As the world's fast car fans, we will be very enthusiastic when discussing about the fastest car in the world. Well until now, there're many fast cars ever had been recorded as 'The fastest car in the world.' And we all know that the title is now carried by an American-made hypercar named the SSC Tuatarra which was able to record a top speed of 533 kph at the 7-miles length road in Nevada back in October 2020.
The Callaway Sledgehammer was built by Reeves Callaway in his Connecticut-based workshop in 1988
as a testbed for reliable and dependable power with a turbocharged V8 engine. (Picture from: Supercars)
Although the SSC Tuatarra currently holds that title, but it is not the first American hypercar to surpass the fantastic 250 mph benchmark, there're several other American cars such as the Hennessey Venom F5 and Venom GT. And then back to the end of 1980s, have you heard of another American car called the Callaway Sledgehammer which once held the title as the fastest in 1988 with a top speed notch that surpassed those 250 mph benchmark?
The Callaway Sledgehammer is fitted with a low-drag C4 shell known simply as the AeroBody of Paul Deutschman. (Picture from: BringaTrailer)
The car was built by Reeves Callaway in his Connecticut-based workshop in 1988 as a testbed for reliable and dependable power with a turbocharged V8. In addition, he also wanted to set new performance benchmarks, then commissioned by a Canadian named Paul Deutschman to build with a low-drag C4 shell known simply as the AeroBody.
The Callaway Sledgehammerstill maintains the luxury in its cabin including power windows and
locks, audio system, electronic air conditioning, and power sports seats. (Picture from: BringaTrailer)
The car based of the new 1988 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 powered by an upgraded V8 turbocharging engine using a NASCAR specification block with Mahle pistons and forged connecting rods. Besides
embedding racing devices on the drivetrain, it turns out that the
Sledgehammer is also installed with a roll cage like a racing car that
functions as a cabin protector.
Then at the top end is installed Brodix aluminum heads fed by twin Turbonetics T04B turbochargers, so that with all the racing equipment it is able to make the Callaway Sledgehammer run with an optimal power boost of 898 hp and 772 lb-ft of torque.
The Callaway Sledgehammer is powered by an upgraded V8 turbocharging engine using a NASCAR specification block with Mahle pistons and coupled with a six-speed manual gearbox to ensure a high top speed. (Picture from: Supercars)
Although it has the ability to run like a racing car, the Callaway's sportscar still maintains the luxury in its cabin including power windows and locks, audio system, electronic air conditioning, and power sports seats as supporting factors for driving comfort.
The Callaway Sledgehammer had set the fastest speed of 254.76 mph (409.99 kph) while tested in October 1988 at the Transportation Research Center (TRC) proving ground in Ohio with John Lingenfelter behind the wheel. (Picture from: BringaTrailer)
When it tested in October 1988 at the Transportation Research Center (TRC) proving ground in Ohio with John Lingenfelter behind the wheel, this car was able to record a record of 254.76 mph (409.99 kph) and had made it the fastest street-legal car for some time before the record was surpassed by the Bugatti Veyron. After that, Deutschman continued to work for Callaway for years to come, so the Sledgehammer AeroBody was produced in limited numbers (though it is not known how many were ever made).
But some time ago as quoted of the Road and Track, this is the only Sledgehammer in existence and is currently listed for sale at Bring a Trailer which has currently recorded the highest bid of $500,000 (23 May 2021). We wouldn't be surprised to see that, as devoted Corvette collectors would be willing to pay big bucks to own it. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SUPERCARS | TWITTER | ROADANDTRACK | TOPGEAR | BRINGATRAILER ]
As we all knew, if the world's automotive manufacturers would be produced a car model, the process is almost always preceded by the presence of a prototype model. No exception such the following Ferrari 275 GTB model is produced by the Ferrari factory in Maranello, Italy to replace the Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta, in which its production started after the Ferrari 275 GTB Prototipo had been built first.
Born into a life of excitement, this Ferrari 275 GTB Prototipo spent the last 25 years in a private collection. (Picture from: Enzari)
Amazingly, Motor Trend Classic puts the Ferrari 275 into third place on the list of the 10 greatest Ferraris of all time, behind the Ferrari 250 GTO and Ferrari 365 GTB. Not only that, the legendary Ferrari 275 GTB Prototipo once enlivened the racing track in its heyday. In its history this car is well documented, even though the last 25 years have been hidden by a collector.
The
Ferrari 275 GTB Prototipo intended to mark the start of the 275 model
series in 1964, and is built with the chassis number of #06003, assembly
serial number #1 at the Ferrari's Foglio Allestimenti factory. (Picture from: CarAndDriver)
The mentioned car known as the only Ferrari 275 GTB Prototipo built in 1964. The car built at the Ferrari Foglio Allestimenti factory on the chassis number of #06003, and assembly serial number #1. The Ferrari's sports car has appearence of a short-nose styled bodywork and is powered by an 3.3 liter V12 engine.
In its heyday, the Ferrrari 275 GTB was the highly anticipated continuation of the 250 GT SWB Berlinetta. So at the time, it showcases many technical innovations including a five-speed rear-mounted transaxle and the first independent rear suspension for a Ferrari car.
The Ferrari 275 GTB Prototipo is equipped with special rally equipment including auxiliary driving
lights, reinforced glass, a 75-percent locking differential, a radiator
blind, a modified hood and a third windshield wiper. (Picture from: Tempo)
The Maranello-based premium car manufacturer used this prototype until the spring of 1965, which served for photographic and promotional purposes. Furthermore, the prototype also served as a revised mean for the cars that will later enter production.
Interestingly, in the Ferrari 275 GTB Protitipo biography said that it used as one of the manufacturer supported rally cars. According to the Automobile Club d'Italia records, the car's first private owner was Pasquale Ramera of Coccaglio, Italy, who acquired it in April 1965.
The
Ferrari 275 GTB Prototipo has appearence of a short-nose styled bodywork and is powered by an 3.3 liter V12 engine. (Picture from: ClubAlfa.it)
The Ferrari 275 GTB Prototipo is equipped with special rally equipment including auxiliary driving lights, reinforced glass, a 75-percent locking differential, a radiator blind, a modified hood and a third windshield wiper. Reportedly, the car also had used as a test vehicle for two tire brands, namely Dunlop and the Finnish tires of Rengas Alas.
This sportscar was quite a surprise to many, as it appeared on the starting line of the 35th annual Monte Carlo Rally of the 1966 using the rally livery no. #43 and is registered as an official participant under the Milan-based racing team Scuderia Sant'Ambroeus.
Eventually, the car ended up in America in the hands of the famous Ferrari collector Charles "Chuck" Wegner. He then sold it to an anonymous collector who maintained it as the most impressive Ferrari private collection ever collected for over 25 years.
At the end, the1964 Ferrari 275 GTB Prototipo on January 18-19, 2019, was one of the car collections to be sold at an auction held by the Gooding & Company, in Scottsdale, Arizona, United States. Interestingly, the auction catalog notes that cars will get mechanical attention before use. Regardless, this was a great opportunity to own one of the most historical Ferrari 275 GTBs is an extremely rare one. Who is the car owner now? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ENZARI | CARANDDRIVER | ITALIAONROAD ]
In today's automotive world, it is commonplace for an automative brand to launch a new car model in honor of its old production model which proved to be successful in a racing event in its time.
The New Abarth 1000 SP (Sport Prototipo), a retro-styled two-seat concept was designed with emphasis on lightness; takes its engine from Alfa Romeo 4C as the homage to its 1966 Abarth 1000 SP race car. (Picture from: Autocar)
This was also done by Stellantis NV. (Stellantis) through its subsidiary Abarth launched a retro-styled two-seat concept was designed with emphasis on lightness; takes its engine from Alfa Romeo 4C. As we found on the status of Adiljal on the Twitter, this beautiful concept car seem like fitted to this context.
Front three quarter view of the New Abarth 1000 SP (Sport Prototipo) on the right and
its inspiration sourced, the 1966 Abarth 1000 SP race car. (Picture from: Autocar)
Through this car, it said that the Abarth engineers have intended to produce a modern reinterpretation of the 1960s Abarth 1000 SP race car designed by Mario Colucci. The New Abarth 1000 SP (Sport Prototipo) is a one-off homage to the car that made its debut 55 years ago and won the Nürburgring 500km in 1966. It was initially designed to compete in both endurance races and hillclimbs and enjoyed success as in various motorsport disciplines.
Right side view of the New Abarth 1000 SP (Sport Prototipo) on the left and its inspiration source, the 1966 Abarth 1000 SP race car. (Picture from: Autocar)
The retro-styled concept takes the form of a mid-sized sports car and is larger than the original, but it features several nods to the original design. Lightness, agility and aerodynamic efficiency were key to the design,
The concept is constructed around a carbonfibre and aluminium chassis, featuring overlapping triangle suspension with MacPherson struts in the rear, and is powered by the same 240bhp turbocharged 1.7-litre four-cylinder engine that featured in the Alfa Romeo 4C roadster.
Rear view of the New Abarth 1000 SP (Sport Prototipo) on the right and its inspiration source, the 1966 Abarth 1000 SP race car. (Picture from: Autocar)
“The Abarth 1000 SP echoes the lines and aesthetic characteristics of its forerunner,” said the car maker. “The sinuous body, with the soft surfaces of the fenders highlighting the position of the wheels, takes up the pattern of the spider with a central engine.
“The cockpit glazing features shaped side deflectors, with their profile lowered towards the roll bar, the latter strictly 'in view' to highlight our being in the presence of a no-holds-barred spider.”
It’s not known if the 1000 SP will be seen on a race track any time soon, but the car maker said it will appear at some undisclosed events focusing on vintage cars in the autumn. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOCAR | AUTODESIGNMAGAZINE ]
There are plenty of movie stars who are known as the 'car maniacs,' but few are as crazy as Steve McQueen. For those of you fans of the 1960s Hollywood classic films, of course you know this actor. Yes, Steve McQueen was a famous Hollywood actor who has a nickname of the "King of Cool" and is loved by many women in that day.
1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 with the California's plate number of WCT 710 was once owned by Steve McQueen. (Picture from: Otoblitz)
So of course, he needs a cool car to support his persona. While taken role on the big screen the legendary actor is often seen driving a green Mustang and Porsche prototype. However, in his personal life, it turns out that he loves Ferrari more.
There are plenty of movie stars who are known as the 'car maniacs,' but few are as crazy as Steve McQueen on Ferrari. (Picture from: Otoblitz)
His favorite car was the iconic Ferrari 250 GT Lusso, although the actor, who also has a passion for racing, is known to have bought a rare Ferrari 275 NART Spyder, unfortunately the car owmed by him only for two days. Furthermore, the actor is also known to have owned a red-colored Ferrari 275 GTB/4 which was specially ordered by a Hollywood Sports Car dealer for the actor in 1967, when he was roled in the movie titled 'The Thomas Crown Affair.'
1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4's inside has the steeply raked windscreen turns the corners and, combined with the surprisingly panoramic rear window, the all-round visibility is excellent aside from hefty rear pillars. (Picture from: Otoblitz)
As reported by GT Spirit, the McQueen' Ferrari originally had a distinctive metallic gold color called 'Nocciola,' but the actor asked for the paint to be changed to 'Chianti Red' while the car with chassis number #10621 would be sent to him. McQueen also replaced the original GTB/4 wheels with Borrani spoke wheels, which were taken from the 275 GTB NART Spider he had previously.
1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 is powered by a front-mounted a 3.3-liter V12 engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission system. (Picture from: Otoblitz)
The Ferrari 275 GTB/4 is powered by a 3.3-liter V12 engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission system. The engine is capable of blowing up to 280 bhp of power and torque of 188-ft.lbs, so that it can make the car weighing around 1.098 kg accelerate from rest to 100 kph in 6 seconds, and can also be lauched up to a top speed of 260 kph.
1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4's engine is capable of blowing up to 280 bhp of power and torque of 188-ft.lbs, so that it can make the car accelerates from rest to 100 kph in 6 seconds, and can also be lauched up to a top speed of 260 kph.(Picture from: Otoblitz)
After McQueen, this Ferrari has undergone many ownership changes from a number of well-known Ferrari collectors. The last owner bought the McQueen's Ferrari in 2010, and did a full restoration and returned the car to the original specifications as it first owned by Steve McQueen. In 2013, the Ferrari GTB/4 was exhibited at the Museo Ferrari as part of the history of the Italian automaker associated with Hollywood.
The car with the California's plate number of WCT 710 was then auctioned off by RM Auctions in Monterey in 2014 and reportedly managed to sell for more than US $10 million, however the transaction was not as interesting as the story of the Hollywood legend. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TRADEUNIQUECARS | TOPGEAR | RMAUCTION ]
Automobili
Lamborghini S.p.A. or what we know as Lamborghini is one of the Italian
automotive companies that has produced many exotic sports cars since it
was first founded by Ferruccio Lamborghini in 1963. Even recently, the
raging-bull logoed automotive company has succeeded diversifying by
launching a premium SUV model called Lamborghini Urus officially in December 2017.
Lastly the Lamborghini Genesis Concept by Bertone shown to the public at the 2020 Rétromobile held in Paris. (Picture from: Autoblog)
But did you know since the 1980s that the car premium manufacturer based in Sant'Agata, Bolognese has diversified when it introduced its first SUV named LM002 followed by making the Lambo's motorbike, and even in 1988 they also unveiled a unique minivan concept.
Lamborghini Genesis Concept by Bertone is a design study of Lamborghini's minivan concept and debuted at the Turin Auto Show 1988. (Picture from: Motor1)
Well, thirty-three years ago, the raging-bull logoed premium automotive company together with Bertone, one of the Italian renowned design houses once unveiled the Lamborghini Genesis Concept by Bertone, a design study of Lamborghini's minivan concept at the Turin Auto Show 1988 (which was one of the biggest and most significant auto shows in Europe in the 1980s).
Lamborghini Genesis Concept by Bertone has a unique appearence as the futuristic minivan features with butterfly styled doors as a access to the fronts and sliding doors at rear. (Picture from: Autoblog)
That's commonplace and nothing special, as those two Italian companies have been collaborating for decades in the creation of many vehicles, and the results usually cause awe from the world's automotive community. But this time was look a little different, through its shape of the unusual minivan has managed to amaze the automotive community, including the media at the time and become one of the attention centers of the crowd during the show. Yeah, it's only a minivan not a supercar.
Lamborghini Genesis Concept by Bertone also features with a futuristic-styled steering wheel and dashboard layout. (Picture from: Autoblog)
Well, to achieve all these things, it requires hard work and high dedication from all parties involved in the process. As quoted of the Autoblog, it was stated that the Bertone's team had to spend a total of approximately 30,000 hours in order to make the Genesis minivan concept look more futuristic, of course much more sporty and attractive than the general minivan model existed in the 1980s that's used to take children to school.
Interior sketch of the Lamborghini Genesis Concept by Bertone with five seats layout. (Picture from: Motor1)
The unique Genesis minivan concept vehicle is powered by a
V12 5.2-liter engine taken of the Lamborghini Countach Quattrovalvole.
The mid-mounted engine is capable of spraying up to 455 horsepower, then
channeling to its rear-wheel drive system through the three-speed
automatic transmission of Chrysler whose the Lamborghini's owner at the
time.
Lamborghini Genesis Concept by Bertone has funky cabin with two forward-facing seats positioned over the rear wheels, and one seat that can be set to face the rear is attached in the mid of the interior. (Picture from: Autoblog)
In addition, there are sliding doors that give the passengers access to the rear and the more 'unusual' inside its funky cabin are two forward-facing seats positioned over the rear wheels, and one seat that can be set to face the rear is attached in the mid of the interior. While the front passengers face forward, as usual, but they can also move the seats to see and interact to the passengers whose sit in the back.
Lamborghini
Genesis Concept by Bertone has funky cabin with two forward-facing
seats positioned over the rear wheels, and one seat that can be set to
face the rear is attached in the mid of the interior. (Picture from: Autoblog)
The Lamborghini Genesis Concept, which was introduced in 1988, is also arguably ahead of its time, because appears as a round-designed minivan. Besides that it should be acknowledged as a very bold step of Bertone by the pinning of a Lamborghini's V12 engine on a minivan and also applying the unique butterfly styled doors as a access to the fronts.
Lamborghini Genesis Concept by Bertone is powered by a V12 5.2-liter engine taken of the Lamborghini Countach Quattrovalvole. (Picture from: Autoblog)
It was greeted with enthusiasm as a form of future transportation, then its design quickly transformed into a common form of vehicle milling about on the streets starting in the early 1990s. Although in the end the Genesis Concept remained as a minivan prototype which never be produced by Lamborghini.
At the last time, the Lamborghini's iconic minivan concept was presented to the public was at the 2020 Rétromobile in Paris. And in that event, the iconic minivan concept was still able to show its charisma which was able to make thousands of visitors take selfies while exploring the unique parts of the vehicle. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOBLOG | MOTOR1 ]
The Isetta 300 is one of the old European micro cars with three wheels that was built by BMW back in the 1950s and it many ways it remains an icon for the Bavarians. The little three-wheeler was never known for its agility or performance, but that might change today.
Now you can see a Isetta that has been modified in such a way to be a small dragster monster called Isetta Dragster. Performance of a mini monster is powered by a supercharged 502 cu. in the V8 engine from Chevrolet. With its 2-speed manual transmission and monster of an engine, the Isetta Dragster could spew a power of 730 hp. It also comes with a dual-circuit disc brake system, an AP balance bar for burnouts and a new suspension system from the current generation BMW M3.
The dragster car also sits on five-spoke wheels and B.F. Goodrich G-Force tires. At the rear, the Isetta dragster has a single 18-inch racing wheel with a Sumitomo HTRZ II tire, and a huge racing wing.
The mini monster car comes with a BDS supercharger, twin Holley 750 CFM double pumper carburetors, and Zoomies exhaust headers that can shoot four feet long flames. The dragster measures 12 ft. 4 in. or 5.19 m in length.
In the year of 2013, this mini dragster monster auctioned at RM Auctions, when sold, it’s expected to cost the owner anywhere from U.S $75,000 to $100,000. *** [EKA [130314] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ZERCUSTOMS | BMW BLOG]
An Italian car designer, Lazzarini is famous for his crazy ideas in modifying cars, including Alfa Romeo 4C and Fiat 500 with V8 engines sourced from the Ferrari 458 Italia. It’s been a few years since we’ve heard from that last concept, but now Lazzarini says they actually want to build one with investor help.
Lazzarini's crazy idea is a 'Fiat 500' plus 'Ferrari 458 Italia' equals '550 Italia Prototipo Uno'. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1JJE0Px)
As reported by Jalopnik on Wednesday, April 15, 2015, Lazzarini admit the idea to change the Fiat 500 or he called '550 Italia Prototipo Uno' is a crazy idea. He also explained how the changes are done if the Fiat 500 was converted into the Ferrari's V8-engined car.
Front-right side view of Lazzarini 550 Italia Prototipo Uno. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1JJE0Px)
Left side view of Lazzarini 550 Italia Prototipo Uno on the run. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1JJE0Px)
According to him, the engine compartment was emptied. This means that the old machine removed. So even with the seat in the rear. Well, in the former back seat was the position of the Ferrari engine was installed.
Rear close view of Lazzarini 550 Italia Prototipo Uno. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1JJE0Px)
Rear view of Lazzarini 550 Italia Prototipo Uno. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1JJE0Px)
Not only that. The original wheelbase measuring 230 cm was added about 35 cm, so that the length to 265 cm. Changes also performed on gearbox, transmission, and suspension systems.
However, until now the designer was still not willing to give details of the results of the engine testing. However, it is certain that the Fiat 500 has devastating power. It seems that this Lazarini's 550 Italia Prototipo Uno is not the only ferocious-powered superbug, here it's the rival named Oemmedi Fiat 500-Murciélago. *** [EKA [170415] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LAZZARINI DESIGN | JALOPNIK]
But some time ago as quoted of the Road and Track, this is the only Sledgehammer in existence and is currently listed for sale at Bring a Trailer which has currently recorded the highest bid of $500,000 (23 May 2021). We wouldn't be surprised to see that, as devoted Corvette collectors would be willing to pay big bucks to own it. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SUPERCARS | TWITTER | ROADANDTRACK | TOPGEAR | BRINGATRAILER ]
