The floating car of the 1950s

It was in 1959 when Curtiss Wright decided to develop a vehicle which called the real possible future car look like some kind of hovercraft to us now. While, the company is known to have been manufacturing aircraft for years when they started the vehicle program. The future vehicle concept called the Model 2500 Air Car has been developed in such a way as the future four-passenger commercial vehicle with the hope of being accepted by the public at that time. 

1959 Curtiss Wright Model 2500 Air Car prototype was built as the future four-passenger commercial vehicle. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3moWGxx)

It can be explained briefly that the Air Car is a compact vehicle with a size similar to a family car which is equipped with a kind of air cushion that allows it to float on the air. The lift power is provided by two 180bhp aircraft engines mounted vertically combined with side and rear air vents allowing it to be maneuvered.

1959 Curtiss Wright Model 2500 Air Car prototype uses 2 180bhp aircraft engines mounted vertically combined with side and rear air vents allowing it to be maneuvered. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3moWGxx)

The two engines mounted vertically at both ends rotate 4 fan blades to create lift and propulsion. Unlike the hovercraft with the large rear fan, however, air from these internal fans is directed through the movable vents located on the each-sides of the vehicle to provide the capabilities to steer, thrust and braking.

Then to make it look similar to a conventional car, the Curtiss-Wright designer gave several features that are common to a car such as dual headlights, taillights, turn indicators, simple bumpers, and even a convertible top on the Model 2500 Air Car. But unlike the pre-development marketing images, the sleek lines were replaced by the huge round box had a two-person cabin inside with the vehicle width of 8' and 29' long.

One of 1959 Curtiss Wright Model 2500 Air Car prototype sat on display at a military museum in Virginia in neater cosmetic form. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3moWGxx)

Then in the early 1960s, the Army Transportation Research Command purchased two Curtiss-Wright Model 2500 Air Cars which were described as ground effect machines (gems). The purchases were for engineering and operational evaluation as part of an ongoing investigation of the vehicle for use in the military.

1959 Curtiss Wright Model 2500 Air Car prototype was located in New Jersey in terrible condition. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3moWGxx)

After several months of testing, the Army decided not to fund any further projects, and it was abandoned in 1961. Because the vehicle was deemed inadequate for all-terrain operations and was never commercially captured.

After all, as a replacement for the car it lacks not only practicality, size, noise and maneuverability but also speed, the best of which will only do 38mph. And the last version of the Curtis Wright Aircar appeared in 1960. And the video below shows that while the vehicle being on the tests at the famous Daytona Motor Speedway.

Both prototypes of the car survived; one of them is in a military museum in Virginia, at least in neater cosmetic form. Another car was located in New Jersey in terrible condition and was sold on the eBay site in late 2015. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSTYLING | BARNFINDS | THROTTLEXTREME ]

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One of world’s most-coveted Ferrari-built racecars

The Dino has become one of the most coveted, desirable and significant cars built by Ferrari throughout the builder’s history. Named after Enzo Ferrari’s son who passed in 1956, the Dino is unique in its design, history and inspiration alike.

1966 Ferrari Dino 206 Spyder Coupe was announced in 1965 as a contender for the 1966 2-litre sports car class. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3fLdFY5)

The car when racing in its heyday was top of its class, and today it has been recognized as one of the most beautiful cars Ferrari or any other company has built.

The Ferrari Dino 206 Spyder Coupe was announced in 1965 as a contender for the 1966 2-litre sports car class. It followed the 166 P prototype of 1955, with its V6 engine enlarged to 1987cc. Ferrari SEFAC officially raced the Dino against the factory and privateer Porsche 906s.

1966 Ferrari Dino 206 Spyder Coupe was powered by what could have been one half the P3’s 4-litre V12. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/33p9htb)

The 206 was powered by what could have been one half the P3’s 4-litre V12. In the center of the car was a bespoke Dino V6 engine that reached peak power at 9000 rpm. Initially, Ferrari planned to produce 50 examples of this car for homologation purposes, but industrial unrest in Italy with resulting labor problems halted production of these cars.

1966 Ferrari Dino 206 Spyder Coupe planned to produce 50 examples, but due to civil unrest in Italy and labour problems, only 18 of these beautiful race cars were ever completed. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3fLdFY5)

Various versions of the 2-liter engine were used. The initial V6 was fitted with three Weber 40 DCN 2 carburetors which were replaced on the later models by Lucas fuel injection. Cylinder heads varied with either 12, 18 or 24 valves having single or dual spark.

Along with a large variety of engines, the bodywork on the 206 varied from car to car. Most of the 206’s came as a spider version with the roof section completely removed. Piero Drogo was responsible for the design of body which was crafted by his company, Carrozzeria Sports Cars.

Only 18 206s were completed with limited racing success. Much of the design cues were carried through to the Dino 206 road car, but it lacked much of the race-bred design elements found in the 206 Spyder Coupe. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SUPERCARS | FINECARS | BARCHETTA | DRIVING ]

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The beauty Chrysler (Ghia) Falcon Concept of 1955

Beautiful cars that were born in the 1950s, almost always amaze automotive fans today. Yes, they always look beautiful because convincingly they get top class care from the owners who incidentally are those who know how to treat this kinds of rare items.

1955 Chrysler (Ghia) Falcon Concept designed by Virgil Exner and built in collaboration between Chrysler and Ghia. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2V6YvD7)

The story of this beautiful car began when Virgil Exner decided to leave the American manufacturer Studebaker to join Chrysler's Advanced Design Studio in 1949. So shortly after that was born the Chrysler Falcon as the result the collaboration of Chrysler and Ghia, an Italian coachwork company.

1955 Chrysler (Ghia) Falcon Concept has similar in size to both its rivals of the Chevrolet Corvette and Ford Thunderbird. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2V6YvD7)

It was a prototype two-seater roadster-style concept car designed by him to built as the Chrysler's model of 1955. This car was never mass produced, but many of the ideas and styling elements of this Falcon concept were eventually used in several other Chrysler car designs. 

1955 Chrysler (Ghia) Falcon Concept is equipped with a 276 cubic-inch OHV V8 engine, which can produce up to 170 hp (127 kW) of power and 346 Nm (255 lbs-ft) of torque. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2V6YvD7)

In fact, some of the features that were considered 'advanced' in this era would not appear for many years, such as the open-sided exhaust pipe design, which was only used in the production version of the 1992 Dodge Viper.

1955 Chrysler (Ghia) Falcon Concept's interior featured a split bench style seat finished in burgundy leather, with a floor mounted shifter for the two-speed PowerFlite transmission and a Nardi wooden steering wheel. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2V6YvD7)

The name 'Falcon' was originally intended to be the name for the new Plymouth Valiant model, but Ford Motor Company first released a production car under the name Ford Falcon, after Henry Ford II made a formal request to use the name.

The open-sided exhaust system is one of advanced features pinned on the Chrysler (Ghia) Falcon Concept. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2V6YvD7)

Designed to be as the base model which has similar in size to both its rivals of the Chevrolet Corvette and Ford Thunderbird. And the Chrysler Falcon is equipped with a 276 cubic-inch OHV V8 engine, which can produce up to 170 hp (127 kW) of power and 346 Nm (255 lbs-ft) of torque.

1955 Chrysler (Ghia) Falcon Concept is equipped by many of the design and styling elements would later be seen in various other Chrysler vehicles. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2V6YvD7)

The engine is mated to a two-speed automatic transmission and able to make the car had a top speed of about 115 mph, while the zero-to-sixty took about 10 seconds.

While the car's interior featured a split bench style seat finished in burgundy leather, with a floor mounted shifter for the two-speed PowerFlite transmission and a Nardi wooden steering wheel.

1955 Chrysler (Ghia) Falcon Concept was meant to be a competitor to the Ford Thunderbird and the Chevrolet Corvette. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2V6YvD7)

For a long time, most automakers believed that only one Falcon prototype was produced, which was then taken to various auto shows. However, coachbuilder Ghia, who collaborated with Chrysler, had built three units of the Falcon prototype.

One of the three prototypes is now at the Chrysler Museum. Meanwhile, the second unit was sold to a collector in the US, and the third was sent to Venezuela and remained there for a long time, before returning to the United States. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CONCEPTCARZ.COM ]

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Here's Maserati Bora

The name Maserati is already familiar in the world of sports cars. This supercar manufacturer from Italy certainly has a long history in the construction of its production cars. Well, one of the most iconic is the Maserati Bora even though it struggled in times of crisis and didn't have the chance to become the perfect racing car, at least the Bora is a milestone as the Maserati's first mid-engine supercar.

The Maserati Bora is the Maserati's first mid-engine supercar. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2Ja85CF)

The car that named after a wind (Bora being the wind of Trieste) appeared in public for the first time at the 1972 Geneva Auto Show is said to have taken inspiration from the Maserati Boomerang Concept, a previous Giorgetto Giugiaro prototype masterpiece that also featured a 4,700 cc DOHC V8 engine but had been discontinued for uncertain reasons.

1972 Maserati Boomerang Concept by Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italdesign Giugiaro. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/362TqC3)

It is not surprising that Maserati Bora is called a Boomerang clone model due of has similar designs. The Maserati Bora first launched of the Modena-based car manufacturer was a mid-engined V8 coupe which was first sold in 1971 until finally discontinued in 1978. As of their time, the Bora could be classified as supercars competed with the Lamborghini Miura.

The Maserati Bora featured two kinds of the mid-mounted V8 engine, ie 4,7-liter made started in 1971 and 4.9-liter version started in 1973. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2Ja85CF)

It must be admitted that its initial form was not as handsome as Ghibli but its maximum speed reached 275 km/hour. Even the year of his birth is considered the peak of Maserati glory. The Giorgetto Giugiaro-designed Bora powered by a 4.7-liter V-8 engine, and used Citroen legs.

The Modena-based manufacturer, Maserati produced the Maserati Bora with a total of 564 units. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2Ja85CF)

The car also is trying to bring the Maserati into the modern era, and now these cars are rare. The Modena-based auro-manufacturer is produced the Maserati Bora with a total of 564 units. The car immersed by a 4.7-liter engine is more than half of Bora's production or as 289 units in 1971 to 1978, and the rest around 275 units are made started in 1973 to 1978 by using a 4.9-liter engine.

The Maserati Bora appeared in public for the first time at the 1972 Geneva Auto Show. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2Ja85CF)

Although it wasn't made in the first year, the 4.9 liter engine version is certainly more powerful. It is capable of producing 330 horsepower which is channeled to rear-wheel drive via a five-speed manual transmission.

In May 2020, there's someone who sold this rare car with quite well-maintained body paint, the interior was still neat, the cabin still looked original, typical of 70s Italian cars. From the odometer, it can be seen that Maserati Bora has only traveled around 10 thousand kilometers and was being offered at a price of $139,000 (approximately Rp.2 billion). Are You interested? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MASERATIUSA | WIKIPEDIA | DRIVE-MY | CLASSICDRIVER | CLASSIC | CAROLENASH ]

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One of the most beautiful Fiat cars ever

Now, We are talking about an unusual designed classic car from Fiat in the 1950s named the Fiat Stanguellini 1200 Spider. This classic car is known to be the work of a renowned Italian automotive designer named Vittorio Stanguellini the owner of Automobili Stanguellini, who was collaborated with the Bertone at the time.

1957 Fiat Stanguellini 1200 Spider is known to be the work of a renowned Italian automotive designer named Vittorio Stanguellini. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3nMKKpn)

As we all knew, later the car was also inspired by some of the most unique and beautiful Bertone's cars of all time, including the Fiat-Abarth 750 Record, Alfa Romeo Berlinetta Aerodinamica Tecnica (B.A.T) 9, to the Aston Martin DB2/4 Coupé. 

The story begins in 1957 when Nuccio Bertone bought a Fiat 1100 Touring Veloce (TV) which had been upgraded to Fiat 1200 specifications and later modified by Stanguellini to improve its performance. The car appears with a Jetsons-like body, which makes it look like a UFO on wheels.

1957 Fiat Stanguellini 1200 Spider is equipped with a 1200 cc OHV straight-4 engine, two Weber carburetors coupled with a 4-speed manual transmission system. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3nMKKpn)

But that's unusual because it was known as the "rocket/jet-age era". The Stanguellini's round nosecone is a really cool detail that enriches the car and gives it a cool sleek shape, and together with the tailfins (borrowed from the BAT car), the car really looks like it's made for someone from outer space to drive.

This two-door convertible beautiful designed concept car is equipped with a 1200 cc OHV straight-4 engine, two Weber carburetors coupled with a 4-speed manual transmission system, hydraulic drum brakes on all wheels, independent front suspension, and rear axle with elliptical leaf springs.

1957 Fiat Stanguellini 1200 Spider is debuted at the 1957 Turin Motor Show and be one of the most beautiful cars to ever wear the Fiat badge. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3nMKKpn)

With only 59 hp of engine power, it is certainly not the right choice for speed fans, because it is neither too powerful nor fast. But quite brilliant, and it must be one of the most beautiful cars to ever wear the Fiat badge.

Only one unit of the Fiat Stanguellini 1200 Spider prototype ever built by Bertone and to be exhibited at the Turin Motor Show, then brought to the 1957 Geneva Motor Show, then sold to an Argentinean owner before being brought to Buenos Aires. Unfortunately, after a few years, the car broke down and left in a barn to rot. But in 1995, this car was found and restored. Then the car was sold at a 2017 RM Sotheby's Amelia Island auction for $ 275,000.

The Fiat Stanguellini 1200 Spider is one of the finest examples of the styling and aerodynamic concept of a sports car of the 1950s. With a turbine-like front grille design, cut-outs behind the front wheels and rear wing, combined with sleek vertical design lights, will make anyone who sees it felt curious. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DRIVETRIBE | ITALIANWAYS ]

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3 legendaries of the Ferrari 250 GT racing car built by Piero Drogo

Talking about classic cars that are made in limited numbers and have historical value, of course, these classic cars are of high-value today. Like the following classic cars. Well, this time we will talk about the 3 legendaries of the Ferrari 250 GT racing car after the bodywork received the touch of Piero Drogo's magic hand.

1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Drogo with chassis number #2503GT and racing livery #59 while running at the 1000km Nuerburgring of 1963. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/334nmfl)

As a true automotive enthusiast, of course, you already know the figure of Piero Drogo. He is an Italian gentleman who is known to be the owner and founder of a Modena-based coachbuilder company called Drogo Carrozzeria Sports Cars. Especially for the manufacture of the following legendary Ferrari 250 GT racing cars, it is also inseparable from the magical touch of other automotive maestros such as Carlo Chiti and Giotto Bizzarrini.

1. Ferrari 250 GTO Drogo

As quoted from Carscoops, one unit of the Ferrari 250 GTO Drogo has been sold for €799,960 or approximately Rp. 13.17 billion in an auction event in Germany in 2015, after the car was restored while maintaining the Ferrari's typical shape and design. Unfortunately, there's no information that has been mentioned about the condition of the car's interior and who is the new owner of this Ferrari 250 GT Drogo.

1961 Ferrari 250 GTO Drogo known as one of the most expensive classic racing cars. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/36Z5gN1)

As the name implies, the Ferrari 250 GTO Drogo is a special edition that has been modified by Piero Drogo. This classic car apparently did not use the original chassis but was replaced with a Ferrari 250 Testa Rosa which proved to be reliable in racing at that time. No wonder this car was recorded to have won many racing events in its heydays.

Even though it was made with a unique design, it was actually very aerodynamic for the vehicles of the day. Then the driving force of the Ferrari 250 GTO Drogo comes from a V12 engine with a capacity of 3,000 cc by using six Weber carburetors and combined with a four-speed manual transmission system that can bring it to run fast up to 270 kph.

2. Ferrari 250 GT SWB Drogo

Furthermore, the racing car that also carries the big name Ferrari 250 GT, but appears in a more special form is the Ferrari 250 GT SWB Drogo using Ferrari's distinctive red paint called Rosso Corsa with a combination of chrome material on several parts. As quoted from Coachbuild, a racing car in a unique shape like this was first used by Count Volpi's Scuderia Serenissima Republica di Venice, then followed by the Garage Francorchamps team.

The front fascia of the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Drogo with racing livery #59 while running at the 1000km Nuerburgring of 1963. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/334nmfl)

The car's special appearance was obtained because this Ferrari was also skinned by Piero Drogo in 1961 on the bone of Bizzarrini's first prototype for the 250 GTO with chassis number #2503GT. 

The left side view of the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Drogo with racing livery #44 while running at the 500km de Spa of 1963. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/334nmfl)

After the GTO prototype-based Ferrari 250 GT SWB was completed, it was called 'Anastasia' (derogatory expression for ugly women in Modena jargon). It is known that this car was later used in various racing events starting in 1962 with a series of quite classy achievements.

1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Drogo with racing livery #28 got a really bad accident while running at the 500km de Spa of 1964 and destroyed. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/334nmfl)

But unfortunately, this racing car had an accident while racing at the 1000km Nuerburgring event in 1962. After that this car was rebuilt by Drogo Carrozzeria Sports Cars. When it was finished, the car returned to racing, and again bad luck continued to afflict the 250 GT SWB Drogo racing car, at the 500km de Spa event, and again it had an accident and was badly damaged. Since then the car has never been rebuilt.😢

3. Ferrari 250 GT SWB 'Breadvan' Drogo

The next car is Ferrari 250 GT SWB 'Breadvan' Drogo. This car was built in 1962 based on the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB with chassis number #2819GT. This oddly shaped car was made to fight with the newer 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and other FIA GT racing events.

1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB 'Breadvan' built by Drogo Carrozzeria Sports Cars in Modena based on the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB, and utilizing the aerodynamics theory of Dr.Kamm at the rear that resembles breadvan. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2IZyoLB)

The bodywork was done by Drogo Carrozzeria Sports Cars in Modena, utilizing the aerodynamics theory of Dr.Kamm at the rear.  The term 'Breadvan' was first used by the English press who probably were not very optimistic about the car's strange appearance with its very low pointed nose, long flat roofline, and square rear end.

Even today, chassis #2819 is still referred to as the 'Breadvan'. In fact, this car is able to make brilliant achievements in various FIA GT racing events. While the French preferred to call this car 'la Camionette' (means 'van' in English). *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | COACHBUILD.COM | BARCHETTA.CC | CARSCOOPS ]

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An Abarth 1000 classic racer with various styles

When we talk about the sports car from Abarth, of course, there will be many names that will appear along with it. This time we are talking about the Abarth Zagato 1000 classic car that was specially made by Abarth in collaboration with Milan-based coachbuilder, Carrozzeria Zagato.

1960 Fiat-Abarth 1000 Bialbero by Carrozzeria Zagato. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3nJFDX9)

Yes, this is one amazing model which is an evolution of the 750 Coupé figure Zagato designed in the late 1950s to win the 1960 Compasso d'Oro. This automobile quoted weight at the kerb is 570 kg, and has a 2 door coupé with a rear located engine powering the rear wheels.

1960 Fiat-Abarth 1000 Bialbero by Carrozzeria Zagato. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/333H5Mf)

As we all knew that the first Fiat 600-based Abarth to be fitted with the larger 982 cc development of the 600 engine was the Zagato-bodied Berlinetta, similar in appearance to the 750 and 850 Monza models.

1960 Fiat-Abarth 1000 Bialbero by Carrozzeria Zagato. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/333H5Mf)

And shortly after that, a legendary car named Fiat-Abarth 1000 Bialbero "Record Monza" had been launched and was first shown at the October 1960 Paris Motor Show. Later it added to the Lucca Public Car List in August 1961.This car launch marks the appearance of the first model of the Abarth 1000 racing cars.

1961 Fiat-Abarth 1000 Bialbero "Record Monza" by Carrozzeria Zagato. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2IZTObI)

It's powered courtesy of a naturally aspirated engine of 1 litre capacity coupled with the Weber twin carburetors and a 9.3 to 1 compression ratio help reach this considerable output for the engine.develops 91 bhp (92 PS/68 kW) of power at 7100 rpm, and maximum torque of 104 N·m (77 lb·ft/10.6 kgm) at 5500 rpm. This unit features double overhead camshaft valve gear, 4 cylinder layout, and 2 valves per cylinder.

1961 Fiat-Abarth 1000 Bialbero "Record Monza"by Carrozzeria Zagato. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2IZTObI)

The car is claimed top speed is 205 kph (127 mph). A bewildering variety of slightly different bodystyle elements appeared over the years, with covered and uncovered headlights, different engine lids, taillights, and window arrangements, as well as a later long-tailed design which also received a longer nosecone.

Since these cars were largely handbuilt and often to order, it is hard to say what is original and what may have been modified after many years of competition. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSTYLING.RU | ITALIANWAYS | CARFOLIO ]

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Let's see one of Franco Scaglione's favorite coupés

As we have seen, the 2nd World War brought enormous devastating consequences to mankind, the destruction of infrastructure everywhere, which then led to the world's economic recession which reduced the quality of life of the world's population. All of this has had a very significant impact on the Italian industrial society, especially the automotive industries, so they should be turning their brain and have the best efforts in such a way in order to survive.

1954 Alfa Romeo 2000 Sportiva Coupé designed by Franco Scaglione of Bertone while on display at the 2005 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2KlQSGN)

This was also done by Alfa Romeo who drastically revised their line-up. In a matter of years, their production must be willing to shift from expensive car models to small family salons. What has not changed and has been maintained is the beautifully designed DOHC engines, which still shared many principles with the Vittorio Jano designed engines of the 1930s. After dominating in the Formula 1 racing of the first two years of the 1950s (1950 and 1951), the Milan-based automotive manufacturer withdrew from high profile racing events.

1954 Alfa Romeo 1900 Sport Spider designed by Franco Scaglione of Bertone while on display at the 2015 Techno Classica. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2KlQSGN)

And the Alfa Romeo engineers continue to strive to make simple racing cars but have powerful performance. By using the 1900 Saloon engine and spaceframe chassis, the engineers succeeded in designing a small sportscar racer which became known as the 'Disco Volante' (which means 'flying saucer'). A total of six cars ever been built, all with slightly different Touring designed bodywork, and powered by a three-liter, six-cylinder 6C 3000 CM, the Alfa Romeo was brief and successful in various sportscar races at the time.

1954 Alfa Romeo 2000 Sportiva Coupé designed by Franco Scaglione of Bertone while on display at the 2004 Retromobile. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2KlQSGN)

As the efforts to relive their heyday in the 1930s, Alfa Romeo engineers also began designing a 'two-liter supercar', which could be driven fast by their customers on the road. The basis of this new car is the spaceframe chassis, which is also used on the Disco Volante while its power comes from the two-liter version of the 1900 engine, fitted with hemispherical combustion chambers. Like many contemporary Formula 1 racers, this car was equipped with a DeDion axle at the rear.

1954 Alfa Romeo 1900 Sport Spider designed by Franco Scaglione of Bertone while on display at the 2015 Techno Classica. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2KlQSGN)

Then Franco Scaglione of Bertone was commissioned to design its lightweight body to fit the extremely short 'Sportiva' chassis. The Scaglione comes with a very innovative design, which incorporates a very low air intake then he penned up both the Spider and Coupe designs. Many later design clues were also found in his design for the Giulietta Cabriolet prototype, which unfortunately was never produced.

In the end, only four units were made in 1954, two coupés and two spiders also referred to as the Alfa Romeo 2000 Sportiva or Alfa Romeo 1900 Sports. Rare road test results showed that the Sportiva would have been a very capable road racer, at that time only surpassed by the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL and the Ferrari 340.

What is Scaglione said about these rare cars? Of the many beautiful cars designed by Franco Scaglione, he later recognized that the Sportiva Coupé was one of his favorites. Today a metallic silver coupé and a red spider are part of the Alfa Romeo Museum (Museo Storico Alfa Romeo) collection. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HERITAGE | WIKIPEDIA | ULTIMATECARPAGE.COM]

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