical partnership. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)

Following the SSC-1, Samsung shifted focus. In 1998, they sold a significant portion of Samsung Motors to Renault, leading to the formation of Renault-Samsung Motors. This partnership pivoted the company towards practical sedans and everyday vehicles, many of which were rebadged versions of Renault or Nissan models. Although this meant saying goodbye to the dream of a Samsung sports car, it allowed the company to stay afloat in the automotive sector. | 9MF2O1WvUPQ |

It’s easy to look back on the SSC-1 as just another forgotten concept, but it represents something far more interesting—a moment when a tech titan dared to challenge convention. Even if it never made it to production lines, the SSC-1 showed that Samsung wasn’t afraid to break out of its comfort zone and aim for something thrilling, fast, and entirely unexpected. And for car enthusiasts and tech lovers alike, that boldness is what truly makes the SSC-1 unforgettable. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ON FACEBOOK | MOTORINGWEEKLY | ALLCARINDEX | AUTO.CZ | DYLER ]

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Gatso 1500 'Platje': The Little Dutch Roadster That Beat the Odds

Defying Odds - For those who find beauty in rare machines and stories of fearless ingenuity, few tales are as captivating as the legacy left by Maurice 'Maus' Gatsonides. Not long ago, we explored one of his standout creations—the 1948 Gatso 4000 Aero, a sleek and ambitious sports car that reflected his unique approach to automotive design. But behind every great machine is a greater story, and Gatsonides had more than one ace up his sleeve. One of them was the Gatso 1500 'Platje', a spirited little roadster affectionately nicknamed by fans and admired for both its charm and unexpected performance.

The Gatso 1500 'Platje' was a spirited little roadster, built by Maus Gatsonides on a modified Fiat 1500 chassis, admired for its charm and surprising performance. (Picture from: WorldCarsFromThe1930sTo1980s in Facebook)

Gatsonides, a Dutchman with a relentless passion for motorsport, wasn’t content with just being behind the wheel. Long before his name became associated with the invention of the speed camera, he was making headlines as a rally driver. He competed in the Monte Carlo Rally over twenty times, even winning it in 1953 with a Ford Zephyr. But racing wasn't just a pastime—it was his laboratory. Every turn, every finish line, fed into his dream of building the perfect sports car under his own brand, Gatso, which he officially launched in 1948.

Maus Gatsonides at the wheel of the Gatso Aero Coupé, accompanied by his wife Siska and two colleagues in the back. (Picture from: VeloceToday)

While some of his early builds borrowed powerful components from Ford—including Mercury’s robust V8 engines—one particular project took a different route. Built on a modified chassis from the Fiat 1500, Gatsonides designed a lightweight, minimalist racing roadster aimed at dominating its class. At its core was a 1.5-liter inline-six engine producing a modest 47 horsepower. It might not sound like much on paper, but in practice, it was something else entirely.

The last Gatso, a low-slung roadster nicknamed “Platje,” used a Fiat 1500 chassis and engine, seen racing by Gatsonides at Zandvoort in 1949. (Picture from: VeloceToday)

The car made its racing debut on the iconic circuit of Zandvoort, and it didn’t just show up—it stole the spotlight. It outpaced a field of respected MGs and set a record lap time in its engine class, clocking an average speed of 102.5 km/h. The crowd took notice—not just of its performance, but of its strikingly low, flat profile. Inspired by its looks and perhaps charmed by its underdog spirit, spectators nicknamed it “Platje,” a Dutch term meaning something like “little flat one.”

The Gatso 1500 'Platje' was designed by Maus Gatsonides as a lightweight, minimalist racing roadster, built to dominate its class with a strikingly low, flat profile. (Picture from: Autogen.pl)

For Gatsonides, it was a moment of validation. The Platje was proof that his vision, no matter how unconventional, had the power to stir real excitement. Sadly, excitement alone couldn’t keep a small manufacturer afloat. The attempt to put Gatso cars into broader production met financial headwinds. Only a few units were sold, and with mounting debts, Gatsonides was forced to shut down operations. The Platje, once a symbol of promise, faded into obscurity.

The Gatso 1500 'Platje' features a stripped-down, purpose-built cockpit that reflects its racing spirit—exposed metal flooring, a clean dashboard lined with essential gauges, and a no-frills four-spoke steering wheel all emphasize its minimalist, driver-focused design philosophy. (Picture from: WorldCarsFromThe1930sTo1980s in Facebook)

But good stories don’t end that easily. After spending decades forgotten in a shed, the car resurfaced near the turn of the century and was lovingly restored by Joop Bruggeman. Today, it stands not only as a rare piece of automotive history but also as a tribute to one man’s relentless pursuit of speed and style. 

The Gatso 1500 'Platje' was powered by a 1.5-liter inline-six engine of Fiat origin, delivering a modest 47 horsepower that proved surprisingly capable on the track. (Picture from: WorldCarsFromThe1930sTo1980s in Facebook)

Maus Gatsonides passed away in 1998 at the age of 88, but his creations—especially the Gatso 1500 Platje—continue to capture the imagination of those who appreciate the beauty of bold ideas, however fleeting they may be. Because sometimes, the greatest stories come from the smallest cars. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOGEN.PL | WIKIPEDIA | THESAHB | AUTA5P.EU | VELOCETODAY  | WORLD CARS FROM THE 1930S TO 1980S IN FACEBOOK ]

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Discover the Ascort TSV: Australia’s Hidden Sports Car Gem

Iconic Rarity - In the golden age of automotive design, when curves were elegant and materials were bold, the world saw the rise of vehicles that dared to blend style with innovation. While names like Porsche and Volkswagen echoed across continents, one extraordinary effort was quietly taking shape in Australia—crafted not by a global automaker, but by a determined immigrant with a passion for European elegance and engineering. That creation was the Ascort TSV, a rare and fascinating coupe that remains a hidden gem in the history of Australian automotive design.

The Ascort TSV, styled by Mirek Craney and built in Australia, was inspired by the Porsche 356 and Volkswagen Karmann Ghia. (Picture from: Silodrome)

Born from the post-WWII migration wave, the Ascort TSV was the brainchild of Mirek Craney, a Czechoslovakian designer who found a new home in Australia. Inspired by the Porsche 356 and Volkswagen Karmann Ghia, Craney envisioned a car that could marry European sophistication with practical Australian sensibilities. The result was a four-seat grand tourer that balanced sportiness with everyday usability, built not for racing circuits but for families who wanted both flair and function on the open road.

The Ascort TSV featured a prestressed double-shell body bonded to a steel tubular frame—a smart engineering choice that enhanced safety and rigidity while keeping the weight low. (Picture from: Silodrome)

What truly set the Ascort TSV apart was its pioneering use of fiberglass—a cutting-edge material at the time, praised for its strength and lightness. Craney didn’t just use it for form; he used it for structure. The car featured a prestressed double shell body bonded to a steel tubular frame, a clever solution that increased safety and rigidity while keeping weight to a minimum. This innovative build gave the Ascort its distinctive shape and performance edge, all while tipping the scales at just 1,467 pounds.

Inside, the cabin features red vinyl upholstery, a cream two-spoke Porsche steering wheel, and a Blaupunkt radio. (Picture from: Silodrome)

Powering this unique coupe was a Volkswagen-sourced, air-cooled flat-four engine, enhanced with high-performance components from Okrasa and Porsche. The result was a peppy 54 bhp, a notable jump from the original 1,300cc engine’s output. Though modest by today’s standards, this power—paired with the lightweight body—gave the Ascort an impressive top speed of 96 mph and a 0 to 50 mph time of 12 seconds, making it a respectable performer in its era.

The interior clearly draws inspiration from the Porsche 356, with two rear bucket seats upholstered in red vinyl and divided by a central armrest. (Picture from: Silodrome)

The Ascort TSV made its public debut at the 1959 Melbourne Motor Display and quickly captured attention. With 57 pre-orders logged during the show, demand looked promising. But the challenges of scaling production soon became apparent. In the end, only 13 units were completed and delivered, with parts for an additional six vehicles left in various stages of assembly. The venture faded before it could fully take off, and Continental Coachwork—the company behind the Ascort—quietly slipped into obscurity.

The Ascort TSV is powered by a 356 engine, offering significantly more performance than the original 1.3-liter VW Beetle motor. (Picture from: Silodrome)

Yet, for those who know of its legacy, the Ascort TSV remains an unforgettable icon. Among the survivors is one particular example that has seen a life as rich and varied as its design. Once a showpiece, then a hill climb competitor, it has since been lovingly restored to its original form—though now powered by a more potent 1.6-liter Porsche 356 engine. With a four-speed manual transaxle, Porsche 356-spec brakes, and elegant silver paint over classic 15-inch steel wheels, it looks every bit the part of the stylish coupe Craney once imagined.

Finished in elegant silver paint and riding on classic 15-inch steel wheels, the Ascort TSV perfectly embodies the stylish coupe Craney once envisioned. (Picture from: Silodrome)

Inside, red vinyl seats contrast with a cream two-spoke Porsche steering wheel, all complemented by a vintage Blaupunkt radio. This car, meticulously cared for by its owner of 17 years, has just under 6,800 miles on the clock and comes with a collection of documentation, spare parts, and even a scale model. | _9bXghJM2D8 |

Today, the Ascort TSV stands as a testament to vision, craftsmanship, and the daring spirit of one man who believed Australia deserved a sports coupe of its own. Though few were ever built, the ones that remain continue to turn heads and tell a story that’s well worth remembering—a story of ambition, ingenuity, and a beautiful blend of cultures, told through the curves of a truly rare automobile. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SILODROME | WIKIPEDIA | CLASSICTHROTTLESHOP| ]

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