Fiat Abarth 2000 Sport Spider SE010: Iconic Racer of the 1960s

Racing Masterpiece - The late 1960s were a golden era for motorsports, a time when manufacturers pushed the boundaries of engineering, design, and performance. Among the fierce competitors on the track and the hill climbs, Abarth stood out as a force to be reckoned with. Known for transforming Fiat’s mass-produced models into race-winning machines, the Italian company had already carved out a reputation for excellence. However, Abarth didn’t stop at modifying existing cars. It also developed pure racing prototypes that showcased the pinnacle of its technological prowess. One of the most remarkable results of this pursuit was the Fiat Abarth 2000 Sport Spider SE010.

The Fiat Abarth 2000 Sport Spider SE010, which brought many glorys in the late '60s, has been passed down among fans as Abarth's masterpiece racing machine. (Picture from: 200 Mph Club on Facebook)

This machine was the culmination of years of Abarth’s expertise in building lightweight, high-performance racers. Starting with the 750GT Double Bubble, which retained many components from Fiat models, Abarth quickly evolved its designs to create more sophisticated racing cars. The introduction of steel tube space frames allowed for greater flexibility in construction, leading to models like the 750 Spider Tuvolare and the 1450 Spider Sport. Each iteration demonstrated increasing performance, setting the stage for what would become one of Abarth’s most celebrated race cars.

The rear view of the Fiat Abarth 2000 Sport Spider showcases its '60s-inspired curves, with the exposed engine revealing its rear-engine layout. (Picture from: Abarth.jp)

Released in 1968, the Fiat Abarth 2000 Sport Spider SE010 embodied everything the brand stood for. This car was built with a partially FRP-reinforced steel tube frame, reducing its weight to just 47 kg. Under the hood, or more accurately, at the rear, sat a finely tuned 1,946cc water-cooled inline 4-cylinder DOHC engine. Borrowing from the OT2000 but further refined, this power unit produced a stunning 250 horsepower at 8,000 rpm. Unlike many competitors who adopted a mid-engine layout, Carlo Abarth insisted on a rear-engine configuration, a decision that defined the car’s driving characteristics.

The cockpit of the Fiat Abarth 2000 Sport Spider featured the Leb Kanter in front of the driver, with water temperature, oil temperature, and hydraulic gauges positioned on both sides. (Picture from: Abarth.jp)

Visually, the 2000 Sport Spider was ahead of its time. It embraced the wedge-shaped design that would dominate the 1970s, balancing aerodynamic efficiency with aggressive styling. While retaining the smooth curves of the previous decade, it incorporated large windows, in line with race regulations. One of its most striking features was the four-headlight setup, which earned it the nickname "Quattro Fari" in Italy. The car also sported a bold Abarth logo on the nose intake, ensuring that it was instantly recognizable on the track.

The 1,946cc water-cooled inline four-cylinder DOHC engine, derived from the OT2000, produced a maximum output of 250 HP at 8,000 rpm. (Picture from: Abarth.jp)

Cooling was a critical aspect of the car’s design, with a radiator positioned at the front and an oil cooler placed beside the driver. Early models featured fully enclosed rear wheels, but from 1969 onwards, the design was revised. The rear cowl was altered to expose the back of the tires, giving the car a more aggressive and modern look—reminiscent of legendary endurance racers like the Ferrari 512M and Porsche 917K.

When the Fiat Abarth 2000 Sport Spider SE010 made its debut at the Ampuis Hill Climb in France in April 1968, it didn’t just participate—it dominated. Hill climbing was a major motorsport discipline in Europe at the time, and Abarth proved its engineering mastery by securing victories one after another. However, this was no one-trick pony. The car also excelled on the circuit, triumphing at the Gran Premio di Mugello, where it defeated formidable rivals such as the Porsche 908 and Alfa Romeo Tipo 33. Its success continued at Imola, where it clinched victory in its class in the 500km endurance race.

The Fiat Abarth 2000 Sport Spider SE010, recently restored by Abarth Classiche, features meticulously preserved details. (Picture from: Abarth.jp)

The story of the 2000 Sport Spider didn’t end there. In 1969, the SE010 model was further refined, influenced by aerodynamic innovations seen in the Lotus Type 56 gas turbine cars that competed at Indianapolis. Abarth’s chief engineer, Mario Colucci, had long advocated for a central engine placement, but his vision clashed with Carlo Abarth’s preference for an outboard rear-engine layout. Ultimately, Abarth’s philosophy prevailed, leading to the creation of the 2000 SE014, the first in Abarth’s ‘Cuneo’ series of wedge-shaped sports cars.

The Fiat Abarth 2000 Sport Spider Series 2, produced since 1969, featured a modern design with the rear tires exposed. (Picture from: Abarth.jp)

At least 50 units of the SE010 were produced, each showcasing meticulous craftsmanship. The bodywork was handcrafted at Abarth’s Corso Marche factory by expert artisan Giuseppe Manera, ensuring that each car was as much a piece of art as it was a racing machine. Weighing just 560 kg (1,235 lbs), the 2000 Sport Spider was a formidable competitor, often piloted by specialist hill climb driver Edoardo Lualdi Gabardi.

Few race cars manage to encapsulate the spirit of their manufacturer as perfectly as the Fiat Abarth 2000 Sport Spider SE010. It was a machine built with an unrelenting drive for performance, utilizing lightweight construction, aerodynamic ingenuity, and raw power to achieve dominance on both hills and circuits. Today, it remains one of Abarth’s most celebrated racing cars, a testament to the brand’s dedication to speed and innovation. Decades later, this masterpiece continues to be admired, its legacy preserved as one of the finest examples of Abarth’s golden era. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ABARTH.JP | 200MPH CLUB ON FACEBOOK | LETOCAR ]

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Ford Fairlane GT: The Muscle Car Everyone Forgot

Sleeper Royalty - Back in the heyday of American muscle, when car commercials were loud, chrome was king, and gas was cheaper than soda, the streets were a rolling battlefield of horsepower. Names like Mustang, Camaro, and GTO roared into pop culture with flair, smoke, and a whole lot of swagger. But beneath the surface of that flashy horsepower war, something a bit more subtle was brewing in Ford’s own backyard—a machine that didn’t shout, but absolutely howled when provoked.

The Ford Fairlane GT struck a perfect balance between muscle and maturity, wearing clean Coke-bottle lines with just enough flair to show it meant business. (Picture from: GAAClassicCars)

Enter the Ford Fairlane GT—a 1966 produced muscle car that never got the rockstar treatment, but absolutely had the chops to steal the spotlight. At a glance, it looked mature, almost like the kind of car your uncle with a good job and no patience for nonsense would drive. But under the hood? It was a street brawler in a business suit.

The Ford Fairlane GT was produced as an alternative aimed at capturing a share of the growing midsize muscle market—offering more size, more torque, and enough room for both your ego and your friends. (Picture from: GAAClassicCars)

The Fairlane name had been floating around Ford’s lineup since the '50s, but by the mid-60s, the company decided to give it a bit of a mean streak. With the Mustang dominating headlines, Ford aimed to carve out a slice of the growing midsize muscle market—something bigger, with more torque, and enough room to bring your ego and your friends along for the ride. The result was a sharp and confident machine that wasn’t interested in showing off—it was built to perform.

The Ford Fairlane GT, with its fake hood vents, subtle GT badging, and optional Magnum 500 wheels, delivered character without resorting to theatrics. (Picture from: GAAClassicCars)

Powered by a standard 390-cubic-inch V8, the Fairlane GT delivered 335 horsepower and a gut-punching 427 lb-ft of torque. Paired with the Toploader 4-speed manual gearbox, it wasn’t just about going fast—it was about doing it with grit and control. This was a car that could clock quarter-mile times in the low 14s, making it quicker than many of the more famous names it shared the road with. It didn’t need neon stripes or exaggerated spoilers; it let its numbers do the talking.

The Ford Fairlane GT featured with refinement—bucket seats, a center console, and classy woodgrain touches made it feel more executive than outlaw. (Picture from: GAAClassicCars)

Ford also offered a GT/A variant for those who preferred cruising to clutching. It came with an automatic transmission, but still packed enough heat to make a statement at any red light. And for the absolute power-hungry daredevils, the ultra-rare Fairlane 427 came into the picture—basically Ford’s way of saying, “Yes, we can make a dragster you can legally drive to the grocery store.” With a 425+ horsepower dual-quad 427 FE under the hood, this car wasn’t just a performer—it was a warning to anything lined up next to it at a stoplight.

The Ford Fairlane GT, powered by a standard 390-cubic-inch V8, paired with the Toploader 4-speed manual gearbox, delivered 335 horsepower and a staggering 427 lb-ft of torque. (Picture from: GAAClassicCars)

Design-wise, the Fairlane GT struck a perfect balance between muscle and maturity. It wore clean, Coke-bottle lines with just enough flair to remind you it wasn’t here to play nice. Fake hood vents, subtle GT badging, and optional Magnum 500 wheels gave it character without resorting to costume. Inside, it surprised with refinement—bucket seats, a center console, and classy woodgrain touches made it feel more executive than outlaw. It was clear Ford wasn’t just building a car for drag strips—they were crafting a machine for drivers who appreciated performance with polish.

The Ford Fairlane GT stands apart even today for its strong sense of identity, never trying to be the loudest, fastest, or flashiest. (Picture from: GAAClassicCars)

What really sets the Fairlane GT apart, even now, is its sense of identity. It wasn’t trying to be the loudest, fastest, or flashiest. It was confident in its capabilities and content to let others chase trends. It catered to grown-up gearheads—those who didn’t need attention, just acceleration. And in an era where so many muscle cars were all about shouting, the Fairlane GT whispered... right before it launched off the line and left everyone else coughing in its wake.

 

Even its DNA tells the story of quiet excellence. Ford used Fairlane platforms in early NASCAR and NHRA competitions, so by the time the GT rolled out, it was already carrying performance pedigree in its bones. It didn’t need to prove anything—it just needed a good stretch of asphalt and a reason to run.

The Ford Fairlane GT was confident in its capabilities and content to let others chase trends, catering to grown-up gearheads who didn’t need attention but craved acceleration. (Picture from: GAAClassicCars)

Today, surviving Fairlane GTs are harder to spot, which somehow makes them even cooler. They’re rare, valuable, and still underappreciated by mainstream collectors—making them a sweet spot for those who know their muscle history. And while others pour six figures into better-known classics, Fairlane owners just smile, knowing they’ve got something just as capable, wrapped in a body that doesn’t scream, but absolutely means business. | PlQKexzpZt0 |

So while the world chases legends, the Ford Fairlane GT sits in the shadows—idling, ready, and totally unbothered. It’s the kind of car that doesn’t need validation. It knows exactly what it is: a muscle car for grown-ups, a powerhouse in disguise, and one of the coolest secrets the '60s ever whispered down the drag strip. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TORK.BUZZ | ROLLING ART ON FACEBOOK | GAACLASSICCARS | MOTORTREND | WIKIPEDIA ]

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Stanguellini Anita: The Forgotten Italian Supercar with 800 Ponies Fury

Flash Phantom - In a world where electric scooters can outpace your Wi-Fi connection and autonomous cars now park themselves better than your cousin Dave ever could, there's something oddly charming—no, electrifying—about a supercar that says, “Forget your tech, I’m here to blow your socks off.” Enter the Stanguellini Anita by Viotti, a name that sounds more like a glamorous opera singer than a 400+ km/h beast—but make no mistake, this car can sing... at 800 horsepower.

The Stanguellini Anita by Viotti wasn’t just a car; it was an Italian love letter written in carbon fiber and speed. (Picture from: ObscureSupercar on X)

Back in 2016, when Pokémon Go was peaking and people were walking into fountains trying to catch Pikachu, the revived Carrozzeria Viotti decided to gift the world something far rarer than a shiny Charizard: a supercar that looked like it time-traveled straight out of a vintage dream but roared with the lungs of a modern monster. Stanguellini Anita by Viotti wasn’t just a car; it was an Italian love letter written in carbon fiber and speed. | gtVQrf4_swQ |

Viotti, for the uninitiated, was a Turin-based coachbuilder with roots deep in the golden age of car design. The name had gone quiet for years until its brief renaissance in the 2010s, first with the Willys AW380, and then with their pièce de résistance: the Anita. Unveiled at the Supercar Roma Auto Show, the Anita wasn't just another rich guy’s garage trophy. It was a tribute—dedicated to Stanguellini, another legendary Italian name—created to mark Viotti's 95th anniversary in breathtaking, rubber-burning fashion.

The Stanguellini Anita by Viotti was showcased alongside its sibling, the 2015 Willys AW 380 Berlineta, during its debut at the 2016 Supercar Roma Auto Show. (Picture from: Stanguellini)

It took a year and a half of obsessive craftsmanship to bring Anita to life, and boy, she made a dramatic entrance. With a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine tucked under her classically curvy hood, the Anita boasted an output of 800 horsepower. That’s the kind of power that makes you question your hairline and scream “mamma mia!” even if you’ve never been to Italy. Zero to 100 km/h in under 2.8 seconds? Top speed of over 400 km/h? This wasn’t just fast. This was fast with flair—like Sophia Loren sprinting in stilettos.

The Stanguellini Anita by Viotti was a tribute—dedicated to Stanguellini, another legendary Italian name—created to mark Viotti's 95th anniversary in breathtaking, rubber-burning fashion. (Picture from: Stanguellini)

Only 49 of these rolling sculptures were promised to exist, priced at €1.5 million each. That’s roughly the cost of a small island... or a large wedding... or approximately three avocados a day in a big city for 90 years. But exclusivity was the whole point. Anita wasn’t for the masses. She was for the collectors, the dreamers, the kind of people who don’t ask for the price tag because they already own a private racetrack.

The Stanguellini Anita by Viotti was a masterclass in aerodynamic design, blending wind-sculpted lines with retro charm and raw efficiency. (Picture from: ObscureSupercar on X)

The design itself was a masterclass in aerodynamic poetry. With dramatic, flowing lines that looked like they were sculpted by the wind itself, the Anita combined retro charm with brutal efficiency. The V-shaped tail lights were more than just a nod to the Stanguellini-Viotti name; they were a mic-drop. Carbon-ceramic brakes, Formula 1-inspired push-rod suspension, and a stance that made it look ready to pounce even when parked—every detail was dialed in for performance and presence.

The Stanguellini Anita by Viotti featured V-shaped tail lights as a bold tribute to its name, backed by carbon-ceramic brakes, Formula 1-style push-rod suspension, and a poised stance that radiated performance even at a standstill. (Picture from: ObscureSupercar on X)

And yet, for all her drama, the Anita never left the concept stage. After the hype, the lights dimmed. Viotti, as a company, quietly dissolved, and left the Staguellini Anita remained a magnificent “what if” in automotive history. But maybe that’s part of her magic. Like a great one-hit wonder or the perfect espresso shot, she existed briefly, burned brightly, and left everyone wishing for more. | d7hbOEuETvY |

Today, the Stanguellini Anita by Viotti stands not just as a dream supercar, but as a symbol—a wild, wonderful, and weirdly romantic reminder that sometimes, passion drives faster than practicality. And honestly, who wouldn’t want a little more of that in their rearview mirror? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | STANGUELLINI | MOTORI.FANPAGE.IT | YOUMEDIA.FANPAGE.IT | OBSCURESUPERCAR ON X ]

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The Porsche 906 Carrera 6: A Timeless Racing Masterpiece

Engineering Elegance - The world of automotive engineering is marked by remarkable innovations, groundbreaking designs, and an unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance. In this ever-evolving landscape, few names resonate as strongly as Porsche. Known for its relentless pursuit of excellence, Porsche has produced some of the most iconic vehicles in the history of motorsport. Among them, the Porsche 906 Carrera 6 stands out as a masterpiece, embodying precision, ingenuity, and a relentless drive to dominate the racetrack.

The Porsche 906 Carrera 6 stands out as a masterpiece, embodying precision, ingenuity, and a relentless drive to dominate the racetrack. (Picture from: AutoMoto.id)

The genesis of the Porsche 906 is a tale of ambition and necessity. Introduced in 1966, the 906 Carrera 6 was conceived as a homologation special, meeting the requirements of the FIA’s Group 4 Sports Car category. To qualify, Porsche needed to produce at least 50 road-legal cars with two seats and full functionality. This was no ordinary engineering challenge; it required a meticulous balance between roadworthiness and race-winning performance. In total, only 65 units were built, making the 906 a rare gem in Porsche's illustrious portfolio.

The Porsche 906 Carrera 6 (in pictured owned by Josef “Sepp” Greger) was conceived as a homologation special, meeting the requirements of the FIA’s Group 4 Sports Car category. (Picture from: AutoMoto.id)

At the heart of the Porsche 906 was a modified version of the 2.0-liter flat-six engine, a derivation of the powerplant found in the Porsche 911 R. This engine, a marvel of engineering for its time, featured a magnesium crankcase, titanium connecting rods, and a forged steel crankshaft. These refinements pushed the engine's output to an impressive 210 bhp at 8,000 rpm. When paired with the car's featherweight construction—tipping the scales at just 580 kg (1,280 lbs)—it enabled the 906 to reach speeds exceeding 280 km/h (174 mph), a formidable feat for a 2.0-liter engine.

The Porsche 906 Carrera 6 featured a sleek, wind tunnel-tested fiberglass body, optimizing aerodynamics to minimize drag and maximize efficiency for a competitive edge. (Picture from: AutoMoto.id)

One of the defining aspects of the 906 was its advanced chassis and bodywork. The car utilized a new tubular steel spaceframe chassis, a significant improvement over its predecessor, the Porsche 904. This design was not only stiffer but also lighter, enhancing the car's handling and performance. To complement this, the 906 featured a sleek, wind tunnel-tested fiberglass body. This aerodynamic design minimized drag and maximized efficiency at high speeds, giving the car a competitive edge on the racetrack.

The Porsche 906 Carrera 6 utilized a new tubular steel spaceframe chassis, a significant improvement over its predecessor, the Porsche 904. (Picture from: AutoMoto.id)

The debut of the Porsche 906 was nothing short of spectacular. At its first race, the 1966 24 Hours of Daytona, the 906 secured a class victory, besting its rival, the Ferrari Dino 206 P. This triumph set the stage for a series of successes that year, including an outright win at the Targa Florio and class victories at iconic events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 12 Hours of Sebring, and the Nürburgring 1000 km. These achievements solidified the 906's reputation as one of the most dominant 2.0-liter class racing cars of its era.

The Porsche 906 Carrera 6 powered by a modified version of the 2.0-liter flat-six engine, a derivation of the powerplant found in the Porsche 911 R. (Picture from: AutoMoto.id)

Beyond its technical brilliance, the Porsche 906 became a symbol of craftsmanship and dedication. Each car was a testament to Porsche's commitment to innovation and its deep understanding of motorsport. This dedication extended to the restoration of surviving models, such as the 1966 Porsche 906 Carrera 6 delivered to Josef “Sepp” Greger, a celebrated racer and Porsche enthusiast, piloted the car to numerous victories, including the 1966 European 2-Litre Hillclimb Championship and the 1968 European Mountain Championship. Over its storied racing career, this particular 906 competed in nearly 80 events, amassing an unparalleled record of class wins.

The Porsche 906 holds enduring appeal not only for its racing pedigree but also for its rarity and striking beauty. (Picture from: AutoMoto.id)

The enduring appeal of the Porsche 906 lies not only in its racing pedigree but also in its rarity and beauty. Surviving examples are highly coveted by collectors, often commanding staggering prices at auctions. One such model, meticulously restored by Porsche race car specialist Kevin Jeanette, was sold by RM Sotheby’s for $2,205,000—a fitting tribute to its legacy.

The Porsche 906 Carrera 6 represents more than just a car; it is a celebration of engineering excellence, a reflection of Porsche’s indomitable spirit, and a reminder of the golden age of motorsport. Its journey from the drawing board to the racetrack and into the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide continues to inspire, affirming its place as a true icon in automotive history. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTORSPORTRETRO | RMSOTHESBYS | MUSEUM.REVSINSTITUTE.ORG ]

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Deep Sanderson 301: Compact Build, Powerful Performance

Forgotten Icons - In the early 1960s, the world of sports cars was a landscape defined by raw power and large, aggressive designs. Size and engine placement were considered cornerstones of performance, with most sports cars housing massive engines in the front. However, the debut of a peculiar, compact race car at London’s Olympia Racing Car Show in December 1961 began to change this perception. The Deep Sanderson 301, designed by British engineer and racer Chris Lawrence, defied convention with its miniature frame, unusual engine placement, and lightweight construction, signaling a new era in automotive design.

The one-off Deep Sanderson 301 Prototype made its debut at London’s Olympia Racing Car Show in December 1961. (Picture from: Banovsky)

The SL73 Quicksilver: Brunei’s Custom V12 Roadster by Pininfarina

Royal Obsession - In the world of exotic cars and royal indulgence, few stories are as fascinating as the quiet intersection of cutting-edge design and opulent exclusivity. Imagine a car that’s not just rare, but nearly mythical—a one-off masterpiece born from the creative genius of Pininfarina and built exclusively for one of the most extravagant car collectors in history. That car is the Royal Family of Brunei’s Mercedes Benz SL73 "Quicksilver", a bespoke automotive marvel that remains shrouded in mystery, luxury, and performance.

In 1996, His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei commissioned Pininfarina to recreate the Argento Vivo using a different platform, yet replicating the original Honda concept exactly, including the materials. (Picture from: PublicFotki)

To understand how this special roadster came into existence, we have to trace its roots back to the Argento Vivo—a stunning concept car born from a collaboration between Honda and the legendary Italian design house, Pininfarina. The Argento Vivo turned heads in the mid-1990s with its sleek curves, minimalist elegance, and futuristic presence. But while the concept was merely a design exercise for most, it became something more in the eyes of His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei. Intrigued by its style but not bound to Honda’s engineering, the Sultan envisioned a version of this car tailored to his own high standards. 

Some say that Pininfarina built as many as five or six units of the Mercedes-Benz SL73 Argento Vivo for the Royal Family of Brunei. (Picture from: BenzWorld)

Instead of using the original Honda platform, he chose something more powerful and prestigious: the Mercedes-Benz R129 SL600. Already a rare and respected grand tourer in its own right, the SL600 served as the perfect base for what would become a completely reimagined machine. Pininfarina, known for shaping some of the most beautiful cars ever made, took this German chassis and transformed it into a near-exact replica of the Argento Vivo’s design. Every detail—from the fluid body lines to the advanced material choices—was preserved, blending Italian artistry with German engineering.

His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei’s Argento Vivo was built by Pininfarina on a brand-new Mercedes SL600 chassis. (Picture from: ClassicDriver)

What set the Brunei version apart, beyond its exclusive styling, was what lay under the hood. The car was fitted with a monstrous 7.3-liter M120 E73 V12 engine, the same powerplant found in the ultra-rare AMG SL73. This engine wasn’t just powerful—it was a beast. Delivering between 525 and 565 horsepower and a staggering 553 lb-ft of torque, it launched this roadster from 0 to 60 mph in just about 4.0 seconds, putting it in the same league as legends like the Lamborghini Diablo and Ferrari F40. And with a top speed surpassing 174 mph, the car was more than just a pretty face. 

His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei’s Argento Vivo is powered by a 7.3-liter M120 E73 V12 engine, also used in the AMG Mercedes-Benz SL73. (Picture from: BenzWorld)

Despite its raw capabilities, what makes the Quicksilver even more intriguing is how little is known about it. Like much of the Sultan’s private collection, these cars live in a veil of secrecy. Only a handful—five or six at most—are believed to have been made. Four were reportedly built exclusively for the Royal Family of Brunei.

The Argento Vivo of the Royal Family of Brunei was significantly larger than the original Honda concept, yet could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in around 4.0 seconds and reach a top speed of over 174 mph. (Picture from: Supercars.net)

Today, it's said that at least two remain in their possession, while whispers suggest another one found its way to Monaco. There's even talk of a second, unfinished Honda-based concept that was eventually completed and now resides in the same European playground of the rich and famous.

The story of the SL73 Quicksilver isn't just about horsepower or head-turning design. It’s about the rare magic that happens when limitless resources meet unrestrained imagination. It's about a king’s vision turned into reality by one of the world’s finest design houses. And most of all, it’s about a car so rare and so exquisitely crafted that it seems to exist outside the ordinary timelines of automotive history—seen by few, remembered by fewer, and admired by all who know its name. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HOTCARS | TOPSPEED | BENZWORLD | CLASSICDRIVER | MOTOR1 | CARSTYLING.RU | SUPERCARS.NET ]

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From Engines to Icons: Yamaha’s Impact on Toyota and Global Cars

Engine Alchemy - When we talk about legends in the world of automobiles, our minds usually jump straight to names that have shaped streets and circuits alike. But what happens when two titans from different ends of Japan’s industrial spectrum—one with roots in motorcycles and music, the other in mass-market automobiles—join forces? You get a collection of vehicles so unique, they feel like secret treasures only true enthusiasts know about. That’s the kind of collaboration Yamaha and Toyota have nurtured over the years—quiet, consistent, and surprisingly impactful.

The legendary 1967 Toyota 2000GT or 'Japanese E-Type' turn out using Yamaha engine. (Picture from: Hemmings)

Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Passo Corto: The Soul of 1960s Road Racing

Mechanical Poetry - In a world where cars often blend into one another with similar shapes, colors, and even personalities, there exists a rare breed of automotive masterpieces that defy time and repetition. These aren’t just machines built for motion—they are moving works of art, crafted with passion, and born with a soul. Among the few that have earned a permanent place in the hearts of enthusiasts, collectors, and racers alike, one name stands out not only for its pedigree but for the emotions it stirs every time its engine roars to life: the Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Passo Corto.

The Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Passo Corto, first unveiled at the 1959 Paris Salon, marked the beginning of a new chapter in Ferrari’s road-racing legacy. (Picture from: F1rstMotor)

Unveiled to the public at the 1959 Paris Salon, the Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Passo Corto—better known as the SWB (Short Wheelbase)—was more than just a stunning debut. It marked the start of a new chapter in Ferrari’s road-racing legacy. This wasn’t a car that needed a second chance to impress. With just a few tweaks like colder spark plugs, racing tires, and a roll-bar, it could leap from the showroom floor straight onto the racetrack and hold its own with ease. In fact, it wasn’t unusual to see these very cars battle it out for podium finishes at weekend races, only to be driven home again afterward.

The Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Passo Corto was designed by the legendary Pininfarina, with bodywork masterfully executed by Scaglietti in Modena. (Picture from: F1rstMotor)

At the heart of the Berlinetta Passo Corto beats a glorious 3.0-liter V12 engine that delivers 280 horsepower. While that number might not seem extraordinary by today’s standards, it’s essential to remember the context: a feather-light frame weighing just 960 kilograms and a chassis built with surgical precision. The result? A car capable of reaching a top speed of 268 km/h and doing it with an elegance and control that few modern machines can replicate.

The Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Passo Corto was initially sculpted entirely in aluminum for optimal performance, though later versions reserved the lightweight material for competition models while standard models used steel bodies that preserved the same breathtaking curves and proportions. (Picture from: Ferrari)

Ferrari entrusted the design of this iconic model to the legendary Pininfarina, while the bodywork was masterfully executed by Scaglietti in Modena. Early versions were sculpted entirely in aluminum, emphasizing performance and weight-saving for racing purposes. Over time, aluminum was reserved mainly for competition models, while others retained their allure with steel bodies, still retaining the same breathtaking curves and proportions.

The Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Passo Corto offers a uniquely refined driving experience with its white upholstery, classic three-spoke steering wheel, and clean, minimalist dashboard. (Picture from: DKEng)

The chassis itself was a marvel of its time. Based on a 2400 mm wheelbase—hence the “Passo Corto” designation—it featured a familiar yet refined construction of twin oval-section longitudinal members with robust cross-bracing. Suspension came in the form of independent coil springs and wishbones at the front, while the rear relied on a solid axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs and radius arms. The ride was balanced and responsive, giving the car a unique dual personality: a fierce competitor on the track and a refined tourer on the open road.

The Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Passo Corto is powered by a glorious 3.0-liter V12 engine that delivers an impressive 280 horsepower. (Picture from: DKEng)

By 1960, the Berlinetta had evolved into an even more focused version. The quarter window behind the door was removed, giving the car a cleaner, more aggressive profile. Ferrari’s engineers further refined the chassis, especially for the ’61 competition models, using lighter gauge tubing for improved agility. This attention to detail wasn’t just about performance—it was about maintaining Ferrari’s philosophy that form and function must exist in harmony.

The Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Passo Corto evolved into a more focused version by 1960, with the removal of the quarter window behind the door creating a cleaner, more aggressive profile. (Picture from: Sale.Nutytrhg.cfd)

Comparisons have often been drawn between the Pininfarina-designed Berlinetta and the more radical Bertone-bodied 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Speciale. While both share the same DNA and performance ambition, the Passo Corto is the more restrained, pure expression of Ferrari’s road-racing intent. It doesn’t scream for attention—it commands it, with timeless design, a thunderous V12, and a silhouette that could make any car lover pause mid-sentence.

The 1961 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Passo Corto Competizione featured a further refined chassis, as Ferrari’s engineers employed lighter gauge tubing to reduce weight and enhance agility, making it even more competitive on the track. (Picture from: Pinterest)

Over the years, the 250 GT Berlinetta Passo Corto has become more than a vintage Ferrari—it has become a symbol of the brand’s golden era. It represents a time when craftsmanship, engineering, and design were pushed to their limits not by computers or wind tunnels, but by visionaries who understood that a great car is not just about speed—it’s about soul. | xUdJqxm9eLw | yNqmTtKU04Y |

Today, as the automotive world races toward electric futures and digital dashboards, the SWB stands proudly as a reminder of how beautiful and thrilling simplicity can be. It’s not just remembered—it’s revered. And for anyone lucky enough to witness one in motion, the feeling is unforgettable. *** [EKA  FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FERRARI | RETROMANIA4EVER ON X | F1RSTMOTOR | AUTOEXQUIS | WIKIPEDIA | MOTO VITELLONI IN FACEBOOK | DKENG.CO.UK ]

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