~Unique ONES~ Those are a slightly twisted song lyrics from the theme song of the comedy-sitcom about a four- man band, The Monkees. For those of you who had been one of their fans in the 1960s and 1970s, you might remember and memorize their songs. And for sure you will also remember the bright red Monkeemobile that looks like an exaggerated caricature of a convertible, but it cannot be denied that it is also one of the most famous custom cars ever made to date.
The Monkeemobile built based on the 1966 Pontiac GTO by Dean Jeffries known also as one of the most famous custom cars ever made to date. (Picture from: Flickr)
Even though at the beginning of the development of this custom car, it had invited controversy for the brand owner did not like the custom car by Dean Jeffries named the Monkeemobile built based on the 1966 Pontiac GTO. Even though it appears with its nose and tail stretching more than a foot each, in fact the Monkeemobile can still be recognized as just like a mutated result Pontiac GTO.
The Monkeemobile is powered by a 389 cubic-inch V8 drivetrain coupled with hydramatic automatic transmissions. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
Just look at there're four exhaust tips poking up on each sides just behind the front wheels, and a huge blower shooting out of the front hood. At the rear, the trunk has been hollowed out to make room for a curved bench seat, and a giant canvas top stretches across the shebang like an early 1900's Ford Model T. There's even a drag-style racing parachute installed. How's strange the final form of this car.
The Monkeemobile's front features a split two-piece windshield, coupled with front fenders, exaggerated tail lamps more than a foot each. (Picture from: HotCars)
So how did a Pontiac GTO change look drastically into a Monkeemobile, maybe it's one of those coincidence cases. By then creator Dean Jeffries was already an established name in the customization world of America, after having appeared with pinstriping Indy cars and even the Porsche 550 Spyder where James Dean died. It was Jeffries who painted "Little Bastard" on the back of the ill-fated car.
The Monkeemobile featured with a giant canvas top stretches across the shebang like an early 1900's Ford Model T. (Picture from: HotCars)
It was Dean Jeffries also who formed the aluminum skin of the Carroll Shelby's first Cobra, and he also crafted the original Black Beauty for The Green Hornet. Therefore it is not wrong if then he is contracted by Universal Studios to provide a hero car for The Monkees. In short, Jeffries purchased two basic 1966 Pontiac GTO convertibles, each powered by a 389 cubic-inch V8 drivetrain coupled with hydramatic automatic transmissions.
The Monkeemobile featured with the fake blower on top of the V8 rather than swapping it out for the real thing. (Picture from: HotCars)
Jeffries built the first car only in 10 days to complete, while the second one took four. The car number one will be used as a television car, and the second as a promotional vehicle, and each got slightly different final touche. For example, the GMC 6-71 supercharger sticking out of the hood of the Monkeemobile rammed so much power into the engine that the car was practically undrivable.
There's even a drag-style racing parachute installed on the Monkeemobile' rear. (Picture from: Flickr)
The second Monkeemobile, used for promotional events, had the weight added to the trunk, while the rear suspension removed so as to create the crowd-pleasing wheel mounts. The TV show cars only have blower shells attached; a four-barrel carburetor will provide all the power it needs.
No one could have predicted the success of The Monkees, who would become legends in 1967, they outsold The Beatles and Rolling Stones, even both were combined! Dean Jeffries continued to customize cars for Hollywood but somehow never got the public recognition he deserved.
The Monkees comprising Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, Peter Tork and Davy Jones, while posed along with the Monkeemobile. (Picture from: JimsWorldAndWelcomeToIt)
What's more, when the show finished, he passed up the option to buy Monkeemobilesfor $1,000. George Barris bought the second of the two, used it as a promotional vehicle for many years, and sold it at a Barrett-Jackson auction in 2008 for almost $400,000.
Like other famous custom cars he has nothing to do with (such as the Ghostbusters Ectomobile), Barris may not claim to have created the Monkeemobile, but he doesn't actually correct anyone who makes those assumptions. A consummate self promoter, Barris was met with much acclaim while Jeffries continued to work. It was a source of bad blood between them.
Micky Dolenz (the last of The Monkees members) posed along with the Monkeemobile during at the Retro Con 2022, April 8, 2022. (Picture from: Retrocons)
As for the original TV show car, it accompanied The Monkees on their world tour. Somehow, ended up being left behind in Australia. Then it appeared in Puerto Rico, where it was briefly used as a hotel limousine. The story goes that the car was repainted pink, no one seems to know how it stranded in the Caribbean.
Then the Puerto Rican government confiscated the car due to unpaid tax issues and put it up for auction. In 1992, an anonymous buyer paid the $5,000 minimum bid to redeem the car, then shipped it to New York. It was restored to its former glory and reunited with The Monkees in 1997, and was used in a television special on ABC.
Today the two Monkeemobiles still occasionally go out to important car shows, and are occasionally driven. There it was, rolling down the road. And, as you might expect, both are still able to show everyone they meet with the funniest sights and not a few people still feel amused by their existence. Hey...hey...they're the Monkees, and people say they're still monkeying around....*** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DRIVING.CA | HOTCARS | BARRET-JACKSON | RETROCONS | WIKIPEDIA ]
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~Weird FROGS~ Did you know that in the past there was a Yamaha poster that contained a picture of a large Frog in the middle of the road being illuminated by a light. I don't know what this poster means, what is certain is that this Japanese motorcycle manufacturer is not selling Frogs.
Do any of you know what this Yamaha scooter model is called? (Picture from: RiderTua)
So what does Yamaha have to do with the Frog? Of course this piqued our curiosity to find out if Yamaha had a close relationship with the Frog? Indeed, not many people know that in the past this Japanese motorcycle manufacturer had a two-wheeled vehicle that wore the Frog name.
A funny, weird Yamaha poster that contained a picture of a large Frog in the middle of the road being illuminated by a vehicle headlight. (Picture from: RiderTua)
And what we found at least, there were two Yamaha models of two-wheeled vehicles that carried the name Frog, as described below;
1. Yamaha Frog Electric Scooter Concept
This scooter not only carries the name Frog (as you can see on the sides), but also has a unique shape which at first glance is indeed very similar to the amphibious creatures. As you can see the front fascia is different from the majority of scooters currently on the market. There are two headlamps that stick out like a frog's eyes, and a fender that is attached to the body.
This possibility is one of the electric powered scooter concepts made by Yamaha back in the 1991. (Picture from: RiderTua)
The shape of the fender is different from the majority of current scooters which are separate from the body. At a glance, its shape reminds the public three-wheeled vehicles of the past, namely the Daihatsu Midget MP4 or in Indonesian called as Bemo. Turning to the back of the shape is also no less unique. The rear body piece is slightly ''bloated'', almost like one on the Vespa automatic scooter, coupled with the single-seat similar to the one on the Vespa 948. The rear stop and turn signal lights are also round like the front.
Yamaha had released Vinoora scooter for the Taiwan market in 2020, which has a similar unique-looking of the 1991 Yamaha Frog scooter. (Picture from: SerambiNews)
Unfortunately the drivetrain details which are not known, the information is also very scanty. This possibility is one of the electric powered scooter concepts made by Yamaha back in the 1991. And this Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the production of a similar scooter for the Taiwan market was named the Yamaha Vinoora in the 2020.
2. Yamaha Frog FZ750 Concept
The following one is also named Frog or the full Yamaha Frog FZ750 concept bike made by Frog Design in 1985 on the basis of the Yamaha FZ750. The company that designed this motorcycle is actually a company founded by Hartmut Esslinger in 1969 and is known as the designer for Apple computer casings in the 1980s.
The Yamaha Frog FZ750 motorbike concept made by Frog Design in 1985 on the basis of the Yamaha FZ750. (Picture from: RiderTua)
And the beginning of the birth of the Yamaha Frog FZ750 itself was because at that time Frog Design took part in a Yamaha motorcycle design competition held in collaboration with a German motorcycle magazine Motorrad. The goal is to get a safer and more beautiful motor design. Hartmut Esslinger said that apart from creating a futuristic design he also integrated safety features found by the University of Bochum, Germany. These features affect the design of the body and fuel tank of the Frog FZ750.
Even though the Yamaha Frog FZ750 is considered the most innovative invention of the time, Yamaha is reluctant to mass-produce this motorbike because it is considered impractical. (Picture from: RiderTua)
On the other hand, Esslinger also innovated in the lighting sector by adding dual main lights to maximize lighting. He also designed the rim design from carbon fiber. Yamaha Frog FZ750 was the most innovative invention at that time. Now the motorbike is at the Yamaha headquarters in Hammamatsu, Japan. Even though it is considered the most innovative invention, Yamaha is reluctant to mass-produce this motorbike because it is considered impractical.
Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety
riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | RIDEAPART ]
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~Weird ONES~ It seems that technological developments can make people come up with wild ideas to create a means of transportation that was once considered impossible. If generally cars can only be driven on land, now cars that can dive and fly have emerged. Call it the Rinspeed sQuba, a concept car designed to be used in land and waters. There is also the Terrafugia, a car with wings so it can fly.
This Dymaxion (Prototype Two) car is said a true embodiment of the dream and obsession of an American inventor named Buckminster Fuller back in the 1930s. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
We all know, since along time ago indeed many have dreamed of being able to fly and cross water by simply driving a car. And the car that we are going to discuss is said that have the ability to be driven in three realms, namely land, water and air, even crazier (sorry, not meant to be condescending) this three-wheeled vehicle was first launched in 1933.
Many people were amazed when they first saw Dymaxion (Prototype One) car at Chicago's World Fair of 1933. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
As quoted from Autoevolution, the car is named Dymaxion (stood for Dynamism, Maximum and Tension) is said a true embodiment of the dream and obsession of an American inventor named Buckminster Fuller back in the 1930s. As he believes life would be easier when there are no transportation barriers using only one vehicle, so he is determined to develop a car that can fly and driving on water as well.
Buckminster Fuller and Starling Burgess (whose helped in the design of the vehicle) posed along with Dymaxion (Prototype One) car back in the 1933. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
Indeed Fuller never wanted his Dymaxion to be just a car only. Even Naval architect Starling Burgess helped in the design of the vehicle, and naval influences were apparent throughout the interior. As the resut, this car is made in the form of a plane fuselage coupled with front-wheel drive, rear-wheel-steer, rear-mounted engine vehicle that, in theory, would later be used to take off like a regular plane. And the first Dymaxion was unveiled at the Chicago’s World Fair in the 1933.
As you can see here the shape comparison of the Dymaxion and the cars that existed at that time seems like the numbers 0 and 1. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
Due to its unique-shaped, as the concequently it become the main spotlight of the visitors at that time. This uniquely shaped 3-wheeled vehicle has a length of up to 6.1 meters whose cabin can accommodate up to 11 passengers. At that time even Fuller had claimed that his car could go up to 206 kph with a fuel consumption of 6.5 liters per 100 km. Might be it could happen, because at that time Dymaxion was powered by a V8 engine and transmission from Ford. Then coupled with the body which is made of very light aluminum material.
The Dymaxion (Prototype One) is powered by a V8 engine and transmission from Ford, so it claimed could go up to 206 kph with a fuel consumption of 6.5 liters per 100 km. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
Unfortunately, the Dymaxion did not last long, in the same year and at the same event the Prototype One was destroyed after being hit by another car at a speed of 112 kph and killing the driver. After that Fuller and Burgess managed to raise funds to build the 2nd and 3rd prototypes. Of the two units, only Prototype Two has survived to this day and can be found in Nevada. As quoted from Autoevolution, Prototype One was badly damaged in the crash but eventually restored by Fuller himself, and was lost in the following years. Prototype Three was scrapped sometime in the 1950s.
All the three Dymaxion prototypes had traveled around America promoting all kinds of stuff, including jet fuel. The third one, for instance, is believed to have been driven some 300,000 miles (482,803 km) before it vanished from the face of the earth. It's doubtful (in our opinion) that it could convinced Walter Chrysler, Henry Ford and Henry Kaiser to invest in Fuller's invention, even though they said the car could not be mass-produced without some crucial improvisations. Unfortunately Fuller turned down all of the investment offers and ended up closing his own company to complete Dymaxion.
Uniquely, until now it has never been stated whether this unique-shaped Dymaxion has really been successfully developed according to its purpose to be able to fly and sail. Moreover, after nearly a century, there has not been a single big company that is really serious about continuing a car like this. However, so far at least Fuller already had shown to us that the main goal of technology is to facilitate all human needs, including the simplification of this transportation function, although in a way that is somewhat unique and unusual. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOEVOLUTION ]
~Rare ONES~ Of all the weird cars ever known, maybe you do not know intimately the following car. Well, the mentioned car was the Alfa Romeo 1900 C52 'Disco Volante'. It is a concept car series with production starting from 1952 with the body was built on a tubular space frame.
Disco Volante in English means Flying Saucer. This name arose because the car' shape resembles a flying saucer design imagination. For information, the 1950s was an era when people were dreaming can be walked on the moon and outer space. This car had been debuted at the 1953 New York Motor Show.
Rear side view of 1952 Alfa Romeo 1900 C52 'Disco Volante'. (Picture from: VintageEveryday)
The design of Alfa Romero 1900 C52 was very futuristic in that time and like not came from the Earth. This is because when making this car the Alfa Romeo in collaboration with Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera were develop the car's designs in the wind tunnel facility to actually get a very low wind resistance.
Front three-quartered of 1952 Alfa Romeo 1900 C52 'Disco Volante Fianchi Stretti'. (Picture from: RMSothebys)
This aerodynamic shape made a top speed of 220 kilometers per hour (140 mph) possible. Just three 2-litre open-top examples were initially built, one of which was converted into a coupé with a fixed roof in 1953. With the other, the Alfa engineers modified the bodywork to give it "slim hips". The Italian name "fianchi stretti" is still used today for this variant. There was even a 3.5-liter version made for Juan Manuel Fangio.
Front three-quartered view of 1953 Alfa Romeo 1900 C52 'Disco Volante' Coupe. (Picture from: Squadra Alfa Romeo Madeira)
None of these automobiles ever attained to the status of truly successful racing cars although they were tried a few times, with one victory having been taken at the Gran Premio Supercortemaggiore. According to some the design of the Jaguar E-type has some design cues similar to the Disco Volante.
The Alfa Romeo 1900 C52 is built on top of the all-new frame structure tubular space frame and using a slightly tuned 1900 engine (1,997 cc) now producing 158 bhp (118 kW) is made of aluminum material. The unique 3.5-liter car is preserved in the Museo nazionale dell’Automobile in Turin; two 2.0-liter prototypes are preserved in the Museo Storico Alfa Romeo in Arese and are regularly used in classic car races. *** [EKA [13012020]| FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOEVOLUTION | SUPERCARS.NET | VINTAGEEVERYDAY | RMSOTHEBYS ]
~Shining Path~ Have you ever heard of the Ford Shelby GR-1? It was understandable, if some of you answered 'NO.' Because maybe some of you more familiar with the Ford GT-series than this car. The Ford Shelby GR-1 is a conceptual sports car springs from a long line of Ford performance project cars and quickly establishes itself as one of the most contemporary and dramatic front-engine, two-seat, fastback supercars.
2005 Ford Shelby GR-1 Concept car. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
It was first introduced to the public at the 2005 North American International Auto Show. The GR-1 was created with the inspiration from the Shelby brand. It was inspired by and bears resemblance to the Shelby Daytona. The Shelby GR-1 concept's name pays tribute to both a performance great and "Group Racing."
Front three-quartered view of 2005 Ford Shelby GR-1 Concept car with all-doors openned. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
This uniquely emotional American sports car design represents Ford's continued desire to include a high-end, limited-production specialist supercar in its lineup. Initially unveiled as a design exercise at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in August, the Ford Shelby GR-1 concept is a sports car salute to "performance art."
Left side view of 2005 Ford Shelby GR-1 Concept car. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
Much of the GR-1 chassis and running gear is based on the Ford Shelby Cobra Concept a modern version of the 1960s original Shelby Cobra, which was presented one year earlier at the 2004 North American International Auto Show. As with the Ford Shelby Cobra Concept, the GR-1 project was led by Manfred Rumpel and developed by Ford's Advanced Product Creation group.
Since much of the GR-1’s platform and suspension parts come from the GT, it would not cost too much to build such a car. The GR-1 uses a 6.4L all-aluminum V10 engine. The GR-1 is officially rated at 605 hp (451 kW) and 501 lb·ft (679 N·m) of torque. It uses a 6-speed manual transmission.
Interior view of 2005 Ford Shelby GR-1 Concept car. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
The Shelby GR-1 concept combines modern sculptured surfaces and a sleek muscular fastback design. All of the sophisticated mechanicals of this extraordinary coupe are wrapped in a sleek, muscular aluminum skin left bare and polished bright. The result is a forward-looking supercar with attention-grabbing Ford presence and Carroll Shelby inspiration.
The upward glide of the butterfly doors leads into the race-inspired interior that features seats with carbon shells and fixed backs. The carbon shells are connected directly to the sill and tunnel via lightweight aluminum spaceframe attachments and can be adjusted fore and aft by way of an accessible pull ring on the seat cushions’ leading edge. The seats incorporate removable Alcantara comfort inserts that are individually tailored to the occupant’s’ body type.
Rear three-quartered view of 2005 Ford Shelby GR-1 Concept car. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
Interior cabin technology focuses on driver comfort, enjoyment and entertainment. The instrument panel sports a full complement of analog gauges, including a combination analog tachometer with floating watch-like elements and digital speedometer. The tachometer housing has integrated air registers and an additional Noise Reduction Technology output speaker.
Rear view of 2005 Ford Shelby GR-1 Concept car. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
The centrally mounted Tire IQ display is a sophisticated driver’s aid designed to inform, warn and even entertain. The Tire IQ system provides the driver and passenger with an animation of vital tire temperature and pressure statistics (via sensors in the tire), along with other key vehicle dynamics such as cornering G forces (via an onboard accelerometer), also controls the onboard stereo.
Did you know, it turns out that in 2019 there was a good news that this GR-1 would be produced. Reportedly, Superformance, a tuning company and maker of car replicas domiciled in California, revealed that in the near future it will produce the Ford Shelby GR-1. Here is the appearance of the Ford Shelby GR-1 production version;
~Forgotten ONES~ If only we could turn back the time, and as automotive enthusiasts who like unique vehicle looks, we intend to go back to 1998, to be precise, to the Geneva Motor Show which was held in that year. What do you want to see there? It was at the exhibition that it was shown for the first time the Pickster touted as a dream, a provocation, pure undoubtedly of Bertone for its innovative spirit, and a new way of looking at the automobile.
The Pickster touted as a dream, a provocation, pure undoubtedly of Bertone for its innovative spirit, and a new way of looking at the automobile. (Picture from: Autoweek)
In appearance, this concept vehicle has an appearance that carries a hybrid design, namely a half of coupé saloon and pickup. As you can see, from the front, the Pickster looks like a charming C-segment saloon with narrow headlights is full of aggressiveness, and the radiator grille, after a deeper analysis, resembles characteristic BMW kidneys.
The Pickster was designed by Luciano D'Ambrosio in 1997, and presented for the first time on Bertone booth at the 1998 Geneva Motor Show. (Picture from: Motor1)
Moving on, we can see high-placed side mirrors and a little awkward creases on the sides. Only two people could fit in the short cabin, because the rest of the body was occupied by the cargo space, finished with a spectacular spoiler with interestingly arranged rear lights. Its dimensions are imposing: 480 cm long, an
impressive 197 cm wide and 136 cm high. Its yellow paintwork underlines
its originality.
The Pickster looks like a charming C-segment saloon with narrow headlights is full of aggressiveness, and the radiator grille, after a deeper analysis, resembles characteristic BMW kidneys. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)
It could be said that's highly imaginative result presents an extreme design with complex surfaces wrapping the wings in a muscular sheath. An aggressive streamlined frontal view gives it an edgy, sporty feel. The tail features a loading space characterised by ground-breaking intuition, thanks to the spoiler which closes off the space and also performs an aerodynamic function.
The Bertone Pickster's interior reflects design creativity and all the work which went into the fittings, and once more show the car's originality with blue-colored leather and aluminium trims. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)
As mentioned above, it presented for the first time on Bertone booth at the 1998 Geneva Motor Show, the Pickster was designed by Luciano D'Ambrosio in 1997. This car is said to be inspired by El Camino, a similar vehicle made by the American manufacturer Chevrolet. As the base, it used was that of the BMW 528, featuring rear suspensions which occupy little space and are perfect for the development of a pick-up.
On the dashboard the instrumentation is towards the top, with the addition of the screen of the Magneti Marelli navigation system. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)
It also said that the concept car created in only three months was also thanks to the availability of complete mechanical components, all BMW-produced starting from the engine, a six-cylinder 24 valve 3.2-liter with an output of 320 hp. And lastly the big 21-inches wheels, with Michelin PAX tyres which will go the distance even with a puncture.
The Bertone Pickster powered by a six-cylinder 24 valve 3.2-liter BMW 528' engine with an output of 320 hp. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)
The interiors reflect design creativity and all the work which went into the fittings, and once more show the car's originality: leather and aluminium trims, seats with small, fixed cushions but adjustable seat-backs. On the dashboard the instrumentation is towards the top, with the addition of the screen of the Magneti Marelli navigation system.
The Bertone Pickster concept vehicle has an appearance that carries a hybrid design, namely a half of coupé saloon and pickup. (Picture from: 6SpeedOnLine)
However, there was something odd about its appearance at the 1998 Geneva Motor Show because cars with designs like this were usually not very popular in Europe. Although the design of the vehicle brought by the Pickster is said to be a blending idea of the very American concept of the pick-up with the spirit of European GT.
The Bertone Pickster dimensions are imposing about 480 cm long, 197 cm wide and 136 cm high under yellow paintwork underlines its originality. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)
And usually this design concept is likely to succeed in America or other parts of the world such Australia, etc which are very dependent on pickup or truck type vehicles. So it's no wonder, if after the exhibition the Pickster by Bertone has not moved from its position as a prototype without ever entering the production line.
After Bertone declared bankruptcy in 2014, there was an auction of company assets. Among the items sold was the historical Carrozzeria Bertone Collection, made up of 79 items, including this Pickster concept. All-those collections were purchased at the auction by the Automotoclub Storico Italiano and is on display at the Volando Museum, conveniently located at Milan’s Malpensa Airport. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTOR1 | 6SPPEDONLINE | AUTOKULT.PL | GTPLANET | CARSTYLING.RU | AUTOWEEK ]
Today the two Monkeemobiles still occasionally go out to important car shows, and are occasionally driven. There it was, rolling down the road. And, as you might expect, both are still able to show everyone they meet with the funniest sights and not a few people still feel amused by their existence. Hey...hey...they're the Monkees, and people say they're still monkeying around.... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DRIVING.CA | HOTCARS | BARRET-JACKSON | RETROCONS | WIKIPEDIA ]
