Here are the 8 most sought after of the 1980s Ferraris today (Part-1)

The 1980s was one of the eras where most people at that time were very obsessed with the future. This is illustrated by the public's interest in futuristic-themed movies such as Back To The Future, so that they were made in several sequels. The film depicts the human ability to time travel by using a time travel device made by retrofitting a 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 with a flux capacitor, although in reality it still cannot be done until today. The existence of sophisticated DMC DeLorean car with future technology such those in that movie then had a big influence on car design in the 1980s.

Many people are obsessed for having a Ferrari sports car. (Picture from: GQ.com.au)

Ferrari is one of the most capable car manufacturers to show the influence of futuristic elements in its car productions. At the time, the Ferraris are famous for its iconic red color, but is also famous for its wide mirrors and futuristic car design that gives the impression as if it is ready to fly. By its such distinctive and iconic shape, so it is not surprising that the Ferraris of the 1980s are still the target of many fans today, and here are the first part of the 8 most sought after 1980s Ferraris;

1. 1980 Ferrari 308 GTSi

In the process of its creation in 1980, this car had faced problems, because it was considered to produce bad air pollutants. So that makes the Maranello-based manufacturers have to reduce its power output. By such consideration, then Ferrari finally pinned the fuel injection technology on the car, so allows it to still have great power but can still maintains not produce too much air pollutants.

1980 Ferrari 308 GTSi. (Picture from: Hagerty)

The drop-top version of the Ferrari 308 GTSi has always been considered attractive, and had inspired the prancing horse logoed premium car manufacturer to deliver unrestricted driving capabilities of the targa-top sportscar and touted as the pioneer of the Ferrari's roofless cars.

2. 1980 Ferrari Mondial 8

The car was one of the Ferrari's successful works which was launched in 1980 after the Ferrari 380 GT4. The car was a high-performance upgraded car that marks the start of a new decade of the Ferrari's automobile development. This could be the start of a very good decade for the Maranello-based car manufacturer due to at the time that they created cars painted in their signature and iconic red color.

1980 Ferrari Mondial 8. (Picture from: Tucarro)

The Ferrari Mondial 8 itself is carried a 2+2 coupe-type powered by a V8 engine and has a wheelbase several centimeters longer than its predecessor, the 380 GT4, so the car has more spacious space for the passengers in the rear seats.

3. 1982 Ferrari 308 GTS Quattrovalvole

The Ferrari 308 GTS Quattrovalvole has a special feature in the form of a removable targa-top, which was almost applied to its predecessor car, and should be an upgraded GTSI version. So, this version is easily identifiable by the removable black roof section and the satin black triangular shaped louvres covering the glass in the sail panels.

1982 Ferrari 308 GTS Quattrovavole. (Picture from: CarPixel)

If the 308 GTSI was meant to deliver a new breakthrough, so this car is meant the example. It appeared so elegant with the body finished in the iconic red color, the car was first showcased at the Paris Auto Salon 1982, and described as a special start for such special car is powered by a 2,920cc V8 engine.

4. 1983 Ferrari Mondial Cabriolet

This prancing horse species was made nine years after their last drop-top version was launched. The car carries a new 2+2 spider style and has got the same basic touch as the coupe version is designed by Pininfarina, a well-known Cambiano-based car design company.

1983 Ferrari Mondial Cabriolet. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

The premiere of the Ferrari Mondial Cabriolet took place in Modena in September 1983 and was shown off to public for the first time at the Brussels Auto Salon in January of the following year. The unique Ferrari's cabriolet model was created to be faced the western climate, where its roof can be operated manually and is an innovation that is the main attraction of the model as well.

So, those are the first part of the 8 most sought after 1980s Ferraris to date. Too bad, it should be ended here and we'll continue the next part soon as possible. Don't get drunk while on the wheel and stay safe. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FERRARI | BRINGTRAILER ]

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The unseen Porsche's sportscar concept powered by motorcycle engine

When an automotive company develops a car model and the results are then able to trigger motivation for similar companies to develop their own vehicles. We can see this, when Volkswagen (VW) launched the Volkswagen XL1, a futuristic electric-powered sportscar back in 2013. The mentioned car then made its compatriot automotive company Porsche amazed by the use of a carbon fiber chassis.

2013 Porsche 904 Living Legend Concept, the unseen Porsche's sportscar concept up to 2020 powered by motorcycle engine as a modern interpretation of its Porsche 904 Carrera GTS classic racing car of the 1960s. (Picture from: OtoJurnalisme)

Therefore, the German car manufacturer, which is both under the same banner of the parent company Volkswagen Group, decided to make the XL-1 chassis as the basis for the development of their next sports car at that time, ie a modern interpretation of their Porsche 904 Carrera GTS classic racing car which was launched in 1964. Shortly after then the Stuttgart-based automotive manufacturer managed to bring the Porsche 904 Living Legend Concept into reality. 

Actually, the similar modern interpretation project of the Porsche 904 Carrera GTS classic racing car had ever been carried out by GWA, an American coachbuilder company, when rebuilding the 904 inspired classic car based on the Porsche 987 Boxster which was later named the Porsche P/904 Carrera in 2011.

The Porsche 904 Carrera GTS classic racing car that was present in the 1960s. (Picture from: RSF Motorport' Twitter)

Just an info about the Porsche 904 Carrera GTS classic racing car that was present in the 1960s, the car was made as the successor of the legendary Porsche 718 race car. Although the Porsche 904 was built as a racing car, but it can and is legally driven on the public roads. Initially, the Porsche's two-seats race car were made only 100 units, but in fact the German company managed to sell 106 units because its demand at that time was high.

2013 Porsche 904 Living Legend Concept, the unseen Porsche's sportscar concept up to 2020 powered by motorcycle engine as a modern interpretation of its Porsche 904 Carrera GTS classic racing car of the 1960s. (Picture from: WSupercars)

Back to the Porsche's concept car developed in 2013 ago, if we could be seen its exterior, it is not too strange like most concept cars were at the time. At the front, the car looks thick with a typical Porsche design, with a rather long muzzle in which the oval-shaped headlights mounted that at a glance remind us of the Porsche Boxster or Cayman (now called Porsche 718). Meanwhile, the rear is quite simple and embedded in the current Porsche identity, which is a thin LED taillight.

Uniquely, the 904 Living Legend concept car is powered by a Ducati 1199 Panigale motorcycle engine, namely a 1.2-liter V-twin which is capable of producing a maximum power of around 200 hp @ 11,000 rpm. Can you imagine a sports car with an aerodynamic body built on a carbon fiber chassis and powered by a V-twin motorcycle engine?

2013 Porsche 904 Living Legend Concept, the unseen Porsche's sportscar concept up to 2020 powered by motorcycle engine as a modern interpretation of its Porsche 904 Carrera GTS classic racing car of the 1960s. (Picture from: OtoJurnalisme)

Well, most likely the Porsche's concept car whose inspired the birth of another VW's concept car made named the Volkswagen XL-Sport, due to both use a Ducati motorcycle engine. So no wonder if the technical specifications of the Porsche 904 Living Legend are basically identical to those of the XL Sport, that's includes an acceleration time of 0-62 mph (100 kph) in 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 168 mph (270 kph).

From its very simple and casual appearance, at that time many thought this car concept was ready to enter the mass production line. The chances are the Porsche 904 Living Legend could be become a serious rival to the new Alpine A110, if only the German company made its production version and marketed it today. But what can I say, it turns out that the Stuttgart-based automotive manufacturer prefers to keep it a secret and save this concept car in the warehouse, its existence was only known to the public in 2020. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSCOOPS | TUNINGBLOG.EU | OBSCURESUPERCAR ]

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The new Croatian-made electric hypercar capable spewed almost 2000 hp of power

The development of the world's automotive today looks increasingly advanced and massive, especially related to the design of electric-powered fast cars, so it is not surprising that now many new electric-powered cars are born that offer performance like the wind. Wuzzzz!

All-electric Rimac Nevera is a production version from the previous Rimac C_Two electric-powered hypercar concept. (Picture from: AutocarIndia)

The renowned Croatian premium car manufacturer, Rimac Automobili (or known as Rimac) is introduced an electric-powered hypercar called the Rimac Nevera recently, and the company stated that this car is a production-version of the Rimac C_Two hypercar concept that had launched in the 2019.

Regarding to the name of Nevera pinned on the hypercar, it was taken from the Croatian name for a sudden big storm in the Mediterranean Sea. Philosophically, indeed Rimac Nevera has a savage performance considered commensurate with the speed and power of the Nevera storm.

All-electric Rimac Nevera uses four electric motors which are claimed to be capable of spewing out around 1,914 hp and 2,360 Nm of torque to drive all four wheels. (Picture from: AutocarIndia)

"All our hard work has resulted in the Nevera, our record-breaking hypercar," said Mate Rimac, Founder and CEO of Rimac Automobili. "This car was born to surpass the others, raise the standard and redefine the norms of performance cars," Mate added as written in the official release published by the Croatian manufacturer.

All-electric Rimac Nevera is featured with 3 screens (each for the driver, center and the passenger) to serve its occupants who sit on 2 genuine leather ergonomic special-made sport seats, and getting rid of most of the tactile controls on dashboard. (Picture from: AutocarIndia)

Then what about the Nevera's specifications? According to the Croatian company, there are many performance elements from the Rimac C_Two inherites to the Rimac Nevera. The savage Croatian hypercar uses four electric motors which are claimed to be capable of spewing out around 1,914 hp and 2,360 Nm of torque to drive all four wheels.

All-electric Rimac Nevera can accelerate silently from zero to 96 kph in just 1.85 seconds and can speed up to a top speed of 412 kph. (Picture from: AutocarIndia)

Then the Rimac Nevera's electric motors distributes power coming from the Lithium-ion Nickel Manganese battery with a capacity of 120 kWh. Rimac Automobili claims that the hypercar can accelerate silently from zero to 96 kph in just 1.85 seconds and can speed up to a top speed of 412 kph.

To support this fierce performance, so the Rimac Nevera completed  with an andvanced performance system calle the Rimac All-Wheel Torque Vectoring 2 (R-AWTV 2) that is able to calibrate torque quickly. In addition to that performance features, the Rimac Nevera will also be equipped with another special feature called the Artificial Intelligence Driving Coach that helps driver get to know the circuit and reduce lap time when raced it on the track.

Further news, the Croatian manufacturer will only produced 150 units of Rimac Nevera and the entire production process is carried out in Zagreb, Croatia. If you are interested and want to know how much it costs? Well, the Croatian manufacturer has priced a unit of Rimac Nevera at a price of €2M or approx. Rp.34.88 billion. At the global market, the all-electric Rimac Nevara hypercar will take on with the Lotus Evija and the upcoming Pininfarina Battista. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | RIMAC AUTOMOBILI | AUTOCARINDIA | CARBUZZ ]

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The legendary Callaway 'Aerobody' Sledgehammer

As the world's fast car fans, we will be very enthusiastic when discussing about the fastest car in the world. Well until now, there're many fast cars ever had been recorded as 'The fastest car in the world.' And we all know that the title is now carried by an American-made hypercar named the SSC Tuatarra which was able to record a top speed of 533 kph at the 7-miles length road in Nevada back in October 2020.

The Callaway Sledgehammer was built by Reeves Callaway in his Connecticut-based workshop in 1988 as a testbed for reliable and dependable power with a turbocharged V8 engine. (Picture from: Supercars)

Although the SSC Tuatarra currently holds that title, but it is not the first American hypercar to surpass the fantastic 250 mph benchmark, there're several other American cars such as the Hennessey Venom F5 and Venom GT. And then back to the end of 1980s, have you heard of another American car called the Callaway Sledgehammer which once held the title as the fastest in 1988 with a top speed notch that surpassed those 250 mph benchmark?

The Callaway Sledgehammer is fitted with a low-drag C4 shell known simply as the AeroBody of Paul Deutschman. (Picture from: BringaTrailer)

The car was built by Reeves Callaway in his Connecticut-based workshop in 1988 as a testbed for reliable and dependable power with a turbocharged V8. In addition, he also wanted to set new performance benchmarks, then commissioned by a Canadian named Paul Deutschman to build with a low-drag C4 shell known simply as the AeroBody.

The Callaway Sledgehammer still maintains the luxury in its cabin including power windows and locks, audio system, electronic air conditioning, and power sports seats. (Picture from: BringaTrailer)

The car based of the new 1988 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 powered by an upgraded V8 turbocharging engine using a NASCAR specification block with Mahle pistons and forged connecting rods. Besides embedding racing devices on the drivetrain, it turns out that the Sledgehammer is also installed with a roll cage like a racing car that functions as a cabin protector.

Then at the top end is installed Brodix aluminum heads fed by twin Turbonetics T04B turbochargers, so that with all the racing equipment it is able to make the Callaway Sledgehammer run with an optimal power boost of 898 hp and 772 lb-ft of torque.

The Callaway Sledgehammer is powered by an upgraded V8 turbocharging engine using a NASCAR specification block with Mahle pistons and coupled with a six-speed manual gearbox to ensure a high top speed. (Picture from: Supercars)

Although it has the ability to run like a racing car, the Callaway's sportscar still maintains the luxury in its cabin including power windows and locks, audio system, electronic air conditioning, and power sports seats as supporting factors for driving comfort.

The Callaway Sledgehammer had set the fastest speed of 254.76 mph (409.99 kph) while tested in October 1988 at the Transportation Research Center (TRC) proving ground in Ohio with John Lingenfelter behind the wheel. (Picture from: BringaTrailer)

When it tested in October 1988 at the Transportation Research Center (TRC) proving ground in Ohio with John Lingenfelter behind the wheel, this car was able to record a record of 254.76 mph (409.99 kph) and had made it the fastest street-legal car for some time before the record was surpassed by the Bugatti Veyron. After that, Deutschman continued to work for Callaway for years to come, so the Sledgehammer AeroBody was produced in limited numbers (though it is not known how many were ever made).

But some time ago as quoted of the Road and Track, this is the only Sledgehammer in existence and is currently listed for sale at Bring a Trailer which has currently recorded the highest bid of $500,000 (23 May 2021). We wouldn't be surprised to see that, as devoted Corvette collectors would be willing to pay big bucks to own it. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SUPERCARS | TWITTER | ROADANDTRACK | TOPGEAR | BRINGATRAILER ]

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One of the greatest Ferraris of all time

As we all knew, if the world's automotive manufacturers would be produced a car model, the process is almost always preceded by the presence of a prototype model. No exception such the following Ferrari 275 GTB model is produced by the Ferrari factory in Maranello, Italy to replace the Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta, in which its production started after the Ferrari 275 GTB Prototipo had been built first.

Born into a life of excitement, this Ferrari 275 GTB Prototipo spent the last 25 years in a private collection. (Picture from: Enzari)

Amazingly, Motor Trend Classic puts the Ferrari 275 into third place on the list of the 10 greatest Ferraris of all time, behind the Ferrari 250 GTO and Ferrari 365 GTB. Not only that, the legendary Ferrari 275 GTB Prototipo once enlivened the racing track in its heyday. In its history this car is well documented, even though the last 25 years have been hidden by a collector.

The Ferrari 275 GTB Prototipo intended to mark the start of the 275 model series in 1964, and is built with the chassis number of #06003, assembly serial number #1 at the Ferrari's Foglio Allestimenti factory. (Picture from: CarAndDriver)

The mentioned car known as the only Ferrari 275 GTB Prototipo built in 1964. The car built at the Ferrari Foglio Allestimenti factory on the chassis number of #06003, and assembly serial number #1. The Ferrari's sports car has appearence of a short-nose styled bodywork and is powered by an 3.3 liter V12 engine.  

In its heyday, the Ferrrari 275 GTB was the highly anticipated continuation of the 250 GT SWB Berlinetta. So at the time, it showcases many technical innovations including a five-speed rear-mounted transaxle and the first independent rear suspension for a Ferrari car.

The Ferrari 275 GTB Prototipo is equipped with special rally equipment including auxiliary driving lights, reinforced glass, a 75-percent locking differential, a radiator blind, a modified hood and a third windshield wiper. (Picture from: Tempo)

The Maranello-based premium car manufacturer used this prototype until the spring of 1965, which served for photographic and promotional purposes. Furthermore, the prototype also served as a revised mean for the cars that will later enter production.  

Interestingly, in the Ferrari 275 GTB Protitipo biography said that it used as one of the manufacturer supported rally cars. According to the Automobile Club d'Italia records, the car's first private owner was Pasquale Ramera of Coccaglio, Italy, who acquired it in April 1965.

The Ferrari 275 GTB Prototipo has appearence of a short-nose styled bodywork and is powered by an 3.3 liter V12 engine. (Picture from: ClubAlfa.it)

The Ferrari 275 GTB Prototipo is equipped with special rally equipment including auxiliary driving lights, reinforced glass, a 75-percent locking differential, a radiator blind, a modified hood and a third windshield wiper. Reportedly, the car also had used as a test vehicle for two tire brands, namely Dunlop and the Finnish tires of Rengas Alas.  

This sportscar was quite a surprise to many, as it appeared on the starting line of the 35th annual Monte Carlo Rally of the 1966 using the rally livery no. #43 and is registered as an official participant under the Milan-based racing team Scuderia Sant'Ambroeus.

Eventually, the car ended up in America in the hands of the famous Ferrari collector Charles "Chuck" Wegner. He then sold it to an anonymous collector who maintained it as the most impressive Ferrari private collection ever collected for over 25 years.

At the end, the1964 Ferrari 275 GTB Prototipo on January 18-19, 2019, was one of the car collections to be sold at an auction held by the Gooding & Company, in Scottsdale, Arizona, United States. Interestingly, the auction catalog notes that cars will get mechanical attention before use. Regardless, this was a great opportunity to own one of the most historical Ferrari 275 GTBs is an extremely rare one. Who is the car owner now? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ENZARI | CARANDDRIVER | ITALIAONROAD ]

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The legendary Abarth's race car of the 1960s

The tiny car figure has always accompanied with the Italian car brand Abarth since back then, just look at the following figure of the 1966 tiny race car made of Abarth. That's "Barchetta Chuvolale," a small and lightweight Fiat-engined 1000SP (Sports Prototipo) race car built by Abarth with a nickname that carries a style of 'barchetta,' the Italian means "small boat,” and 'tubulare,' means "steel pipe frame".

1966 Abarth 1000SP Barchetta race car is built and designed by Mario Colucci according to the FA ​​(International Automobile Federation) "Group 4 (Gr.4)" racing vehicle regulations.  (Picture from: Supercars)

At the time, the Abarth 1000SP Barchetta race car was planned and manufactured according to the FA ​​(International Automobile Federation) "Group 4 (Gr.4)" racing vehicle regulations. It made a debut in actual battle in April 1966 as an evolution system of the 750 Sport Spider Tobulare, a pure racing machine with a steel pipe space frame manufactured with a focus on "Sport prototype class."

1966 Abarth 1000SP is powered by a twin cam water-cooled in-line 4-cylinder engine called "Tipo229A" with a displacement of 1,000 cc. (Picture from: BHAuction)

As we all knew, at the time Carlo Abarth's race cars had won many racing events such in the "GT class" under the 750GT Zagato, 750 record Monza Zagato, 1000 Vialbero, and "850/1000TC" in the "Touring car class,” is the category that has pursued more performance.

The 1000SP is Abarth's first mass-produced sports spider and also the first mid-ship production model. As the steel tube space frame was designed by Mario Colucci, a well-known engineer who once worked on the Julia TZ at Alfa Romeo's plants. 

1966 Abarth 1000SP Barchetta Barchetta is the first Abarth's mass-produced sports spider and also the first mid-ship production model. (Picture from: BHAuction)

It featuring with a curvy FRP Barchetta body, and is powered by a twin cam water-cooled in-line 4-cylinder engine called "Tipo229A" with a displacement of 1,000 cc and a compression ratio of 11.5, so it capable producing a maximum output power of 105 ps and maximum torque of 11.5 kgm.

After the racing cars out the plant and they succeed took the bulk of Abarth victories from 1966 until 1971. As the peaks, the Abarth 1000SP Barchetta often took class victories in the 1000cc prototype category, including class wins at the world's famous circuits like the Nürburgring, Mugello, Vallelunga, Monza and Targa Florio. These were not including by the countless local hillclimbs racing events it often won.

1966 Abarth 1000SP Barchetta often took class victories in the 1000cc prototype category, including class wins at the world's famous circuits like the Nürburgring, Mugello, Vallelunga, Monza and Targa Florio. (Picture from: BHAuction)

In fact, recently the famous tiny race car succeed inspire the parent company of Alfa Romeo and Abarth, Stellantis NV. (Stellantis) to make and launched the one-off sports car which is a modern interpretation of the Abarth 1000SP race car by using an engine taken from the Alfa Romeo 4C.

As qouted of BH Auction, one of the 1000SP race car was on the list to be auctioned in Tokyo back then 2019. The mentioned race car using a 5-speed gearbox made by Hewland, not by Abarth, and has been kept by a collector in Japan for a long time in 'ready to roll' condition and had been registered domestically (in Japan).

It also stated, beside you able to modify each part of the race car and the most attractive part is you can enjoy speeding behind its wheel on the public roads by participating in classic car rallies regularally, even though it is a pure race car. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BHAUCTION | SUPERCARS ]

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AeroVette as a future-style Corvette figure who failed into production line

So far, the world's car fans knew the Corvette is an American exotic-performing iconic sports car ever made by the GM's subsdiary Chevrolet from early of '50s until today. As quoted from Carbuzz, the sports car figure was first proposed to be developed by Zora Arkus-Duntov (later known as the 'Father of the Corvette'), an engineering genius who had a lifelong passion for cars and motor sports, and it was this enthusiasm that helped him land an engineering job at Chevrolet since 1953.

1976 Chevrolet AeroVette' is formerly mid-engined four-rotor Wankel prototype that replaced with a 400-cubic-inch (6.6-liter) Chevy V8 engine. (Picture from: ChevroletGallery)

As much as Arkus-Duntov liked the Corvette C1 design, he was not satisfied with the technical specifications, due to he tought besides requiring more power and also should be having the ability to run faster.

1976 Chevrolet 'AeroVette' is featured with gull-wing door-type looks so futuristic. (Picture from: ChevroletGallery)

So since the 1950s, so many concept car models have been made to accommodate Arkus-Duntov's desire to make his beloved Corvette the best sports car ever made. It is understandable that the Corvette was meant by the GM to compete with the greatness of its rivals Ford GT40 sports car which was successful in the worlds of racing.

And into the 1970s, when the Wankel rotary engine looked like the promising wave of the future. With its reduced parts count and almost vibration-free operation, it was a model of engineering elegance, and General Motors is betting big on it. By using a license from the aircraft engine maker Curtiss-Wright, then the company worked on a two-rotor engine and readied it for the new production at Monza in 1975.

Before the Wankel engined model born, actually the GM's Styling studio had launched the mid-engined Corvette 'XP-895' in the 1972. The show car is built based of the Corvette 'XP-882' featured the distinctive wedge-shaped of the '70s. Although has more futuristic and handsome look, the lightweight aluminum bodied model made by the Reynolds Metals Company is apparently too costly in the production rather than the previous fiberglass bodied C3 model, so it's met a dead-end while going to be produced and left.

1972 Chevrolet Reynolds XP-895 prototype built based of the 1970 XP-882 and had a lightweight aluminum body done by Reynolds Metal Company. (Picture from: Corvettes.nl)

In the same time, the company found out and saw that the Mercedes-Benz C111 prototypes and the Mazda 110S Cosmo production cars already running around with Wankels, it made GM feel the need to rush to display its earnestness about the engine. So in 1973, GM is launched two Corvette models at once, ie the two-rotor and mid-mounted four-rotor Wankel engined car prototypes.

1972 Chevrolet Reynolds XP-895 prototype is powered by a 454-cid V8 Chevrolet mid-mounted engine. (Picture from: Corvettes.nl)

At that time they first built the two-rotor engined model (known as the XP-897 GT) looked ready for production. It drawn tightly with a low nose that promised excellent visibility, and uniquely, the one-off two-rotor Wankel engined car prototype was built by the Italian famous coachbuilder, Pininfarina and based on the Porsche 914 chassis. The unique-shaped car turn out does not have enough power to run fast on the roads, because the engine is only capable of spewing out only 180 hp.

This made Arkus-Duntov dissatisfied and made him took out the Chevrolet Reynolds XP-895 of the plant's storages, then made an overhaul ranging from revised the car looks to swap its 454-cid V8 engine with a double 2-rotor Wankel engine. Then the four-rotor prototype named the Corvette Four-Rotor and is launched at the 1973 New York Auto Show.

1973 Chevrolet XP-897 GT two-rotor Wankel Prototype built based of the Porsche 914 chassis. (Picture from: Automobile)

The four rotor engined model's appearance had an almost-symmetrical shape with a pointed prow up front and a sliver of a tail. Its gullwing doors had mid-door hinges, and the four-rotor engine (actually 2 + 2-rotor) sat sideways behind the cockpit. As time goes by that proven the Wankel engine was not the right choice for an exotic sports car like the Corvette.

1973 Chevrolet XP-897 GT two-rotor Wankel Prototype had GM' styling but was built by the famous Italian coachbuilder, Pininfarina. (Picture from: Automobile)

In the 1976, a year before retiring, the GM styling boss Bill Mitchell decided that perhaps a mid-engined Corvette was the way forward. Although he had helped halt several previous Arkus-Duntov mid-engine projects, Mitchell pulled the three-year-old XP-895 mid-engine prototype from storage. Originally designed for GM's licensed 420-hp, four-rotor experimental engine, Mitchell ordered the rotary engine removed and replaced with a 400-cubic-inch (6.6-liter) Chevy V8 engine, named Chevrolet Aerovette.

This is the 1970 Chevrolet XP-882 prototype is powered by an 400-cid small-block engine coupled with a silent chain-drive to an Olds Toronado Turbo 400 transmission and also known as the forerunner of the Chevrolet Aerovette. (Picture from: SuperChevy)

Actually, the car got the green light for production in 1980 (which would make it the Corvette C4), but apparently a number of obstacles arose. First, other mid-engined cars such as the Nissan 280Z are selling well in the market, while the C3 was stumbling in sales. Second, the senior support team consisting of Zora-Arkus-Duntov, Head of Design Bill Mitchell, and General Manager of Chevrolet Ed Cole all-have retired, so that the production plan came to a halt.

This is the 1970 Chevrolet XP-882 powered by an 400-cid small-block engine coupled with a silent chain-drive to an Olds Toronado Turbo 400 transmission and also known as the forerunner of the Chevrolet Aerovette. (Picture from: SuperChevy)

Not to mention the new Corvette chief at the time Dave McLellan faced tightening funding issues to continue development of the Corvette C4 of 1984 and back as the traditional front-engined sports car. Meanwhile the Aerovette remained as a concept without ever sliding into the production line and currently just sitting on display at the GM Heritage Centre in Sterling Heights, Michigan. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARBUZZ | JOURNALCLASSICCARS | AUTOMOBILEMAG | CARANDDRIVER | CARSTYLING.RU | SUPERCHEVY ]

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