Custom Automotive Artistry: The Fasana Topolino Spider Story

Rare Gems - In the realm of automotive history, few vehicles have captured the imagination quite like the Fiat 500 Topolino. Emerging in the wake of Dr. Ferdinand Porsche's creation, the Volkswagen Beetle, Italy introduced its own marvel: the Fiat 500 Topolino, affectionately named after Mickey Mouse for its compact charm. Spearheaded by Antonio Fessia and Dante Giacosa in the 1930s, this car wasn't just a vehicle; it was a symbol of accessible mobility for the masses.

The Fasana Topolino Spider built by Michele Fasana in 1957 based on the Fiat 500 Topolino. (Picture from: OcalaAutoRepair)

Measuring a mere 3.2 meters long, the Fiat 500 Topolino packed a punch with its 569 cc engine generating 13 horsepower, cruising at a modest 85 km/h. It marked Fiat's foray into mass production from 1936 to 1955, paving the way for a lineage of modern city cars that still dot our streets today.

The Fiat 500 Topolino, celebrated as the world's first city car, was produced from 1936 to 1955 and laid the foundation for a series of modern Fiat city cars that continue to this day. (Picture from: AutoUniversum)

Beyond its utilitarian roots, the Fiat 500 Topolino found itself on unexpected stages. It served as the blueprint for racing machines and became a canvas for custom projects, none more striking than the 1957 Fasana Topolino Spider. Crafted by Michele Fasana, an employee in Fiat's Special Bodies Department, envisioned and brought this remarkable vehicle to life in 1957. His passion for car design and his innovative approach have left an indelible mark on automotive history.

1938 Fiat 500A Topolino Hard Top by Zagato participated on the 1938 Mille Miglia (B&W photo colorized). (Picture from: MrScharroo's Weird Car Museum)

He began this project by sketching a design inspired by the jet age aesthetics of the 1950s. By using the chassis and mechanical components of the Fiat 500 Topolino, Fasana meticulously crafted the bodywork by himself during his free time. The result was a car that not only captured the futuristic design trends of the time but also showcased Fasana's exceptional skill and attention to detail. The front bumper featured a jet-themed intake and a large elliptical grille flanked by several lights, giving the car a distinct and memorable look.

The Fasana Topolino Spider, in its heyday, was used by its creator as a daily vehicle. (Picture from: WorldCarsFrom1930sTo1980s)

The rear design of the Fasana Topolino Spider was equally impressive, with small fins and three tiny lights that added to its unique character. This combination of elements made the car stand out, evoking comparisons to the FMR Tg 500 'Tiger', another small car from a German manufacturer. The resemblance to the tiny car from "The Jetsons," a classic television cartoon series, further underscored its futuristic appeal. The car's design was a perfect blend of innovation and nostalgia, making it a true masterpiece of its time.

During its heyday, the Fasana Topolino Spider was not just a showpiece but a functional vehicle used by Michele Fasana as his daily driver. This personal connection to the car added to its charm and significance, as it was a practical realization of Fasana's design vision. The car's performance and unique design made it a head-turner on the streets, embodying the spirit of innovation that drove its creation.

While sat on diplay at the Automotoretrò 2016, the Fasana Topolino Spider in a dilapidated state, with rust covering most of its body. (Picture from: OcalaAutoRepair)

Despite its initial glory, the Fasana Topolino Spider's current condition is a cause for concern. Photos circulating on the internet show the car in a dilapidated state, with rust covering most of its body. It is a stark reminder of the passage of time and the need for preservation. This rare automotive gem deserves to be restored to its former glory, allowing future generations to appreciate its historical and artistic significance.

While sat on diplay at the Automotoretrò 2016, the Fasana Topolino Spider in a dilapidated state, with rust covering most of its body.  (Picture from: Pinterest)

Restoring the Fasana Topolino Spider would not only preserve a piece of automotive history but also celebrate Michele Fasana's ingenuity and craftsmanship. It would serve as an inspiration to car enthusiasts and designers, showcasing the potential of custom automotive design. The restoration process would require meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect of the car is faithfully recreated to honor its original design.

While sat on diplay at the Automotoretrò 2016, the Fasana Topolino Spider in a dilapidated state, with rust covering most of its body.  (Picture from: OcalaAutoRepair)

As we look forward to the potential restoration of the Fasana Topolino Spider, we invite anyone with pictures or information about this unique car to share them. By bringing together the collective knowledge and resources of the automotive community, we can ensure that this remarkable vehicle is preserved and celebrated for years to come. The Fasana Topolino Spider is not just a car; it is a symbol of creativity, innovation, and the enduring legacy of custom automotive artistry. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | OCALAAUTOREPAIR | BRICE HOUSTON | SILODROME'S INSTAGRAM | WORLD CARS FROM 1930S TO 1980S | AMAZINGCLASSICCARS | AMERICASBESTPICS | PINTEREST | AUTOPUZZLES ]

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Unique and Forgotten: 3 Overlooked Automotive Gems

Top-3 - In the vast world of automotive products, there are numerous hidden gems produced by manufacturers that have slipped into obscurity. Whether due to lack of success, limited production, or simply being overshadowed by other models, some cars have seemingly vanished over time. 

The 3 Unique Overlooked Forgotten Automotive Gems: In the foreground, the Iso Rivolta Lele; in the middle, the Honda Vamos; and in the far background, the Mitsubishi Flying Pug. (Picture compiled by EKA)

However, it's essential to acknowledge that these forgotten automobiles have still left their mark on the automotive industry, contributing significantly to design, technology, and features. 

Let's explore three of the most striking and interesting hidden gems that deserve our attention.

1. Iso Rivolta Lele

One of the first entries on our list is the Iso Rivolta Lele, an intriguing name for an exceptionally cool car. Created by the prestigious Italian manufacturer Iso Rivolta, this car boasts a unique design envisioned by the renowned Marcello Gandini from the renowned design house Bertone. 

The Iso Rivolta Lele was initially crafted as a special birthday present for Rachelle (LeLe) Rivolta, the daughter-in-law of Piero Rivolta, the company's founder. (Picture from: CarVaganza)

Interestingly, the Iso Rivolta Lele, as it is officially known, was initially crafted as a special birthday present for Rachelle (LeLe) Rivolta, the daughter-in-law of Piero Rivolta, the company's founder. The car's name, however, might raise some confusion, as in Indonesia, "Lele" means "Catfish."

The Iso Rivolta Lele has furnished with luxurious interior equipped with leather seats, air conditioning, power windows, and plush carpets. (Picture from: BelowTheRadar)

Introduced in 1969 with an ambitious mission to surpass the famous Lamborghini Espada, the Iso Rivolta Lele was powered by a robust V8 engine provided by General Motors, delivering an impressive 350 horsepower. Initially, the car featured a 4-speed manual or automatic transmission, but due to payment disagreements, General Motors cut off engine supplies.

The Iso Rivolta Lele was powered by a robust V8 engine provided by General Motors, delivering an impressive 350 horsepower. (Picture from: BelowTheRadar)

As a result, the Iso Lele adopted Ford's V8 engine, albeit with slightly less power (323 PS). Unfortunately, despite its contemporary exterior design and luxurious interior equipped with leather seats, air conditioning, power windows, and plush carpets, the car failed to gain traction in the market. Only 285 units were sold between its launch and the end of production in 1974.

2. Honda Vamos

The Honda Vamos might not ring a bell for most car enthusiasts, as it targeted a niche market of outdoor exploration. Classified as a Kei Car due to its compact size, the Vamos shares its platform with the successful Honda TN360, which gained popularity in South-East Asia region (like in Indonesia).

The Honda Vamos might not ring a bell for most car enthusiasts, as it targeted a niche market of outdoor exploration. (Picture from: Fandom)

The name "Vamos" is derived from Portuguese, translating to "Come on!" or "Let's Go!" Powered by a 354 cc 2-stroke engine driving the rear wheels, this lightweight car weighs only 520 kilograms. Designed for open-air travel, all instruments are waterproof, and traditional doors are replaced with bars for easy access during outdoor adventures.

The Honda Vamos shares its platform with the successful Honda TN360, which gained popularity in South-East Asia region (like in Indonesia). (Picture from: Tamerlane'sThough)

Regrettably, the Honda Vamos did not enjoy the success it deserved. Despite its recreational appeal, the car's lack of four-wheel drive limited its potential as an off-roader. For mountain excursions or rough terrains, customers preferred the Suzuki Jimny or the slightly quirky Daihatsu Fellow Buggy.

The Honda Vamos powered by a 354 cc 2-stroke engine driving the rear wheels, this lightweight car weighs only 520 kilograms. (Picture from: WheelsAge)

Furthermore, its doorless design made it less suitable for urban use, even leading to potential traffic violations. As a result, Honda produced the Vamos for just three years, from 1970 to 1973, before it vanished from the market. However, the name resurfaced in 1999, albeit in the form of a compact minivan less than four meters long.

3. Mitsubishi Flying Pug

Now, brace yourself for the peculiar Mitsubishi Flying Pug. Unveiled as an offshoot of the Pajero Mini, a tiny off-roader known for its 80 horsepower engine and remarkable capabilities, the Flying Pug falls within the Kei Car category due to its petite size.

The peculiar Mitsubishi Flying Pug unveiled as an offshoot of the Pajero Mini, a tiny off-roader known for its 80 horsepower engine and remarkable capabilities. (Picture from: CarVaganza)

While its body still showcases traces of the Pajero Mini's outline, the Mitsubishi Flying Pug exhibits a perplexing classic British car-inspired front design. This unusual aesthetic can be attributed to Japan's fever for classic British cars in 1997, a trend that even modern car maker Mitsuoka capitalized on with the Mitsuoka Viewt Nadeshiko.

The Mitshubishi Flying Pug's interior has two rows of benches wrapped in a material that looks like leather with brown wood accents that can be found in the middle of the dashboard or around the transmission lever. (Picture from: CarVaganza)

Although Mitsubishi aimed to ride this wave of nostalgia, the local media heavily criticized the Flying Pug. The market response was far from promising, leading to a production run of only 139 units out of the initially planned 1,000. Consequently, the Mitsubishi Flying Pug became a forgotten relic in the automotive world.

The market response was far from promising, leading to a production run of only 139 units out of the initially planned 1,000 units. (Picture from: CarVaganza)

The automotive industry is indeed rich with hidden treasures that have been overshadowed by more popular models or faced challenges in the market. Despite their limited success, these three remarkable and unique cars—the Iso Rivolta Lele, Honda Vamos, and Mitsubishi Flying Pug—have undoubtedly made valuable contributions to automotive history. It's time to appreciate and celebrate their uniqueness and the ingenuity of their makers. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BELOWTHERADAR | FANDOM | TAMERLANE'S THOUGH | ]

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Let's see a three-wheeler concept of Mercedes-Benz

Rare ONES - Mercedes-Benz, like many other automotive manufacturers, once ventured into the creation of a unique three-wheeler called the Mercedes-Benz F300 Life Jet. Unveiled at the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show, this extraordinary vehicle never made it into production. However, had it been produced, it would have held the record for the most expensive 3-wheeler on the market, as stated in the 2000 Guinness Book of Records.

Mercedes-Benz F300 Life Jet concept. (Picture from: NewAtlas)

The F300 is a two-seater "tilting" 3-wheeler that incorporates Active Tilt Control (ATC) technology. This system evaluates the driving conditions, allowing a computer to utilize a hydraulic mechanism in controlling the F300's cornering angles. At higher speeds, the tilting angle is significantly reduced, while at moderate speeds, the vehicle can tilt up to 30 degrees.

Rear side view of Mercedes-Benz F300 Life Jet concept. (Picture from: NewAtlas)

Under its hood, the F300 boasts a four-stroke spark-ignition petrol engine, featuring four cylinders with 1.6 liters displacement and 75 kW (102 hp) power output. It employs rear-wheel drive and an electrohydraulically controlled five-speed manual transmission, enabling the vehicle to reach a top speed of approximately 130 mph, with a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 7.7 seconds.

 

The F300's structure comprises an alloy space frame with attached aluminum panels. These double-skinned panels are filled with aluminum foam, enhancing the body's strength and providing additional sound insulation. Initially weighing 800 kg, there were plans to reduce the weight to just 600 kg had the vehicle gone into production.

The Mercedes-Benz A-class'es compact 1.6-l engine is situated between the passenger compartment and the rear wheel. (Picture from: NewAtlas)

Inside the car, the interior is designed with a central cockpit-style dashboard, resembling the layout of a jet plane. The positioning of the passenger's seat behind the driver is intended to balance the weight when the car carries only one person. Despite its innovative design and technology, there are currently no plans to proceed with the production of the F300.

Mercedes-Benz once introduced the F300 Life Jet, a remarkable concept three-wheeler that incorporated cutting-edge technology for tilting and control. Despite never entering production, the vehicle's advanced engineering and sleek design left a lasting impression on automotive enthusiasts worldwide.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops..... *** [EKA [30042016] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | NEWATLAS ]

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This is the first Alpine's electric-powered hatchback with a more aggressive appearance

Mini GREEN As previously stated, it seems that the world's automotive industry players are increasingly determined to enter the era of electric powered vehicles. So do not be surprised if at this time one of the French automaker companies, such as Alpine Cars, also stated its readiness to enter the era of electric cars.

The Alpine A290_β concept car is presented as a preview of Alpine's new electric hatchback. (Picture from: MoveElectric)

For this reason, the French automotive company has recently introduced its newest concept car called the Alpine A290_β (Beta). This car is presented as the first preview concept car of a series of electric cars to be released by this performance brand owned by Renault.

This Alpine A290 Beta show car has a similar silhouette to the Renault 5 Electric featured with a typical Alpine's four-eyes fascia with a more aggressive appearance. (Picture from: ArenaEV)

Well, what makes the Alpine A290 Beta is unique, as it's said to have the potential to become the first hatchback product to return to the Alpine name since the Renault 5 Alpine. This revealed by Laurent Rossi, Chief Executive Officer of Alpine Cars that the Alpine A290_β is the first stage in the new era of Alpine, and this urban show car has rewritten the rules for electric-powered hot hatchbacks.

The Alpine A290 Beta has the same cabin layout as the McLaren F1, where the driver sits in the middle, and two passengers seats mounted behind it on either side. (Picture from: MoveElectric)

Related with the Renault 5 Alpine, it is not surprising that the Alpine A290 Beta carries a design silhouette similar to the Renault 5 Electric concept car. As it bringing a similar futuristic impression, so the Alpine version of the Renault 5 Electric has a typical Alpine four-eye fascia with a more aggressive appearance.

The Alpine A290 Beta's cabin is like a fighter jet has, featured with the tapered dashboard shape and the switch console placed above the driver. (Picture from: GridOto)

Of course Alpine didn't make the A290 Beta a run-of-the-mill urban electric hot hatch concept. This can also be seen when entering the interior, the A290 Beta has the same cabin layout as the McLaren F1, where the driver sits in the middle, and two passengers seats mounted behind it on either side.

The Alpine A290 Beta show car has rewritten the rules for electric-powered hot hatchbacks. (Picture from: MoveElectric)

The treats provided by the A290 Beta also have a mix of sports cars, hypercars and racing cars rather than the usual hatchback. In addition, the company also claimed that the interior of the Alpine A290 Beta is like a fighter jet. Let's say it has a carbon fiber bucket seat driver's seat and a flat steering wheel with an overtake button.

Well, another fighter jet references in the A290 Beta cabin can also be seen from the tapered dashboard shape and the switch console placed above the driver. Unfortunately, Alpine still hasn't divulged what the specifications for the Alpine A290 Beta will be or when the production version will launch. We'll wait and see....! *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ALPINE CARS | MOVEELECTRIC | ARENAEV | AUTOBANT ]

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A German's unique three-wheeled classic microcar

Cutie ONES You may still remember a series of German-made microcars built after the 2nd World War ended, such as the Heinkel Kabine 175 Type 153, BMW Isetta 600, and others. It turns out there's another German-made microcar which can be said good and unique.

1953 Messerschmitt KR200 Kabinenroller 'bubble top version.' (Picture from: DW)

Yes, the microcar known as the Messerschmitt KR200 Kabinenroller (KR stands for 'Kabinenroller' in German, means 'scooter with cabin'). It's a unique three-wheeled microcar that clearly shows that its manufacturer has ever built the aircraft. But after the end of the 2nd World War, the Messerschmitt stopped temporarily in producing aeroplanes.

The Messerschmitt KR200 were built based on the 1950 Fend Flitzer 101 (pictured) made by an aircraft designer named Fritz Fend. (Picture from: DW)

Everything starts in 1952, an aircraft designer named Fritz Fend approached Messerschmitt with the idea of ​​making small motorized vehicles. These were based on his-designed vehicle called Fend Flitzer 101.

1958 Messerschmitt KR200 Kabinenroller 'cabriolet version.' (Picture from: Modifikasi)

The production version which was later made by Regensburger Stahl- und Metallbau GmbH. was a KR175 variant. In line with the brevity of the collaboration, so the production of KR200 which is a continuation of the previous variant was carried out by Fend through his new factory.

The Messerschmitt KR175 'bubble top,' known as the first variant made by Messerschmitt Regensburger Stahl- und Metallbau GmbH. (Picture from: CarAndClassics)

It was happen in 1956, when Messerschmitt returned to producing the aircrafts and was not interested in continuing to build these microcars, so Fend established his own factory called Fahrzeug und Maschinenbau GmbH Regensburg (FMR). Those cars were produced in the span of 1955 to 1964 with 40,000 units ever been produced.

Inside the cabin of Messerschmitt KR200 there's no steering wheel instead a handlebar like that used in a motorcycle. (Picture from: CarFromUK)

Messerschmitt KR200 microcar relied on the Fichel & Sachs two-stroke single cylinder engine with a capacity of 191cc to burst power of 10 horsepower so that able to make it run up to the top speed of 95 kph.

1960 FMR Tg500 'Tiger' is a four-wheeled version of Messerschmitt KR200. (Picture from: Deseeft)

And inside its cabin there's no steering wheel instead a handlebar like that used in a motorcycle. This microcar capable to accommodate with two passengers in a tandem formation like a motorcycle too. So does it qualify to categorize as a car? Instead more deserved to call as a motorcycle? What do you think?

The KR200 combines several unique features on the KR line and its four-wheeled derivative, the FMR Tg500 'Tiger.' Externally, the narrow body, transparent acrylic bubble canopy, and low stance are some of the more obvious features.

In line with the improving economic conditions in Germany and Europe in general in the 1960s, making the KR200 sales figure were declined in the automarket. Because the automotive market demand at the time wanted a better vehicle products. And finally the microcar production are ceased in 1964. *** [EKA [02102019] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA | DESEEFT | DW ]

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Getting to know a Piaggio's classic microcar

Rare ONES Perhaps not everyone knows that Piaggio today famous with two-wheeled vehicles, especially scooters also have produced such a unique microcar in the past. Well, Piaggio officially introduced its first microcar named the 'Vespa 400' in Monaco back in the 1957, and marketed in 1959. There are approximately 20 thousand cars have been produced in the first two years, and the Vespa 400 production officially discontinued in 1961.😢

The Vespa 400 is a unique microcar that is quite pleasing in design featured with two suicide-styled doors, capable accomodated two passengers inside its cabin, and a cabriolet model roof which means the canvas roof can be opened. (Picture from: MobiMoto)

The Vespa 400 is a cutie rear-engined microcar designed by the engineers of the Italian company Piaggio and manufactured by Ateliers de construction de motocycles et d'automobiles (ACMA) in Fourchambault, France ranging from 1957 to 1961. At the time, the Vespa 400 is marketed in three variants, namely Luxe, Tourisme and GT.

The Vespa 400 microcar designed by the engineers of the Italian company Piaggio and manufactured by Ateliers de construction de motocycles et d'automobiles (ACMA) in Fourchambault, France ranging from 1957 to 1961. (Picture from: Motor1)

If you look at the Vespa 400 appearence, it's a unique microcar that is quite pleasing in design featured with two suicide-styled doors, capable accomodated two passengers inside its cabin, and a cabriolet model roof which means the canvas roof can be opened.

Interior view of 1959 Vespa 400 microcar. (Picture from: Motor1)

The fabric roof of the cabriolet can be rolled back into the top of the rear engine cover and the 12-volt battery is located at the front of the car, behind the grille. It also has a spare tire is stored under the passenger seat. While the instrumentation has a very simple design, only the speedometer and warning lights for fuel, engine charging dynamo, and indicators.

Rear side view of 1959 Vespa 400 microcar. (Picture from: Motor1)

For the engine, this Piaggio-made classic microcar is equipped with a 393 cc, 2-cylinder, 2-stroke engine, capable of spitting out about 14 horsepower. The engine is combined with a 3 speed manual transmission for the European market, while for the American market, the Vespa 400 uses a 4 speed transmission.

While to support the legs, the Vespa 400 uses independent suspension system with double acting hydraulic coil springs. Discussing performance, this unique minicar has a maximum speed of about 80-90 kilometers per hour. While the fuel consumption reaches 5 liters for 100 kilometers. 

Perhaps not many people own these cutie Vespa 400 microcars todays, with its increasingly rare existence, thus making it a to be one of classic cars that has an exorbitant price and is sought after by collectors. *** [EKA [25102016] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | EBAY | MOTOR1]

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