UNIque ONES Indeed today we are in the era of electric vehicles. It feels like just yesterday, we are amazed when we see electric-powered concept cars presented by the makers. But now, there were so many electric-powered vehicles had been milling about on the streets.
1992 Bertone Blitz electric-powered sporty vehicle concept is one of the 79 units of Bertone's collections bought by the Automotoclub Storico Italiano (Italian
Historic Automobile and Motorcycle Club) in the auction event held in the 2015. (Picture from: WardsAuto)
So it should be if we thank those who pioneered this electric vehicle, ranging from the very beginning of its development to the present day. So that in recent years we have been inundated with electric cars from small to large automakers and ranging from regular to high performance.
On this occasion, we are trying to return to the 1990s when electric-powered vehicles were not what they are now, and were still looking for the shape and direction of its development, which sometimes gives birth to unique forms that are look weird when viewed today.
1992 Bertone Blitz electric-powered sporty vehicle
concept on display at the Automotoclub Storico Italiano (Italian
Historic Automobile and Motorcycle Club) museum in Volandia near Milan-Malpensa Airport. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
And the Bertone Blitz electric-powered car is one of those most bizarre interpretations ever built in the 1990s of what an EV sports car should look be like. When viewed at the time this car was being developed, indeed, the Blitz was said to be ahead of its time. This concept electric car made by Bertone at a glance has a physical appearance that is no less eccentric than a Fiat Multipla which also came from the same era.
1992 Bertone Blitz electric-powered sporty vehicle
concept in another style of bodywork, which has a difference in the front fascia.(Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
This prototype is an open-air two-seater electric-powered show car created in the 1992 as a study design and also experimented with electric traction and with new materials for the chassis and bodywork. To achieve the desired 'lightness', the body is made by Albatech in 25CD4 steel tubes, mounted with fiberglass panels with epoxy resin and a Roacell core.
Well, the bodywork consists entirely of composite materials (consisted of epoxy glass and autoclave-produced nomex), with the interior made of carbon. So it's not surprising that the car weighs only 650 kg (1,433 lbs), of which 260 kg (572 lbs) is the weight of the batteries.
1992 Bertone Blitz electric-powered sporty vehicle
concept's performance is also decent via two 36 horsepower (continuous output) DC motors with a total torque of 95 Nm.(Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
Moreover, its appearence peeled at the back, fully open roofless, with an unusual seating layout (with the driver's seat located slightly in front of the passenger seat). The closest production car analogy to it was the Volkswagen XL1, which has an almost similar seating layout, but it was a sport coupe and has a diesel-hybrid drivetrain.
1992 Bertone Blitz electric-powered sporty vehicle
concept appearence peeled at the back, fully open roofless, with an unusual seating layout. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
Another feature of great impact was the solution created for the car's door, which are the front-hinged and opens vertically. It's a concept taken from the Alfa Romeo Carabo made by Bertone in 1968 and which had subsequently been used on a succession of other models.
The car's performance is also decent via two 36 horsepower (continuous output) DC motors with a total torque of 95 Nm. So that it can make the car accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in six seconds. This Bertone's electric powered car range is 100 to 130 km per charge and its lead acid battery can be recharged in 4 to 6 hours.
1992 Bertone Blitz electric-powered sporty vehicle
concept range is 100 to 130 km per charge and its lead acid battery can be recharged in 4 to 6 hours. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
We were assumes 2 units ever had produced (according to the pictures shown at several sites such Carstyling, Conceptcarz, etc), both of which had that incredible two-tiered design like the Fiat Multipla and have been shown off for the first time at the 1992 Turin International Motor Show.🙏
Unfortunately, after surviving for almost 102 years since it was first founded in 1912, Carrozzeria Bertone finally should closed the doors after being declared bankrupt in 2014.😭 And a lot of its works were then auctioned off starting in 2015 and one of them is the 1992 Bertone Blitz which is now sat on display at the Automotoclub Storico Italiano (ASI) Museo in Volandia near Milan-Malpensa Airport. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA | CONCEPTCARZ | JALOPNIK | CARSTYLING.RU | AUTOCAR | WARDSAUTO ]
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Rare ONES After on several occasions we have a talk about classic cars from Italy or Germany, this time it was the turn of classic cars made by British manufacturer to be our topic. And here's the Daimler SP250, a unique stylish sports car model built by the Daimler Company, a Coventry, England based automotive manufacturer. (FYI: It was a completely different company and did not related to Daimler AG, a German automotive company).
1959 Daimler SP250 'Dart' had debuted at the 1959 New York Auto Show. (Picture from: Otoblitz.net)
It turn out, the company and was one subsidiaries of the major British manufacturing company, Birmingham Small Arms (BSA) Company and renowned primarily in making limousines and hearses for the UK upper class and royalty. The car mentioned above was produced for 5 years ranging from 1959 to 1964, and was known also the last car model launched by Daimler Company before the manufacturer sold by BSA to its compatriot company Jaguar Cars in 1960.
1959 Daimler SP250 'Dart' applied 2 + 2 layout, although the rear seats offer very limited legs room unless the front seats are on its default positions. (Picture from: Otoblitz.net)
The Daimler SP250 classic car was originally launched as the Daimler Dart in April 1959 at the New York Motor Show. However Chrysler objected to those name uses, due to its Dodge division registered as the official brand owner for the model name 'Dart'. Under one legal action threat, The American auto giant asked Daimler Company was not used those name. It had troublesome to the British company because they had to find and embed a new name in place of the old one. In a short time, Daimler Company ended up using the car's project number, SP250, as the car name.
1959 Daimler SP250 'Dart' is powered by an Edward Turner designed Hemi-head V8 2.5 liters engine and coupled with a 4-speed manual transmission with synchromesh in the top three ratios, with provisions for overdrive. (Picture from: Otoblitz.net)
The Daimler SP250 has a fiberglass body with large rear fins, and also applied 2 + 2 layout, although the rear seats offer very limited legs room unless the front seats are on its default positions. Then as its power source, this British manufacturer installed an Edward Turner designed Hemi-head V8 2.5 liters engine.
1959 Daimler SP250 'Dart' (with retractable hard top) was able to record a top speed of 123.7 mph (199 kph), and acceleration from rest to 60 mph (97 kph) in 8.9 seconds. (Picture from: Otoblitz.net)
The engine is mated to a 4-speed manual transmission with synchromesh in the top three ratios, with provisions for overdrive, while for speed deceleration the car uses the Girling disc brakes mounted on all four wheels. There're the automatic transmission is also available as optional. The car's suspension system, in the front applied the independent suspension with coil springs, while the rear suspension is equipped with a live axle with half elliptical leaf springs.
1959 Daimler SP250 'Dart' (with retractable hard top) has a fiberglass body with large rear fins. (Picture from: Otoblitz.net)
For performance, reportedly in the 1960, the Motor magazine had test a hard top version of Daimler SP250. In the test, the car was able to record a top speed of 123.7 mph (199 kph), and acceleration from rest to 60 mph (97 kph) in 8.9 seconds. Its fuel consumption was recorded at 25 mpg (11 liters/100 km). At that time, the car sold at a price of £1,489 including taxes.
Unfortunately, in the five years of production ranging from 1959 to 1964, only 2,654 units were ever made by Daimler Company and circulated to the market, bethink those figures were far from the company's initial projection of 3,000 units per year. And it is estimated that no more than 200 units of Daimler SP250 are still existed today. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HAGERTY | BONHAMS ]
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Unique ONES In the 1960s era, the Ferrari cars always dominated in various world racing events. And one of the iconic prancing horse logoed race cars of the 1960s was the Ferrari 250 P Fantuzzi Spyder, which was the first 12-cylinder mid-engined Ferrari race car and was debuted at Monza on March 4, 1963.
1968 Ferrari 275 P2 Speciale designed by Michelotti and was built on the chassis of the 1963 275 P2 race car. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
The Ferrari 250 P race car did not take long to establish its name on the track, the most prestigious victories came at Sebring, Le Mans, and the Nürburgring throughout 1963 and 1964. No less interesting, it turns out that from this race car was born later another no less famous sportscar called the Ferrari 275 P2, and it was newly from here that the car we are talking about was born.
The iconic car mentioned above came about thanks to the interactions, and the work of four key figures such as, Luigi 'Coco' Chinetti Jr., Robert Peak (the famous American commercial artist and illustrator with iconic film posters and advertisements made between the 1960s to 1980s) , Giovanni Michelotti, and of course the big boss of the Prancing Horse brand, Enzo Ferrari!
1968 Ferrari 275 P2 Speciale designed by Michelotti based off Bob Peak's sketches on the initiative of Coco Chinetti Jr. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
It could be said that Luigi Chinetti Jr. (the son of Luigi Chinetti Sr., a former racer, business partner and friend of Enzo Ferrari since they were at Alfa Romeo) has major roles in this cases. Thanks to his efforts in the early 60s whose managed to persuade Enzo Ferrari to give permission to build a special version of Ferrari specifically aimed to the American market. And the results are also not bad, this is seen through the quite high popularity of the Chinetti Jr. car.
The Chinetti Jr. sportscar which debuted at the 1968 New York Auto Show, known as Ferrari 275 P2 Speciale was a Ferrari rear-engined racing sports prototype built on the basis of the Ferrari 275 P2. As quoted from the CarstylingRU, the donor car was the 1963 Ferrari 275 P2 sports racing unit (chassis number #0812) which had raced and succeded at three major World Championship races in 1964: Sebring, Nurburgring and Le Mans.
Unfortunately, the car had an accident and caught fire in late of the 1965, and turned out that the race car caught the attention of Luigi Chinetti Jr. to rebuild it. At the same time Coco Chinetti Jr. had managed to find a potential buyer, so he contacted his old friend Bob Peak to sketch a futuristic-styled 2-seater sportscar.
1968 Ferrari 275 P2 Speciale designed by Michelotti was inspired by the design of the AMT Piranha Spy Car. (Picture from: Allcarindex)
Indeed the client wanted a car designed in a style inspired by the sportscar of the future (named the AMT Piranha Spy Car) featured in a popular 1960s American TV series entitled The Man from U.N.C.L.E. It was later found that the client who funded the project was a young woman.
After the car sketches finished, Robert Peak and Coco Chinetti Jr. went to Milan to meet Giovanni Michelotti and asked him to build this sports car based on a previously drawn sketch by Peak. After going through quite tough discussions and negotiations, at that time Michelotti refused and made Chinetti Jr. very disappointed and upset.
Then Coco Chinetti Jr. met Enzo Ferrari (through the help of his father Luigi Chinetti Sr. off course) to tell Michelotti's refusal and at the same time presented the great potential of his project. In short, then Enzo Ferrari decided to help Coco Chinetti Jr. to make the project into reality.
The authenticity of the Ferrari 275 P2 Speciale was doubted so that Coco Chinetty Jr. was sued in court by Ferrari in 1999. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
After the Ferrari's big boss spoke to Giovanni Michelotti, the designer finally agreed to build a prancing horse racing car at the factory. Then the donor car which was partially damaged and burned was sent to Italy from Canada. Then the chassis was repaired, a new engine was placed in the car, and a new body and interior were installed by Michelotti.
Finally, a "new" Ferrari concept was born which originated from the Bob Peak sketches. It's the 275 P2 updated design, with a smoother, more curved front end and a more luxurious body and interior similar to a true Grand Turismo!
The car is not only exotic featured with a pair of gull wing styled doors and is also quite comfortable to drive because it is powered by a 4-liter V12 engine capable of producing up to 410 hp at 8,000 rpm, theoretically it can make the sportscar accelarates up to 300 kph. Wow!!
1968 Ferrari 275 P2 Speciale designed by Michelotti is powered by a 4-liter V12 engine capable of producing up to 410 hp at 8,000 rpm, theoretically can make the car accelarates up to 300 kph. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
That was the birth process of the Ferrari 275 P2 Speciale by Michelotti, which was inspired by an exclusive, cinematic mid-engined sportscar called the AMT Piranha Spy Car, but it has an appereance several times fancier and cooler. Unfortunately, only one car was built in the time, which is not surprising in principle, if the Ferrari 275 P2 Speciale could be said as one of the great concept cars to date.
We apologize that the following video is not about the Ferrari 275 P2 Speciale but about the Ferrari 275 P2.
The car's story continued, when in 1999, Luigi Chinetti Jr. sent 2 units of Ferrari 275 P2 Speciale (with chassis numbers #0812 and #0814) for reconstruction by Marco Baldi of Protauto in Sorbara near Modena, Italy. However, those reconstructions were not easy, due to the Maranello-based car manufacturer doubted the authenticity of the cars.
So then Ferrari filed a lawsuit against Luigi Chinetti Jr. with a claim that those two cars are replicas and asked to be confiscated by the court order. After undergoing the trial process over more than 3 years, Ferrari finally lost the lawsuit and the court ruled to recognize that those two cars are original cars.
SuperBEAST Off course the world's car enthusiasts are certainly familiar and understand, if they asked about one of the characteristics of BMW cars. Well, by seeing what is in the front of the car contained the typical grilles kidney shape of the Bavarian automotive manufacturer. But did you know if the car as follows called the BMW E25 Turbo Concept is the current existed BMW supercar ancestor?
1972 BMW E25 Turbo Concept designed by Paul Bracq and intended to commemorate one of the world's most known sport events, the Summer Olympic Games of 1972 held in Munich, German. (Picture from: Motor1)
Uniquely, there is an exotic part of this concept car that is inspired by the legendary 300 SL Coupe made by its rival manufacturer of the 1950s and is lastly applied and seen attached to the figure of the Mercedes Benz SLS AMG. Did you know what the part is?
1972 BMW E25 Turbo Concept is built on a BMW 2002 modified chassis also powered by a 2,000 cc 4-cylinder engine. (Picture from: FavCars)
The BMW E25 Turbo was made as a concept car intended to commemorate one of the world's most known sport events, the Summer Olympic Games. At the time in the 1972, those major sport event was held in Munich, Germany so the BMW made these concept cars.
1972 BMW E25 Turbo Concept looks futuristic for the public of the 1972, as if it's appeared much too soon before the time it should be. (Picture from: MotorSA)
This concept car is designed by an automotive designer named Paul Bracq, and is built on a BMW 2002 modified chassis also powered by a 2,000 cc 4-cylinder engine which was taken from that BMW's 1970s car model as well. The car's engine able to develop the power up to 276 hp at 7,100 rpm and reached 100 kph from a standstill in 6.6 seconds, while the top speed was 250 kph.
1972 BMW E25 Turbo Concept looks futuristic with its exotic gullwing doors that is inspired by the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupe made by its rival manufacturer. (Picture from: BMWBlog)
The car looks futuristic for the public of the 1972, as if it's appeared much too soon before the time it should be aka past its era. As can You see, the car featured with its elegance gullwing doors plus the safety aspects that are equipped with side impact beams, then there's security monitors to monitor braking distances and foam shock absorbers to reduce the car's collision effects installed in the front and rears.
1972 BMW E25 Turbo Concept is very sporty with appearance dominantly in box-shaped design plus the typical dashing appearance of the Bavarian manufacturer. (Picture from: FavCars)
As its gullwing doors are installed really exotically so (reportedly) make other manufacturers (are tempted) and competing to make doors as beautiful as the E25 Turbo. Really? Let's take a look for the exterior, the car is very sporty with appearance dominantly in box-shaped design plus the typical dashing appearance of the Bavarian manufacturer.
Hence the E25 Turbo Concept later also inspire and used on the BMW's first production supercar as well as the first product of BMW's high-performance division, the M Peformance, which was later known as the BMW M1 then followed by the BMW 8 Series E31 in its the first batch also uses its design.
And technically, besides known as the first exotic car models from this Bavarian manufacturer and the E25 Turbo Concept becomes the benchmark for developing sporty products for future generations of BMW car models as well. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA | MOTOR1 | BMWBLOG | DRIVETRIBE ]
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Turning Your HEAD From the various cars that have been present in the world's automotive, we can see various unique things. One of them, when the automotive designers designed concept vehicles and gave unique and unusual sounding names. Most of the names are taken from one of animal species that are considered to provide inspiration or whose have the similar physical form with the vehicle being designed.
The first prototype of Alfa Romeo Scarabeo race car concept bodied by O.S.I. debuted at the 1966 Paris Auto Show and reportedly, it's being a part of the private collection in Canada up now. (Picture from: FCAHeritage)
It can be seen in one of the Alfa Romeo's classic racing car concepts named Alfa Romeo Scarabeo. The unique name is apparently taken from the name of a type of beetle in Italian (according to Wikipedia, it's a large dung beetle), but we do not see the similarity between the insect and this Alfa Romeo car. But if we look at its physical form, this car looks similar to the Ferrari 250 GT SWB 'Breadvan' Drogo which was previously built in 1962 which both apply the K-tail at the back.
The first prototype of Alfa Romeo Scarabeo race car concept accommodates a typical shape which is known as the Kamm tail or K-tail at rear. (Picture from: FCAHeritage)
The Alfa Romeo Scarabeo is a concept car engineered by the designers at the Alfa Romeo's Centro Stillo, Giuseppe Busso and Orazio Satta Puliga. At that time Alfa Romeo was developing a racing prototype with the aim of returning to major competition, following its withdrawal in 1953. Following those Italian company's improving financial condition after reaping the success of selling Giulietta in various forms, so they have the means to continue from where the development of the stillborn Tipo 160 Grand Prix prototype of 1954 had left off.
The project is based on two principles: a flight-inspired "H" tubular frame, a concept later adopted by the famous Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, and a driving position mounted as far back as possible, an idea suggested in the 1950s by renowned testers and drivers, Consalvo Sanesi. According to him, this solution will give drivers a better feeling and understanding of the car's behavior while on driving.
The second prototype of Alfa Romeo Scarabeo race car concept bodied by O.S.I. (Picture from: FCAHeritage)
Soon the Alfa Romeo commissioned to Officine Stampaggio Industriali (O.S.I), a relatively new design firm in Borgaro Torinese. The car body is built on top of the Alfa Romeo chassis, and designed by Sergio Sartorelli. The bodywork accommodates a typical shape in accordance with the aerodynamic theory developed by Wunibald Kamm in the 1930s right behind of the car which is known as the Kamm tail or K-tail.
The second prototype of Alfa Romeo Scarabeo race car by simplifying the shape with left-hand drive and a more conventional windshield and pinned the doors.(Picture from: FCAHeritage)
Then the Scarabeo concept car was given the Inline-four engine from Alfa Romeo GTA. The engine is mounted transversely at the rear of the car, along with the clutch and gearbox. In an effort to save costs, the suspension is based on the Renault R8. The Tipo 33 tubular chassis was used, and the fuel tanks were installed on either side of the cockpit.
The second prototype of Alfa Romeo Scarabeo race car concept also accommodates a typical shape which is known as the Kamm tail or K-tail at rear.(Picture from: FCAHeritage)
The car is given a sleek and lightweight design that allows great handling and a top speed of 200 kph (124.3 mph). Besides having a sleek design especially on the front, this first prototype also has an interesting feature, namely the absence of doors, so the cockpit is accessed by flipping the roof, which incorporates a panoramic windshield to the front. The concept car then made its debut at the 1966 Paris Auto Show.
The third prototype of Alfa Romeo Scarabeo race car concept never been finished and remained a test mule.(Picture from: FCAHeritage)
Then the second prototype with a simpler design was built shortly after the first one was exhibited at the 1966 Paris Auto Show. Development of the second prototype by simplifying the shape with left-hand drive and a more conventional windshield and pinned the doors. This car is captivating to this day because of its prominent engine position and the driving position which is very far behind.
The third prototype of Alfa Romeo Scarabeo race car concept carried barchetta style is now sat on display at the Alfa Romeo Museum in Arese (the northwest of Milan) along with the second one.(Picture from: FCAHeritage)
Meanwhile, the team also developed the third barchetta-styled prototype. But unfortunately the "semi-dressed" car was never finished and remained a test mule. Although there were improvements to the second and third prototypes so that they could proceed to the production stage, unfortunately fate said it was different that the Scarabeo project was canceled due to the Alfa Romeo's racing program was completely taken over by Autodelta.😓
Since then the second and third prototypes have been part of Alfa's collezione storica at the Alfa Romeo Museum (Museo Storico Alfa Romeo) in Milan to this day. While the first one, the silver Alfa Romeo Scarabeo coupé escaped and was considered as a private collection in Canada. And it seems that the Scarabeo race car also inspired a catamaran style racing car made by OSI in the 1967 called OSI Silver Fox which also failed to make its way to the racing arena due to the company had financial difficultie.😓
Well, even though there has never been a single Scarabeo race car seen racing on the circuit, at least there is still a Ferrari 250 GT SWB 'Breadvan' Drogo, a Ferrari racing car that has a shape almost similar to the Alfa Romeo Scarabeo which has achieved quite well in various FIA GT races in the 1960s. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CLASSICDRIVER | WIKIPEDIA | TCCT | FCAHERITAGE | CARSCOOPS ]
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ONE-OFF Perhaps few automotive enthusiasts know the following 1950s classic car models. Although the name is less well known, but if you look at its design was not inferior to other beautiful cars made by well-known manufacturers at that time.
1955 Nardi Raggio Azzurro I has special features such a fantastic double bubble roof and three headlights in front. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)
This beautiful car with a fantastic double bubbles roofed was the first car built under commission of Enrico Nardi to the Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Vignale. At that time he wanna built two concept cars based around the Lancia Aurelia V6 mechanic. As we know, Enrico Nardi is the founder of the Torino-based automotive company called Nardi & C. S.a.S. or Nardi Torino, which is well known to this day with its specialized in the making of the steering wheels.
The Enrico Nardi's company is also known to have made several racing cars and one of them is the Nardi 750 Bisiluro (Bisiluro Damolnar) which was built in 1955 and planned to participate in racing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans at the time.
1955 Nardi Raggio Azzurro I built based on a tubular steel Pan American road racing chassis constructed by Nardi Torino. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)
Back on the previous topic, the first car was later named as the Nardi Raggio Azzurro I was built on a tubular steel Pan American road racing chassis constructed by Nardi Torino. Then related to its name, Raggio Azzuro in Italian which means 'Blue Ray' (according to the car's color).
Meanwhile, the bodywork was designed by a well-known Italian automotive designer, Giovanni Michelotti, who at that time was still working at the coachbuilder Vignale. All of the coachwork with the exception of the roof frame is of alloy materials, including the floor and inner fenders.
1955 Nardi Raggio Azzurro I powered by
the Lancia Aurelia B20 engine with several Nardi updates including the
Nardi camshaft, pistons, exhaust manifolds, alloy radiator header, cast
alloy Nardi air scoop, and intake manifold to accommodate dual double
throat Weber 40DCZS carburettors. (Picture from: Auta5P)
The roof is made of blue acrylic (Perspex™) material and is equipped with a grilled air scoop and internal directional vents. Likewise, the side and rear windows are also made of the same material as the roof. Uniquely, the mechanism for opening the side window is by sliding upwards towards the center of the roof.
Its power is provided by the Lancia Aurelia B20 engine with several Nardi updates including the Nardi camshaft, pistons, exhaust manifolds, alloy radiator header, cast alloy Nardi air scoop, and intake manifold to accommodate dual double throat Weber 40DCZS carburettors.
1958 Nardi Raggio Azzurro II is appearedmore sedate than previous model, more boxied design and also without any bubles on the roof. (Picture from: DriveTribe)
The engine is a 2.5 liter 60 degree V-6 with a bore/stroke of 78mm x 85.5 mm which is capable of producing a maximum power of 190 bhp at 5,500 rpm. The engine power is said to be able to make the car running to a top speed of 140 mph. The car is also equipped with a Nardi floor mounted gear change and four-speed Aurelia B20 transaxle with internal drum brakes.
1958 Nardi Raggio Azzurro II built based on on the modified Aurelia B20 chassis. (Picture from: DriveTribe)
The blue-ray colored car has vertical pillar independent front suspension, and rear suspension in the form of a de Dion layout with the axle tube supported on conventional half-elliptic leaf springs and located laterally by a Panhard rod. And for the legs, the car uses Borrani's special 400 mm alloy wheels with 68 spoke construction and knockoff hubs.
1958 Nardi Raggio Azzurro II and its predecessor, Raggio Azzurro I are designed by Giovanni Michelotti and built by Carrozzeria Vignale. (Picture from: DriveTribe)
The Raggio Azzurro I was completed in September 1955, and was first introduced to the world at the Turin Auto Show in 1955, and subsequently was shown at several auto expo held in Paris and New York.
1958 Nardi Raggio Azzurro II and its predecessor, 1955 Nardi Raggio Azzurro I are sat on display at the 2008 Peeble Beach Concours d'Elaegance. (Picture from: Pinterest)
While the second car model, which was later named Nardi Raggio Azzurro II, was launched in 1958, and is still the work of Michelotti's design while the bodywork is still being done by Vignale. In particular, the second car model is said to be an improvement over the previous model with with more sedate appearance, more boxied design and also without any bubles on the roof.
Just like the previous model the 2nd car is built around the Lancia Aurelia mechanic only this time based on the modified Aurelia B20 chassis. We apologize, due to the video below is not about the Raggio Azzurro I and II cars instead another Nardi's car, namely the 1947 Nardi Danese.
As quoted of Wikipedia, after several failures in the car producing, especially the Bisiluro, so in the mid-1950s, Officine Nardi (Nardi workshop) decided to cease working on prototypes and switched to the automotive aftermarket items such as manifolds, crankshafts, camshafts, etc. And the most known of Nardi was its steering wheel, which was introduced in 1951 in walnut, but mostly used African mahogany. The first Nardi's steering wheels were installed in the Pegaso of 1952.
It's strange, and seems to be a contradiction. As you can be seen the first prototype were made by Vignale for Nardi in the mid 1950s while the second one in the late 1950s. The question is why did Nardi commissioned all of those cars if they weren't for production? What do you think? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSTYLING | CLASSICCARS.FANDOM.COM | GEARPATROL | DRIVETRIBE | COACHBUILD | ULTIMATECARPAGE ]
