Trussty Jasmine: Classic

Showing posts with label Classic. Show all posts

Monday, February 6, 2023

Mysterious Vespa racing scooter prototype of 1950s revealed

~Mystery REVEALED~ The first time we saw this scooter on the internet a few years ago. At that time we were immediately fell in love with it because in our opinion this scooter has an unusual fierce shape we've never seen before. After that, we tried to find out what model this scooter was? However, it turns out that none of the models in the Piaggio's scooter catalog like this one.

The gorgeous scooter called Vespa 125 Corsa (original) built based on 1951 Vespa 125 by Cavalli brothers-owned workshop under the Piaggio authorization of the 1950s. (Picture from: FotoCommunity)

After searching, we finally found a little information about this unusual scooter from an account on a photography site in the name of William Mendini (a gentleman of Brescia), plus other info from several Vespa scooter fansites such as Basque Radical Mods, Vespa Club Salo and others.

The 1951 Vespa 125 has an aerodynamically bulged shape that resembles a big nose which is also used as a place for the headlight attached. (Picture from: FotoCommunity)

It turns out that this scooter was built based on the 1951 Piaggio Vespa 125 model by a Brescia-based modification workshop owned by the Cavalli brothers. The unique-shaped scooter was designed by Achille Cavalli for racing purposes and is said to have authorization of Piaggio as the manufacturer and owner of the Vespa brand.

The gorgeous scooter called Vespa 125 Corsa (original) modified under the Piaggio authorization for racing purposes. (Picture from: FotoCommunity)

As a result, the one-off prototype (as we can see today) was successfully built in 1951 and tested in 1952. But unfortunately, there are no data or records about it after that. So it is clear now, that isn't a scooter model made by Piaggio but the custom-built scooter result of a Brescia-based workshop. As for the name, some call it Vespa 125 Corsa (original) prototype, and --Because We Love Vespa-- If allowed, we preferred called it as Vespa Grosso Naso (big nose).😎

Achille Cavalli one of three Cavalli brothers who modified the Vespa 125 in the early 1950s. (Picture from: FotoCommunity)

When viewed from the physical appearance it looks like a combination of many scooter models made by Piaggio in the 1950s. As we can see from the front view, the scooter has striking looks with an aerodynamically bulged shape that resembles a big nose which is also used as a place for the headlight attached. Then to the middle, where a handlebar is the same as that used on the Vespa scooter model at that time.

Then in between the seat and the handlebar, there is an extra-large size fuel tank like the one on the Vespa Circuito 125 and at the bottom of where a spare tire saved like the Vespa 125 'Sei Giorno' models. Going to the back, there is a fin that at a glance reminds us of the Vespa Siluro model. While the engine, it looks like still uses a 125cc 2-stroke engine (there was none of the info about it).

The 1951 Vespa 125 was featured with a larger fuel tank, and a spare-tire in the middle. (Picture from: BasqueRadicalMods)

And if you look carefully ranging from the front to the rear of this scooter was very aerodynamic and added to the rider's sitting position who ducks with his head tilted over the fuel tank. Of course, that's very promising to be fast when speeding on the track.

The 1951 Vespa 125 was designed by Achille Cavalli (look at the designer name stamped on the scooter body), and probably still uses a 125cc 2-stroke engine. (Picture from: BasqueRadicalMods)

As quoted of FotoCommunity.it under the name of William Mendini's account, for more than fifty years this beauty racing scooter was stored well in a garage at the outskirts of the city and lastly restored in 2008, but it is unknown who the scooter owner today.

The gorgeous scooter called Vespa 125 Corsa (original) has a rear fin that at a glance reminds us of the famous Vespa Siluro model. (Picture from: BasqueRadicalMods)

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.

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Saturday, February 4, 2023

A compact weird-styled hatchback Chrysler PT Cruiser

~Unique ONES~ People may be happy with antique cars with aerodynamic all-round designs like vehicle designs from the 1930s. Unfortunately, not everyone is able to maintain these cars. It's understandable that its name is also an antique item that is old. Perhaps by seeing this opportunity, Chrysler, one of the American automotive giants then released a retro-looking car named the Chrysler PT Cruiser in between the 1990s and early 2000s.

The Chrysler PT Cruiser (in pictured 2003 model) is a unique retro-styled 5-door hatchback produced almost ten years by Chrysler during 2000 to 2010. (Picture from: MotorTrend)

Actually, the model was made for Plymouth (one of Chrysler's subsdiaries) which had previously launched production of a car inspired by the 1930s era vehicle, the Plymouth Prowler during 1997 to 2001. But unfortunately, Plymouth itself then had to shut down in 2001 even though a few years earlier it had also launched a concept car called the PT Spyder. Therefore, the PT Cruiser was rebranded under the Chrysler badge, and produced during 2000 to 2010 in Mexico and Austria.

The Chrysler PT Cruiser (in pictured 2009 model) designed by Bryan Nesbitt, featured with a high roof, a maximized cabin space. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

While related to the PT name on PT Cruiser stands for Personal Transport. In contrast to PT Spyder which stands for Pronto. The design of the PT Cruiser was inspired by the design of American cars from the 1930s to 1940s which were made all rounded and aerodynamic. The design of the car made by Bryan Nesbitt is classified as having a high roof with maximized cabin space in accordance with the 5-door hatchback which is practical for daily use.

The Chrysler PT Cruiser interior has a two-tone design that uses premium leather upholstery on the seat panels, dashboard and doors. (Picture from: AutoTekno-SindoNews)

Meanwhile its engines provided are actually quite diverse, ranging from 4-cylinder 1600cc to 2400cc turbo. Of the many machines offered, it turns out that most of the ones used are 4-cylinder 2,000 cc DOHC 16 valve engines with an injection fuel system. This machine is capable of producing power of 150 hp at 6,500 rpm and 180 Nm of torque at 4,800 rpm, which is combined with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission system to drive the front wheels.

The Chrysler PT Cruiser (in pictured 2004 model) blends the retro look of a late-1930s or early 1940s American sedan with new-age styling cues such as dual-beam flush headlights and teardrop-shaped taillight lenses. (Picture from: AutoTekno-SindoNews)

The power of this car may look big but when driven, this machine feels normal maybe because the weight of the PT Cruiser is quite heavy. Even though it looks like a classic car, the features provided by this car certainly meet the criteria of a modern car, such as air conditioning, power steering, power windows, central lock, audio, seat belts, airbags, up to disc brakes on all four-wheels and ABS, already available on this car. The load capacity of this car is only 5 passengers while the back is used as the trunk.

The advantages of this car are in its unique design with a retro-classic styles. And thanks to this American car design featured with the high roof, so it feels very roomy for those who are not too big and tall (such an Asian), as well as people with a larger body. The downside lies in the design too, indeed not everyone likes it. Besides that, because of the limited amount of production, the availability of spare parts is also limited. This possibility is what makes people rarely want to glance at these car models. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA | MOTORTREND | NEWCARTESTDRIVE ]

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Friday, February 3, 2023

The rarely known figure of the Ferrari F40's forerunner racing car

~Rare ONES~ As we all know, the Italian prancing horse logoed automaker is very sticked with many high-performance car products and world's sports racing since its early founding years. You can named it there're many high performance steds made by this Italian automotive breder emerged to race in various racing events to these days.

The Ferrari 308 GT/M IMSA is the first non-monoposto Ferrari to have a carbon kevlar composite body on a tubular frame built and developed by Michelotto based on a design sketch made by Boniolo Design in 1981. (Picture from: AllcarIndex)

Moreover it was the 1970s to 1980s the Maranello-based manufacturer was in an intense competition atmosphere that required huge funding and the necessary technical, logistical demands as well to compete in the top echelons of Formula One at the time.

This 1980s FIA Group B racing car was designated Ferrari 308 GT/M, with the “M” denoting Michelotto. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

Thus, in other racing events, Ferrari is not seen taking part officially, and is only represented by a row of racing cars specially made by a number of coachbuilders who have been approved by those prancing horse logoed automaker to built several racing cars based on Ferrari's production version car models.

The Ferrari 308 GT/M IMSA's body was purposefully aggressive with short front and rear overhangs. (Picture from: Saxonparts)

And one of those coachbuilders was Carrozzieri Michelotto which known before prepared many rally winning Lancia Stratos, fitted with the same engine as the Dino 246. And another racing cars was built by this Padova-based small officina of that periods which also not less phenomenal, but not much was known to the public before named Ferrari 308 GT/M IMSA.

The Ferrari 308 GT/M IMSA featured with the mid-mounted V8 engine turned from the road-car’s transverse placement to a new longitudinal position within the tubular chassis for ease of access to the engine and gearbox. (Picture from: Saxonparts)

This is the first non-monoposto Ferrari to have a carbon kevlar composite body on a tubular frame built and developed by Michelotto based on a design sketch made by Boniolo Design in 1981. The racing car intended to be competed in the FIA Group B by taking the basic Ferrari 308 GTB concept to the extreme with the mid-mounted V8 engine turned from the road-car’s transverse placement to a new longitudinal position within the tubular chassis for ease of access to the engine and gearbox.

The Ferrari 308 GT/M IMSA also featured with radically flared rear fenders, a tall rear wing, and plenty of cooling vents. (Picture from: MenuDeiMotori.eu)

Furthermore the car powered by an 3-litre V8 engine, fitted with four-valve per cylinder heads, Bosch K-Jetronic injection and dry sump, developed 310 bhp at 8,000 rpm. The transmission consisted of a very fast non-syncro five-speed gearbox and a limited slip (80 ZF rear end). The ventilated discs were fitted with four-piston Brembo calipers and the power assistance had been removed.

The Ferrari 308 GT/M IMSA only raced once at the 1984 Monza International Rally, which the car should be out of race earlier after had suffered technical problems. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)

It is thought that three of these cars were constructed during 1984 to 1986, two were constructed by Carrozzieri Michelotto themselves and a further car was assembled in the Netherlands from parts. The only race that they contested was the 1984 Monza International Rally, which the car should be out of race earlier after had suffered technical problems which put it out of serious running further.

Despite this, the 308 IMSA stands out in the annals of Ferrari as one of the important sted models because it is directly related to the birth of several models such as the 288 GTO followed by 288 GTO Evoluzione and the end as the key to the styling of the Ferrari F40. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MICHELOTTO | CHRISTIES | SAXONPARTS ]

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Thursday, February 2, 2023

The magnificent 7 of the past-made weird futuristic cars

~Weird ONES~ Mass-production car models may seen such ordinary thing in the eyes of automotive lovers who have different imagination, so they felt the need to show the car or vehicle considered unique and special to their eyes. No wonder if there are many eccentric minded builder and modificators whose make their futuristic dream cars come true alone without any supports or helping from automotive manufacturers.

Have You seen this past-made weird futuristic visioned vehicle? (Picture from: MessyNessy)

It should be noted, all of the vehicles below were really existed, even some of them could be driven and legally used to run on the public roads. Here's the seven most weirdest cars of all the time might you've never known or seen before;

1. 1938 Phantom Corsair

This is a six-passenger 2-door sedan prototype called the Phantom Corsair, it was designed by Rust Heinz and Maurice Schwartz, then built by the Bohman & Schwartz coachbuilding company in Pasadena, California in 1938. Although sometimes dismissed as a failure because it never entered production, the Corsair is regarded as ahead of its time because of its futuristic features, and styling cues such as faired-in fenders and a low profile.

1938 Phantom Corsair designed by Rust Heinz and Maurice Schwartz, then built in 1938 by the Bohman & Schwartz. (Picture from: AmazingCars)

The Corsair futuristic-styled bodywork built on the chassis taken from a Cord 810 and large enough to seat six individuals inside its cabin. To propel this rather large vehicle, a Lycoming V8 engine was fitted that displaced 289 cubic-inches capable to burst power of 190 horsepower, so allowing the Phantom Corsair to reach 115 mph. While to keep the car in the driver control, there's a drum brakes on all four corners to slow the vehicle.

2. 1942 L'Oeuf Electrique
This is an electrical classic three-wheeled vehicle called L'Oeuf Electrique (means 'Electric Egg') It was made in 1942 by a French artists, industrial designers, and an engineer as well, Paul Arzens. Reportedly, this weird looking car made during the German occupation of Northern France so that caused lack of the fuel, by considering such condition then forced Arzens to go all-electric by converting its conventional gasoline drivetrain to an electric motor.

1942 L'Oeuf Electrique by Paul Arzens. (Picture from: Supercars.net)

When created, this three-wheeled electric classic vehicle intended to be personal used vehicle in future. Therefore, this electric bubble car which made him to be the first person who made small car post the war. Since this electrical classic vehicle appeared, it continues to be an inspiration for many to develop the similar ones until now.

3. 1948 Timbs Special Roadster

This is Timbs Special Roadster designed and built by Norman E. Timbs by himself in 1948. The sleek roadster has mostly aluminum bodywork built on top of a steel chassis and it need almost two years for completion with the cost of $10,000 at the time. The roadster design was actually very simple, free of any gaudy, over-designed adornment.

1948 Timbs Special Roadster by Norman E. Timbs. (Picture from: Autoweek)

To keep the shape clean, no doors were cut out of the body. So to access the cabin, it's simply just hop into it. Furthermore, this slick streamlined roadster was powered by a Buick Super 8 drivetrain which allowed it to run up to a top speed of 120 mph, well that's a quite fast for its day.

4. 1950 Wing Tank Special

Here's the jet-inspired custom car called the Wing Tank Special built in an early 1950s by US Air Force Lt.Col. Edward Richer in England. He used a Ford Anglia chassis plus parts from a Chevy and an Austin, while the side-tanks came off a Lockheed T-33 jet trainer.

1950 Wing Tank Special by US-Air Force Lt.Col. Edward Richer. (Picture from: QuirkyRides)

As you can see the Wing Tank Special is a compact two-seater unique shaped vehicle inspired by jet-plane which was a trend at that time to display the future vehicle vision.

5. 1955 Almar's Space Race Dream Car

The following unique car known as the Almar's Space Race Dream Car was built in 1955 by Almar Nordhaug, a Norwegian who lives in Tórshavn, Faroe Island. He built the car while working at a barrel factory in there, and helped by his colleagues from the barrel factory. The overall design of the Almar's car is very similar to the 1954 Ford FX-Atmos concept car, and we believe it becomes an inspiration during its development.

Almar's Dream Car in the day as it arrived in Norway back in 1957. (Picture from: Facebook)

Furthermore, this car is built on a Vauxhall Cresta chassis complete with its engine and drive system. Then the body is built in a handmade and uniquely, it using an airplane cockpit cover functioned as the roof. This 2-seater unique-shaped car also had the gullwing doors to stand out prominently so that it will always make people immediately look at when it is passing the streets.

6. 1955 Galileo Concept

The appearance of the unique car called the Galileo Concept, since it was first shown to the public in 1957, is indeed very interesting and is still able to invite the admiration of those who see it today. The unique-shaped car was built by an unknown American automaker named Joseph Galileo.

1957 Galileo Concept is a trully stunning jet-inspired show car of 1950s. (Picture from: QuirkyRides)

He built this dream car using a frame taken from 1949 Ford, but the fiberglass body was all made by Galileo himself. He made molds of wood and plaster and shaped the car, complete with gullwing doors. The shape of the bumper is uniquely designed so that it features a jet-themed intakes that is the epitome of 1950s futuristic style on the front, then the car is powered by an Oldsmobile 'Rocket' V8 engine that's such a perfect match in both name and technology for the car.

7. 1968 Pussycar Automodule

This is an eccentrics vehicle design called the Pussycar Automodule, and was one unique retro creation designed by Jean Pierre Ponthieu to be the vision of the future vehicle. The Pussycar Automodule seem like spherical-shaped vehicle described as 'The Car of the Year 2000,' built to be a sort of promotional purposed vehicle, and launched in 1968.

1968 Pussycar Automodule by Jean Pierre Ponthieu, and dubbed as 'The Car of the Year 2000'. (Picture from: MessyNessy)

The unique car whose rear wheel is powered by a 250 cc single cylinder engine can do wheelies! Definitely no speedster, this vehicle inches forward slowly and can also turns its wheels to drive sideways or rotate in place.

Today in 2023, after 23 years have passed from 2000, we still haven't found yet a single car like this milling around the streets. One thing in certain to this day, the Pussycar Automodule remained seen as a strange car to us. 😎

Those are some futuristic design cars that are unique and weird which are the creations made by creative car designer and builder in the past, and it could be regarded as ahead of its time because of its futuristic features, and styling cues as well. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | OLDCONCEPTCARS | WHICHCAR | MESSYNESSY | AMAZINGCARS | THEAUTOPIAN ]

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Wednesday, February 1, 2023

DeSoto Adventurer II, one of American-Italian masterpieces of the 1950s

~Jewel of TIME~ Generally, the beauty of the four-wheeled vehicle design will be seen before entering the mass production line and is still a concept. Yes, at the concept stage, usually the car manufacturer gives everything as an effort to studi and find out the extent to which its customers will be interested in the vehicle that is being built.

The DeSoto Adventurer II Coupé Concept by Ghia and launched in the 1954. (Picture from: Silodrome)

For this reason, usually car manufacturers will collaborate with coachbuilder companies in the manufacture and development of a four-wheeled vehicle model so that later it can attract the attention of automotive enthusiasts and then take the benefits to then be applied to the production car later.

1954 DeSoto Adventurer II Coupé Concept built based on the DeSoto Imperial Series S19 chassis. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/30NylIM)

As We can see this in a concept vehicle called DeSoto Adventurer II, which is able to look stunning in its elegant red color until today. The concept car was launched in 1954 which is one of the masterpieces ever made by Ghia in collaboration with Chrysler, one of the American automotive giants back in the 1950s.

The DeSoto Adventurer I Concept was in a show-setting publicity photo. (Picture from: CarStyleCritic)

If you see the name Adventurer II, then maybe you are wondering whether there is the Adventurer I? Yes there is (look here), the mentioned car was built by this American automaker in the early 1950s.....

The DeSoto Adventurer II Coupé Concept by Ghia and launched in the 1954. (Picture from: Silodrome)

Actually, the car concept design is based on the Ghia-owned Supersonic design concept created by one of its automotive designer named Giovanni Savonuzzi, which was later refined by Virgil Exner to accommodate its chassis length and provide more dramatic design touches.

1954 DeSoto Adventurer II Coupé Concept uses a Chrysler Firepower Hemi V8 engine with displacing of 276 cu.in. to spew power of 170 hp. (Picture from: Silodrome)

As quoted from Supercars.net, the car is built on the DeSoto Imperial Series S19 chassis. Meanwhile, as its drivetrain, this concept car uses a Chrysler Firepower Hemi V8 engine with displacing of 276 cu.in. to spew power of 170 horses. This car has unique features such as a sliding sunroof that hides in the trunk area, so that it can give a convertible sensation without all the hassle, as is often the case with cloth-top.

The DeSoto Adventurer II Coupé Concept by Ghia has unique features such as a sliding sunroof that hides in the trunk area. (Picture from: Silodrome)

Until now, this concept car is still considered as one of the top 10 concept cars of all time. This is not surprising, because when it was displayed at an exhibition event in 1954, King Mohammed V of Morocco was very impressed in its beauty and immediately bought it. Since then this concept car has become one of his impressive collection cars.

After that this concept car underwent many ownership changes and appeared several times in many exhibition events, such as the 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance when it was still part of the Blackhawk Collection. Then, it reappeared on the 2010 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance for the Ghia Styling class under private ownership. And finally in 2012 this concept car was ever offered and sold for over $1.4 million at an auction held by Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale. *** [EKA [10102020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOBLOG | SILODROME | SUPERCARS.NET]

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Tuesday, January 31, 2023

The rarest shooting brake style wrapping into the Aston Martin

~Unique ONES~ Keep in mind that this is not the only Aston Martin that appears in the shooting brake style, as we know the Milan-based coachbuilder Zagato has also presented a similar model called the Aston Martin Virage back in 2014.