It's only one running replica and quarter-scaled model left

To produce a car model, usually, the auto manufacturer must go through many stages, starting from a concept design development to making a decision to produce it or not. Well, at the design development stage, manufacturers usually also make several models of the car concept in several sizes ranging from small to 1: 1 for a series of tests and or also used as a promotional model to see the public interest on being worked model.

1956 Pontiac Club de Mer concept car announced to the world at the GM's Motorama Show. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3c2pbN1)

The same thing was done by the American automotive giant, General Motors who had made several famous future concept cars. They make these concept cars as a basis for producing cars in the future. Including something created based on one of their other brands, due to the manufacturer houses multiple car brands.

Pontiac Club de Mer may be one example. It was a concept car made by Pontiac for General Motors in 1956 and announced to the world at the Motorama Show at the time. This future concept car creation embodies Harley Earl's design ideas, brought up by the Pontiac design department head at the time, Paul Gillian.

The Pontiac Club de Mer page from the 1956 Motorama program. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/33nS7uY)

As quoted of Wikipedia, it was a two-door sports roadster that incorporated innovative breakthrough styling like a sleek, low-profile body encasing a large engine, a design trend used widely in LSR (land speed record) trials at Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah during the 1950s.

The concept car's exterior was inspired by contemporary aircraft designs at the time, using a stainless steel monocoque, individual windscreens similar to those on the 1955 Lincoln Futura (later TV's Batmobile), an aerodynamically fashioned fascia that flowed down from the hood skin to cover most of the grill, concealed headlights, and a single rear-deck dorsal fin.

1956 Pontiac Club de Mer was inspired by contemporary aircraft designs at the time. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/33nS7uY)

The overall styling of the body was a smooth, non-undulating profile, similar to an American supersonic jet fighter, with virtually no protrusions or recesses of any kind save for the out-vents on the leading edge of both doors, and the fin. The vehicle had no bumpers, a common feature on most concepts, and the door handles were quite small and also had a very low profile at just under 990.6 mm (39 inches).

1956 Pontiac Club de Mer (front) at the 1956 Motorama and the Oldsmobile Golden Rocket is immediately beyond. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2FAKmJO)

The interior styling, it had a barebones functionality to it, but it is still much better than the production vehicles available in showrooms at the time. Instruments were low key, with triangularly configured gauges mounted well behind a three-spoke, GT-style steering wheel, around the steering column.

The speedometer was positioned on top, and a smaller gauge on either side, each enclosed in its own pod. The interior was finished in red, while passengers gained entry through conventional doors.

It is known that only one Club de Mer prototype (actually just a rolling model) was ever constructed and unveiled in Miami, Florida, along with another ¼-scale model. But then, the only-one prototype was destroyed as part of an unfortunate kill order by GM in 1958.

Only the ¼-scale model exists today, which was owned by Joseph Bortz of Illinois until it sold to noted car collector Ron Pratt at the 2007 Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction for $75,000. However, there is another life-sized Pontiac Club de Mer replica in mint shape and fully functional.

The running replica built by Marty Martino based on a 1959 Pontiac chassis and powered by the 1959 Strato Streak engine mated to the Jetaway Hydro-Matic 4-speed transmission. It took three years to complete and sold at auction in 2009 for $110,000. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BARRET-JACKSON | WIKIPEDIA | CARSCOOPS  | AMKLASSIEK]

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The most powerful Aston Martin ever made

Maybe lately the emergence of a new supercar species is rarely heard of, but some time ago Aston Martin through Q, the special modification division of this British manufacturer got a big project from one of the richest consumers in the world. And for that mysterious customer, Q made the world's most powerful one and only Aston Martin. Well. in the hands of this special division, the Aston Martin cars are made more special to suit the special needs of consumers.

The Aston Martin Victor is a modern re-imagining of the original Aston Martin Vantage V8 from the late-1970s and 1980s. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2RsNdHn)

Recently, the British company announced that Q has completed a special project which resulted in a new supercar named Aston Martin Victor. As rumors, we've been heard, that Aston Martin is working on the car on the special order of a loyal Aston Martin customer from Belgium. And Victor is not the name of the car owner. Instead, it was taken of the name Victor Gauntlett, and for Aston Martin, he was a special figure who managed to save the British premium brand from bankruptcy.

Aston Martin Victor a one-of-one retro supercar uses 847 horses V12 coupled with manual transmission. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3mg9nLp)

As mentioned earlier, this car is the most powerful car ever made by Aston Martin. The total power reaches 836 horsepower and the peak engine torque can reach 821 nm. To achieve that much power, Q did not do what Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren did, by installing induction power from other sources such as electric motors. However, they still use the conventional V12 engine.

And this machine has also been embedded in other great Aston Martin cars, such as the Aston Martin One-77. Under the hood of this hypercar lays a V12 engine with a 7.3-liter cylinder capacity without turbo and other power induction. Originally the engine was only capable of producing 750 horsepower and a maximum torque of 722 Nm.

Aston Martin Victor has interior material that is actually a super-premium blend, while the ceiling is made of cashmere leather, while the seats to the dashboard are specially made by Q of genuine leather. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/32o678E)

And to achieve an output of 836 horsepower and a maximum torque of 821 Nm, the Q division has made collaboration with another big name company, namely Cosworth, one of the world's great and the most successful car engine suppliers. From this collaboration succeeded in making Aston Martin Victor becoming the most powerful Aston Martin car ever made. Literally, it is the only one because Aston Martin only made one Aston Martin Victor.

Not only special in terms of power, but the car appearance also very interesting so no wonder if it could be made your eyes no-blink for a moment. It has a very unusual design, not like as we've been seen on the various Aston Martin cars used by James Bond in every his actions. The unusual design is even reminiscent of the typical American muscle car design, the Ford Mustang. It is characterized by a strong nose and a muscular stern. In fact, the design imitates the design of the previous Aston Martin car.

Aston Martin Victor has an unusual design that is even reminiscent of the typical American muscle car design, the Ford Mustang. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2ZADvax)

To be exact, the Aston Martin Vantage design in the 1970s. At that time, the 1970 Aston Martin Vantage was the first Aston Martin to be called a supercar because of its power which reached 390 horsepower. The maximum speed reaches 270 kilometers per hour. Because the design is reminiscent of the Ford Mustang, at that time the Aston Martin Vantage 1970 was called the British Muscle Car.

Those elements are what the Aston Martin Victor tries to restore. The nose of this car is so big and solid. Likewise, the back is very strong. Even though it looks solid, Aston Martin actually uses carbon fiber in the car. Including the carbon fiber chassis that is already on the Aston Martin One-77.

Now in the interior, Aston Martin Victor actually looks simple. There is no large touch screen like other expensive cars. This car only relies on two touch screens which are quite moderate. It's just that, the technology system has already applied the most advanced technology like in the Aston Martin DBX SUV. However, the interior material is actually a super-premium blend. The ceiling is made of cashmere leather, while the seats to the dashboard are specially made by Q of genuine leather. Walnut wood is also visible on the Aston Martin Victor's six-speed manual transmission lever.

There are indeed several carbon fiber elements in the interior. It's just that the element is not so dominant. Aston Martin Victor is actually rich with a combination of walnut wood elements, titanium, and aluminum. This is what makes the interior of the car feel special, even though it's not crammed with magic buttons. Not because you can't, it could be that the special customer of Aston Martin who ordered the car was prioritizing quality over appearance. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARMAGAZINE.CO.UK | AUTOCAR.CO.UK | ROBBREPORT.COM]

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The Spanish Rondine scooter had died prematurely since it first launched

For a moment we return to Spain, a beautiful country located on the Iberian peninsula that has a history of automotive, especially scooters that are quite classy and are not inferior to other countries in the world. After some time ago we discussed scooters made by other Spanish manufacturers such as the Reiju Isard, Husor 201, Iruña 202, Cimera Turismo, and others.

This Rondine 125 scooter made by a Madrid-based manufacturer called Moto Scooter SA. and now sat on display at the Museu de la Moto de Barcelona. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2Z5MOiF)

So this time, we will discuss a quite unique scooter called the Rondine 125 made by a Madrid-based manufacturer called Moto Scooter SA. As quoted from OTTW.ES, the company was founded on October 8, 1951, which started producing scooters with a brand like the one above that used a 125 cc 2-stroke engine.

1951 Rondine 125 scooter uses a 125 cc 2-stroke engine and was not distributed by the maker due to not competitive price. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2Z5MOiF)

But then this scooter was not distributed widely to the market by the company, considering its fairly expensive price and exacerbated by the appearance of Vespa, an Italian scooter brand in 1953 which was offered at a lower price but had a more attractive appearance.😢 

After that, the manufacturer shifted to the other motorized vehicle production, by launching a three-wheeler model named "Titano." Again, this model is also not succeeding in the market, as the three-wheeler has a major disadvantage that it is not equipped with a rear differential drive, which makes it very unstable during cornering.

1951 Titano Motocarro is a substitute model of the Rondine 125 scooter which built shortly after the maker decided not to distribute widely the scooter model. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/330DVYO)

Today, You can be seen this Rondine 125cc scooter on display at the Barcelona Motorcycle Museum (Museu de la Moto de Barcelona). As a reminder, the Rondine brand belonging to this Spanish company is not associated with the three Italian homonym brands such as Rondine (Melegnano), Rondine (San Martino Siccomario), Rondine-Copeta, and Rondine Motor.

The first version of the Rondine Sport motorcycle featured a single-cylinder 125 cc, 2T, 6.2 hp engine and launched in 1952. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2DtlzqB)

At the end of 1952, its first motorcycle named "Sport" appeared on the market, designed by an Italian designer named Bruno Hettore. The motorcycle is inspired by the MV Turismo Lusso motorcycle and using a 125cc single-cylinder 2-stroke engine (which is capable of delivering up to 6.5 horsepower at 6,000 rpm) and built on a simple frame and stands made by the transalpine company GUIA.

Hettore then left the company to form his own brand, Aster (Madrid). During 1953, other motorcycle versions appeared which were still equipped with the same engine, but had undergone technical improvements with new frames and suspension. In both versions, the maximum speed is 85 or 90 kph (with a passenger or alone).

The next version of Rondine Sport is launched in 1957 featured with the same engine of the first but has applied a new frame and suspensions. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2DtlzqB)

Unfortunately, the crisis in the motorcycle sector in the late 1950s meant that the new model they were preparing at the time, the Poker 250, was unable to enter the market. Then in 1958, the company chose to produce Trimak brand motorbikes belonging to another manufacturer which was equipped with a 25,250 cc 2T CAM engine capable of delivering up to 14 horsepower.

The Spaniard Rondine 125 classic scooter had died prematurely since it first launched. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3hYuj73)

It turns out that the crisis continues, which makes this company worse and worse. In the following year after being declared bankrupt, the company was acquired by another Madrid-based company named Trimak SA, which is the owner of the Trimak motorcycle brand as well.😭

That's it, and if the article above is still considered inadequate or inaccurate, or if you have additional information related to the Spanish rare unique scooter models, please don't hesitate to let us know via the comments column below this article.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CYBERMOTORCYCLE.COM | OTTW.ES | ULTIMATEMOTORCYCLING.COM | MILANUNCIOS | CLUB DE MOTOS ANTIGUAS GRANADA]
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This three-wheeler was ahead of its time, but nobody wants it

Traffic congestion is not a new problem for modern people living in urban areas nowadays only, it has emerged and has been a problem for a long time. So that many solutions have been tried to solve this, apart from public transport and carpooling, is by creating alternative motorized vehicles that are in a compact (small) size but reliable as a means of daily transportation.

1957 Jurisch Motoplan, a tiny three-wheeler prototype designed by a German engineer named Carl Jurisch. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/31EzjYL)

Like that we can currently see in the form of the small-sized vehicles from Lit Motors to the new single-seat vehicle designs are being worked on by the Japanese carmaker giants like Toyota right now. Turns out that the idea is not new, it could be seen in the figure of a charming one-seater three-wheeler made in 1957.

Only three prototypes of the 1957 Jurisch Motoplan have ever been built, and only one of them has survived. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/31EzjYL)

The vehicle in question is the 'Motoplan,' a single-seater three-wheeler is designed and built by a German engineer named Carl Jurish who believes that single-seat vehicles are the future of transportation. Besides being a talented engineer, it turns out he is also a motorcycle racer.

Previously, he had built his own motorcycle from scratch at the age of 23, as well as witnessed automobiles becoming immensely popular in post-war Germany. Then he looked for ways to redesign a car to make it more like a motorcycle. This futuristic vehicle appears with a full of innovative quirky designs.

1957 Jurisch Motoplan uses a 173 cc single-cylinder Heinkel engine and put out just under 10hp coupled with 4-speed manual gearbox. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/31EzjYL)

Yes, the vehicle was built by using an old motorcycle sidecar. Instead of a steering wheel, it had handlebars that looked more like controls on an airplane. Due to its really small size, so there is no room to pin a regular fuel tank, Jurisch designed the tank to be mounted at the back and pop up. Then the engine is installed openly like a puzzle box, with a canopy, tail unit, seat, and fuel tank that swivels up for easy access.

1957 Jurisch Motoplan can reach speeds of 55 miles per hour (88.51 kph) and presumably got good gas mileage as well. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/31EzjYL)

Only three prototypes have ever been built, and only one of them has survived. It uses a 173 cc single-cylinder Heinkel engine and put out just under 10hp coupled with 4-speed manual gearbox. When we talk about its performance, it can reach speeds of 55 miles per hour (88.51 kph) and presumably got good gas mileage as well. However, You could not hope it runs nimbly on the highway, due to it might look like a turtle in there.😆

1957 Jurisch Motoplan did not succeed in getting the attention of the automotive industry to produce it, because they thought the design was not attractive enough. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/31EzjYL)

When it was just finished, the designer took the prototype to a popular German auto magazine and asked them to take a look, but all he got was ridicule. Then Jurisch had also sent the car to a motorcycle dealer in New York, hoping to get better results.
But Americans preferred big-sized car models with tailfins, and even automotive advertising scripts at the time emphasized car length as a selling point. It seemed that 1957 was not the best time to sell tiny cars. Sadly, nobody wants Motoplan and no one was interested in their designs. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FASTCOMPANY.COM]

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This car was extinct, You couldn't be seen it today

Almost all show cars made in the 1950s and 1960s always feature attractive shapes that give a deep impression to those who have witnessed or known the existence of these vehicles in the past. Why is that? Because most of them appear in futuristic designs coupled with advanced features. But unfortunately, now some of these vehicles may have been destroyed after their service life is over or become the private collections of an exclusive circle of automotive enthusiasts.😢😢

1964 Mercury Comet Super Cyclone concept made the first public appearance at the Chicago Auto Show 1964. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/34qcaev)

It doesn't appear there was ever any production intent for the Comet Super Cyclone, Mercury's far-out fastback show car of 1964, but it’s still fun to wonder what if. Designed by Ford advanced stylist David L. Ash and his staff, the Super Cyclone was constructed by Dearborn Steel Tubing, a local Ford contractor that was also responsible for the Fairlane Thunderbolts, the Thunderbird Italien concept, and other exotic skunkworks-type projects.

1964 Mercury Comet Super Cyclone equipped with a 289 CID V8 and a Borg-Warner four-speed gearbox. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/34qcaev)

To create the Super Cyclone, famed designer-fabricator Vince Gardner and his associate Paul Shedlik, then in the employ of DST, started with a stock '64 Comet Cyclone hardtop equipped with a 289 CID V8 and a Borg-Warner four-speed. After removing much of the factory sheet metal aft of the A-pillars, they modeled and constructed a new outer skin in fiberglass. The revised look sported radiused rear wheel openings to match the front and a radically sloped roofline to support a large, wraparound rear glass.

As we can see, the car's backlight bears a powerful resemblance to the one on the original 1964 Plymouth Barracuda, just then going into production. Though we have no reason to presume it's anything more than coincidence, the similarity is striking.

1964 Mercury Comet Super Cyclone assume is destroyed once its show career was over. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/34qcaev)

Other custom features included a complete interior in white Naugahyde, Astro custom wheels with bolt-on knockoffs, and teardrop racing mirrors. The revised front end treatment featured a custom grille with fine vertical teeth and French Cibie headlights. The rectangular lamps were popular on the custom car scene in the '60s but technically, they weren’t legal for street use in the U.S.

The Super Cyclone made its first public appearance at the Chicago Auto Show (above) on February 8-15, 1964. (We can't help wondering what the Plymouth people thought when they saw it.) The fastback was also a regular feature of the Lincoln-Mercury Caravan of Stars, a traveling exhibition on the hot rod show circuit, and in the April 1964 issue of Rod & Custom magazine (below) it shared the cover with Ed Roth’s latest show rod, The Road Agent.

We don't know this, but since the Super Cyclone hasn't been sighted in decades, we assume it is destroyed once its show career was over (the usual fate of show cars and concepts at the time.) *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MACSMOTORCITYGARAGE]

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Little Dicky with Ducati engine

So, if you have enough free time, then try typing a keyword, "Dick Tricycle" into the Google search. And see what came after that? There is a French-made three-wheeled vehicle picture with no other information about it.

Dick Tricycle is a tiny antique three-wheeler on display at the 2019 Salon Rétromobile in Paris. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/31zKylf)

This unique vehicle model called Dicky Tricycle is made by a Paris-based coachbuilder company named Dick. In the early 1950s, the company dressed it with a three-wheeled platform and a small two-door body. However, it is not known exactly how many of these tiny three-wheelers were made by this French company.

Dick Tricycle is built by the Paris-based coachbuilder named Dick back in 1952. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2YDTjc9)

Its power comes from Ducati's horizontal 4-stroke 175cc single-cylinder engine. The engine drives a single rear wheel by transmitting power via an automatic transmission system coupled with a hydraulic torque converter and centrifugal clutch.

Dick Tricycle uses a Ducati's horizontal 4-stroke 175cc single-cylinder engine. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2YDTjc9)

In the cabin, this three-wheeled vehicle can accommodate two people in a tandem position (the passenger sits behind the driver). Finally, this cutie vehicle was exhibited in its original condition for auction at the 2019 Salon Rétromobile which was held at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. As quoted from Artcurial.com, the cutie antique three-wheeler sold at a price of €10,728 (approx. US. $12,688 or Rp.186 million) at the event. 

Dick Tricycle is offered from €10,000 to €15,000 at the 2019 Salon Rétromobile and sold at a price of €10,728. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2YDTjc9)

Most definitely modernized and restored in the past, now presented in a less fit condition. In order to restore and maintain the vehicle into good condition, and overall mechanical repair is to be expected. This original and charming three-wheeler will attractive, also delight its future owner in many ways with its rarity status and signature Italian engine. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ARTCURIAL.COM | CLASSICCARWEEKLY.NET | PIXAUTO.NET | INVALUABLE.COM | CHALLENGES.FR]

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Lil Redd Wrecker

The existence of special utility vehicles such as wreck truck is really needed by automotive workshops in their daily operational duties. Besides playing an important role, its figure has always escaped the attention of automotive enthusiasts. Because in general, these utility vehicles have a less attractive and monotonous shape truck.

Redd Fox Lil Red Wrecker built by the famous builder George Barris in the early 1970s. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2Qjg6p1)

At first glance, a wrecker looks similar to a tow truck, the major differences between both of them only by the driver's scope of duties. While both positions require you to tow cars, a tow truck driver typically only tows vehicles. They do not generally perform repair or maintenance work, while a wrecker driver is authorized to do so.

So when there is a famous car builder who makes this type of vehicle so it becomes beautiful and even emerges a star in every attended auto show. This is certainly something interesting to discuss. The wrecker in question was built by George Barris in the early 1970s for Redd Foxx star of "Sanford & Son" named Redd Fox Lil Red Wrecker. The truck has an awesome piece built of the all-steel body tube frame, corvette rear-end, and suspension.

The cabin of the Redd Fox Lil Red Wrecker covered dominantly with red-velvet while the blue on its seater side. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2Qjg6p1)

This all hand-built body is made of metal and sculptured with the tilt styled front cab tinted sky top window and all. The oval tunneled grille shell housed quad rectangular English-style headlights and a chrome mesh insert.

And the gorgeous designed wrecker is powered by an all chrome plated supercharged 392 cubic inches Chrysler's mid-mounted engine. Another unusual feature is the Center Steering with right-hand power braking plus left-hand hydraulic gas pedal.

The gorgeous Redd Fox Lil Red Wrecker is powered by an all chrome plated supercharged 392 cubic inches Chrysler's mid-mounted engine. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2EyZbMq)

A square foam styled crushed blue velvet interior was created by Joe Perez plus trimmed in a wet look antique vinyl.

The rear wrench is electric push-button power operated and completely chrome plated. Dual MOON gas tanks are installed on each side of the body panels and finished in a machined groove. Extra-wide deep chrome reversed wheels are mounted on Formula Super Stock tires.

Unique pinstripe and gold leafing with Redd's character image were performed by the artistic talents of Ralph Stiers. The finishing touches are in 30 coats of fine sprayed Kandy Redd over a Sungleam platinum under the base.

The truck now runs and drives, when the current owner bought the truck in the 1990's he completely restored the whole truck, to make it run and move on its own. When the truck was originally built is was a pusher show car for the Autorama and indoor car shows, aka trailer queen. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BARIS.COM | TOWFORCE.NET | MOTORIOUS.COM]

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The weirdest Le Mans racing car

In a racing event that is attended by many motorized vehicle participants from various teams and manufacturers, of course, it will not display a uniform vehicle shape. Yes, various designs made in accordance with the race requirements, of course, will also colorize the excitement of the event.

A unique racing car created by Mario Dalmonte, Carlo Mollino, and Enrico Nardi in 1955 named "Bisiluro Damolnar" for the 24 hours Le Mans racing event. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3hhygDz)

One of the racing events that always features participants with various motor vehicle designs is the 24 hours of Le Mans. This legendary racing event (since 1923), which is held annually at the Circuit de la Sarthe, Le Mans, France, is a venue to compete for the vehicle endurance when it is driven non-stop at high speed for 24 hours around the circuit.

The Bisiluro Damolnar with Carlo Mollino behind the steering wheel while on the speed at the 24 hours Le Mans racing event track in 1955. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3iSP3x8)

Yes, one of the most striking is the appearance of a bright-red open-top Italian racing car that took part in the 24-hour Le Mans of 1955 named Bisiluro Damolnar. Its name derived from the surnames of its three designers, ie Mario Dalmonte, Carlo Mollino, and Enrico Nardi. It looked very different from all the other cars that competed in the legendary endurance competition.

This 1955 Bisiluro Damolnar has a Giannini-tuned twin-cam, 4 cylinders, 737 cc engine mounted on the left-hand side (to counter the weight of the driver, seated on the right). (Picture from: https://bit.ly/34lxlyq)

This racing car which has the appearance like the twin torpedoes which in Italian is called 'Bisiluro,' is an anomaly, it’s asymmetrical, with no passenger seat, and has the engine mounted on the left-hand side (to counter the weight of the driver, seated on the right). And the 450 kg (992 lbs) weighed racing car running by a Giannini-tuned twin-cam, 4 cylinders, 737 cc engine of BMW 750 motorcycle.

The chassis as tested without the body. Note the standard radiator, test fuel tank, Appia suspension and round steering wheel. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/31ycm9J)

Out of context for a moment, the torpedo (siluro) shapes and names seem very popular to use by the Italian' automotive circles in the time. For example, Piaggio, the famous Pontadera-based scooter manufacturer ever made racing scooter species called Vespa Monthléry back in 1950. Shortly after, the real torpedo-shaped design also implemented to its record-breaking scooter known as Vespa Siluro in 1951.

An ovoid steering wheel, designed for maximum legroom, was probably the least weird part of this creation. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3hhygDz)

Back to the car, it is built on a Fiat 500 chassis and frames made of the tubular steel for a lightweight body and attached with an engine with a high (for the time) power to weight ratio, it is said the race car is capable of running up to a top speed of 216 mph (347 kph).

This 1955 Bisiluro Damolnar is built on a Fiat 500 chassis made of tubular steel for a lightweight body and an engine with a high (for the time) power to weight ratio. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/34lxlyq)

But unfortunately, its appearance at one of the most prestigious racing events did not make any achievements. During the race, the Bisiluro was literally blown off the track, after colliding with a close-passing Jaguar D-Type and sustained too much damage to continue the race.

After being repaired and restored, the unusual-shaped racing car now lives on display at the prestigious Leonardo Da Vinci Museum in Milan, Italy. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SILODROME | STYLEPARK | ROAD AND TRACK | WIRED | VELOCETODAY.COM]

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Tom Meade’s final GT creation in Italy

After some time ago we have discussed the iconic car model made by Tom Meade called it the Thomassima, which in Italian means 'the maximum from Thomas.' The first car is known as Thomassima I completed in 1962, then it was destroyed because swept away by the great flood in Florence in 1966.

1969 Thomassima III 'Lacrima Rossa' is the third model produced by Tom Meade based on a Ferrari 250 GT Coupe. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/31LoS4s)

Shortly after that the Thomassima II was built in 1967 and was even more beautiful. It was commissioned to be built by a private owner in Northern California in 1966.

The car was finished by Tom Meade in 1968 and shipped over from Italy. Soon after arriving it was displayed at the 1968 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The Thomasimma II was believed lost since 1971 as it was not seen in public until 2015, subsequently being sold for $9 million or about Rp.121,2 billion!

1969 Thomassima III is the third model produced by Tom Meade and the most famous of his creations now on display at the Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari in Italy. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/31LoS4s)

Finally, the Thomassima III 'Lacrima Rossa' as the name implies is the 3rd model produced by Tom Meade in 1969, who put his own interpretation on Ferrari styling in the sixties and seventies. This model is based on a Ferrari 250 GT Coupe and was the most famous of his creations. While the additional name of 'Lacrima Rossa' (means 'Red Tear') was given by Josh Lange, who continues to work toward completion of Tom's last dream car and also a close friend of Tom for the last few years of his life to describe of Tom Meade's last great struggle.

1969 Thomassima III uses a 3-liter V12 Ferrari engine with a power output of 237 hp. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3fSYESA)

It may the best-described interpretation as a front-engined supercar inspired by the legendary 330 P4 sports racing model. It uses a 3-liter V12 Ferrari engine with a power output of 237 hp. The design includes a carbon fiber chassis with seats molded into the tub, much like the Thomassima II. The instruments will be multi-level, multi-functional, and hand made like most of the car's details. An aluminum body to Tom’s careful design will follow the Meade tradition.

1969 Thomassima III has multi-level, multi-functional instruments, and hand made like most of the car's details. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/31LoS4s)

At the time, not many people get to build their own cars. Fewer still enlist their coachbuilding help in Modena or use aristocratic 1960s Ferrari components as their foundation. But Tom Meade able to do that, and the swooping style of his Thomassima III is evidence that he had an eye for stunning bodywork.

1969 Thomassima III's seats molded into the tub, much like the Thomassima II. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/31LoS4s)

The Thomassima III created a sensation when exhibited at Italy's automobile manufacturers’ show in Turin. At the time, so many visitors crowd around the place where the Thomassima III was exhibited and made the event organizer was necessary to move the place to accommodate larger crowds surrounding Meade’s creation. Even a diecast model manufacturer, Mattel made the Thomassima III as one of its Hot Wheels collections.

1969 Thomassima III is the third model produced by Tom Meade featured the gull-wing doors as the access into its cabin. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/31LoS4s)

Today the Thomassima III is in the protective hands of Meade’s adopted son and is kept in northern Italy. As its sub-300km odometer reading shows, the car has not run in decades, but to see it as it was in period (save for absent exterior mirrors and the different seat color) remains awe-inspiring. Its shape is very much organic, the ultimate rendition of the 1960s front-engined Italian sports car ethos.

Tom Meade passed away in August 2013 aged 74. It was therefore a great shock, in the year that followed, to find out that the Thomassima III was not merely a long-lost dream and actually proper to be displayed in a museum.  Not just any museum, mind you, but the Galleria Ferrari museum in Fiorano, right by the Maranello factory. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | THOMASSIMA.COM | DRIVETRIBE.COM | DRIVE-MY.COM]

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Mysterious Vespa racing scooter prototype of 1950s revealed

The first time we saw this scooter on the internet a few years ago. At that time we were immediately fell in love with it because in our opinion this scooter has an unusual fierce shape we've never seen before. After that, we tried to find out what model this scooter was? However, it turns out that none of the models in the Piaggio's scooter catalog like this one.

The gorgeous scooter called Vespa 125 Corsa (original) built based on 1951 Vespa 125 by Cavalli brothers-owned workshop under the Piaggio authorization of the 1950s. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2YaWGqM)

After searching, we finally found a little information about this unusual scooter from an account on a photography site in the name of William Mendini (a gentleman of Brescia), plus other info from several Vespa scooter fansites such as Basque Radical Mods, Vespa Club Salo and others.

The 1951 Vespa 125 has an aerodynamically bulged shape that resembles a big nose which is also used as a place for the headlight attached. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3hbwcwM)

It turns out that this scooter was built based on the 1951 Piaggio Vespa 125 model by a Brescia-based modification workshop owned by the Cavalli brothers. The unique-shaped scooter was designed by Achille Cavalli for racing purposes and is said to have authorization of Piaggio as the manufacturer and owner of the Vespa brand.

The gorgeous scooter called Vespa 125 Corsa (original) modified under the Piaggio authorization for racing purposes. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2YaWGqM)

As a result, the one-off prototype (as we can see today) was successfully built in 1951 and tested in 1952. But unfortunately, there are no data or records about it after that. So it is clear now, that isn't a scooter model made by Piaggio but the custom-built scooter result of a Brescia-based workshop. As for the name, some call it Vespa 125 Corsa (original) prototype, and --Because We Love Vespa-- If allowed, we preferred called it as Vespa Grosso Naso (big nose).

Achille Cavalli one of three Cavalli brothers who modified the Vespa 125 in the early 1950s. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2YaWGqM)

When viewed from the physical appearance it looks like a combination of many scooter models made by Piaggio in the 1950s. As we can see from the front view, the scooter has striking looks with an aerodynamically bulged shape that resembles a big nose which is also used as a place for the headlight attached. Then to the middle, where a handlebar is the same as that used on the Vespa scooter model at that time.

Then in between the seat and the handlebar, there is an extra-large size fuel tank like the one on the Vespa Circuito 125 and at the bottom of where a spare tire saved like the Vespa 125 'Sei Giorno' models. Going to the back, there is a fin that at a glance reminds us of the Vespa Siluro model. While the engine, it looks like still uses a 125cc 2-stroke engine (there was none of the info about it).

The 1951 Vespa 125 was featured with a larger fuel tank, and a spare-tire in the middle. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/349sOPq)

And if you look carefully ranging from the front to the rear of this scooter was very aerodynamic and added to the rider's sitting position who ducks with his head tilted over the fuel tank. Of course, that's very promising to be fast when speeding on the track.

The 1951 Vespa 125 was designed by Achille Cavalli (look at the designer name stamped on the scooter body), and probably still uses a 125cc 2-stroke engine. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/349sOPq)

As quoted of fotocommunity.it in the name of William Mendini's account, for more than fifty years this beauty racing scooter was stored well in a garage at the outskirts of the city and lastly restored in 2008, but it is unknown who the scooter owner today.

The gorgeous scooter called Vespa 125 Corsa (original) has a rear fin that at a glance reminds us of the famous Vespa Siluro model. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/349sOPq)

That's it, and if the article above is still considered inadequate or inaccurate, or if you have additional information related to this unique scooter, please don't hesitate to let us know via the comments column below this article.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BASQUE RADICAL MODS | VESPA CLUB SALO | FOTOCOMMUNITY | VESPA RESOURCES | VESPANIA | VESPISSIMO]

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