Weird ONES - The automotive world has always been a playground for creativity and innovation, and the 1970s to 1980s were no exception. This decade saw the birth of many unique and intriguing concept cars that pushed the boundaries of design and imagination. Among these, the Citroën Karin stood out as a striking example of the era's daring vision, despite arriving a bit late to the conceptual party compared to its contemporaries like the Aston Martin Bulldog, Lancia Stratos Zero, Lamborghini Bravo, and Jaguar Ascot.
The 1980 Citroën Karin Concept was a pure design exercise with no intention of reaching production, designed by Trevor Fiore, a newcomer to Citroën who would later replace the legendary Robert Opron. (Picture from: GQMagazine)
The Citroën Karin, unveiled at the 1980 Paris Motor Show, was a testament to the bold and unconventional ideas that characterized the period. Designed by Trevor Fiore, a newcomer to Citroën who would later replace the legendary Robert Opron, the Karin was a pure design exercise with no intention of reaching production. Its most distinctive feature was its radical 1+2 seating layout, which placed the driver in the center flanked by two passengers, a setup that emphasized the car's futuristic and avant-garde nature.
The
1980 Citroën Karin Concept was a one-off wedge of sci-fi fantasy
combined with pyramid canopy, and few things before or since have
harnessed the laws of trigonometry to such drastic effect. (Picture from: Autoweek)
Fiore's creation took the concept of sharp-edged, trapezoidal shapes to an extreme, building on the design language of earlier concept cars like the Aston Martin Bulldog. The Karin's angular lines and nearly flat surfaces were so sharp that they seemed almost capable of cutting paper. This small, pyramid-shaped coupe housed its engine far in the front, with a compact, glass-heavy greenhouse that led to a less aggressive rear window. The front fascia was dominated by large headlights that occupied nearly the entire width, giving the Karin a unique and somewhat alien appearance.
The
1980 Citroën Karin Concept designed by Trevor Fiore, and also capable
to accommodate three occupants inside the cabin with composition of two
passengers on the right and left of the driver who sits in the middle. (Picture from: Autoweek)
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Karin was its interior. The car featured a tube-shaped steering column that extended prominently from the dashboard, crowned by a signature Citroën steering wheel equipped with actual telephone buttons. All the controls were positioned around the hub of the steering column or on small pods at the three and nine o'clock positions, echoing the design of the Maserati Boomerang concept. This arrangement created an unconventional and futuristic driving experience, reinforcing the Karin's status as a design study rather than a practical vehicle.
The
1980 Citroën Karin Concept adorned with a tube-shaped steering column that extended prominently from the dashboard, crowned by a signature Citroën steering wheel equipped with actual telephone buttons.(Picture from: TopGear)
The Karin's pyramid shape also contributed to its wide windshield, ensuring that the driver's central seating position offered unobstructed visibility. The car's unique three-occupant layout, with the driver in the middle, further emphasized its departure from traditional automotive design. Despite its futuristic appearance and innovative features, the Karin was never intended to be a production model. However, its influence could be seen in later Citroën designs, such as the XM sedan introduced a few years afterward.
The 1980 Citroën Karin Concept designed by Trevor Fiore, and also capable to accommodate three occupants inside the cabin with composition of two passengers on the right and left of the driver who sits in the middle. (Picture from: GQMagazine)
In 1981, Citroën expanded on the Karin's design language with the creation of the Xenia, an MPV concept that applied the same geometric principles in a more practical and production-friendly format. The Xenia's design hinted at the future direction of MPVs, foreshadowing models like the Renault Espace that would emerge later in the decade.
Citroën expanded on the Karin's design language in 1981 with the creation of the Xenia, an MPV concept that applied the same geometric principles in a more practical and production-friendly format. (Picture from: CarNewsDesign)
Reflecting on the Citroën Karin today, it resembles a prop from a futuristic film or a testbed for stealth technology, reminiscent of the radar-evading shapes of the F-117 Nighthawk. The inspiration for this daring concept stemmed from Citroën's need to make a bold statement at the 1980 Paris Motor Show, where they lacked a production or concept car to showcase. The Karin not only addressed this need but also left an indelible mark on the history of automotive design.
Throughout automotive history, the Citroën Karin stands as a symbol of an era that celebrated innovation and creativity. Its sharp lines and unconventional features continue to captivate enthusiasts and designers alike, reminding us of a time when the possibilities in car design seemed limitless. A similar spirit was seen in the 1993 Stealth Tech 1, built by a privateer, which also embraced bold and futuristic concepts with its unique and unconventional design. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GQMAGAZINE | AUTOWEEK | TOPGEAR | CARNEWSDESIGN ]
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Rare ONES - The Lamborghini Islero may not be as widely recognized as some of its siblings from the Italian manufacturer, but its allure and history make it a gem for car enthusiasts. Produced between 1968 and 1969, this grand tourer was designed to replace the 400 GT and boasted Lamborghini's powerful V12 engine, a hallmark of the brand's performance legacy.
The jaw-dropping Islero showcased here was Mr. Lamborghini's personal raging bull, highlighting Ferruccio's meticulous attention to detail in crafting this bespoke grand tourer. (Picture from: ClassicDriver)
What sets the Islero apart is not just its mechanical prowess but also its role in popular culture. The car made an appearance in the 1970s thriller 'The Man Who Haunted Himself,' adding a touch of glamour and mystique to its already impressive resume.
Crafted by Carrozzeria Marazzi, the Islero's design focused on combining elegance with functionality. The spacious interior, excellent external visibility, and enhanced soundproofing ensured a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience for both the driver and passengers.
Ferrucio Lamborghini poses with his new V12 powered sports car and one of the Lamborghini tractors. (Picture from: HotCars)
Debuting alongside the Lamborghini Espada at the 1968 Geneva Auto Show, the Islero presented a more conservative alternative to its predecessor, embracing a traditional 2 + 2 coupé style that exuded timeless sophistication.
Lamborghini Islero is a grand tourer produced by Lamborghini between 1968 - 1969, bodied by Carrozzeria Marazzi, and made as to the replacement of the 400 GT. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
Lamborghini's tradition of naming cars after bulls continued with the Islero, drawing its name from the bull that famously ended the life of Spanish bullfighter Manuel 'Manolete' Rodriguez Sánchez. This naming convention added a layer of heritage and significance to the model.
Lamborghini Islero which is basically the 400 GT bodied, with good external visibility, a more spacious interior, and added soundproof for the comfort of the driver and passengers. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
Under the hood, the Islero roared with a Lamborghini V12 3,929 cc engine, delivering 325 bhp (242 kW) of power, thanks in part to the Weber 40 DCOE carburetor. Paired with a five-speed manual transmission system, the Islero could sprint from 0-60 mph (97 kph) in just 6.4 seconds, reaching a top speed of 154 mph (248 kph).
Lamborghini Islero appears in the 2 + 2 coupé style and visually intended to be a more conservative alternative of the previous 400 GT traditional style. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
The success of the Islero led to an updated model, the Islero S or Islero GTS, launched in 1969. This iteration featured stylistic enhancements such as engine cooling vents on the front fenders, an enlarged scoop hood, and revised fenders, elevating both performance and aesthetics.
Lamborghini Islero is equipped with a Lamborghini's V12 3,929 cc engine the same engine used by the 400 GT, Miura, Espada, and Jarama are capable of producing about 325 bhp (242 kW) of power. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
The Islero S boasted an improved V12 engine, generating 350 bhp (261 kW) of power and achieving a top speed of 161 mph (259 kph) with an even quicker acceleration of 0-60 mph (97 kph) in 6.2 seconds. These enhancements solidified the Islero's status as a high-performance grand tourer.
Lamborghini Islero is able to run-up to a top speed of 154 mph (248 kph), with the acceleration from 0-60 mph (97 kph) in 6.4 seconds. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
With a total production of 225 units including both Islero and Islero S variants, this model remains a testament to Lamborghini's commitment to engineering excellence and timeless design. Its legacy is further underscored by the fact that founder Ferruccio Lamborghini himself chose the Islero as his personal vehicle, cementing its place in automotive history.
In a world of fast-evolving automotive technologies, the Lamborghini Islero stands as a reminder of a golden era where craftsmanship, style, and performance converged to create automotive masterpieces. *** [EKA [30092020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CLASSICDRIVER | RETROPOWER.CO.UK | VINTAGE CLASSIC CARS | HOTCARS ]
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Forgotten ONES - Motor shows have always been the perfect stage for unveiling concept cars—those extravagant, futuristic vehicles that stir our imaginations. These cars often remain tantalizingly out of reach, like the flying cars we've long dreamed of. However, the automotive industry thrives on such visionary creations, as they embody the spirit of innovation and hint at the possibilities of what might be achievable.
The Innotech Mysterro, an extraordinary vehicle from the creative mind of Václav Král, a distinguished automotive designer from the Czech Republic, debuted at the Brno Motor Show in June 1995. (Picture from: GTSupreme)
One such dream manifested in the form of the Innotech Mysterro, an extraordinary vehicle that emerged from the creative mind of Václav Král, a distinguished automotive designer from the Czech Republic. Král, celebrated for his work with Skoda and his involvement in the experimental Formula 1 'KIN' project, is perhaps most renowned for the Tatra MTX V8. The Mysterro, a clear evolution of Král’s earlier work.
The Innotech Mysterro featured a tubular spaceframe chassis covered by an extravagant fiberglass body, with striking elements like a steeply raked windscreen, large side air vents, that gave it the quintessential look of a 1990s supercar. (Picture from: CollectingCars)
The Mysterro’s design was a testament to Král's ingenuity. It featured a tubular spaceframe chassis covered by an extravagant fiberglass body, with striking elements such as a steeply raked windscreen, large side air vents, and a deep rear body groove that gave it the quintessential look of a 1990s supercar. The car rode on custom-made three-piece center-lock OZ Racing alloy wheels, adding to its unique appeal.
The Innotech Mysterro was a fair-weather vehicle with no roof, leaving its opulent cabin exposed to the elements at all times. (Picture from: CollectingCars)
The interior of the Mysterro was as distinctive as its exterior. It sported salmon pink Connolly leather upholstery, Recaro seats, a Momo Corse steering wheel, and a carbon-fiber dashboard, all of which screamed luxury and exclusivity. However, it was a fair-weather vehicle with no roof, leaving its opulent cabin exposed to the elements at all times.
The Innotech Mysterro rode on custom-made three-piece center-lock OZ Racing alloy wheels, adding to its unique appeal. (Picture from: CollectingCars)
From a technical perspective, the Mysterro was a marvel. This two-door, two-seater roadster was mid-engined and rear-wheel drive, featuring a liquid-cooled V8 engine with a 5.7-liter displacement. It boasted an output of 300 horsepower at 4600 rpm and a torque of 470 Nm at 4200 rpm, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds and reaching a top speed of 270 km/h. The suspension system consisted of front double transverse hinges with coil springs and a rear multi-element setup, ensuring exceptional handling and performance. Ventilated disc brakes on both the front and rear provided robust stopping power.
The Innotech Mysterro boasted an output of 300 horsepower at 4600 rpm and a torque of 470 Nm at 4200 rpm, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds and reaching a top speed of 270 km/h. (Picture from: GTSupreme)
The Innotech Mysterro made its grand entrance at the Brno Motor Show in June 1995. It was a striking, roofless roadster, capturing the attention and imagination of all who saw it. Although initial plans included an engine upgrade to 400 horsepower and the potential installation of a 6.3-liter Chevrolet V8 or even a 9.6-liter 750-horsepower Falconer V12, these enhancements never materialized. Despite its bold design and impressive specifications, the Mysterro remained a one-off, a prototype that never reached full production.
The interior of the Mysterro was adorned with salmon pink Connolly leather upholstery, Recaro seats, a Momo Corse steering wheel, and a carbon-fiber dashboard, all of which screamed luxury and exclusivity. (Picture from: GTSupreme)
Over the years, the Mysterro has occasionally appeared in auction catalogs, often with a price tag reflecting its rarity and uniqueness. It was once estimated at $150,000, a figure that underscored the car's exclusivity. Although the plan was to create a series of 25 cars aimed at the American and Arab markets, only one was ever confirmed, with some sources suggesting up to five units might have been produced. Yet, the Mysterro’s legacy lies in its singularity and the vision it represented.
The Innotech Mysterro's rear adorned with a deep rear body groove that gave it the quintessential look of a 1990s supercar. (Picture from: CollectingCars)
More than two decades later, Chevrolet introduced the first mid-engined Corvette, the C8. This groundbreaking shift for the iconic sports car echoed the pioneering spirit of Václav Král's Mysterro. Though the Mysterro itself did not spark a production line, its design and concept foreshadowed a significant evolution in automotive engineering, proving that sometimes, the dreams seen in concept cars can indeed inspire future reality. | ogOqS8lD-eI |
The Innotech Mysterro stands as a testament to the power of visionary design and the endless possibilities that concept cars bring to the automotive world. It serves as a reminder that even if a dream car never sees mass production, its influence can still shape the future in unexpected ways. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GTSUPREME | AUTA5P.EU | THETRUTHABOUTCARS | SUPERCARS.NET | COLLECTINGCARS ]
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Forgotten BEAST - The Fiat X1/9 Abarth Prototipo is a sportscar that ignites excitement among automotive enthusiasts. Initally with only five units of the racing car model ever produced, it remains a rare sight. Today, only four are known to exist, with one having vanished over time. The car's story began in 1974 when Bertone and Abarth teamed up to create a sports car designed to dominate rally tracks. They selected Mario Colucci, a seasoned engineer with extensive experience at Abarth, to lead this groundbreaking project intended to replace the 124 Abarth Rally.
This meticulous restoration showcases the 1974 Abarth X1/9 Stradale Prototipo Coupe, completed by a dedicated Abarth collector.(Picture from: r/spotted)
Forgotten ONES - For a moment, let us return to Russia during the Cold War, when the country was better known as the Soviet Union, stretching from Asia to Europe. Despite the common Western narrative influenced by the Soviet propaganda system, which projected an image of high technical capabilities and continuous development, instilling fear across the Western world, the Soviet Union's automotive industry was massive by producing around 2 million cars a year, it ranked as the sixth-largest manufacturer in the world during early 1980s.
The Pangolina 444GT was a unique, wedge-shaped sports car inspired by the Lamborghini Countach, built by Alexander Kulygin during the restrictive Soviet era. (Picture from: Story-Cars)
Back then, in the USSR, few families could afford a car, but that didn't mean there was no interest in them. On the contrary, many artisanal car projects captured people's interest. Immersed in the Cold War, the Soviet Union isolated itself from the West and aligned only with other communist countries. Everything appeared very restricted, but creativity found its way even in such an environment. An engineer from the Russian city of Ujtá, named Alexander Kulygin demonstrated this with his imaginative endeavor, building the only Pangolina 444GT.
Alexander Kulygin behind the wheel of one of the most iconic Soviet sports cars, his creation, the Pangolina 444GT. (Picture from: Story-Cars)
During that era, Soviet vehicles were commonly viewed as outdated in terms of design and technology. Alexander Kulygin challenged this presumption, and aimed for something much more advanced. Inspired by the Lamborghini Countach, he set out to recreate similar inspiring sports cars with a Soviet twist. His talent and imagination ultimately resulted in one of the most iconic Soviet sports cars.
The Pangolina 444GT, featuring a unique dome entry mechanism that lifts upward, was built over three years based on a VAZ/Lada-2101.(Picture from: Auta5p.eu)
The base of his creation was a VAZ-2101 Zhiguli, a licensed copy of the Fiat 124. It might seem daunting to turn a Fiat 124 into something akin to a Lamborghini, but Kulygin embraced the challenge. After three years of dedication, the Pangolina 444GT was ready in 1982. Its fiberglass body and tubular chassis showcased a remarkable design effort, featuring relatively modern lines that exuded a sporty vibe.
Inside of the Pangolina 444GT featuring with a simple dashboard using conventional parts, but the two aviation-inspired seats were comfortable. (Picture from: Story-Cars)
One of the innovative features was the row of four retractable front lights in the hood's center. These lights improved aerodynamics when not in use. The side windows, composed of three sections of glass, and handmade aluminum tires added to the car's unique appearance. Finding suitable sports tires was a challenge, but Kulygin succeeded.
The Pangolina 444GT, powered by a modest 62 hp 1.2-litre four-cylinder Lada engine, was placed just behind the front axle, attached to the dashboard, which had to be lifted for access. (Picture from: Auta5p.eu)
The most striking feature of the Pangolina 444GT was its entry mechanism. Instead of traditional doors, a dome was designed to lift the roof, sides, and windshield. This heavy structure was operated by a hydraulic system. The large windshield provided excellent visibility, and Kulygin developed a unique wiper arm that efficiently cleared 95% of the glass surface.
The
Pangolina 444GT, with its fiberglass body nested on a tubular chassis,
showcased a remarkable design effort, featuring modern lines that exuded
a sporty vibe. (Picture from: Story-Cars)
Under the hood, instead of an engine, there were radiators and the battery due to the hood's wedge shape. The engine was placed just behind the front axle, attached to the dashboard, which had to be lifted for access. This unconventional placement required several innovative solutions for components like the steering and air filter. Two fuel tanks were positioned in front of the rear axle.
A detailed cutaway of the Pangolina 444GT was published in a technical leaflet during the Soviet era, showcasing the incredible achievement of a single individual in designing this car.(Picture from: Auta5p.eu)
With its front-central engine placement, the Pangolina 444GT was one of the few Soviet cars with such a configuration. The 1.2-litre, four-cylinder Lada engine produced a modest 62 hp. While not powerful by Western standards, it was impressive for Soviet roads, allowing the car to reach a top speed of 180 km/h.
During its heyday, the Pangolina 444GT was painted blue and gained fame as a Russian star during its tour in the USSR, even making an appearance in the 1985 film "Секрет 'Лауры' (Laura's Secret).(Picture from: DNA.fr)
The dashboard was simple, using conventional parts, but the two aviation-inspired seats were comfortable. Instead of rear-view mirrors, Kulygin used a periscope for rear visibility right up the the driver-side. The car gained attention in Moscow, featuring in exhibitions, newspapers, and even a film. It made an international appearance at the Expo-85 car exhibition in Bulgaria, where modifications were made for compliance, including additional lights and mirrors.
This is not the second iteration of the Pangolina 444GT, but a reconstruction result after an accident in the mid-1990s, featuring a targa roof, more conventional doors, and a reinforced bottom. (Picture from: Classic And Recreation Sportscar)
Despite the modifications, the Pangolina retained its charm. Kulygin never built a second unit, and he continued using it until an accident in the mid-1990s. The dome was damaged, leading to a reconstruction that included a targa roof, more conventional doors and reinforcement of the car's bottom. The car was repainted red, inspired by Ferrari, but some original charm was lost with modern updates like a new steering wheel, red and black upholstery, and a CD radio with a subwoofer.
The
Pangolina 444GT was repainted red, inspired by Ferrari, but some
original charm was lost with modern updates like a new steering wheel,
red and black upholstery, and a CD radio with a subwoofer. (Picture from: Classic And Recreation Sportscar)
Alexander Kulygin's innovative spirit was recognized, and he joined Russian automaker AZLK in the late 1980s. He emigrated to the United States in the mid-1990s, starting a business developing and selling car kits based on the Pontiac Fiero. Tragically, he died in a traffic accident in 2004. His legacy, the Pangolina 444GT, remains one of the most iconic and remarkable Soviet cars in history. This car stands as a symbol of boundless creativity and ambition that thrived even in the most restrictive environments, reminding us that ingenuity can flourish anywhere.
The reconstructed Pangolina 444GT, now on display at the Museum of Retro Cars in Rogozhsky Val, Moscow, is a testament to human creativity and determination. (Picture from: DepositPhotos)
The story of the Pangolina 444GT, (reportedly now sat on display at the Museum of Retro Cars in Rogozhsky Val, Moscow) is a testament to human creativity and determination. Despite the many restrictions of the time, Kulygin's innovative spirit shone through, creating a car that continues to captivate enthusiasts.
ONE-OFF - Even if you have heard about it before, we are sure that some of you might not be familiar with it. The Italian coachbuilder Pietro Frua created the only four-door Lamborghini in existence in 1978. Known as the Frua Faena, this unique vehicle was built on a reinforced 1974 Espada Series II chassis (nr. 18224). The name Faena is derived from bullfighting; it signifies a series of passes performed by a matador using his sword and cape to demonstrate skill before the bull meets its end.
The Frua Faena, crafted by Italian coachbuilder Pietro Frua in 1978, is the only four-door Lamborghini ever made. (Picture from: OldCarConcept)
Pietro Frua took eight months to craft this four-door Lamborghini, stretching the standard Espada chassis by 178 mm (7 inches) to accommodate rear seats, resulting in a car that measured 4586 mm (18 feet) in length. This modification added 200 kg (440 pounds) to the total weight.
The 1978 Lamborghini Frua was crafted based on an elongated chassis of the 1974 Lamborghini Espada 400GT. (Picture from: Hagerty)
The Frua Faena made its debut at the 57th Salone Internazionale dell’Automobile in Turin during the spring of 1978, and evoked a range of reactions. Some visitors were captivated by its design, while others were less impressed. However, automotive journalist Max Stoop noted, "Frua managed once more to put a four-door, elongated Berlina on a Gran Turismo chassis and to equip it with four comfortable seats without compromising the car's shape."
The Frua Faena measured 4586 mm (18 feet) in length, with the modifications adding 200 kg (440 pounds) to its total weight. (Picture from: OldCarConcept)
It was shown again to the public at the 1980 Geneva Auto Show. The car's front lines were clean, featuring large headlights in twin pop-up units, but the rear design was less appealing, despite including a sliding sunroof. This feature contrasted with the unusual glass panel found on a specific Espada model.
The Frua Faena made its debut at the 57th Salone Internazionale dell’Automobile in Turin during the spring of 1978, and evoked a range of reactions. (Picture from: OldCarConcept)
Despite being described as a four-door coupé, the Faena had many characteristics of a shooting-brake, or estate car. Like the Espada, its hatchback cargo compartment was open to the rear seat passengers. Unfortunately, the Frua Faena was not a commercial success. Although it was expertly built, Frua's hope for limited production did not materialize, making this show car the only one ever produced.
Although described as a four-door coupé, the Faena had many characteristics of a shooting-brake or estate car. (Picture from: OldCarConcept)
After the Geneva Auto Show, the Faena was sold to Lambo-Motor AG in Basel, which then sold it to a German collector. This collector still owns the car, although it remains registered in Switzerland. In 1996, the Faena was displayed at the Pullicino Classics in London, where it was admired in very good condition despite not being restored.
The Frua Faena's hatchback cargo compartment was open to the rear seat passengers. (Picture from: OldCarConcept)
The story of the Frua Faena is a testament to the innovative spirit and craftsmanship of Pietro Frua. It stands as a unique piece of automotive history, embodying the creativity and ambition of its creator. While it never saw mass production, the Faena remains a fascinating chapter in Lamborghini's storied legacy, a reminder of what can be achieved when vision and skill converge. | 8cppoBl6FrM |
For those lucky enough to see it in person, the Frua Faena is a striking example of automotive artistry, an enduring symbol of a bygone era in car design. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | PIETRO-FRUA.DE | OLDCONCEPTCARS | MYCARQUEST | LAMBOCARS | CARSTYLING.RU ]
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Throughout automotive history, the Citroën Karin stands as a symbol of an era that celebrated innovation and creativity. Its sharp lines and unconventional features continue to captivate enthusiasts and designers alike, reminding us of a time when the possibilities in car design seemed limitless. A similar spirit was seen in the 1993 Stealth Tech 1, built by a privateer, which also embraced bold and futuristic concepts with its unique and unconventional design. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GQMAGAZINE | AUTOWEEK | TOPGEAR | CARNEWSDESIGN ]
