Weird ONES Sedan has been known as a classy, elegant vehicle, and is used to transport officials or dignitaries. But you know, that the largest sedan in the world is actually used to pull the plane (strange isn't it?)
The Soviet aircraft tug MAZ-541 was known as was the largest sedan ever built with a weight over 3,5 ton, and powered by a 38.8 litres, 12 cylinder 300hp D-12A diesel engine. (Picture from: Wikiwand)
In the mid-1950s, when aircraft evolved into large jet aircraft and where the airport had to find a larger vehicle to pull the plane. And in Russia (the Soviet Union at the time) offered one of the most curiously revolutionary solutions ie making sedan-shaped cranes with large bodies and machines outside the tank.
Yes, these weird sedan is the MAZ-541, that made by the Minski Autamabilny Zavod (Minsk Automobile Plant). This car is only produced as many as three units and was first launched in 1956. In some articles indicate that the car manufacturer has produced 13 units, but other sources claim that 10 other cars have been planned to be produced but never implemented.
A Soviet sedan-shaped tow truck called MAZ-541 with a TU-144 supersonic plane or Soviet Concorde. (Picture from: Wikiwand)
With a box-shaped body, it seems to be tailored to its function as an aircraft tow truck. With this function, the car has two drivers, just like a train that has two engineers to facilitate the operation of the car at the airport.
A Soviet MAZ-541 tow truck on action at Sheremetyevo International Airport. (Picture from: Flickr)
But for a tow truck class, driving style and features installed on this car was more surprising. Yes, seen on the sedan-shaped tow truck has a wide body, there are chrome features in some parts, and a stylish grille shape. These MAZ-541 uses a Soviet-made T-34 liquid-cooled V12 diesel engine that has capacity of 3,888 liter. The machine is capable of supplying the power for MAZ-541 up to 500 horsepower assisted by a five-speed transmission with three forward gears and two gears for retreat.
MAZ-541 sedan-shaped tow truck appearance from front, side and back. (Picture from: Devianart)
On some articles explain that these car is used to serve at Sheremetyevo International Airport located near Moscow, which became one of the Soviet way to boast these weirdo vehicle, especially to the foreigners who visited Russia at that time. So, it is quite possible that the stylish appearance (in quotation marks) is deliberately made.
This car is clearly shown in a promotional footage of the TU-144 supersonic plane, also known as Soviet's concorde. As time goes by and as the aircraft continued to be grown (its size and weight), then in the 1970s those three sedan-shaped tow trucks were no longer in use.
The MAZ-541 may be the largest, powerful, and arguably charming design and weird as well that the Soviets once made. Did you know, until now the MAZ-541 still holds the title as the world's biggest (and weirdest) sedan ever made. *** [EKA [04052018] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DEVIANART | ]
The Blind's HOPES Maybe many of us have ever watched many science-fiction movies such 'Star Wars: The Old Republic' that feature individuals who use technologically advanced implants in the head that are connected to the sense of sight so that they can provide above average vision capability to the user. Thank God maybe not far from now this kind of technology soon become a reality, thanks to the brain implant technology researches carried out by scientists from around the world nearly have the positive results.
The man featured in the 'Star Wars: The Old Republic' movie whose use technologically advanced implants in the head that are connected to the sense of sight so that they can provide above average vision capability to the user. (Picture from: Starwars.Fandom)
One of such as researches carried out by Russian scientists at the ‘Sensor-Tekh’ laboratory and the Foundation For the Support of the Deaf and Blind - ‘So-edinenie’ to develop the first neural brain implant technology that can provide vision for those who have lost their sense of sight or those who are born blind called ELVIS. Indeed, the name accompanies this advanced technology heard so unique, and immediately remind us of the King of Rock'n Roll, Elvis Presley. Giving such name to this device has nothing to do with the famous American artist, but is an acronym for ELectronic VISion.
The Russian scientists at the 'Sensor-Tekh' laboratory and the Foundation For The Support of the Deaf and Blind-'So-edinenie' developed a neural brain implant called ELVIS that could provide vision to people who have lost sight. (Picture from: RussiaBeyond)
While if we've seen from its shape, this tool looks like one of the head devices in the 'Cyberpunk 2077' video game that can provide additional capabilities for its users. As quoted of Russia Beyond, this advanced device has been presented at the Skolkovo Innovation Center, Moscow around June 2021 ago.
The ELVIS technology could be worked after the doctor managed to implant the device into the cerebral cortex or the part of the brain functioned as a sensory information center and decision-making region for motoric output. (Picture from: RussiaBeyond)
Not known yet the results. If it's according to plan, then the technology will be implemented on blind people around the world to get vision starting in 2027. It could be one proof that such a kind of the science fiction devices also able to realize into the real world. As quoted of the Russia Beyond, the ELVIS technology could be worked after the doctor managed to implant the device into the cerebral cortex or the part of the brain functioned as a sensory information center and decision-making region for motoric output.
The ELVIS implant device works by using electrodes as a connector to the brain parts that function to control the vision. (Picture from: RussiaBeyond)
According to researchers of the Sensor-Tech Laboratory related how the ELVIS implant device works by using electrodes as a connector to the brain parts that function to control the vision. Later, the patients for several months will be given a headband equipped with a camera that can send images directly to the brain not through the eyes. Furthermore, this Russian-made brain implant is said would be very suitable for people aged between 24 to 65 years because it requires a fully formed adult brain (so the children are not allowed to use it), and also should be replaced in every 10 years with the new ones.
The ELVIS implant device is slated to enter production in 2027 with the initial cost for operation processes and installation of the camera are estimated RUS Ruble 10 million, or about US $138,000. (Picture from: RussiaBeyond)
And for now, the ELVIS itself is in the animal testing phase and will continue on monkeys. As for humans themselves, the testing will be carried out in 2023 by involving several prevoliously prepared volunteers. This advanced technology is slated to enter production in 2027 with the initial cost for operation processes and installation of the camera are estimated RUS Ruble 10 million, or about US $138,000. Later, after this device is included in the community support and covered by insurance program, might be the cost can reduced by half.
According to the head of the ELVIS project Denis Kuleshov, Director of the Sensor-Tech Laboratory, this Russian-developed brain implant was not the only one in the world, there are about 10 similar studies currently being worked by scientists all over the world. (Picture from: RussiaBeyond)
According to the head of the ELVIS project Denis Kuleshov, Director of the Sensor-Tech Laboratory, this Russian-developed brain implant was not the only one in the world, there are about 10 similar studies currently being worked by scientists all over the world, and one of them with the biggest progress is such currently being worked by a team of researchers from Spain (CORTIVIS), the Netherlands (NESTOR), and Australia (Monash University).
Kuleshov himself explained that the difference between ELVIS and similar other devices has the low offered bionic vision resolution. While the Russian-made ELVIS uses a combination of bionics and artificial intelligence so that the blind can use electronic vision optimally. In addition, the other project uses technology that only projects flashes of light onto the cerebral cortex, while the ELVIS has Artificial Intelegence (AI) working to assist the system in identifying the object, or what it resembles.
"This will also aid our patients at the rehabilitation stage, allowing us to improve the learning process associated with seeing again after the surgery," he adds as qouted of the Russia Beyond. Hopefully this sophisticated devices can be realized soon and able to help millions of blind people get their sight back. What do you think? Feel free to share Your thought about this through the article's comment below.👌*** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ELVIS | SO-EDINENIE | RUSSIA BEYOND ]
Precious Blink Today, we're not talking about the motorized vehicle, this time we would be out a moment of comfort zone and tried talking about something new. So, on this occasion, we will try to discuss about very beautiful jewelry which sometimes has a fantastic price tag beyond the price of a hypercar or even a private jet.
The Pink Star Diamond is an 59.60-carat natural Fancy Vivid Pink colored diamond. (Picture from: Coster Diamonds)
Nowadays jewelry is not only means of supporting style, but for some people it is also a symbol of wealth and power. Because some jewelries that uses diamonds or certain gemstones is priced at a high. There are several factors that make jewelry priced at a high. It ranging from the color, design, history to the rarity of diamonds or gemstones used in the jewelry. It could be said that the rarer the diamond or gemstone used, more higher its price.
Here it is five of the world's most expensive jewelry ever made, which is interesting to know, as quoted of Luxatic;
5. Pink Emerald-Cut Graff Diamond
The one off 'Fancy Intense Pink' diamond ring, which is rated by the Gemological Institute of America is made of 24.78 carat emerald. The ring was auctioned by its owner, Laurence Graff, who described the jewelery as 'the most amazing diamond have ever seen in his career'.
The Pink Emerald-Cut Graff Diamond ring is rated by by the Gemological Institute of America has a Fancy Intense Pink color and made of 24.78 carat emerald. (Picture from: Pinterest)
This jewelry is also priced at the US $46 million or equivalent to Rp. 658 billion. What makes this piece of jewelry priced at such a fantastic price? It's because the combination of color and the purity and elegance of the emerald cut. Usually the cut is only made for white diamonds. So do not be surprised if this diamond has a great allure and is priced at a very high price.
4. L’Incomparable Necklace
This very very expensive L'Incomparable diamond necklace was unveiled by the internationally acclaimed by Mouawad jewelery company. This diamond stone also still has the honor of being the most valuable piece of its kind in the world of jewelry.
The L’Incomparable Necklace was unveiled by the internationally acclaimed by Mouawad jewelery company and known as the most expensive necklace in the world. (Picture from: Al Rasub)
Interestingly, this gemstone was discovered by chance by a young girl in Congo three decades ago in a pile of kimberlite (is an igneous rock, which sometimes contains diamonds that are a by-product of diamond mining). The centerpiece is the world's largest internally flawless diamond, which is a massive 407.48 carats. What makes this necklace even more charming due to it also features 102 smaller gemstones. This L'Incomparable necklace is priced at US$55 million or equivalent to Rp. 787 billion.
3. The Pink Star
In late 2013, the Sotheby's had ever auctioned the 59.60-carat diamond, called The Pink Star, for the first time. And it led to many wealthy people lining up to get their hands on the gorgeous piece of jewelry.
The Pink Star is composed of 59.6 carats diamond belonging to the “fancy vivid pink” and “internally flawless” categories. (Picture from: TheMilliardAire)
At the time of the auction procession, interest in acquiring the diamond was so great that the final bid far exceeded the estimated US $61 million or equivalent to Rp. 873 billion. The price numbers rose to more than 83 million US dollars or equivalent to Rp. 1.1 trillion. However, the buyer was unable to meet the costs in time, so Sotheby's kept the stone at a price of US $72 millions.
2. Peacock Brooch by Graff
In the world of jewelry, Graff Diamonds is the largest and most trusted diamond company. Sometime ago the London-based company had ever created a beautiful and very expensive peacock-shaped brooch, is estimated its prices beyond a private jet.
In total, the Peacock Brooch by London-based Graff boasts 1,305 diamonds weighing a total of 120.81 carats coupled with a rare 20-carat deep Blue diamond at the centre. (Picture from: Pinterest)
The such beautiful jewelery features 1,305 gemstones, weighing 120.81 carats coupled with a dark blue diamond in the center weighing over 20 carats. The such beautiful brooch has a fantastically priced, which is Rp. 1.4 trillion (approx US $100 millions).
1. The Hope Diamond
One of the most famous jewels in history, the Hope Diamond, became a highly legendary piece of jewelery not only because of its extraordinary beauty, but also because it is thought to have been cursed. For centuries those jewelry was owned by Louis XIV then Harry Winston, the last of which was donated to the Smithsonian Institution in 1958. Since then, it has continued to be on display today.
The Hope Diamond is a highly legendary piece of jewelery not only because of its extraordinary beauty, but also because it is thought to have been cursed, and now sat on display at the Smithsonian Institution. (Picture from: Liputan6)
The stunning 45.52 carat dark blue diamond has been valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars. However, according to the Smithsonian, its rarity, extremely high profile, and extraordinary cultural value make this piece of jewelry priceless in terms of money.
Those are five of the world's most expensive jewelry with beautiful colors, rare stones to interesting background stories. So which jewelry do you think is the most beautiful? Write your opinion in the comments column below this article.😎 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LUXATIC ]
Unique ONES Have you ever known the existence of the black of the blackest ever made by humans to then be applied to a car? It's possible that very few people know or see this unique color, and it seems that now the dark color is starting to attract the interest of world's exotic car fans.
The blackest ever Ferrari SF90 was seen wandering the complex of the prancing horse stable's in Maranello, Italy. (Picture from: DetikOto)
As quoted of Carscoops, recently there's one of the prancing horse species named Ferrari SF90 Stradale featured with the black of the blackest ever was seen wandering the complex of the prancing horse stable's in Maranello, Italy. It's possible that the Italian premium marque is testing the darkest color for a future implementation or expansion of its color palette.
That's remarkable fantastic and quite horror as well, if You drove the car with the darkest color ever at night in high speed. Given that the Ferrari SF90 Stradale, which began its production in 2019 as the first Ferrari's plug-in hybrid supercar, has quite savage performance.
As we all knew, besides powered by a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine with 769hp and 590lb-ft (800Nm) of torque, and it also combined with an electric powertrain (three electric motors), so it could be spewing total power of 986hp. The power chanelled through a new eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and so it capable make the car accelerating up to 62 mph (100 kph) in only 2.5 seconds and notch the top speed of 211 mph (340 kph).
The 2019 BMW X6 is painted with the Vertically Aligned Nano Tube Array (Vanta) of the Surrey NanoSystems. (Picture from: DetikOto)
Previously, the black of the blackest was first used on the BMW X6 of 2019 and the color is introduced by a company called Surrey NanoSystems in 2014. The color described as the Vertically Aligned Nano Tube Array (Vanta) is made of a cylindrical structure of carbon nanotubes measuring about 14-50 micrometers in diameter with a diameter of 20 nanometers. In simply words, the size of this carbon structure is 5,000 times thinner than a human hair. If the car surface coated by it and in every 1cm of the surface of the car contains billions of nanotubes.
It said that the darkest ever paint is able to absorb 99.965 percent of light. So besides not giving any reflections such metallic, pearl, or even matte paint, the Vantablack paint can actually swallow the light that hits the coated surfaces from our eye view. Even the curves of the car exterior design cannot be seen with the naked eye. The only visible parts of this car are those that are not coated with it, such as the tires, lights, grille and windows.
But not only the vantablack color on the BMW and Ferrari that's makes people over curious to try the darkest color ever. A YouTube content creator with the channel name DipYourCar tries to apply another darkest color named musou black paint (the world's blackest water-based acrylic paint of Koyo Orient Japan) which is similar to vantablack on the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSCOOPS ]
The Pioneer - In the roaring 1920s, the automotive industry witnessed an extraordinary leap in technological advancements. Engineers delved into extensive studies, paving the way for concept vehicles that would shape the future of transportation.
The 'Ugly Duckling' or (replica) 1923 Auto Union streamline concept while exhibited at the Bodelwyddan Castle in North Wales and was hugely influenced by Paul Jaray's aerodynamic principles. (Picture from: Robert Knight on Flickr)
Among the pioneers of this automotive revolution was Paul Jaray, a Hungarian-born engineer whose work left an indelible mark on the industry for decades to come. Jaray's focus on automotive aerodynamics and streamlining defined the futuristic aesthetic of numerous cars in the 1920s and 1930s.
1922 Ley T6, the world's first streamliner vehicle design by Paul Jaray during a test drive. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
Autoevolution recounts that Jaray initially made waves by completely redesigning the iconic Zeppelins, transforming their appearance from a tube-like structure to the streamlined shapes we recognize today. Born in Vienna in 1889, Jaray, after studying mechanical engineering, found himself in the hub of Zeppelins and Maybachs, Friedrichshafen.
The blueprint of Paul Jaray's first working prototype was announced on September 8, 1921, and followed with a patent application that made at the Berlin office. (Picture from: EcoModder)
Since 1912, Jaray actively immersed himself in aerodynamics, not only limited to dirigibles but extending his expertise to various forms. His groundbreaking work, initially applied to airships, soon found its way into automotive design. On September 8, 1921, Jaray unveiled his first working prototype, subsequently filing a patent application in Berlin for his groundbreaking inventions.
1923 Ley Stromlinien Wagen racing car using Jaray's aerodynamic principles. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
In essence, Jaray's inventions can be described as a design where "the lower part of the body has the form of a half streamline body, covering the chassis, wheels, engine compartment, and passenger compartment." This groundbreaking teardrop-shaped design set a new standard in the automotive world.
The American' Chrysler test car using Jaray's aerodynamic principles. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
Collaborating with Alfred Ley from Rud. Ley Maschinenfabrik A.G. in 1922, Jaray's principles culminated in the creation of the Ley T6, the world's first aerodynamic car. Adhering to Jaray's streamline principles, the Ley T6 boasted speeds exceeding 100 kph (62 mph) with just a 1.5-liter, 20 hp engine. In contrast, conventional bodywork designs of that era would have limited such a car to a maximum speed of 70-75 kph (40-45 mph).
Following successful car tests, numerous manufacturers sought to adopt and adapt Jaray's streamline principles. Undeterred, Jaray founded his design consulting company, Stromlinen Karosserie Ges., in Zurich, licensing his streamlined designs to manufacturers. Tatra embraced his concepts until 1975, and Maybach and BMW also incorporated Jaray's ideas into their designs.
However, it was Audi (Auto Union) that became synonymous with Jaray's legacy. His influence extended to Auto Union's 'Silver Arrows' race cars, with the 1923 Auto Union streamliner concept, unfortunately, no longer in existence. Despite this, a faithful replica was built and is featured in Audi A5adverts, showcasing the enduring impact of Paul Jaray's visionary contributions to automotive design. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOEVOLUTION | ECOMODDER | AUTOCAR ] Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
We haven't included the discussion on nature conservation for a long time, especially after knowing about the latest condition of orangutan habitat on the island of Borneo. There was something intriguing, so we on this occasion again made an article with the nature conservation-themed, in the hope that it could spark empathy for the orangutan conservation efforts.Thus the existence of orangutans in the wild can continue to be preserved.
A mobile library of Yayorin (Yayasan Orangutan Indonesia/Indonesian' Orangutan Foundation) to support its education efforts, in areas close to orangutan habitat, in Central Kalimantan Indonesian Borneo. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2RRHfzQ)
The year 2019 has been passed, the population of orangutans on the island of Borneo is increasing decreased. If previously the status of its population was critical, now the existence of orangutans in Kalimantan has entered an endangered critical stage.
"In the past, we could say the orangutan conditions on the island of Borneo are still safe. The population is between 35,000 and 55,000. But after the survey increased again (the severity levels), now it is the same as Sumatra, in very critical stage," said Rondang Siregar, an orangutan expert at the University of Indonesia some time ago.
This critically endangered status is determined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. And the Sumatra orangutans have assumed this status in advance.
A mature male Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii). (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2O7KJgC)
Rondang further said, the reason for the increasingly falling down the population of orangutans still revolves around the classic problem, namely the orangutan lives increasingly threatened because their habitats were taken for human use. For example, in 2017 alone, the deforestation rate is still around 97,000 hectares, especially now that the numbers are getting bigger.
As a result of deforestation makes the orangutan habitat fragmented. "Because their habitat was chopped up eventually they came out and conflicted with humans," said Rondang.
Pongo pygmaeus morio or the Black Bornean Orangutan. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2O7KJgC)
On the island of Borneo alone, poaching and trade in wildlife are also still rife. In fact, orangutans are clearly protected by the Indonesian's Law Number 5 of 1990 concerning Conservation of Living Natural Resources and Ecosystems.
"In the past, the price was Rp.500,000 (approx US $37) when left the forest. When it came to the port, the station, the terminal, it could reach millions rupiah. Surely it is always there," said Rondang. Due to habitat loss and poaching, the orangutan population has declined dramatically by 50 percent over the past 20 years. How tragic, isn't?
Thus the orangutan preservations need to be done immediately and You can actively participate in this effort by making a donation throughOrangutan Foundation. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ORANGUTAN FOUNDATION | SAINS KOMPAS]
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Maybe you are wondering, why did we make the title of the article like that? This was intentional because it was to show how scarce the following cars were. So it is very rare for people to see it passing on the streets at this time.
The rarest 2007 Blastolene B-702, this unique shaped car inspired by the 1930s French car, designed by Michael Leeds and Randy Grubb. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2tANCvJ)
Like the unique shaped car above named 2007 Blastolene B-702 or known as the best art-deco costumized car ever, it was designed by Michael Leeds and Randy Grubb. The following cars were rare, unloved, forgotten but somehow extremely cool and interesting models that deserve to be dragged into the light and shown to the public once more. So, here they are – 6 classic sports cars you probably didn’t know ever existed.
1. Melkus RS 1000 The first sports car came from the eastern bloc communist countries which were known to be very closed during the cold war era. So it is very rare to hear the production of sports cars made by these countries. Until one day in the East Germany, there's an automotive engineer named Heinz Melkus designed a very capable and attractive sports coupe car and convinced the Wartburg factory to produce a limited number of these sports cars.
By using the Wartburg 353 as a basis, Melkus designed and fabricated independent front and rear suspension, roll-bars and close ratio 5-speed gearbox. And then the 992 ccm engine was tuned to produce 68 hp and mounted behind the driver sending its power to rear wheels, instead to front like in its basis car Wartburg 353.
Melkus also designed and manufactured lightweight fiberglass body which featured modern design and low profile. The car was called Melkus RS 1000 and it was introduced for the first time in 1969. To be honest, for 1969s standards this was an extremely advanced sports car, however underpowered with just 68 hp of power.
The production ended in 1979 after 101 cars were made. The Melkus RS 1000 was extremely expensive for East European standards which also explains why the car made in limited production. Most the sports cars were bought by the auto sports teams and raced in local championships. And it's rumoured, the car company has been revived by making the Melkus RS2000 and shown it for the first time at the 2009 Frankfurt International Motor Show.
2. Kellison J6 In the late 1950s and early 1960s, fiberglass body construction stopped being high tech process exclusive to established manufacturers and became something you could do in your garage. This influenced numerous small companies to start offering their plastic bodies to be mounted on regular car chassis creating a unique and interesting design.
There's an auto company named Kellison established in the early 1950s, the company produced several successful kits for installation on popular models, but in early 1960s the company introduced the J6. The J6 could be bought as a kit or a fully built car, making Kellison a boutique car manufacturer.
The J6 was based on Corvette frame but Kellison didn’t just re-body the ‘Vette. They moved the engine further back in the chassis, changed the suspension, installed larger brakes and different interior making J6 better handling and even faster since J6 body was somewhat lighter than stock Corvette.
This conversion was pretty popular and over 500 bodies or cars were built. The J6 was very successful in hands of private racing teams since it offered Corvette power in better handling package.
3. ASA 1000 GT
This little Italian sports car was once considered the next big thing in the car industry when it was introduced in 1962. Then it known as “Ferrarina” (little Ferrari), the ASA 1000 GT was exactly that since it was built on tubular chassis with lightweight body and engine designed by then Ferrari engineer Giotto Bizzarinni.
It had four-wheel disc brakes, sports suspension, and nicely trimmed interior. Under the hood was the 1.03-liter four cylinder engine capable to spew 93 hp of power. However, despite the big initial interest by the world's automotive customers, the car production stopped in 1967 after only 95 examples were built. Today, this Ferrarina is highly praised by collectors and car historians.
4. Matra Djet
Virtually unknown outside of France, Matra was a very innovative and influential car manufacturer in the country. Originally, the company was dedicated to airplane and military production but then it built cars and developed concepts for another French automotive manufacturers such as Renault, for example.
In 1965, Matra took over the Djet project from racer Rene Bonnet and introduced it to the public as the first mid-engined production car in the world. In those days, the concept of mid-engined cars was reduced to racing prototypes and Matra decided to introduce similar cars for the road.
The car custom built chassis with diminutive Renault 8 engine may look slow today, but since the car only weighed 660 kg it was pretty fast in those day. Matra Djet was a very influential car since it showed the world a new engineering concept which was later accepted by all leading world's sports car manufacturers.
5. Cheetah The global success of Shelby Cobra inspired many American race car builders to build a similar car which could compete on international level. From this perspective, nobody came close to beating the Cobra.
But Bill Thomas, a famous Chevrolet tuner and race car builder was a serious candidate. Unfortunately, due to various circumstances, the Cheetah was never given a proper chance. As you know, Chevrolet and GM pulled out of racing in 1963 but several independent race shops worked for GM`s back door programs in which the company supported the private racing teams with racing know-how or special racing parts.
Bill Thomas’ shop was one of those outfits and he decided to build a Cobra competitor with Chevrolet power. That is how the Cheetah was born. Built on special lightweight chassis with a small block V8 moved as far back as possible and covered in a light fiberglass body, the Cheetah looked and performed as a race car.
Despite some overheating problems, the Cheetah was a remarkable performer and won some lower rank races and even the 1968 SCCA championship. Unfortunately, lack of support, mechanical problems and even a fire at the shop in California stopped the production after around 20 cars were built.
6. Marcos GT
The car produced from 1964 to 1971 and again from 1981 to 1990. Marcos GT was the most popular and interesting model from the British auto company named Marcos Engineering Ltd. Basically, a kit car built on custom chassis but with choice of engines, Marcos GT was relatively cheap but capable sports car with aggressive styling, low weight, and decent performance.
1967 Marcos GT. (Picture from: Hemmings)
The GT could be had with numerous engines, mostly by Ford and lineup started with small 1.5 or 1.6-liter four-cylinders. However, if you want to experience full potential, the buyers needed to opt for 3.0-liter V6 from Ford or Volvo. For a brief period of time, Marcos GT was offered on the American market with Volvo`s straight six but not many cars were sold. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTOR-JUNKIE]
This car is clearly shown in a promotional footage of the TU-144 supersonic plane, also known as Soviet's concorde. As time goes by and as the aircraft continued to be grown (its size and weight), then in the 1970s those three sedan-shaped tow trucks were no longer in use.
