Unique pre-war streamlined three-wheeler record breaker

We can see the pre-war period (around the 1930s) as one of the milestones in which has recorded that automotive technology experienced significant progress after the automotive industry players at that time began implementing aerodynamic principles to support the speed and stability of motorized vehicles when running on the street or on the race track.

No, it’s not a car, neither a computer mouse. It's a three-wheeled vehicle named Auto-Union DKW-Kahrman 600cc made in 1935. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2E0h8Uk)

Indeed, at that time, the world's automotive was also in the middle of the excitement of competing with each other to be the fastest on the racing track. And then it triggered competition among major countries in the world's automotive, especially in mainland Europe and America. And one of the countries that are also competing and the most ambitious is Germany.

The black & white photo colorized of the 1935 Auto-Union DKW-Kahrman 600cc. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2E0h8Uk)

In this country, the motorized vehicle racing euphoria also invited interference from the political forces in power at that time to influence and steer the automotive industry in there to create the fastest vehicle to fulfill the ruler's ambition to be the best in the world. By 1934, Hitler and his propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels were eager to use all aspects of international sporting activity in service of their fascist state, which included car and motorcycle racing.

A very rare photograph of Adolf Hitler inspecting the DKW factory. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2ZDcdjS)

BMW and DKW were the two-companies benefitted from the huge money flow supplied by the Nazi government, and both factories used the money boost to make radical technical changes to their cars and motorcycles. DKW was part of Auto Union by 1932, a German giant automotive manufacturer, with DKW by then the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world.

As all we know, the Auto Union racing cars were one of the most powerful and exotic GP cars ever, and their competition with the likes of Mercedes-Benz and Alfa Romeo is straight in line with the DKW motorcycle story. BMW at the same time developed their 328 sports-racer, an incredibly competent and beautifully designed car, considered an all-time classic.

Looking like a letter to the future, the DKW streamlined record-breaker without its canopy, which badly affected handling​. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2ZDcdjS)

As a logical consequence of receiving Hitler's cash at that time, the racing teams and record-breaking of the two manufacturers were under the control and supervision of the Nazi government, so it is not surprising that their drivers and riders in mandatory wore and used various Nazi attributes. So that it gives the impression to the rivals that they are all Nazis. Although in fact, not all of them were supporters of the Nazi fascist government.

The DKW streamlined-shape designed record-breaker three-wheeler without its canopy, while stopped on the pitstop​. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2ZDcdjS)

It seemed as if there was an agreement between BMW and DKW at that time to stay off each other's racing turf, as DKW focused on 250cc and 350cc GP racing and record-breaking, while BMW concentrated on 500cc racing and absolute World Speed Records.

At the time, BMW is perhaps better known for their BMW WR750 speed record motorcycles in 1936, while DKW as equally at the forefront of the new science of streamlining and engine development, having pioneered the Schnurle-loop scavenge system on their two-stroke engines, and the use of superchargers with twin-piston combustion chambers, so the blowers didn't simply push the fuel mix straight out the exhaust pipe.

The 1935 Auto-Union DKW-Kahrman 600cc with its full streamlined bodywork​. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2ZDcdjS)

It is known as well that at that time DKW was developing record-breaking racing vehicles with 250cc and 350cc engines alongside their Auto Union GP cars. The vehicle has appeared in a fabulously compelling bodywork with astonishing speed and sophistication, as it was developed in a wind tunnel (something they could afford with Nazi cash).

The BMW three-wheeled record-breaker with its full streamlining, which was more stable than the DKW bodywork​​. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2ZDcdjS)

Uniquely, there's a vehicle made by DKW in the three-wheeled vehicle platform. It is not known whether it is included in one of the categories of vehicle classes that are competed in addition to motorbikes (two-wheeled vehicles) and cars (four-wheeled vehicles). 

It seems later than BMW (broke the agreement for a while) by developing an almost similar three-wheeled vehicle with an airplane-shaped design and is believed to be more stable than the DKW model. But unfortunately, it isn't known whether all of these future look three-wheeled vehicles are able to complete its mission to break the records.😉 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CAR-DAY.RU | THEVINTAGENT.COM | TRIUMPHTALK.COM]

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It's only one running replica and quarter-scaled model left

To produce a car model, usually, the auto manufacturer must go through many stages, starting from a concept design development to making a decision to produce it or not. Well, at the design development stage, manufacturers usually also make several models of the car concept in several sizes ranging from small to 1: 1 for a series of tests and or also used as a promotional model to see the public interest on being worked model.

1956 Pontiac Club de Mer concept car announced to the world at the GM's Motorama Show. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3c2pbN1)

The same thing was done by the American automotive giant, General Motors who had made several famous future concept cars. They make these concept cars as a basis for producing cars in the future. Including something created based on one of their other brands, due to the manufacturer houses multiple car brands.

Pontiac Club de Mer may be one example. It was a concept car made by Pontiac for General Motors in 1956 and announced to the world at the Motorama Show at the time. This future concept car creation embodies Harley Earl's design ideas, brought up by the Pontiac design department head at the time, Paul Gillian.

The Pontiac Club de Mer page from the 1956 Motorama program. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/33nS7uY)

As quoted of Wikipedia, it was a two-door sports roadster that incorporated innovative breakthrough styling like a sleek, low-profile body encasing a large engine, a design trend used widely in LSR (land speed record) trials at Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah during the 1950s.

The concept car's exterior was inspired by contemporary aircraft designs at the time, using a stainless steel monocoque, individual windscreens similar to those on the 1955 Lincoln Futura (later TV's Batmobile), an aerodynamically fashioned fascia that flowed down from the hood skin to cover most of the grill, concealed headlights, and a single rear-deck dorsal fin.

1956 Pontiac Club de Mer was inspired by contemporary aircraft designs at the time. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/33nS7uY)

The overall styling of the body was a smooth, non-undulating profile, similar to an American supersonic jet fighter, with virtually no protrusions or recesses of any kind save for the out-vents on the leading edge of both doors, and the fin. The vehicle had no bumpers, a common feature on most concepts, and the door handles were quite small and also had a very low profile at just under 990.6 mm (39 inches).

1956 Pontiac Club de Mer (front) at the 1956 Motorama and the Oldsmobile Golden Rocket is immediately beyond. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2FAKmJO)

The interior styling, it had a barebones functionality to it, but it is still much better than the production vehicles available in showrooms at the time. Instruments were low key, with triangularly configured gauges mounted well behind a three-spoke, GT-style steering wheel, around the steering column.

The speedometer was positioned on top, and a smaller gauge on either side, each enclosed in its own pod. The interior was finished in red, while passengers gained entry through conventional doors.

It is known that only one Club de Mer prototype (actually just a rolling model) was ever constructed and unveiled in Miami, Florida, along with another ¼-scale model. But then, the only-one prototype was destroyed as part of an unfortunate kill order by GM in 1958.

Only the ¼-scale model exists today, which was owned by Joseph Bortz of Illinois until it sold to noted car collector Ron Pratt at the 2007 Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction for $75,000. However, there is another life-sized Pontiac Club de Mer replica in mint shape and fully functional.

The running replica built by Marty Martino based on a 1959 Pontiac chassis and powered by the 1959 Strato Streak engine mated to the Jetaway Hydro-Matic 4-speed transmission. It took three years to complete and sold at auction in 2009 for $110,000. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BARRET-JACKSON | WIKIPEDIA | CARSCOOPS  | AMKLASSIEK]

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Do you ever see this Ermini's barchetta?

If we look at the figure of this beautiful classic car, at first glance, we will immediately remember the famous car brands like Ferrari, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, etc. However, if you look at the front grille, which has the 'E' emblem firmly imprinted on it, you might immediately wonder; what is the brand of this beautiful sports car? 

1948 Ermini Fiat 1100 Corsa is a two-seater barchetta bodied by Morelli. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3ikCafo)

This is the Ermini Fiat 1100 Corsa. It is a 2-seater barchetta bodied by Morelli and manufactured in 1948. Ermini? Maybe some of us rarely know or even don't know about this Italian brand. Let's talked about it. 

During the years just after the Second World War, there were plenty of small sportscar manufacturers in Italy producing cars for the many road races that were organized. The most popular was the 750 and 1100 cc classes and the cars were often based on mass-produced components from Fiat.

1948 Ermini Fiat 1100 Corsa was the first car built by Pasquono Ermini for compete in various racing events. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3bMKMc3)

One of the smallest of these manufacturers, often derogatorily referred to as "Etceterini" to distinguish them from the more familiar names like Ferrari and Maserati, must have been Ermini from Florence. But still, it was successful enough to be remembered today.

The brand owned by Ermini Automobili, an Italian automotive company is founded by Pasquino Ermini, a Florence engineer who learned his trade as a mechanic and driver during the 1920s and '30s with the Squadra Materassi and its Bugatti and Talbot cars. Following the war, he built his first car, a combination of a (heavily modified) Fiat 1100 chassis and an Alfa Romeo 2500 engine. With this, he competed in various events.

1948 Ermini Fiat 1100 Corsa is a combination of a (heavily modified) Fiat 1100 chassis and an Alfa Romeo 2500 engine. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3bK4JjZ)

He then decided to produce his own engine, choosing to enter the then-popular 1100 class. The result was a twin-cam 1094cc unit which emerged in 1947, one of the first twin-cams in that class. It immediately proved successful and was sold to many competitors, who fitted it to a variety of cars, usually either based on the 1100 or with a chassis by Gilco.

Bodies were supplied by numerous coachbuilders. In 1949 Ermini began building complete cars, with his 1100 DOHC engine, the chassis by Gilco, and the bodywork by Tofani. The early 1950's saw the Ermini 1100 as the car (or engine for those who chose to fit it to different chassis') to have. Tofani was unable to meet the demand, and so Motto and Morelli were used to producing the bodies.

Rear three quarter of the 1948 Ermini Fiat 1100 Corsa. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/35oxO35)

In 1953 Ermini introduced a new engine. Still a DOHC 1100 it now had an aluminum block and five main-bearing crankshafts. Around 20 engines were built and were fitted to cars by Ermini themselves (with a chassis designed by Gilco, Scaglietti, Morelli, and Frua (designed by Michelotti).

Even though it looks small, the work of this Italian automotive manufacturer still exists today. Yes, this company still continues to produce cars and engines for various purposes, especially racing needs. And its last production sports car was Ermini 686 'Seiottosei' which was exposed to the public at the 2014 Geneva International Motor Show. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ERMINI AUTOMOBILI | SUPERCARS.NET | COACHBUILD.COM | RITZSITE.NL | CARS A-Z]

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Did you know the Flandria ever had a scooter model?

Currently, we are still in Belgium, which turns out to still have other stories about unique scooters that have been made by this country manufacturer, apart from the Aldimi Prince de Liège scooter. Well, this time we will discuss the scooters that have been made by Flandria, a brand owned by a Belgium well-known manufacturer which originated from a blacksmith workshop located in Zedelgem near Bruges owned and managed by the Claeys family since the 19th century.

Flandria Fabrina scooter model produced from 1954 to 1960 and uses a 175cc 2-stroke single-cylinder JLO engine coupled with a 4-speed manual transmission system. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2RbHmGg)

This family business continued to grow rapidly until in the early 20th century, Leon Claeys formed an independent company that produced agricultural machinery with hundreds of employees. And in 1910 the company started producing bicycles and managed to sell more than 250,000 units by 1927.

Meanwhile, the manufacture of motorcycles began in 1933 by building the first four motorbike prototypes with the JAP OHV 500cc engine, but it was never produced. Shortly after the 2nd World War ended, the Belgian manufacturer decided to start making mopeds in addition to motorcycle production. And since then many models of two-wheeled vehicles (mopeds, motorbikes, and scooters) have been produced by the Zedelgem-based company.

1961 Flandria Kingline De Luxe. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/35j1aA0)

As quoted by Cybermotorcycle, the Flandria was one of the biggest motorcycle, moped, and bicycle companies in Belgium. It was a Claeys family business but they made a lot of other things (stoves, children's three-wheelers, buggies, invalid cars, scooters, and even a prototype car. They delivered all over Europe, also the north of Africa, and the US.

1962 Flandria Amazone. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3ihMZ1K)

During its production period, Flandria produces many moped and motorcycle models included Amazone, Galet Luxe 2T, Velomatic, Floride, Princesse, Caravelle, Mirage, Comet, King, Parisienne, Sportif, Ultra Sport, Atlas, Record, etc.

1962 Flandria Record V. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2ZmHlUu)

Especially for the scooter model, Flandria started making it in 1954 which was named Flandria Fabrina. As quoted from OTTW.ES, this scooter model uses a 175cc 2-stroke single-cylinder JLO engine coupled with a 4-speed manual transmission system. And it is likely that this is the only scooter model had ever produced by this Belgium company.

1964 Flandria Ultra Sport. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3bMSAuE)

The physical appearance of the scooter, which was reportedly produced from 1954 to 1960, looks like a combination of Italian designs using a German-made engine. Yes, on the front it looks similar to the Lambretta scooter model with a large-sized headlight attached to the front shield. While the rear look like a wasp-tail such as the Vespa scooter model.

Unfortunately, there is not much information that we can collect about these Flandria Fabrina scooters, so it is not known how many scooters had been produced by Belgium manufacturer. Besides, there is only one picture of the Fabrina scooter model that we can get from several sites on the internet.😓

1965 Flandria King. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/329zueY)

That's it, and if the article above is still considered inadequate or inaccurate, or if you have additional information related to this unique scooter, please don't hesitate to let us know via the comments column below this article.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CYBERMOTORCYCLE.COM | OTTW.ES | WIKIPEDIA]

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Here she is Contessa small passenger car models of Hino

Hino Motors, Ltd., or more popularly known as Hino, it's a Japanese multinational company that produces diesel engines, trucks, and buses. The company is headquartered in Hino, Tokyo, and founded in 1942. And since 1973, the company has been transformed into one of the major manufacturers of medium and heavy-duty trucks in Japan.

1961 Hino Contessa PC10. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3i8AoOt)

Although known as a truck maker, it turns out that this Japanese manufacturer had produced passenger car models in the 1960s. Yes, the Hino Contessa models produced by this manufacturer ranging from 1961 to 1967. And the name 'Contessa' is taken from Italian which refers to a noblewoman's title and seems the name is suitable to symbolize the Hino coupe's elegant beauty.

The Contessa car series was largely developed based on the 1947 Renault 4CV (or known as Renault's Beetle) with its legendary Ventoux power unit, which is a four-cylinder engine that simply refused to die. In 1961, Hino Motors decided that it would be a great idea if it built cars under its own name. At the time, Hino had been building the 4CV for the Japanese market, which was unimaginatively called the Hino Renault.

1962 Hino Contessa 900 Sprint Coupé. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/328fyZZ)

Furthermore, the car is offered in both sedan and coupé-styled by using the rear-wheel drive and rear-engine layout. The first model, known as the Hino Contessa PC Series that has a compact body and was designed by the famous Italian automotive designer Giovanni Michelotti. He also sold them the idea for a small coupe, which was called Hino Contessa 900 Sprint Coupé.

Apart from having a stylish bodywork, the Contessa 900 Sprint Coupé weighs 100 kg lighter (only 650 kg or 1,430 lbs) and uses an engine tuned by Officine Nardi plus a Weber carburetor for power up to 45 PS (33 kW; 44 hp) coupled with a floor-mounted 4-speed manual gearbox.

1962 Hino Contessa 900 Sprint Coupé. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/328fyZZ)

After completion, the Hino Contessa 900 Sprint Coupé was introduced at the 10th Tokyo Auto Show, and Turin Motor Show in 1962, followed by the New York Auto Show in 1963. This model was also intended as a form of the full-fledged stylistic development of the Contessa PC Series.

It is claimed that this car can run up to a top speed of 140 kph (87 mph), with an acceleration of 0-60 mph in 18.2 seconds. So that there is no doubt about the designer, at the bottom of the Contessa 900 Sprint's door slit is given a plate reading 'Hino-Michelotti'. Unfortunately, the Hino Contessa 900 Sprint Coupé was never mass-produced, although several prototypes were built.😿

Later Michelotti also designed another model known as the Hino Contessa PD 1300 which looks has a similar design to the Triumph 1300, which was, of course, a Michelotti design. As the Contessa PC Series was a strictly Japan-only model and never intended for export, while the Contessa PD had export ideas, specifically for the American market.

1965 Hino Contessa 1300 Coupé. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3i8AoOt)

Hino thought the idea of "race-and-win on Sunday, sell on Monday" was a good idea, so they contacted Peter Brock and his BRE Racing to campaign the Contessa sedan. The team took a surprise win at the L.A. Times in 1966 and he later campaigned the coupe. Hino also made a lightweight version of the coupe with deleted equipment and thinner sheet metal.
Overall, the car was poorly designed in terms of engine layout and headlight design, so that would definitely reduce its chances of succeeding in the American market. Even more so in 1966, Hino was already in the Toyota hands, and they already had a similarly sized front engine-rear wheel drive car in the row, so the Contessa production was ceased and used the factory to build another Toyota's products. 

😭A very sad ending for Hino Contessa.😭 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA | NEWSTRAITSTIMES]

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2 Rare Switzerland scooters

The development of the motorized vehicle industry, especially scooters after World War 2 ended, has contributed significantly to the growth of the economy and industry which was destroyed when the war broke out. At its peak, the growth of the scooter manufacturing industry also experienced a heyday around the 1950s to the 1960s.

The unique Mako 125 scooter made by a Switzerland manufacturer in the 1950s. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3lQtWOa)

It can be seen by the number of companies that make scooters (especially in mainland Europe). Maybe they were inspired by the success of two scooter manufacturers from Italy, Piaggio, and Innocenti. No exception to the manufacturers from Switzerland. Well, maybe not many people know that from this beautiful country, have been born ever unique scooters. Let's see two of them as follow;

1. Mako Scooter
As usual, when surfing in cyberspace we came across a picture of this scooter. The figure of the scooter at first glance looks like a Lambretta LC scooter and it turns out that the scooter is not one of the models made by the Italian manufacturer, Innocenti.

The unique Mako 125 scooter uses a 125cc 2-stroke JLO engine. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3h2LeE9)

After several attempts to dig up information about this scooter, it turned out that very little was obtained, namely 2 pictures of the scooter without any additional information. In fact, the Mako 125 scooter brand was made in a limited number by a manufacturer from Switzerland in the 1950s (around 1953 to 1955). But unfortunately, there is no data that explains the name of the manufacturer from Switzerland.😭

The obvious design difference between the Mako and Lambretta LC models is on the front. Where the Mako scooter model looks to use an exposed double shock absorber system with springs, while the Lambretta LC model with the telescopic suspension system. Furthermore, this Mako unique scooter uses a 125cc 2-stroke JLO engine. At that time the machine was known to be reliable, supported by the availability of adequate spare parts by the German machinery manufacturer.

Besides it is not known how many scooters were made at that time and whether the manufacture of these scooters was done under license or at least with the authorization of the Italian manufacturer, Innocenti, who is known to be the Lambretta scooter brand owner if the Mako is modified based on the Lambretta LC model. What do you think?

2. Mowag Vroller
Besides the Mako scooter above, it turns out that there is another scooter made by a Swiss manufacturer in 1958 called the Mowag Vroller. However, there is not much information that can describe it in detail.

The unique Mowag Vroller scooter made by Switzerland's military vehicle manufacturer in 1958. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2R18VlN)

This unique scooter is said to be made by Mowag GmbH, a military vehicle manufacturer from the mentioned country (since April 2010, the name of this company has been changed to General Dynamics European Land Systems - Mowag GmbH). It seems this scooter only made in a limited number.

That's it, and if the article above is still considered inadequate or inaccurate, or if you have additional information related to the unique scooter models, please don't hesitate to let us know via the comments column below this article.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CLASSICBIKEHUB.UK | CYBERMOTORCYCLE.COM]

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The catamaran-designed racing car

It's okay if automotive designers take inspiration from various sources around them in making a car design. And have you ever seen a (racing) car in catamaran-style designs? Although the catamaran design is usually seen on a ship or sailboat moving across the waves in the ocean, but in the late 1960s there was a car that appeared in such style.

1967 OSI Silver Fox racing car prototype built by Officina Stampaggio Industriale SpA. (OSI) in 1967 to compete the 24 Hours of Le Mans. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2QVenXt)

The catamaran-designed car mentioned above named the OSI Silver Fox is built in 1967 to compete in Le Man racing event and debuted in the Turin Motor Show of the same year. This unsual-shaped racing car is designed and built by the Italian company named Officina Stampaggio Industriale SpA. (OSI). This unique car was built based on the idea of an Italian racer named Piero Taruffi, who had previously experimented with various double hull car concepts such as Nardi, and Pegaso. 

1967 OSI Silver Fox racing car prototype has a strange body-shaped that resembled more to a nautical vehicle was introduced to the 1967 Turin Motorshow. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2QVenXt)

He then proposed to the OSI to realisize this car to be competed in the Le Mans race which would be rolling at that time. It seems that the idea can be accepted by the manufacturer, so designer Sergio Sartorelli made some sketches of the car. The first model of this race car was tested in the wind tunnel of the Turin Polytechnic in mid-1966. This was followed by the creation of the racing car prototype shortly thereafter.

The 1967 OSI Silver Fox inspired by Tarf Bisiluro racing car is designed, built and piloted by Piero Taruffi, the Italian driver who won the Mille Miglia in 1957. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2QVenXt)

Although it had made the visitors at one of the world's automotive exhibitions such as the Turin Motor Show 1967 amazed, but actually the goal of making the racing car by the Italian car manufacturer was actually to win and score the highest achievement at a prestigious event like the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

1967 OSI Silver Fox racing car prototype has a strange body-shaped that resemble more to a nautical vehicle and featured three wing-shaped to furnish an aerodynamic support. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2QVenXt)

The racing car concept is appeared in two parts lined by the cabin, and the four-cylinders of 1000cc Renault-Alpine engine (capable makes it run to the top speed of 245 kph) is sat behind the left seat, with the spare wheel etc behind the other. With nothing being between the wheels the space is instead home to three aero wings. The first one was usable to firm vehicle, the second, that central, with the vehicle in drive, while the third one, systematized on the back one it was fixed and it also included the brakes.

1967 OSI Silver Fox racing car prototype was equipped by a Renault Alpine engine to four cylinders of 1000 cc., positioned behind the seats on the left side. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2F3ZAqB)

Sadly, this one of a kind racing car was never reached out the racing ground, due to the company ran into financial difficulties not long after the car finished. At the end of 1968, the OSI company was declared bankrupt and later the Silver Fox racing car existance became a mystery. Did You know where is this doubled-hull racing car now? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSTYLING.RU | THEPETROLSHOP.COM]

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The Spanish Rondine scooter had died prematurely since it first launched

For a moment we return to Spain, a beautiful country located on the Iberian peninsula that has a history of automotive, especially scooters that are quite classy and are not inferior to other countries in the world. After some time ago we discussed scooters made by other Spanish manufacturers such as the Reiju Isard, Husor 201, Iruña 202, Cimera Turismo, and others.

This Rondine 125 scooter made by a Madrid-based manufacturer called Moto Scooter SA. and now sat on display at the Museu de la Moto de Barcelona. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2Z5MOiF)

So this time, we will discuss a quite unique scooter called the Rondine 125 made by a Madrid-based manufacturer called Moto Scooter SA. As quoted from OTTW.ES, the company was founded on October 8, 1951, which started producing scooters with a brand like the one above that used a 125 cc 2-stroke engine.

1951 Rondine 125 scooter uses a 125 cc 2-stroke engine and was not distributed by the maker due to not competitive price. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2Z5MOiF)

But then this scooter was not distributed widely to the market by the company, considering its fairly expensive price and exacerbated by the appearance of Vespa, an Italian scooter brand in 1953 which was offered at a lower price but had a more attractive appearance.😢 

After that, the manufacturer shifted to the other motorized vehicle production, by launching a three-wheeler model named "Titano." Again, this model is also not succeeding in the market, as the three-wheeler has a major disadvantage that it is not equipped with a rear differential drive, which makes it very unstable during cornering.

1951 Titano Motocarro is a substitute model of the Rondine 125 scooter which built shortly after the maker decided not to distribute widely the scooter model. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/330DVYO)

Today, You can be seen this Rondine 125cc scooter on display at the Barcelona Motorcycle Museum (Museu de la Moto de Barcelona). As a reminder, the Rondine brand belonging to this Spanish company is not associated with the three Italian homonym brands such as Rondine (Melegnano), Rondine (San Martino Siccomario), Rondine-Copeta, and Rondine Motor.

The first version of the Rondine Sport motorcycle featured a single-cylinder 125 cc, 2T, 6.2 hp engine and launched in 1952. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2DtlzqB)

At the end of 1952, its first motorcycle named "Sport" appeared on the market, designed by an Italian designer named Bruno Hettore. The motorcycle is inspired by the MV Turismo Lusso motorcycle and using a 125cc single-cylinder 2-stroke engine (which is capable of delivering up to 6.5 horsepower at 6,000 rpm) and built on a simple frame and stands made by the transalpine company GUIA.

Hettore then left the company to form his own brand, Aster (Madrid). During 1953, other motorcycle versions appeared which were still equipped with the same engine, but had undergone technical improvements with new frames and suspension. In both versions, the maximum speed is 85 or 90 kph (with a passenger or alone).

The next version of Rondine Sport is launched in 1957 featured with the same engine of the first but has applied a new frame and suspensions. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2DtlzqB)

Unfortunately, the crisis in the motorcycle sector in the late 1950s meant that the new model they were preparing at the time, the Poker 250, was unable to enter the market. Then in 1958, the company chose to produce Trimak brand motorbikes belonging to another manufacturer which was equipped with a 25,250 cc 2T CAM engine capable of delivering up to 14 horsepower.

The Spaniard Rondine 125 classic scooter had died prematurely since it first launched. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3hYuj73)

It turns out that the crisis continues, which makes this company worse and worse. In the following year after being declared bankrupt, the company was acquired by another Madrid-based company named Trimak SA, which is the owner of the Trimak motorcycle brand as well.😭

That's it, and if the article above is still considered inadequate or inaccurate, or if you have additional information related to the Spanish rare unique scooter models, please don't hesitate to let us know via the comments column below this article.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CYBERMOTORCYCLE.COM | OTTW.ES | ULTIMATEMOTORCYCLING.COM | MILANUNCIOS | CLUB DE MOTOS ANTIGUAS GRANADA]
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Alfa Romeo 1900 'Esse Esse Zetas'

During the 1950s the automotive world in Europe was hit by the car racing euphoria that marked by so many racing events that were attended by many participants ranging from automotive brand holders, other companies to individuals.

Alfa Romeo 1900 SSZ (Super Sprint Zagato) built by Carrozzeria Zagato from 1954 to 1957. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2DjKDA8)

This has also attracted a lot of interest from Alfa Romeo customers to make racing cars with this Italian qualified brand to fight in a racing event at that time such as the Mille Miglia and others. And then the celebrated local coachbuilder, Carrozzeria Zagato, renowned for its lightweight, aviation-inspired lines, was called upon to create such a car and immediately set to work.

Alfa Romeo 1900 SSZ (Super Sprint Zagato grabs instant success and won at the gruelling multi-stage Stella Alpina, driven by Galluzzi. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2DjKDA8)

The potent result, the 'Alfa Romeo 1900 SSZ (Super Sprint Zagato)' as it became known, was an instant success and won its first major outing, the gruelling multi-stage Stella Alpina, driven by Galluzzi. It wasn't long before Alfa’s racing department test driver Consalvo Sanesi tried out the new car and reported back to the firm’s top brass, who quickly sanctioned limited production.

Alfa Romeo 1900 SSZ (Super Sprint Zagato has a beautiful interior covered dominantly with light-brown genuine-leather. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2DjKDA8)

The Zagato Berlinetta also is known as the "esse esse zetas" or SSZ in short. It has the Zagato's trademark double-bubble roof. It matched Zagato's aerodynamic efficiency and the lightweight aluminum body design with the most potent version of Alfa Romeos 1900 known as the SuperSport.

Alfa Romeo 1900 SSZ (Super Sprint Zagato uses a 1,975 cc DOHC inline four-cylinder engine coupled with Weber carburetors, five-speed manual transmission system. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2DjKDA8)

The power amount of 115 bhp was burst out from its 1,975 cc DOHC inline four-cylinder engine coupled with Weber carburetors, five-speed manual transmission, so can be made the car speeding on the track. The car also featured with special independent front suspension with double A-arms, coil springs, and hydraulic shock absorbers, live-axle rear suspension with trailing links, coil springs, and hydraulic shock absorbers, and four-wheel drum brakes.

Alfa Romeo 1900 SSZ (Super Sprint Zagato is simply one of the most dynamic post-war sports cars ever created. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2DjKDA8)

The Zagato-bodied 1900C is simply one of the most dynamic post-war sports cars ever created, and it continues to draw the fascination and respect of Italian design connoisseurs. It has evolved into one of the most collectible post-war Alfa Romeo cars of all time.

It is thought that just 39 examples (plus two bare chassis) of these 1900 SSZ bespoke coupes were built specifically for racing, from 1954 to 1957. And they are all regarded as the pinnacle of the 1950s production Alfa Romeos. And at the 2016 RM Sotheby's Auction in Arizona, the price of one of these Zagatos offered is estimated at $1.4 to 1.8 million, had sold yet at the event. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ZAGATO | RM SOTHEBY'S | CARSTYLING.RU | FABWHEELSDIGEST | SUPERCARS.NET | KIDSTON.COM]

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