Weird ONES Some time ago, while on a surfing on the cyberspace, we've found a unique shaped motorcycle at the Quirky Rides' status on Tweeter, as if made we're curious to know more about this unique motorcycle. Indeed, the uniqueness of form is always used as the main factor to make a motorized vehicle look more attractive. This has been done by many automotive activists to date.
The unique look of the 1959 D-06, a 1,200cc dálník motorcycle built by a Prague motorcycle builder named Štěpána Poláka. (Picture from: QuirkyRides)
After searching for references on the internet for a while, we finally managed to find some informations that we considered valid about the motorcycle. From a source on Flickr, that's a dálník-styled motorcycle known as D-06 built over 5,000 work hours by a motorcycle builder who was living in Prague named Štěpána Poláka in the 1959. According to the source, besides uses a 1,200 cc 4-stroke engine, the unique motorcycle is said to have a bodywork resembled a fighter jet, but we saw it, more like a pufferfish. Well, if You saw it, what would it look like?😉
The 1959 D-06 has a unique bodywork appearance is more like a car than motorcycle and resembled a pufferfish. (Picture from: Flickr)
Dálník? Is there a 'Dálník' motorcycle brand? That's might be one of questions that will be raised regarding the name that accompanies the unique motorcycle. As quoted of the Hedonia sites, the 'Dálník' is more like a term rather than a motorcycle's brand. Furthermore, the term of dálník intended for a fascinating group of cabin motorcycles that have been constructed for the past 75 years by (mostly) the automotive lovers in the eastern Europe countries. It is not known where the term of dálník came from, but its design briefly is a combination of motorcycle and car with the virtues of both.
The 1959 D-06 is powered by a 1,200cc four-stroke engine coupled with a unique streamline-designed bodywork. (Picture from: Flickr)
The "golden age" of the dálník was happened during the 1950s to 1960s, and the former Czechoslovakia was known as the center of the dálník styled motorcycles. Generally, these vehicles only able to carry two occupants in tandem like motorcycle generally, while the engine mounted behind the passenger, coupled with a unique streamline-styled bodywork. Some had openable flaps for the feet of the driver, when at rest, others used outrigger wheels to prevent falling over when it stopped, or even a few of them have the gyroscopic stabilizers.
The 1959 D-06 is powered by a 1,200cc four-stroke engine coupled with a unique streamline-designed bodywork. (Picture from: Hedonia)
Who was introduced or pioneered the dálník motorcycle style? The man who could be considered as the father of dalniks was Jan Anderlé, a brilliant engineer who had worked at the Czech aircraft factory named Aero. He was known to have built his first cabin motorcycle in the late 1930s, and over the years he has created many more. The dálník's basic idea was actually simple, namely to make a cheap two-wheeled car by yourself and it proved very popular among the workers in eastern Europe after the WW2.
Jan Anderlé and his wife fled to the West after the separation of Eastern Europe, but then his wife persuaded him to return. Unfortunately after they got back to the country, he was arrested for treason and forced to work in the state-owned uranium mines for the next 15 years. He spent much of the rest of his life in poverty and died in obscurity in 1982. However, the influence of the dálník vehicle type whose created by him cannot be denied to date.
In the 1950s NSU produced a feet forward fully enclosed monocoque construction record breaker dálník called 'Flying Hammock'. (Picture from: Cycleart)
Then, in the company context. Are there any automotive companies has experimented or even popularized the dálník motorcycles? NSU known has a big role in popularizing dálník motorcycles. The company based in the former East Germany ever created several incredible record-breaking dálník motorcycles in the 1950s. One of them nicknamed the Flying Hammock is held many motorcycle world speed and fuel efficiency records for years. That's no wonder, due to the streamline-designed NSU-made dálník in a teardrop shape was perfectly honed in the company's wind tunnel.
The cut-away and ghosted views clearly show the internal structure and seating position of the NSU Flying Hammock. (Picture from: Cycleart)
The dálníks are still being made and developed to date! The Swiss company named Peraves makes something called the EcoMobile powered by a 4-cylinder BMW motorcycle engine, this is probably the most sophisticated dálníks motorcycle ever sold to the public. The two seaters modern dálníks vehicle featured with comfortable full roll-cage cabin also known agile and incredibly fast.
According to the Paraves owner and founder Arnold Wagner, the EcoMobile dálník was the closest thing to flying that can be achieved on land. Reportedly, a year or twos before his death, Jan Anderlé was rediscovered by the EcoMobile maker company and asked him to be a design consultant to them. Of course, he would be very satisfied if he finds out that his work continues in the 21st century. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | PARAVES | HEDONIA | CYCLEART | REDDIT ]
UNique ONES Indeed, so far we know that most of the world's exotic car works are produced by automotive companies from Europe (especially the western European region) and North America. Yes, that's the thing we cannot be denied, but that doesn't mean that companies from other regions can't produce masterpiece exotic cars such those.
2015 Bilenken Vintage Coupé built based on a modern BMW platform and debuted at the 2015 Dubai Motor Show. (Picture from: Russian Ambience)
That's we can be seen on the exotic car made by the Bilenkin Classic Car, a Russian automotive company. Turn out, the company can produce an exotic car model equivalent to those made by automotive companies from western Europe and America. Let's take a look, those exotic car works named Bilenkin Vintage Coupé made by them could be said cool and stand out.
2015 Bilenken Vintage Coupé describes the car as a “charming, old-fashioned, yet easy-to-use” vehicle by combining a classic design style but with a brand new engine performances. (Picture from: Russian Ambience)
The Bilenkin Classic Car describes the car as a “charming,
old-fashioned, yet easy-to-use” vehicle by combining a classic design
style but with a brand new engine performances. The car carries the
retro granturismo model is also said to have combined the most advanced
features in terms of safety and comfort that were adopted from the BMW 3
Series.
The car was built by the Russian company based on a modern BMW platform that is made in such a way as to appear in a luxurious, elegance retro style. It can be seen from the lines and curves of the exterior which said are inspired by the Volvo P1800 nor the Volga M21, while the interior is thick influenced by the BMW's rear-drive E92 platform.
2015 Bilenken Vintage Coupé's interior puts forward a retro theme but also has a modern premium class, which provides an almost similar atmosphere to the Rolls-Royce's hand made interior styles. (Picture from: Russian Ambience)
The interior puts forward a retro theme but also has a modern premium class, which provides an almost similar atmosphere to the Rolls-Royce's hand made interior styles. There are the carvings that run along the dashboard and doortrim using wood material, it looks so perfect like the interior of a super luxury vehicle with a special personalization touches.
Furthermore inside the cabin, as You could be seen a nice cross-breeding in between the classic and modern styles by the existances of the Volvo P1900's classic styled instruments cluster coupled with the modern infotainment features. Unmitigated, the Bilenkin Vintage uses a high-end audio system, even embedding the BMW iDrive features on its center console.
Yoe even could be seen a nice cross-breeding in between the classic and modern styles by the existances of the Volvo P1900's classic styled instruments cluster coupled with the modern infotainment features on the 2015 Bilenken Vintage Coupé cabin. (Picture from: TopSpeed)
"You will be surprised by the looks and strong, clear sound of the high-end audio we rigorously selected for the Vintage. This car offers a brilliant combination of modern safety and comfort standards, along with the style and quality of iconic old creations," said the Russian company in its press release to media.
Then for its drivetrain, the Russian company pinned a V8 4.0-liter Twinpower Turbo engine was the same as used by the 2007 BMW M3, coupled with the 7-speed automatic transmission system. So it's claimed to be able to produce up to 418 hp and 400 Nm of torque to move its rear wheels and make the car run up to top speed of 249 kph.
2015 Bilenken Vintage Coupé offers a brilliant combination of modern safety and comfort standards, along with the style and quality of iconic old creations. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
As the results of the retro styled car then became one of major topics amongst the world's car enthusiasts when the car debuted at the 2015 Dubai Auto Show. By looking at all those about the car above, we think it deserves to be aligned with the Roll-Royce in terms of luxury and comfort.
Although inspired by two iconic cars, you will not find a BMW nor Volvo emblems on the car made by the Russian company. Because this Russian manufacturer has a high level of pride and self-confidence to pin the Bilenkin Classic Cars brand emblem in the middle of its Vintage grilles.😉
As quoted from Wikipedia, the Bilenkin Vintage has sold more than two dozen units and each sold at the price ranging of €142,000. Until now, the car is still the center of attention of the world's automotive fans. A number of media have repeatedly made reported the Bilenkin Vintage since it was first appeared in 2015 and always received a positive response. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BILENKIN VINTAGE | TOPSPEED | THE DRIVE | WIKIPEDIA | AUTOEVOLUTION | RUSSIAN AMBIENCE ]
ONE-OFF - In the realm of car design, creativity knows no bounds. Sometimes, designers take inspiration from existing models and fuse them together to create something entirely new and unique. This practice is often undertaken by individual designers who aspire to bring their dream cars to life, combining elements from various renowned designs to craft a vehicle that stands out in its own right.
1977 Cooper Markette with a combination appearance of the Corvette and Lincoln Continental Mark V is now owned byRandy Hammitt in a good condition as its heyday. (Picture from: Facebook)
One striking example of this innovative approach to car design emerged on the Hemmings some time ago. The vehicle, named the Cooper Markette, is a four-wheeled motorized marvel that boasts a distinctive fusion of a Corvette and a Continental Mark V. Constructed in 1977, this exceptional creation was commissioned by John Hurley, a prominent Chevy dealer in the United States, who proudly displayed it in his showroom upon completion.
1977 Cooper Markette is built from a complete Corvette, including its 350-cu.in four-barrel V8 engine, and combined with the complete Lincoln's distinctive shapes. (Picture from: Hemmings)
While details about this custom car are somewhat scarce, it is believed to be a one-of-a-kind or nearly one-of-a-kind creation. In the 1970s, a similar theme was explored in the Dunham Corvorado, which even made an appearance in a James Bond sequel titled "Live And Let Die." However, according to Hemmings, the Cooper Markette outshone its counterparts, earning the title of the best in its class.
The rear of the Cooper Markette hearkens to more of a Lincoln Continental than Corvette and uses separate panes of glass for its rear window. (Picture from: Hemmings)
Crafted by the skilled hands of Byron Cooper's workshop in Knoxville, Tennessee, this unique vehicle seamlessly blends the sleek aesthetics of the Corvette with the classic charm of the Continental Mark V. The foundation of the Cooper Markette is a complete Corvette, featuring a robust 350-cu.in four-barrel V8 engine. The extravagant fender blades reminiscent of a Vette are harmoniously combined with the distinctive shapes borrowed from the Lincoln, including a waterfall grille, stand-up hood ornament, and a Continental-style spare tire hump on the rear deck.
The Cooper Markette was connected to a petite coffin-shaped trailer when it participated in the 2021 Corvette show in Carlisle. (Picture from: CorvetteBlogger)
One notable design quirk that defies traditional regulations is the placement of the headlights below the bumper line, adding a touch of rebellion to the overall appearance. The exterior is further adorned with a vinyl Landau top, a split rear window, coach lamps, and rear lights reminiscent of the 1976 Mark IV.
The poor condition of the Cooper Markette in the 2017 before its fully restoration done. (Picture from: Corvette Forum)
While details about the interior are somewhat elusive, reports suggest a dove grey exterior with red trim, complemented by an all-Vette interior. The interior features a tilt-telescopic leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, Gymkhana suspension, automatic transmission, air conditioning, leather upholstery, wire wheels, a vinyl top, and a crucial stereo tape system with AM/FM radio.
The interior view of the Cooper Markette in the 2017 before its fully restoration done. (Picture from: Corvette Forum)
Back in December 1977, the Cooper Markette was listed in Hemmings Motor News with a price tag of $19,800. Fast forward to today, and it's estimated to be valued at over $77,000. However, in 2017, the unique vehicle was spotted in a state of disrepair, requiring a full restoration. Pictures uploaded by Darling, a member of the Corvette Forum, showcased the Markette's condition during a forum conversation in 2017.
Now, in the latest update from LSX Magazine, the Cooper Markette has undergone a meticulous restoration process and is currently in prime condition. Since 2018, it proudly stands among the impressive car collection of Randy Hammitt. The story of the Cooper Markette serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of unique automotive creations, bridging the past with the present in a captivating journey of restoration and preservation. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HEMMINGS | CORVETTE FORUM | THE MARK OF LINCOLN| LSX MAGAZINE | CORVETTEBLOGGER]
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It's GONE Actually, you don't need a story consisting of a long series of words to describe the Alfa Romeo brand.This is because the activities of one of the oldest automotive brands from Italy have been going on for a long time with a row of four-wheeled vehicles that may have been countless to this day.
The Alfa Romeo 412 Spider Vignale (replica) features a pure Spider style with no folding roof, very long hood, 3-sided chrome air intakes for each side that are placed between the front fender and the passenger cockpit. (Picture from: Pinterest)
In the world of racing, the Alfa Romeo's name had also become a subscription of the championship podium in various world racing events since the 1930s. And of the many variants of Alfa Romeo racing cars, there is a racing car called theAlfa Romeo 412 Spider Vignale which in our opinion is very unique due to had been changed the bodywork many times, but has tragic fates until its existence then becomes a mystery until today.
This was 1939 Alfa Romeo 412 race car, initially bodied by Touring before changed to its spider body in the 1951 by Vignale. (Picture from: DailyRevs)
Some sources are said that it was a race car built in 1939 for Alfa Romeo with an initial bodywork built by Touring which was later changed in 1951 by Vignale under a more modern and aerodynamic style in accordance to the Alfa Romeo's style at that time.
Well, the 412 race car mentioned above was knew as a design result of Vittorio Jano in 1937, was originally bodied by Touring built on the 8C 2900A frame, identified with the number of 412151, and it is likely the car's name came from those numbers.
The real Alfa Romeo 412 Spider Vignale driven by Bonetto (with Casnaghi as the navigator) while raced at the 1951 Mille Miglia. (Picture from: AlfaBB)
Furthermore, the Alfa Romeo 412 race car was powered by a 4,500 cc, 12 cylinder V-engine which was also used by the 12C race car of 1937. The engine was made in 2 monoblock of 6-cylinder engines in which capable of spewing of 430 hp and also equipped with a turbocharger.
The Alfa Romeo 412 race car debuted in the world of racing at the 1939 GP-Antwerp, which was held in May 1939 and managed to bring their racers at that time Giuseppe Farina and Raymond Sommer to the podium as the first and second place winners. Its briliant achievement continues at the GP. Luxemburg in 1939, it successfully won the second place with Clemente Biondetti behind the wheel.
The real Alfa Romeo 412 Spider Vignale features with 4-sided chrome air intakes for each side and hand written racing livery #427 while raced at the 1951 Mille Miglia. (Picture from: AlfaBB)
After the 2nd World War ended, one of the 4 race cars made was brought to Switzerland by Willy Daetwyler and won the GP. Bremgarten in 1948. It is clear that those race car then took part in different races to its original body but also to other cars made by Vignale at the time.
The Alfa Romeo 412 Spider Vignale (replica) has 4 headlights, two at the end and two turn signals plus the center. (Picture from: Pinterest)
As quoted from Carrozzieri-Italiani, the last Alfa Romeo 412 race car known owned by Felice Bonetto for many years until 1953. Under Bonetto's ownership, the Alfa Romeo 412 race car took part in the Giro di Sicilia racing event at the end of March 1951 and experienced severe body damage due to the severity of the reace's off road terrains. Then the car brought back to Vignale to repaired and changed its bodywork to the very light spider-style as its second outfit.
The Alfa Romeo 412 Spider Vignale (replica) powered by was powered by a 4,500 cc, 12 cylinder V-engine. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)
By using the new race car, in late April 1951, Bonetto (with Casnaghi as the navigator) took part in the classic race event of the 1951 Mille Miglia under the number of 427 and managed to finish in sixth place. In the next race which took place in Oporto in the same year, it won by beating the Ferrari 166 and Maserati race cars.
There are also other sources said, after the 1951 Mille Miglia, the car was modified slightly so that it could be used legally on the public roads. And later when it appeared to race in Oporto, the 412 race car was seen to have a more modern look under the spider style of bodywork.
The Alfa Romeo 412 Spider Vignale (replica)'s engine consisted of two monoblock of 6-cylinder engines in which capable of spewing of 430 hp. (Picture from: GentlemenRacer)
The 2-seater Alfa Romeo 412 Vignale race car features a pure Spider style with no folding roof, very long hood, 4-sided chrome air intakes for each side that are placed between the front fender and the passenger cockpit. While on the front, it has 4 headlights, two at the end and two turn signals plus the center. This car also has a trilobo, appearing in full form for the first time.
The Alfa Romeo 412 Spider Vignale (replica) has two racing bucket seats and simple dashboard. (Picture from: GentlemenRacer)
Unfortunately, Felice Bonetto passed away in a racing accident during the 4th Carrera Panamericana racing event held in Mexico in the 1953. Since then, the race car has undergone several ownership changings. And finally it was discovered that it was under possession of Enrico Nardi until the 1960s.😭
The Alfa Romeo 412 Spider Vignale (replica) powered by was powered by a 4,500 cc, 12 cylinder V-engine. (Picture from: GentlemenRacer)
The Alfa Romeo 412's death occurred in 1960, when it was dismantled, in which the car's frame, engine and body were separated and each had a different fate since then. As we are knew, the chassis was used to make a new car model called the Silver Ray and sold under the Plymouth brand in the United States.😭
It is powered by a 320 hp V8 Plymouth's engine and is said to have been designed by Giovanni Michelotti, the famous Italian automotive designer, and was intended to be a prototype of the next production series but never been happened and remained to be the only car.
The 1960 Plymouth Silver Ray Prototype built on the Alfa Romeo 412 chassis and designed by Giovanni Michelloti. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)
It was rumored, that the original Alfa Romeo 412 engine was remained in Nardi's workshop for many years until his daughter sold it at an auction at the end of 1998 and it was bought by Larry Auriana, an American collector (the possibility that he was still have it until recently), who was later restored by the Berkeley-based workshop named Epifani Restorations.
Things are different to the Alfa Romeo 412's original body, whose its fate is unknown to this day. Could be said, that's a pretty tragic ending to such a beautiful, unique, and alluring 'suits', most likely it won't last and today it really gone.😭 And what you see in the video above is a replica of the Alfa Romeo 412 Vignale. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | RMSOTHESBYS | DAILYREVS | GENTLEMANRACER | ALFABB ]
ONE-OFF Great man behind the great works. We are back to discussing about the American car that received the touch of the great French-born American industrial designer Raymond Loewy's eccentric hand after some time ago we had discussed another American car used by Loewy as a means of realizing the dream cars for him and his wife, namely the 1941 Lincoln Continental.
1959 Cadillac Eldorado Coupe de Ville designed by Raymond Loewy with the bodywork done by Pichon et Parat in France. (Picture from: Sportscarmarket)
Raymond Loewy is known and appreciated for his legendary style of speed, beauty and simplicity. His motto "never leave well enough alone," that's exemplified through his life and made his one of the most famous stylists of the time. Then in 1959, he was also known to have designed the Cadillac Eldorado Coupe de Ville later to be used as one of his personal vehicles from 1959 to 1970.
1959 Cadillac Eldorado Coupe de Ville powered by a 390-ci 4-bbl V8 engine coupled with automatic transmission system. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
The car was purchased in new condition and after the design was completed it was immediately sent to Pichon et Parat, his favorite coachbuilder company based in Paris. At the coachbuilder workshop, the car would be redesigned and transformed into a stylish and elegant coupe, after its completion it was shown off fo the first time at the 1959 Paris Auto Salon.
1959 Cadillac Eldorado Coupe de Ville posed along with Raymond Loewy, its designer. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
This Loewy's Cadillac Eldorado Coupe de Ville designed to be appeared in a unique and unusual style, it clearly can be seen from the appearance of the car without a conventional grille in front, instead it's replaced by the small ventilation holes that are colored according to the color of the car body. It was very rarely applied to a car model at that time.
1959 Cadillac Eldorado Coupe de Ville designed by Raymond Loewy with the bodywork done by Pichon et Parat.(Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
After finished, initially the body of the Loewy's Cadillac Eldorado was painted in light gray metallic with the roof in white. Later, at some point of the car was repainted in metallic gold, perhaps it was done by Loewy himself.
1959 Cadillac Eldorado Coupe de Ville designed by Raymond Loewy with the bodywork done by Pichon et Parat.(Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
Conceptually, the car's appearance almost resembles a European sports car, but in general the simplicity of the lines of his car designing is contradicting to the executive class car at that time. But the interior, engine and platform remain unchanged, apparently Raymond has no complaints about these spare parts. As in other cars, not everyone likes the design results, this also happens to his Caddy appearance and Loewy has no bother either.
The one-off Caddy was used for years by Loewy and his family in Europe, then shipped back home to the States, where it spent time in New York and Palm Springs, California and driven up to as far as 41 thousand kilometers such recorded on its odometer at the time. In January 1971 he sold the rare car to neighbors in Palm Springs, a car collector named Mimo Zaccuri. And for a moment the car had not seen by the public, until at the end, it's reappeared while auctioned by Barret-Jackson at the Scottsdale 2010. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | JALOPNIK | CARSTYLING.RU | SPORTSCARMARKET | BARRET-JACKSON ]
