The future car vision of the 50s as realized by the 80s custom car makers

ICE HIGHNESS For automotive enthusiasts, the 1950s is known as one of the eras that recorded the birth of cars with unique and strange shapes that were inspired by many things related to the jets, rockets and outerspaces, so it's no wonder that this period was known as the jet-age. Wild and garish designs are becoming commonplace in hopes of capturing the public's imagination. One of the famous concept cars from this era was the Ford Futura which later became the basis of the Batmobile.

The Studebaker XF58 'Ice Pincess' Custom built by Richard Fletcher in the 1987 by using the Studebaker body elements and the Cadillac's mechanic components. (Picture from: NewAtlas)

Here is another example, a very unique car named the Studebaker XF58 'Ice Princess' custom car is a special vehicle for Studebaker's vision of the future in the 50s as envisioned by the 80s custom car makers. That's not as confusing as it sounds. Well, the unique car was made in 1987 by Richard Fletcher using body elements from Studebaker and Cadillac. 

The Studebaker XF58 'Ice Pincess' Custom is very clearly visible reflecting the bullet nose design of the 1950s Studebaker models. (Picture from: HotCars)

As qouted of the Hotcars, the car began its life as a sedan, eventually being modified in such a way that it became like a 20-foot-long 6-wheeled weird starship. The original plan, the car maker wanted to make the car as if it was made and designed by the Studebaker stylist of the 1950s. Mostly of the car's bodywork is hand made by using sheet metal on the Studebaker chassis and powered by the Cadillac mechanical components.

The Studebaker XF58 'Ice Pincess' Custom also featured with the double bubble canopy cockpit. (Picture from: SteamPunkTendencies)

So it is not surprising that the distinctive shape of the Studebaker is very clearly visible reflecting the bullet nose design of the 1950s Studebaker models.  It's framed by custom headlights and a dual axle front end for a total length of 20 feet. The long sweeping hood adopted of the 1950s styles, coupled with the double bubble canopy cockpit.

The Studebaker XF58 'Ice Pincess' Custom is powered by the latest 500 cubic inche Cadillac's engine. (Picture from: AtomPunk)

This 1950s oddly styled of Studebaker is powered by a 500 cubic inch engine taken from the latest Cadilac. Maximum output for that unit is 400 horsepower, although it's not clear which configuration has been used. Judging from the physical shape uniqueness, what is certain is that the car is worthy of being an ideal set of wheels for a superhero or perhaps even a supervillain.😎 As you can see on the almost similar wheels belong to Captain Nemo or Red Skull have.👍

Once completed, the car was sold in 2018 for $38,500 at the Russo & Steele's auction event in Scottsdale, Arizona. The last time the weird shaped car appeared for the public at the 2020 Chicago Auto Show as part of the Klairmount Kollection which is a touring car collection originally created by a World War II veteran named Larry Klairmont turned into a successfull real estate developer. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSCOOPS | NEWATLAS | STEAMPUNKTENDENCIES | HOTCARS ]

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Bitter CD Coupe initially was an Opel

Unique ONES The Opel automotive manufacturer was founded in 1862 by Adam Opel, and also known as one of the German's oldest brands. Besides that the company is also known for part of its life as an automotive manufacturer had been under the General Motors flag.

The Opel CD (CD stands for Coupe Diplomat) Concept is built in the 1969, based on the Opel Diplomat and designed by Charles M. Jordan. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

Therefore, in the early 1960s, this German automotive brand then opened its own design office in Rüsselheim, which was similar to the GM's studio in Michigan. The new division was formed with the main aim of creating a new "typical" design for Opel, which would be readable in every model produced by the manufacturer.

The Opel CD Concept is powered by a front-mounted 5.4 liter V8 engine capable of spitting out power of 230 horsepower. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

It's noted that the studio then succeeded in making designs of four-wheeled vehicles which later became models for the Opel's car production versions. It could be seen on its first creation called the Opel Experimental GT concept car, which was debuted at the 1965 Frankfurt Motor Show. Subsequently, the car was continued to enter the company's production line in 1968, named the Opel GT. 

The Opel CD Concept is a spectacular grand tourer is gave a Candy Apple Red color, and debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show 1969. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

The car was not only known by world automotive enthusiasts for its unusual pop-up headlight mechanism, is also famous as a mini Corvette from Germany. After the success of the cutie GT concept design, the Opel's internal design studio wanted to repeat it again by designing a more bigger and faster sports car. As is known at the time, the experimental design of the Mercedes-Benz C111 supercar, which debuted at the 1969 Frankfurt Motor Show, seemed to have contributed to the birth of this concept car from Opel.

The Opel Design team with the Opel CD concept which was shown at the 1969 Frankfurt Motor Show (Chuck Jordan third from right). (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

At that time, the head of the Opel's design department, George Gallion is believed that such a challenge was sufficient in Opel's strength, and therefore instructed designer Charles M. Jordan and his team to prepare "a matched rival model for its compatriot car manufacturer."

The Opel CD Concept's interior is made in a futuristic style which has also been featured with a telephone, climate control. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

Due to tight deadlines, so there is no talk of any production version based on the mentioned concept car. The Opel concept car is intended only as a study design. This is not only gives the designers more freedom of action, but also makes the work of the engineers more flexible. Furthermore, it turned out that the car creation as a show car to be right, due to at the expo, Mercedes-Benz representatives said that the C111 was not intended to be a production model and was only an experimental ones. After considering all the pros and cons, then the Opel management decided to do the same.

The Opel CD Concept's body panels are made of lightweight fiberglass and stretched over a lightweight roll bar. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

The concept car was presented by Opel for the first time in Frankfurt 1969 and was given the name of the Opel CD Concept (CD stands for Coupe Diplomat). Visually, it's a spectacular grand tourer is gave a Candy Apple Red color, and built based on the Opel Diplomat A, but once it's turned into the CD Concept, the shape of the donor could not seen anymore. The concept car is powered by a 5.4 liter V8 engine capable of spitting out power of 230 horsepower.

The Opel CD Concept does not have the doors for access into the cabin, instead the windshield made such an airplane canopy, which is raised forward by using hydraulic supports along with all the roof-side parts. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

While on the bodywork, the concept car received an original tail that had been refined in the wind tunnel. Even then the body panels are made of lightweight fiberglass and stretched over a lightweight roll bar, but the head optics such on the GT model was not seen in use. The Opel CD Concept's main feature is the windshield made such an airplane canopy, which is raised forward by using hydraulic supports along with all the roof-side parts.

So, it does not have the doors for access into the cabin. Although this solution seems very impractical, it has one big advantage, the CD Concept adopts almost invisible A-pillars, which contributes to better forward visibility. But it will be made a tricky matter for those who are short to hop in the car cabin, because the height of the Opel concept car exceeds one meter.

The Bitter CD is first built in the 1973 as much as 395 units during its production periods up to 1979. (Picture from: BitterCars)

The interior is made in a futuristic style which has also been featured with a telephone, climate control. Both the front seats are made immobile, but the driver's seat can be adjusted according to the position of the pedals and the steering column. In general, the Opel CD Concept was able to snatch a piece of glory from the Mercedes-Benz C111 at the Frankfurt Motor Show 1969 and also its life did not end there.

The Bitter CD's interior approach to modernism was one of blocky volumes, not unlike what would become mainstream in American cars in the ’80s. (Picture from: FavCars)

It turned out that GM's Michigan boss was unhappy with Opel's management's decision not to release the CD Concept into the production version, given the public reaction at the event. In short, then they found a win-win solution to produce the concept car through a new auto company in which would be help technically by Opel.

The Bitter CD's bodywork made by Baur, and the mechanical components were supplied by Opel. (Picture from: BitterCars)

Then General Motors commissioned Pietro Frua, one of the leading Italian coachbuilders to create two CD Concept prototypes that would look more understated than the concept car showing in Frankfurt. And in the opinion of the GM representatives, the Italian coachbuilder did a great job. Despite its appearance, hardly anyone will deny that the car has lost a lot of its former charm.

General Motors then entrusted the production of the sports coupe to Erich Bitter Automobil GmbH, a new automotive company founded by former racer Erich Bitter whose previously known  his bussiness venture with Turin-based automaker, Intermeccanica. Furthermore, the bodywork of the sports car which retained its concept name is done by Baur, and the mechanical components were supplied by Opel. As the result was the Bitter CD, which went into production line ranging from 1972 to 1979.

The Bitter CD is built only 395 coupes in seven full years of production and positioned as an exclusive grand tourer, as indicated by its price (it was sold of the DM 58,400 at the time). After the CD models, the company made another models, but it was another parts of the company stories. Today, besides known as a tuning studio specializing in Opel cars, the Bitter is also a premium sports-luxury automobile marque produced in Germany and later Austria. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BITTERCARS | CARSTYLING.RU | BRINGTRAILER | MIDCENTURYMODERNFREAK | LOTUSESPRIT ]

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The modern-styled of the C111 series realized by GWA Tuning called the Ciento Once

Modern LOOKS Mercedes Benz has always been known as one of the world's automotive giants who have produced many phenomenal cars, such as in the 1950s with the Mercedes Benz 300SL which pioneered the gullwing door types, then in the late 1960s the German's manufacturer also had time to make several phenomenal experimental cars known as the Mercedes Benz C111 series which coincidentally also adopted the similar gullwing door types.

Mercedes Benz Ciento Once prototype with its gullwing doors opened is built by GWA Tuning in 2011 and inspired by the Mercedes-Benz C111 experimental car series. (Picture from: Extravaganzi)

As we know the Mercedes Benz C111 experimental car series were made from 1969 to 1979 in several models which were mostly powered by a Wankel rotary engine (perhaps to follow the trend at the time). The car series also had made history as the world's fastest car through one of its cars, the C111-III powered by a turbo diesel engine in 1978 and continued to 1979 with the C111-IV 'Rekordwagen'. Unfortunately, now the names 300SL and C111 are just a memory and people are starting to forget, besides there are many more innovative cars with faster performance.

Three generations of the Mercedes-Benz C111 research car series, ie 1969 Mercedes Benz C111-I (left), 1970 Mercedes Benz C111-II (middle), and 1969 Mercedes Benz C111-I first prototype (right) posed together. (Picture from: Pinterest)

A different thing happened to the legendary gullwing door types which seems to be still applied by the German manufacturer, and lastly the kind of door types was pinned on the Mercedes Benz SLS AMG of the 2012. Meanwhile in 2011, the Gullwing America (GWA) Auto Design & Tuning, an automotive company based in San Antonio, Texas produces and sells 1 unit (yes, only 1 unit!) a car that is touted as a modern interpretation of the Mercedes Benz C111 which is named GWA Ciento Once (meaning "one hundred eleven/111" in Spanish) and applied the gullwing door types as a homage for the two legendary models.

Mercedes Benz Ciento Once prototype has a handmade aluminum body mounted on a strong and lightweight construction tubular space-frame chassis. (Picture from: Luxuo)

This GWA Tuning car has a handmade aluminum body mounted on a strong and lightweight construction tubular space-frame chassis. Dimensionally, the Ciento Once is slightly different from the C111 concept car, with a shorter wheelbase (2,616 mm), its weight is similar at 1,400 kg, applied the upgraded modern suspension with coil-overs and the brakes of Mercedes Benz S55 AMG. It is intended that the Ciento Once's engine big power can be controlled better.

Mercedes Benz Ciento Once prototype is slightly different from the C111 experimental car series, with a shorter wheelbase (2,616 mm), but has a similar weight of 1,400 kg. (Picture from: Luxuo)

Yes, indeed, the burst of engine power from the Ciento Once is no longer the same as the C111 experimental car series is used the four-rotor Wankel rotary engine or the inline 5-cylinder turbodiesel. Due to  the one-off GWA Tuning car has used a M120 Mercedes V12 engine that produces a robust 408 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed Cima H-type transaxle and a special tuned exhaust, as used in the Pagani and Koenigsegg supercars.

Mercedes Benz Ciento Once prototype's cabin has two carbon fiber seats without finishing, and for the design details, for a moment it reminds us of the classic figure of the Mercedes Benz W120R 'Ponton'. (Picture from: Luxuo)

Furthermore, to support its running performance, on the aerodynamic side, at the front of the Ciento Once, a spoiler with large air intakes is attached to maximize the aerodynamics of the car inspired by the C111 which was the most aerodynamic car of its time. Besides that, there is also an adjustable Spoiler Wing feature that can be adjusted electronically, as well as a diffuser on the back. For the legs, GWA Tuning has installed SLS-style equipment, such as the GWA Type-A five-spoke concave wheels with a modern retro design measuring 19 inches in front and 20 inches behind, which are wrapped in 265/35/19 tires at the front and 295/30 /20 at the rear.

Mercedes Benz Ciento Once prototype's legs featured with the GWA Type-A five-spoke concave wheels with a modern retro design measuring 19 inches in front and 20 inches behind, which are wrapped in 265/35/19 tires at the front and 295/30 /20 at the rear. (Picture from: Luxuo)

In the interior, GWA Tuning carefully installs carbon fiber seats without finishing, and for the design details, for a moment it reminds us of the classic figure of the Mercedes Benz W120R 'Ponton'. This is thanks to the use of polished aluminum that reflects light, both from the dashboard panels, to the pedals, door sills (including the AC control, entertainment and navigation system devices) in retro style but still feels modern, due to the massive use of carbon fiber which gives a sporty impression as well.

Mercedes Benz Ciento Once prototype is powered by a M120 Mercedes V12 engine that produces a robust 408 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed Cima H-type transaxle and a special tuned exhaust. (Picture from: Luxuo)

Thus, when viewed to the final result, it is clear that the GWA Ciento Once shows the love of Arturo Alonso, the boss of GWA Tuning for the C111 experimental car series, and of course the price would not be cheap, especially considering that it produced just 1 unit only. Off course somehow, the one-off Ciento Once's prestige, exclusivity, and nostalgia feeling is difficult to measure with money, even it could be leveled if it compared to the similar expensive exclusive cars that have been made by other manufacturers such as Bugatti, Lamborghini, Ferrari, and others.

It is not known whether this Ciento Once car has ever been realized into real world, because as far as we know the GWA's one-off car made in 2011 has never been heard of again. Even the automaker are no longer visible in cyberspace, because everything related to the GWA Tuning's sites has no longer existed in cyberspace.😭 Does anyone know about this American automotive company?🏁 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTOR1 | PEDAL2METAL | TOPSPEED | THEVRL | BENZTUNING | LUXUO ]

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Pagani will revealed its fiercest Huayra creations both for the road and tracks

The MOST ONES Since its founding by Horacio Pagani in 1992, Pagani Automobili SpA. or commonly known as Pagani only produces two supercar models (Zonda & Huayra). However, the Italian premium car manufacturer is able to provide more modern changes and more fierce performance on the two production supercar models from time to time.

Pagani Huayra BC Pacchetto Tempesta is built to celebrate 10th Huayra model anniversary, which is now also equipped with sophisticated technical touches from the Pagani's craftsmen at its factory. (Picture from: StrainsMedia)

After last in April 2021 the company was reported would launch soon the road-legal Pagani Zonda Revolucion model, but what happened recently turned out that the premium car manufacturer based in San Cesario sul Panaro, Italy introduced the Huayra new model is claimed to be more powerful named the Pagani Huayra BC Pacchetto Tempesta (means the 'Storm Packages').

Pagani Huayra BC Pacchetto Tempesta is powered by a 6.0 liter V12 AMG engine plus a pair of turbochargers that capable of spitting out the peak power of up to 827 horsepower and producing torque of 1,100 Nm. (Picture from: StrainsMedia)

Pagani made the Huayra BC Pacchetto Tempesta to celebrate 10th Huayra model anniversary, which is now also equipped with sophisticated technical touches from the craftsmen at its factory in San Cesario sul Panaro, Italy. As the car body main material, Pagani still uses carbon fiber material which is then given a color touch of dark green which is dominant throughout its body, only in certain parts of the car center such as the roof, cockpit and hood, which are given a different touch of dark gray color.

Pagani Huayra BC Pacchetto Tempesta is applied a new suspension system that makes it dubbed as one of the best road cars, as well as the fastest. (Picture from: StrainsMedia)

Meanwhile, for the drivetrain is said to have undergone an update, in which Pagani pinned a 6.0 liter V12 AMG engine plus a pair of turbochargers that capable of spitting out the peak power of up to 827 horsepower and producing torque of 1,100 Nm. The ferocity of the car's engine power is then combined with a new suspension system that makes the Huayra BC Pacchetto Tempesta one of the best road cars, as well as the fastest. Although the actual top speed numbers that can be achieved by the car has not been disclosed by the Italian car manufacturer.

For your information, as we all knew, the standard Huayra BC is able to penetrate 100 kph in three seconds and capble to reach a top speed of 370 kph. If you look at the engine embedded by Pagani into the BC Pacchetto Tempesta is said to have been updated, so its performance should be above the achievement figures of the Huayra BC standard model.

Pagani Huayra R is dubbed as the most extreme Pagani Hypercar made exclusively for use on the track. (Picture from: MotorAuthority)

The Pagani Huayra BC Pacchetto Tempesta also features the latest air intake which is placed behind the seat, and when compared to the standard model, the spoiler feature has also been changed by adding an additional fin in the middle.

Pagani Huayra R is powered by a naturally aspirated V-12, rather than the Mercedes-AMG 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-12 used in all previous versions of the Huayra. (Picture from: MotorAuthority)

Furthermore, the number of exhausts also increases, if the standard Huayra BC only has four exhausts, the BC Pacchetto Tempesta is equipped with two additional exhausts so that the total of this latest model has six exhausts. To increase driving comfort, Pagani also added a "Soft" driving mode. 

Pagani Huayra R was developed with help from Mercedes motorsports partner HWA, which currently runs the automaker's Formula E race team. (Picture from: MotorAuthority)

However, it is not known yet the official price of the Huayra BC Pacchetto Tempesta is. It seems, Pagani will sell its latest supercar higher than the BC Standard model which is sold at a price of around $2.55 million or around Rp. 36.7 billion. 

After the Pacchetto Tempesta aka the Storm Packages launched, in the near future the company will be launching the mythical Pagani Huayra R at the Quail Lodge Golf Club at Monterey Car Week. Pagani Automobili SpA. will display the Huayra R’s naturally aspirated V12-R engine, six-speed sequential gearbox, and Carbo-Titanium HP62-G2/Carbo-Triax HP62 monocoque frame for everyone to see and admire. Shall we wait for futher news! *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | STRAINSMEDIA | MOTORAUTHORITY ]

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The almost forgotten Isdera Imperator wedge-style supercar

Forgotten ONES Among the many unique supercars that exist, each one of course has its own story. But what is certain is that they have an unusual shape that makes them unique which then becomes the main attraction for those who see it. One of these particular examples that we've seen on the Obscure Supercar's status on Tweeter is the Isdera Imperator 108i.

The Isdera Imperator 108i (in pictured is 1984 model) is began as a Mercedes concept car, which Eberhard Schulz, the designer then built and sold by himself under his owned brand. (Picture from: www.a777aa77.ru)

Let's talk about the origins of those unique supercar, it is a German supercar based on the Mercedes-Benz concept and powered by engines from the Stuttgart company. Initially the car is designed by Eberhard Schulz who was actually working as a design engineer for Porsche as the Mercedez-Benz CW311 Concept in 1978.

1978 Mercedes-Benz CW331 Concept is the forerunner of the Isdera Imperator 108i designed by Eberhard Schulz. (Picture from: mb143.ru)

Unfortunately the automaker wasn't too impressed with the design and left it without a continuation, but they decided to give Schulz the green light to produce it under his own brand. So the designer continues the project, later he founded his own automotive company named Isdera AG. to produce the car by using his own brand.

1978 Mercedes-Benz CW331 Concept is the forerunner of the Isdera Imperator 108i designed by Eberhard Schulz. (Picture from: RoadAndTrack)

The first assembled units were ready in 1984 and production continued through 1993 with a total of 30 unit ever produced during the time. And the car applies a fiberglass-made body over a tubular steel frame, and in appearance the Isdera Imperator 108i looks comparable to the exotic sports cars of its time.

The Isdera Imperator 108i (in pictured is 1984 model) is produced ranging of 1984 to 1993 with a total of 30 unit ever produced during the time. (Picture from: OnlyMotorBike)

The only slight changes that seem most striking from the original CW311 concept car are the replacement of the pop-up headlights with two fixed-headlights with glass shields, and used conventional Mercedes-sourced taillights.

The interior of Isdera Imperator 108i (in pictured is 1984 model) offers comfortable seating for two with the driver encapsulated by a wrap around dashboard like a fighter jet. (Picture from: Flickr)

During its nine-year production run, the Isdera Imperator 108i is powered by a Mercedes-Benz M117 V8 mid-mounted engine with a capacity of 5.0-liter mated to a five-speed ZF gearbox and sends power to the rear axle, which can give it an acceleration from 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds, and can be sped up to a top speed of 176 mph or 283 kph. 

The Isdera Imperator 108i (in pictured is 1984 model) is is powered by a Mercedes-Benz M117 V8 mid-mounted engine with a capacity of 5.0-liter mated to a five-speed ZF gearbox. (Picture from: ObscureSupercar)

And what is most unique about the Imperator 108i from other supercars is the inclusion of a weird 'periscope' feature that is mounted on the roof instead of conventional mirrors which are also able to provide the driver with a rear view, the feature also creates a bulge on the front roof.

1991 Isdera Imperator 108i which was auctioned at the Bonham's auction has a facelift with the pop-up headlights featured again, without the periscope on the roof replaced by conventional mirrors at the sides and the body slightly redesigned to accentuate a more curvaceous shape. (Picture from: Bonham)

The car also features a gullwing design door, which is the second road-legal car since it was first introduced to the Mercedes-Benz 300SL. Meanwhile, the car's cabin features a luxurious interior and adopts many interior components from the Porsche 928.

1991 Isdera Imperator 108i which was auctioned at the Bonham's Monaco Sale 'Les Grandes Marques Monaco' in March 2021 and sold for €690 thousand. (Picture from: IdMotor1)

Due to its high production costs, made the Isdera Imperator 108i production had to end in 1993, with a total of only 30 units being produced, two of which were exported to customers in Japan. After the Imperator 108i, the German company next supercar is the Isdera Commendatore 112i. 

As qouted of Bonhams, the silver colored Isdera Imperator 108i of 1991 was auctioned during the Bonham's Monaco Sale 'Les Grandes Marques à Monaco' on March 2021. At the auction event the car managed to be sold at the price of €690,000 or about $811,600 at current prices.

The car has undergone a facelift with the pop-up headlights featured again, without the periscope on the roof replaced by conventional mirrors at the sides and the body slightly redesigned to accentuate a more curvaceous shape. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ISDERA | ID.MOTOR1 | OBSCURE SUPERCAR | ROADANDTRACK | BONHAM | SILODROME  ]

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