Enigmatic Craftsmanship - In a world where automotive design constantly swings between digital precision and nostalgic homage, there occasionally appears a machine so raw, so unapologetically human, that it seems to have escaped the sterile assembly line entirely. The mysterious bare-metal Porsche 914 customis one such creation — a car that feels less like a product and more like a sculpture that somehow decided it wanted to move. Its first public appearance came not through glossy press releases or concours exhibitions, but through grainy photos shared by astonished internet users. What began as a curious Reddit post soon turned into a rabbit hole of speculation across 914World and other Porsche forums, as enthusiasts tried to piece together the story behind the shimmering ghost of brushed aluminum and obsessive craftsmanship.
The mysterious bare-metal Porsche 914 custom drew attention while on display at the 2013 Goodguys Car Show in Del Mar, California. (Picture from: DrivingLine)
Beneath that alien exterior lies what many believe to be the skeleton of a Porsche 914, the quirky mid-engine sports car born from a 1960s collaboration between Porsche and Volkswagen. The original 914 was small, light, and mechanically unpretentious — characteristics that have long made it a darling among builders seeking to reinvent classic engineering. Yet this particular example doesn’t merely tweak or restore; it reinvents. The body, forged entirely by hand, tradesthe 914’sboxy utilitarian shape for fluid, futuristic lines that appear almost aerodynamic in motionless form. The aluminum skin, hammered and welded into sweeping curves, captures every glint of light like liquid metal. Where most builders hide their welds beneath layers of paint, this creator left the surface naked — a living record of labor, imperfection, and confidence.
The
mysterious bare-metal Porsche 914 custom roofline has been chopped,
giving it the posture of a prototype racer, while the vented nose and
recessed headlights evoke the boldness of 1970s endurance machines.(Picture from: ATBGE in Reddit)
The car’s personality radiates through its brutal simplicity. No chrome ornaments, no glossy finish — just metal, proportion, and intent. Its stance is wider and lower thanthe stock 914, suggesting that significant chassis surgery has taken place beneath the skin. The roofline has been chopped, giving it the posture of a prototype racer, while the vented nose and recessed headlights evoke the boldness of 1970s endurance machines. Observers have compared its shape to the Ferrari 512 BB or the De Tomaso Pantera, but its industrial finish sets it apart. The surface feels more aerospace than automotive, more workshop than showroom, as though the designer sought to merge the discipline of an aircraft engineer with the soul of a sculptor.
The mysterious bare-metal Porsche 914 custom, forged entirely by hand, transforms the 914’s once boxy form into a fluid, futuristic sculpture of hammered aluminum that seems to flow like liquid metal even at rest.(Picture from: Pinterest)
Because no official documentation has surfaced, the mechanical heart of the car remains a matter of educated guessing. Builders who tackle projects of this scale often turn to mid-engine powertrains with real punch — Chevrolet small-block V8s for brute strength, Porsche flat-six units for heritage, or modern Honda K-series engines for balance and reliability. Given the car’s proportions and its aggressive cooling layout, it likely hides either a flat-six or V8, supported by a strengthened tubular frame to compensate for the aluminum body’s reduced rigidity. Whatever the setup, it’s safe to assume the result delivers more excitement than the humble four-cylinder the 914 left the factory with.
The mysterious bare-metal Porsche 914 custom, with no official specs known, is thought to house a flat-six or V8 engine supported by a reinforced tubular frame for strength and balance.(Picture from: CarPorn in Reddit)
What truly fuels the intrigue, however, isn’t the hardware — it’s the mystery behind it. For years, online sleuths have tried to uncover the car’s origins, and one name continues to surface: Chris Thompson at his workshop in South California. A video featuring a convertible with nearly identical design cues credits Thompson as the builder, suggesting he may have been the visionary behind this striking creation. Some enthusiasts believe this bare-metal 914 was his personal experiment — a one-off masterpiece entirely hand-formed from aluminum over a Porsche 914 chassis. | VCZuf-lKGWo |
Others suspect the car has evolved through multiple hands and iterations since its original build. Yet even with these clues, the story remains hazy. Was Thompson a metal artist exploring the boundaries of automotive sculpture, or an engineer translating precision into raw form? In the world of bespoke builds, such quiet anonymity is hardly unusual; some of the most remarkable cars ever crafted began life not in studios or factories, but in workshops fueled by passion, solitude, and imagination.
The mysterious bare-metal Porsche 914 custom has long fueled intrigue not for its hardware but its unknown origins, with evidence pointing to South California builder Chris Thompson, whose workshop and past convertible project share its unmistakable design DNA.(Picture from: 914World)
Understanding why this creation resonates requires revisiting what the Porsche 914 represents. For decades, it was the misfit of the Porsche family — mid-engined yet modest, nimble yet often overshadowed by its 911 sibling. But that same underdog status made it a blank canvas for reinvention. Builders across generations have seen in it an opportunity: a platform light enough to experiment with, but pure enough to express imagination without limits. From restomod projects like Luke Ray’s reinterpretation to wild V8 swaps and electric conversions, the 914 has evolved into a cult object of creative freedom. The bare-metal variant merely pushes that legacy to its farthest, most fearless edge. | B04ndNFFWQc |
There’s something poetic about a car whose identity is unknown yet instantly unforgettable. It reflects a truth that extends beyond the garage — that beauty and innovation can thrive in obscurity, that obsession itself can be a kind of signature. In a time when most vehicles are born from CAD files and corporate committees, this raw aluminum 914 reminds us what happens when a single human vision shapes steel with nothing but persistence, intuition, and a hammer. It is not just a car rebuilt; it is an idea reborn — proof that artistry still breathes beneath the surface of modern engineering.
The mysterious bare-metal Porsche 914 custom stands as a reminder that even in an era of CAD precision and corporate design, true artistry can still be hand-forged from raw aluminum through vision, persistence, and craft.(Picture from: 914World)
If anyone out there happens to know more about this car — its origins, its builder, or its hidden story — feel free to share your insights in the comments below. Information in this article is based on publicly available sources, forum discussions, and community observations, and some details about its background remain unverified. After all, mysteries like this deserve to be solved together by the community that keeps the spirit of automotive creativity alive. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | 914WORLD | SPEEDHUNTERS | WIKIPEDIA | CARPORN IN REDDIT ]
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Ingenious Whimsy - When people today think of futuristic car design, they often imagine sleek electric vehicles, self-driving systems, and AI-assisted dashboards. Yet, over eight decades ago, in the middle of wartime Europe, one Dutch inventor envisioned a very different kind of future on wheels — one that could literally fit through the front door of your house. That peculiar yet brilliant idea materialized as the DAF Rijdende Regenjas, or “Driving Raincoat,” a one-of-a-kind microcar that remains one of the most eccentric yet innovative creations in automotive history.
The DAF Rijdende Regenjas or “Driving Raincoat,” a one-of-a-kind microcar crafted by Hubert van Doorne that remains one of the most eccentric yet innovative creations in automotive history. (Picture from: Thingies in Facebook)
The story begins in the early 1940s, during a time when resources were scarce and the Netherlands was under occupation. Hubert van Doorne, a mechanical genius and the founder of Van Doorne’s Aanhangwagenfabriek N.V. — later known simply as DAF — was not the type to sit still, even during a war. His factory, originally dedicated to trailers and machinery, became the birthplace of an idea both whimsical and practical: a tiny, single-person car that could serve as an alternative to bicycles for elderly nurses and factory workers who still needed to travel efficiently.
The DAF Rijdende Regenjas or “Driving Raincoat,” was a tricycle-like car so compact that could serve as an alternative to bicycles for elderly nurses and factory workers who still needed to travel efficiently.(Picture from: WeirdWheels in Reddit)
Van Doorne’s challenge was as peculiar as it was ambitious. The vehicle had to be small enough to fit inside a hallway — literally. The result was a tricycle-like car so compact that it earned the affectionate nickname“Rijdende Regenjas,” or “Driving Raincoat,” because, in essence, it was like wearing a machine rather than sitting in one. At roughly 80 centimeters wide, the three-wheeler could pass through most Dutch front doors with ease.
The DAF Rijdende Regenjas was powered by a 125 cc single-cylinder motorcycle engine connected to a hydraulic torque converter developed by DAF itself — a system that would later evolve into the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).(Picture from: Thingies in Facebook)
Despite its modest appearance, the Rijdende Regenjas was far from a toy. It was powered by a 125 cc single-cylinder motorcycle engine connected to a hydraulic torque converter developed by DAF itself — a system that would later evolve into the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) still used in millions of cars today. The car’s front wheel could rotate a full 180 degrees, allowing it to reverse without the need for a traditional gear system, and even pivot in place if turned 90 degrees. In essence, it was an early exercise in maneuverability and design efficiency that most modern city cars still aspire to achieve.
Van Doorne thought through every detail. The car had only one door, but he anticipated the risk of it tipping over — after all, it was a three-wheeler — so he fitted it with a folding roof that could serve as an emergency exit. The ingenuity was typical of his practical engineering style: function first, but always with a touch of human consideration.
The DAF Rijdende Regenjas’s front wheel could rotate a full 180 degrees, allowing it to reverse without the need for a traditional gear system, and even pivot in place if turned 90 degrees.(Picture from: Thingies in Facebook)
Production plans were on the table once the war ended, but reality had other ideas. Europe was rebuilding, priorities had shifted, and the Rijdende Regenjas never went into mass production. Still, its story was far from over. In 1947, the whimsical little car found a new purpose at the children’s circus ’t Hoefke in Deurne, a local troupe co-founded with Van Doorne’s support. His twin daughters, Anny and Tiny, performed there with their horses, and it’s likely that the car was either donated or loaned to the circus rather than sold.
The DAF Rijdende Regenjas had only one door, yet its design cleverly included a folding roof that doubled as an emergency escape in case of a rollover.(Picture from: WeirdWheels in Reddit)
At the circus, the Rijdende Regenjasbecame part of a comedic act starring clowns Rits and Rats — Fried van Moorsel and Piet van Hoof — who were famously “chased” around the ring by the tiny car, driven either by Van Doorne’s chauffeur Harrie van der Heijden or Frans Baarends. The car that was once conceived as a wartime mobility solution now brought laughter to children — an unexpected second life for a machine born out of necessity.
A decade later, when the circus closed its tent for good in 1957, the little car returned home. Van Doorne had it restored, and it eventually found a permanent place in the DAF Museum in Eindhoven, where it still sits today — a compact testament to imagination, adaptability, and the joy of invention. | vkwlM2QXCV4 | z3XFYskqe14 |
Looking at it now, the DAF Rijdende Regenjas feels both quaint and visionary. It may look like something from a cartoon, yet its design principles — efficiency, compactness, and mechanical innovation — are surprisingly aligned with the values of today’s urban mobility. Electric scooters, microcars, and foldable e-bikes all chase the same goal Van Doorne had in the 1940s: freedom of movement in a crowded world.
So, while the Rijdende Regenjas never rolled off a production line, it rolled into history with quiet significance. It stands as a delightful reminder that true innovation doesn’t always roar — sometimes, it hums softly through a 125 cc engine, wearing a raincoat. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA | THINGIES IN FACEBOOK | WEIRDWHEELS IN REDDIT ]
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Avant Grace - Every now and then, the world of car design is graced by a mind that dares to go beyond the blueprint. Raymond Loewy was one such force—an industrial designer whose ideas helped shape the look of the modern world. From elegant trains and futuristic cars to some of the most recognizable products and branding ever made, Loewy's influence left a lasting impression. Over time, we've explored several of his standout creations in the automotive space: the bold 1941 Loewy Lincoln, the sleek 1955 Jaguar XK140 Coupe, the unforgettable 1957 BMW 507 Loewy Concept, and the striking 1959 Lancia Loraymo. Each one carried his unique style and fearless approach to form.
This one-off 1966 Jaguar E-Type, custom-designed by Raymond Loewy with coachwork by Pinchon-Parat, was publicly offered for the first time since 1970.(Picture from: CarsBonham)
But among all those creations, one car stands out—not just because of its rarity, but because it reimagined a legend. Enter the Raymond Loewy E-Type Jaguar, a car that took the already-iconic British sports car and turned it into something truly individual. Only two Jaguars were ever customized by Loewy, and sadly, only one remains today. The first—a 1955 XK140—was lost in a fire. The second—and now the only surviving—1966 Loewy Jaguarwas built uponthe revolutionary E-Typeand turned into a rolling design statement.
Raymond Loewy posed with his custom Jaguar XKE in 1966. (Picture from: MyCarQuest)
Built in collaboration with French coachbuilders Pinchon-Parat in Sens, France, the car was more than a showpiece. Loewy actually drove it during his time living in France and Monaco, using it as a personal expression of his design philosophy. The car stayed mechanically untouched—no performance upgrades or engine swaps. Instead, all the creative energy went into reshaping its appearance.
This
one-off 1966 Jaguar E-Type, custom-designed by Raymond Loewy with
coachwork by Pinchon-Parat, was publicly offered for the first time
since 1970.(Picture from: CarsBonham)
Loewy had the E-Type’s body shortened both at the front (by 25 cm) and the rear (by 12 cm), giving it a more compact and aggressive profile. The front end was reimagined with a dual-headlight setup behind plastic covers, a look that echoed jet-age styling cues. The traditional grille was swapped out for a large, oval-shaped metal intake, likely boosting the airflow and solving the original model’s known cooling issues.
This
one-off 1966 Jaguar E-Type, custom-designed by Raymond Loewy with
coachwork by Pinchon-Parat, was publicly offered for the first time
since 1970.(Picture from: CarsBonham)
The changes continued around the back, where Chevrolet Corvair tail lights replaced the standard Jaguar units, seamlessly integrated into the rear panels. The twin exhaust pipes no longer exited below the license plate but instead flared outward at sharp angles, adding to the car’s futuristic feel. A glass spoiler—rare and bold for the time—was placed on the rear edge of the roof, giving the silhouette a final visual punch.
This
one-off 1966 Jaguar E-Type, custom-designed by Raymond Loewy with
coachwork by Pinchon-Parat, was publicly offered for the first time
since 1970.(Picture from: CarsBonham)
One of the most forward-thinking touches was a large red brake light mounted inside the cabin, clearly visible through a rear window that was 25% larger than the factory design. This brake light, activated by the pedal, anticipated modern safety standards long before they became law. It was classic Loewy—function meeting form in perfect balance.
The interior, meanwhile, stayed true to Jaguar’s original layout, letting the exterior do all the talking. And what a conversation piece it remains. Every line and angle on the car reflects Loewy's obsession with clean, purposeful design. This wasn’t just a car—it was an idea in motion.
This
one-off 1966 Jaguar E-Type, custom-designed by Raymond Loewy with
coachwork by Pinchon-Parat, was publicly offered for the first time
since 1970.(Picture from: CarsBonham)
After Loewy parted ways with the car, it changed hands within France until the 1970s, when a young architect and car designer named James Murry Hunt came across a classified ad—likely in The New York Times or The Wall Street Journal. Hunt, who had once studied under Loewy himself, purchased the car sight unseen and brought it to San Diego, California, where it quietly lived for the next 40 years. Tucked away in a garage, this one-of-a-kind Jaguar was all but forgotten by the wider automotive world.
This
one-off 1966 Jaguar E-Type, custom-designed by Raymond Loewy with
coachwork by Pinchon-Parat, was publicly offered for the first time
since 1970.(Picture from: CarsBonham)
Yet today, it resurfaces as a remarkable piece of history—untouched, unrestored, and still wearing the creative fingerprints of one of the 20th century’s greatest designers. Though it now requires servicing, particularly to the brakes, it remains in strong running condition and holds immense potential for concours events or serious collectors looking for something no one else has. | Q_Xpzq9lrWc |
The Raymond Loewy E-Type Jaguar is more than just rare. It’s a symbol of what happens when iconic design meets fearless imagination. With every curve and custom feature, it tells a story not just of automotive history, but of a man who never stopped shaping the future—even when it came to something as timeless as the Jaguar E-Type. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARS.BONHAM | SUPERCARS.NET | MYCARREQUEST | CARSTYLING.RU ]
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Artisanal Velocity - When luxury meets art, something magical happens—especially when that meeting takes place between Italy’s finest automotive minds and one of France’s most iconic fashion houses. In a world where supercars often fight for attention with sheer horsepower and flashy designs, one masterpiece stands quietly apart: a one-off Pagani Huayra Codalunga Hermès Version, designed in collaboration with Hermès. It’s not just a car; it’s a rolling sculpture that embodies craftsmanship, rarity, and style at a level few creations ever reach.
The Pagani Huayra Codalunga Hermès edition, designed in collaboration with Hermès, stands as a rolling sculpture that embodies unparalleled craftsmanship, rarity, and style. (Picture from: BlackXperience)
Recently spotted gliding through the elegant streets of Paris in October 2024, this bespoke Paganiinstantly drew attention with its mesmerizing teal-green hue. The color alone speaks volumes—serene yet powerful, deep yet luminous under the city’s light. Subtle white circular accents along the sides and the white rims give the car a modern, couture-like contrast, while the delicate white brake calipers add a finishing touch that feels almost poetic. It’s the kind of car that doesn’t just turn heads—it stops time for a moment.
The Pagani Huayra Codalunga Hermès edition captivates with its mesmerizing teal-green hue that glows under city lights, enhanced by subtle white circular accents, matching rims, and delicate brake calipers that together create a modern, almost poetic contrast.(Picture from: BlackXperience)
Pagani’s signature devotion to lightweight engineering is fully on display here. The Huayra Codalunga’sbody is crafted almost entirely from carbon fiber, a material that gives the car its sleek form and unmatched strength. Beneath the hood, carbon fiber is beautifully exposed, revealing the precision of its structure like the bones of a masterpiece. Paired with titanium components, the car weighs a mere 2,822 pounds (about 1,200 kilograms). Even the exhaust system—made from titanium—tips the scales at just 9.7 pounds (4.3 kilograms). This is engineering obsession turned into an art form.
The Pagani Huayra Codalunga Hermès edition features subtle white circular accents, matching rims, and delicate brake calipers that create a modern, couture-like contrast, giving it a presence so striking it seems to stop time itself.(Picture from: BlackXperience)
Inside, Hermès’ unmistakable touch transforms the cockpit into something more akin to a designer’s atelier. The rich green theme from the exterior flows seamlessly into the cabin, wrapping the seats in supple Hermès leather that feels as luxurious as it looks. The center console and rear bulkhead feature elegant satin white fabric, balancing the bold green with refined contrast. Every stitch, every curve, every material seems chosen to evoke emotion rather than simply impress.
The Pagani Huayra Codalunga Hermès edition envelopes its cabin in a designer’s atelier ambiance, where rich green Hermès leather flows from exterior to interior, complemented by satin white fabric that adds a refined touch of contrast.(Picture from: BlackXperience)
But beneath its artistic soul lies raw power. The car is propelled by the same monstrous 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine found inthe regular Huayra, capable of unleashing up to 840 horsepower. This means that even though it’s dressed like haute couture, it moves like a bullet—marrying elegance and aggression in one seamless experience.
The Pagani Huayra Codalunga Hermès edition showcases its engineering artistry with a titanium exhaust system weighing just 9.7 pounds (4.3 kilograms), turning mechanical precision into pure art.(Picture from: BlackXperience)
This particular Codalungais not Pagani and Hermès’ first dance together. Years ago, they crafted a brown Hermès edition Huayra, which famously joined the collection of American car enthusiast Manny Khoshbin. Yet, this latest creation feels different—more mature, more poetic. It’s a reflection of how both brands have evolved, each continuing to push the limits of beauty and performance.
The Pagani Huayra Codalunga Hermes Version is propelled by the same monstrous 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine found in the regular Huayra, capable of unleashing up to 840 horsepower.(Picture from: BlackXperience)
Introduced in 2022, the Pagani Huayra Codalungawas already a symbol of exclusivity, with only five units ever made, each starting at around €7 million (roughly $7.5 million). But this one-off Hermès edition transcends even that small circle—it’s unique, never to be replicated, and built for a mysterious collector whose identity remains a secret.
Seeing this masterpiece roaming Paris lately feels like a reminder that in an age of mass production and digital everything, true craftsmanship still matters. The Pagani Huayra Codalunga Hermès edition isn’t just transportation—it’s a statement. It represents what happens when passion, design, and artistry converge without compromise. And in a world that’s constantly moving faster, this one-off Italian supercar whispers a timeless truth: beauty, when crafted with soul, never goes out of style. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CULTURE GEMS IN X | BLACKXPERIENCE | CARVAGANZA ]
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Ranch Royalty - There’s something fascinating about how car culture often circles back on itself. Today, people talk endlessly about crossovers and SUVs, praising them for being both practical and comfortable. Yet, long before these vehicles became mainstream, one very special car was already doing the job—an experimental blend of rugged durability and refined style. That car was the Buick Roadmaster Custom El Kineno, a one-off creation designed by Harley Earl, the legendary head of styling at General Motors.
The story of the El Kineno begins on the wide-open fields of Texas, specifically at the King Ranch, one of the largest and most famous ranches in the United States. Richard Kleberg, who ran the ranch, needed a machine tough enough to handle dirt roads, scorching heat, and unpredictable terrain. At the same time, it had to look polished enough to carry important guests across the sprawling property. Instead of choosing a standard workhorse, he went to Harley Earl, a man already celebrated for reshaping automotive design with bold ideas like the Buick Y-Joband later GM’s iconic concept cars. Earl’s response was to create something that didn’t just fit the request—it reimagined what a car could be.
The Buick Roadmaster Custom El Kineno. (Picture from: Kustomrama)
Even its name carried meaning. The word Kineno comes from Spanish, used to describe the workers of King Ranch, often translated as “the King’s men” or “people of the King Ranch.”By calling the car El Kineno, Earl tied the vehicle directly to the identity and heritage of the ranch itself, making it more than just a mode of transportation—it became a symbol of the land and the lifestyle it served.
The foundation of this unique build was a 1949 Buick Roadmaster convertible, chosen as the donor car. Earl had the heavy-duty chassis reinforced and paired it with a modified 320-cubic-inch straight-eight engine, strong enough to power through the ranch’s dusty trails. To handle the Texas climate, a massive radiator and additional water tanks were installed. Special sealed brakes kept dust and sand from causing damage, while a tinted windshield cut down the glare of the relentless sun. Communication wasn’t forgotten either—the El Kineno carried a two-way radio telephone, a luxury feature that made it possible to call back to the ranch house without leaving the field.
The Buick Roadmaster Custom El Kineno. (Picture from: Kustomrama)
What makes the El Kineno even more intriguing is the way it balanced utility with indulgence. Beyond its tough mechanical upgrades, it included touches that reflected the ranch lifestyle. Gun cases and ammo boxes were built in for hunting trips, dual spare tires were ready for the unexpected, and a fender seat gave extra space for passengers. As if that wasn’t enough, tucked into the back was a whiskey bar, a reminder that even in the rugged outdoors, a bit of comfort and sophistication was always welcome.
Looking back now, it’s easy to see why this one-off Buick is often called a forerunner of the modern crossover or SUV. It was a luxury vehicle designed for rough conditions, offering versatility at a time when most cars were either utilitarian or elegant, but rarely both. In many ways, Harley Earl gave us a glimpse of an automotive category that wouldn’t fully take off until decades later. | ApaSih |
The El Kineno may not have rolled off assembly lines or reached showrooms, but that was never its purpose. It was a personal commission, a custom machine born out of a specific need and shaped by one of the greatest car designers in history. Today, as crossovers and SUVs dominate the market, the echoes of that bold experiment are still present. The comfort, durability, and multi-purpose spirit that drivers now expect from modern vehicles can all be traced back to Earl’s vision on that single Buick built for the King Ranch—a reminder that some of the most modern ideas often start in the past. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KUSTOMRAMA | BUICK CLUB OF AMERICA IN FACEBOOK | CLASSY CARS IN FACEBOOK | CONCEPTCARZ ]
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Fearless Innovation - In a time when most car makers play it safe, there are still those who believe that design should make your heart race before you even start the engine. In the mid-2000s, that belief found a voice in Barcelona — a city famous for its creative pulse and daring ideas. From that energy came something extraordinary: the Mazel Identity i1 Concept, a bold vision that wasn’t just about building another supercar, but about creating a whole new identity in the automotive world.
The 2006 Mazel Identity i1 Concept designed by H2R Design Consulting, and brought to life by Mazel Group back in 2006. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)
The Identity i1 was far more than a showpiece for the 2006 Geneva Motor Show. It was a statement — that even in a time dominated by established brands, innovation could still come from pure imagination. Behind its creation stood H2R Design Consulting, the creative force that developed the design entirely in Virtual Reality, and the MAZEL Group, who brought it to life in physical form. Both based in Barcelona, these teams showed that Spanish ingenuity could compete with the best of Europe’s design powerhouses.
But the magic didn’t stop there. The i1’s structure was a global collaboration. Its lightweight composite chassis was developed in partnership with ATR, a renowned Italian engineering company celebrated for its expertise in advanced materials. Meanwhile, the body-in-white — the stage where the car’s shape truly came alive — was executed by Studio Linea 2 in Turin, Italy, a city synonymous with automotive artistry. Together, these partnerships proved that the Identity i1 wasn’t just a design dream; it was a serious technical achievement built by some of Europe’s finest minds.
The 2006 Mazel Identity i1 Concept proportions spoke the universal language of speed: 4.43 meters long, 1.92 meters wide, and only 1.26 meters high. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)
Underneath its sleek skin rested an aluminum V8 engine, mid-mounted to achieve perfect balance and stability. Delivering 487 horsepower to the rear wheels through a robotized six-speed automatic gearbox, the i1 promised both power and precision. Every element was chosen to optimize performance while keeping weight down — a delicate harmony that every great sports car must master.
Its proportions spoke the universal language of speed: 4.43 meters long, 1.92 meters wide, and only 1.26 meters high. This low-slung profile, combined with 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels, gave the car an unmistakable stance — wide, planted, and athletic. The front design borrowed cues from aeronautical engineering, with three sculpted volumes and deep air intakes that weren’t just aesthetic but functional, feeding air to the brakes and engine bay.
The Mazel Identity i1 Concept redefined expectations inside with a two-seat cabin that balanced sporty elegance and a sense of spacious simplicity. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)
Along its sides, the car revealed another layer of creativity. The body panels combined modern design language with timeless European sensibilities, resulting in a shape that felt familiar yet futuristic. The vertical-opening doors added drama, while the external mirrors, developed in collaboration with FICOSA, incorporated a new lighting system — subtle proof that every detail was carefully thought through.
The rear view was equally captivating. The split taillights, coupled with an expressive lower section featuring a Venturi-effect diffuser, emphasized aerodynamic efficiency while giving the car a distinct personality. It wasn’t trying to imitate anyone — it was designed to stand out, to have a face and form entirely its own.
The Mazel Identity i1 Concept captivated from the rear with split taillights and a Venturi-effect diffuser that combined aerodynamic efficiency with a distinct personality. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)
Inside, the i1 continued to challenge expectations. The two-seat cabin wasn’t cluttered with unnecessary gimmicks but focused on delivering a blend of sporty elegance and spaciousness. Central to its design was a sleek control console housing advanced Shift-by-Wire and Brake-by-Wire systems — both developed by FICOSA. These technologies not only streamlined the interior layout but also introduced a completely new kind of driving experience, one that felt intuitive and almost futuristic at the time.
But what truly makes the Mazel Identity i1 Concept unforgettable isn’t just its numbers, looks, or technology — it’s the ambition behind it. To create a new car is difficult; to create a new brand from scratch is a dream few dare to pursue. Yet, H2R, MAZEL, ATR, and Studio Linea 2 did exactly that. Their combined expertise, spanning from Barcelona’s creative studios to Turin’s engineering workshops, showed what’s possible when design passion meets technical excellence. | fajZ7Uv2UDs |
Nearly two decades later, the Identity i1 still feels ahead of its time. It stands as a symbol of fearless innovation — proof that even in an industry ruled by giants, creativity can still carve out its own path. The i1 may have begun as a concept, but its spirit endures: a reminder that the future of car design will always belong to those brave enough to imagine something different. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SUPERCARS.NET | ULTIMATECARPAGE | ALLCARINDEX | OBSCURESUPERCAR IN X ]
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If anyone out there happens to know more about this car — its origins, its builder, or its hidden story — feel free to share your insights in the comments below. Information in this article is based on publicly available sources, forum discussions, and community observations, and some details about its background remain unverified. After all, mysteries like this deserve to be solved together by the community that keeps the spirit of automotive creativity alive. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | 914WORLD | SPEEDHUNTERS | WIKIPEDIA | CARPORN IN REDDIT ]
