The only one Italian-made Corvette

ONE-OFF - As already known that the name of the Chevrolet Corvette always known as an American muscular car, with a body design that is not less muscular and always be dreamed in its homeland. However, the charm of the V8 engine's Chevrolet Corvette mainstay just seems not enough to attract consumers in Europe, where the typical European car has a more beautiful design.

1963 Pininfarina Rondine Coupe made taken base of Chevrolet Corvette C2. (Picture from: Otosia)

Then in 1963, one Chevrolet Corvette C2 had to undergo a makeover to be more pleasing to the eyes of Europeans. The result, Chevrolet in cooperation with Pininfarina, a famous Italian automotive coachbuilder that used to design a Ferrari, which later gave birth to the figure of Pininfarina Rondine Coupe.

Rear side view of 1963 Pininfarina Rondine Coupe. (Picture from: Otosia)

Unlike the Corvette C2 which has a body made of fiberglass, Pininfarina Rondinne has a metal made exterior, which makes its weight so increase, and control is also changed completely. The car's front overhangs are more longer, and the Corvette's typical pop-up lights are eliminated, and on the back there is nothing resembling to the original car, and it is more like a Fiat 124.

Inside, the car has a stock dashboard and seats, but attention to detail around the doors is exceptional. The door jams themselves are chromed and decorated panels are fitted. The greenhouse is quite bright due to the white leather upholstery and a large wraparound rear windscreen.

Because seeing the car's view which then triggered a fairly diverse responses, and finally made Chevrolet was reluctant to continue Pininfarina Rondine to the production line and now the only one ever made was sitting peacefully at the Corvette museum. *** [EKA [20092017] [26092021] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SUPERCARS.NET]

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DAF 55 Siluro: The Unique Torpedo-Inspired Car of the 1960s

Retro Ingenuity - You are certainly familiar with an Italian designer named Giovanni Michelotti, who works more as an independent designer and has designed many famous vehicles from various world-renowned automaker brands. Among the many shapes that rolled from his creative mind, there was one that stood out not just for its elegance, but also for its rarity and mystery: the DAF 55 Siluro.

1968 DAF 55 Siluro designed by Giovanni Michelotti made its first debut at the 1968 Geneva Motorshow. (Picture from: Supercar.net)

In the late 1960s, when futuristic automotive designs were gaining attention and designers dared to think outside the box, Michelotti partnered with the Dutch carmaker DAF to create something rather unconventional. The result was the DAF 55 Siluro—a concept car with a silhouette so fluid and aerodynamic that it earned the Italian name "Siluro," meaning "torpedo." The name was no exaggeration. The car’s profile displayed a sleek, sloping line that gracefully stretched from the front to the rear, giving it an almost motion-blurred appearance even when parked.e design with long sloping silhouette lines that runs on both sides of the exterior and hood.

1968 DAF 55 Siluro has a unique design with long sloping silhouette lines that runs on both sides of the exterior and hood. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)

Unveiled for the first time at the 1968 Geneva Motor Show, the Siluro caught attention for more than just its smooth curves. Built on the DAF 55 Coupe platform, it featured a compact form yet maintained a full four-passenger seating arrangement. Under the hood sat a modest but reliable 1,108 cc inline four-cylinder engine, capable of producing 50 brake horsepower at 5,000 rpm. While this figure might not impress speed enthusiasts, what made the Siluro truly remarkable was its Variomatic Transmission—a hallmark innovation from DAF.

1968 DAF 55 Siluro—a concept car with a silhouette so fluid and aerodynamic that it earned the Italian name "Siluro," meaning "torpedo.". (Picture from: CarsThatNeverMadeItEtc in Tumblr)

This transmission system was ahead of its time. It allowed the car to move forward and backward at the same speed, an unusual yet fascinating capability that added to the vehicle’s already quirky charm. Designed originally for practicality and ease of use, the Variomatic system gave the Siluro a smooth, gearless driving experience that was surprisingly modern for its era.

The steering wheel and dashboard view of 1968 DAF 55 Siluro. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)

Michelotti's role in shaping the Siluro went beyond simply drafting lines and curves. He had previously collaborated with DAF on models such as the DAF 44 and DAF 55, but the Siluro was a more personal project—part experimental, part artistic expression. It was a showcase of how a functional Dutch car could wear a stylish Italian suit, all without losing its soul.

1968 DAF 55 Siluro is used 1,108 cc inline four-cylinder engine coupled with DAF's unique Variomatic Transmission system. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)

Following its Geneva debut, the Siluro quietly disappeared from the public eye. For nearly four decades, the car remained unseen, nearly forgotten—until it resurfaced in 2005 at the AutoRAI exhibition in Amsterdam. By then, Giovanni Michelotti had passed away unexpectedly in 1980, and the Siluro had become something of a lost gem in the world of automotive design.

Rearview of 1968 DAF 55 Siluro. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)

When the car was rediscovered, it wasn’t in the best condition. Many of its parts had been specially handcrafted by Michelotti himself, making restoration no easy task. Still, through the support of passionate enthusiasts and generous sponsors, the DAF 55 Siluro was lovingly brought back to life—restored to its original elegance and mechanical soundness.

Today, this unique piece of automotive history has found a permanent home at the DAF Museum in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. Resting quietly on display, the Siluro stands not only as a tribute to Michelotti's creative legacy, but also as a reminder of a time when bold ideas and international collaboration could turn a simple Dutch coupe into a rolling work of art.. *** [EKA [09032020]| FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SUPERCARS.NET | UNIQUE CARS AND PARTS | ULTIMATECARPAGE ]

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Rare and Unique French Microcar

Coming From The Past - It can be said that cars are not much different from humans when it comes to size—some are large, while others are small and even cute. Among them are vehicles known as microcars, which are so small that they can only accommodate passengers in a tandem seating arrangement. Not only are these cars compact in size, but they also have an adorable design that makes them especially charming to look at.

The 1950 Reyonnah prototype microcar. (Picture from: MicrocarMuseum)

These cute cars, or microcars, reached their peak popularity in the late 1940s to early 1950s. During this period, several of the world’s automotive manufacturers produced variants of these charming vehicles, including the BMW Isetta, Heinkel Kabine, Messerschmitt KR175, Piaggio Vespa 400, Paul Vallée Chantecler and many others.

Have you ever heard of or seen the French-made microcar called the Reyonnah? If not, let's discuss it now. This unique microcar was originally created by Robert Hannoyer, the owner of an auto repair shop in Paris. Interestingly, the car's name, Reyonnah is simply Hannoyer’s last name spelled backward.

The 1951 Reyonnah production version microcar. (Picture from: MicrocarMuseum)

The prototype of the Reyonnah (the blue-colored car) was first showcased at the Paris Salon de l'Auto in 1950, followed by the production version in 1951 (a white-colored model). This adorable, torpedo-shaped car measures 2.9 meters in length and just 1.45 meters in width. Despite its narrow dimensions, the car’s cabin is designed similarly to a motorcycle, with the passenger seated directly behind the driver.

 

Another unique feature of the blue-colored prototype is its tub with parallelogram hinge construction, allowing it to fold downwards so the vehicle can fit into a parking space only 75 cm wide. Meanwhile, the production version (the white-colored model) featured a fixed design with a hinged convertible roof.

To make this cute car run, both the prototype and production versions are powered by a 4-stroke, single-cylinder AMC engine with a displacement of 175cc, producing around 8.5 horsepower. However, don’t expect to speed, as its top speed is only 70 kph! This rare microcar was produced in limited numbers, which makes it highly sought after by automotive collectors around the world today. *** [EKA [02122019] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MICROCAR MUSEUM ]

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The Karat Kart: Wayne Wright’s Clean 1953 Studebaker Custom

Golden Precision - In the world of post-war American car culture, standing out did not always mean cutting a roofline apart or covering every inch in chrome. During the 1950s, many custom builders chased dramatic transformations, but a few enthusiasts understood that restraint could be just as powerful. That mindset shaped the identity of the “Karat Kart,” a 1953 Studebaker Starlight Coupe owned by Wayne Wright, a member of the San Bernardino Krankers in California. Rather than reinventing the car completely, Wright recognized that the Studebaker already carried futuristic lines far ahead of its time, so his goal became refining the design instead of overpowering it. 

Wayne Wright's 1953 Studebaker of San Bernardino, California. Known as the "Karat Kart," Wayne's Studebaker was a clean custom featuring a Champagne Mist paint job, a unique wire-mesh grill made from US Navy submarine air cleaner mesh, and a gold and white Tuck and Roll interior. The Studebaker engine was built up to 3/4 race. Once completed, The Karat Kart was featured in the "Car Corner" section of the "Teen Scene" in The San Bernardino County Sun Saturday, January 23, 1960. (Picture from: Kustomrama)

Wayne Wright began with a stock two-door Starlight Coupe and followed a simple philosophy: cleanliness above all else. He removed visual clutter by nosing and decking the body, allowing the car’s sweeping curves and distinctive rear glass design to take center stage. The exterior received a rich Champagne Mist finish filled with metallic depth, giving the coupe a soft glow that perfectly matched the elegant personality of the build. Full-length lake pipes stretched along the lower sides, adding a subtle hot rod attitude without disrupting the car’s smooth silhouette. Even the smallest details reflected Wright’s creativity. The grille was replaced with mesh taken from the air cleaner system of a US Navy submarine, an unusual choice that gave the front end a distinctive texture unlike the common aftermarket mesh styles of the period. Chrome kitchen cabinet knobs were cleverly adapted as trim accents, proving that custom culture often thrived on imagination more than expensive parts. 

 

The Karat Kart continued its gold-themed identity inside the cabin. Gold and white tuck-and-roll upholstery covered the seats, creating a bright and stylish contrast that felt upscale without becoming flashy. White served as the dominant tone while gold highlighted the trim sections, tying the interior to the Champagne Mist paint outside. To balance the lighter colors, the dashboard, metal trim, and window surrounds were painted black, giving the cockpit a sharper visual edge. Details underneath the car showed the same playful originality. Wright used modified Thermos bottle rod plugs in place of standard cheater caps, another example of how custom builders of the era constantly experimented with unexpected materials and everyday objects to personalize their cars.

Gary Elmore's 1953 Studebaker of Castro Valley, California. Gary, who was a member of the Swanx of Oakland car club, restyled the Studebaker himself, with the help of a couple of good friends. The build, known as Exotica, was completed around 1959-1960. (Picture from: Kustomrama)

Under the hood, the Studebaker engine received serious attention. Wright built the powerplant to a 3/4 race specification using components sourced from several different manufacturers, a common practice among hot rodders searching for better performance. The engine featured a four-barrel carburetor from a 1956 Buick Century, Lincoln valves, Jahn racing pistons, and a Claysmith 3/4 camshaft. Porting, relieving, and polishing work further improved the engine’s breathing and output. Despite the performance upgrades, the engine bay remained remarkably tidy. Chrome accents were spread throughout the compartment, while the engine block itself was painted gold to maintain the car’s signature theme. The presentation reflected the same discipline seen across the entire project: performance and style working together without unnecessary excess.

 

Today, the Karat Kart still feels surprisingly modern because its appeal comes from balance rather than shock value. Wayne Wright understood that the 1953 Studebaker already possessed bold styling, and instead of burying that identity beneath extreme modifications, he enhanced what was naturally there. That decision gives the car a timeless quality that many heavily customized vehicles eventually lose. The Karat Kart stands as a reminder that great design often comes from confidence, careful choices, and the willingness to leave certain things untouched. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KUSTOMRAMA | JALOPY JOURNAL | KUSTOMRAMA IN FACEBOOK | CARROZZERIA-ITALIANI ]

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Johnny Rosier’s 1953 Mercury Custom Build by the Ayala Brothers

Metal Alchemy - When people talk about the golden era of American custom cars, it is often the creative spirit of 1950s California that comes to mind first—an era where metal was reshaped like clay and imagination set the only limits. Within that landscape, Johnny Rosier’s 1953 Mercury stands out as one of those machines that quietly carries a story far bigger than its bodywork suggests. Built through the combined efforts of the Ayala Brothers and Johnny Rosier himself at the California Custom Shop in Garden Grove, California, the car reflects not just craftsmanship but also Rosier’s identity as a member of the East Los Angeles Auto Butchers Car Club, where customization was both a culture and a statement of individuality. 

Johnny Rosier’s 1953 Mercury was crafted by the Ayala Brothers alongside Rosier himself at the California Custom Shop in Garden Grove, California. (Picture From: Kustomrama)

The front end alone reveals how far the car was taken beyond factory intention, starting with a perforated square expanded metal grille that was carefully chrome plated, giving it a sharp yet refined presence. This was then intensified with the addition of three 1955 Buick dagmars, where the center piece was uniquely detailed with Oldsmobile Fiesta hubcap blades, turning functional components into visual art. The hood was nosed and stripped of its air scoop, a deliberate move that smoothed its silhouette and created a cleaner, more continuous flow across the front.  

Johnny Rosier’s 1953 Mercury front end highlights the car’s radical transformation with a chrome-plated perforated grille that gives it a bold yet refined look. (Picture From: Kustomrama)

Along the sides, the trim was reimagined using DeSoto components, while the rear quarter panels were fitted with air scoops that were not just decorative but made fully functional, finished with Thunderbird trim that added a subtle performance-inspired accent to the custom profile. Moving toward the rear and cabin details, the craftsmanship continued with equally bold decisions. The headlights were frenched and tunneled using 1956 Packard units, giving the front a deeper, more integrated facial structure. At the back, a 1954 Cadillac bumper was reshaped and narrowed to properly align with the extended rear fenders, which themselves were heavily reworked to accommodate molded-in 1955 Lincoln taillights.  

Along the sides, the trim was reimagined using DeSoto components, while the rear quarter panels were fitted with air scoops that were not just decorative but made fully functional, finished with Thunderbird trim that added a subtle performance-inspired accent to the custom profile. (Picture From: Kustomrama)

The exterior was then completed in a striking two-tone finish of blue and gold, applied in lacquer and enamel that shifted the car’s presence between elegance and show-car intensity depending on the light. Inside, the cabin contrasted the exterior drama with a yellow and black leather interior, enhanced by chrome-plated elements across the glove box, speaker housing, and speedometer case, creating a cockpit-like atmosphere that still felt tailored and expressive. 

At the back, a 1954 Cadillac bumper was reshaped and narrowed to properly align with the extended rear fenders, which themselves were heavily reworked to accommodate molded-in 1955 Lincoln taillights. (Picture From: Kustomrama)

To complete its visual identity, the car was fitted with 1953 Cadillac Sombrero hubcaps, fender skirts, and dual spotlights, reinforcing its place in the classic custom car tradition where excess and harmony often met in the same design. Looking at Johnny Rosier’s 1953 Mercury today, it becomes more than just a modified vehicle from a bygone era—it stands as a snapshot of a time when custom builders like the Ayala Brothers turned postwar automobiles into moving sculptures, and club culture shaped automotive expression in Southern California. Even in a modern context dominated by digital design and factory precision, this Mercury still resonates as a reminder that true automotive artistry once came from hands, tools, and an uncompromising vision of what a car could become. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | JALOPY JOURNAL | KUSTOMRAMA | PUBLIC.FOTKI ]

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Completely Redesigned Alloy-Bodied 1970 Lotus Europa

Europa Reforged - In the world of classic sports cars, few machines manage to bridge the gap between heritage and modern engineering quite as seamlessly as a completely redesigned alloy 1970 Lotus Europa. At first glance, it still carries the silhouette of a lightweight mid-engined coupe, yet a closer look reveals a far more ambitious transformation beneath the surface. This is not just a restored classic—it is a reimagined interpretation of what the Europa could have become if time, materials, and performance philosophy had evolved in a different direction. 

The 1970 Custom-Built Lotus Europa. (Picture From: Silodrome)

The original Lotus Europa first appeared in 1966, arriving at a moment when the idea of a mass-produced mid-engined sports car was still relatively new. Built by Lotus, a company already deeply rooted in Formula 1 engineering culture, the Europa carried the brand’s obsession with low weight and mechanical simplicity into the road car world. It was constructed using a steel backbone chassis paired with a fiberglass body, supported by independent suspension at both ends and a remarkably light curb weight of around 1,350 lbs (610 kg). Early versions relied on a 1.5-liter Renault inline-four producing just 82 bhp, while later iterations evolved into more powerful configurations, eventually culminating in a 1.6-liter Lotus-Ford Twin Cam unit delivering up to 126 bhp. Even with modest power figures, the Europa’s lightweight philosophy gave it a lively and engaging character that defined its legacy between 1966 and 1975. 

The 1970 Custom-Built Lotus Europa. (Picture From: Silodrome)

The example in focus here is a 1970 Series 2 Lotus Europa, but it has undergone a level of reconstruction that completely redefines its identity. The original fiberglass body has been fully removed and replaced with a hand-formed aluminum alloy shell, shaped carefully over a two-year period to recreate and refine its flowing proportions. The original chassis remains as the foundation, preserving the structural DNA of the car, but everything mounted to it has been reconsidered with modern intent. Even the windscreen is no longer standard glass—it has been redesigned in plexiglass, and the car is accompanied by a mold so that replacements can be fabricated when needed, reflecting a practical yet highly bespoke approach to the build. 

The 1970 Custom-Built Lotus Europa. (Picture From: Silodrome)

Mechanically, the transformation is just as dramatic. The original Renault engine has been completely retired, replaced by a 2.0-liter Zetec DOHC inline-four that introduces a significantly higher level of performance and responsiveness. Power is delivered through a Renault-sourced 5-speed manual transaxle, maintaining a subtle link to the car’s origins while accommodating its new output. To support the increased performance, the suspension system has been extensively revised, featuring chromoly steel front arms, a heavier front sway bar mounted on modified points, and AVO adjustable coilovers at all four corners. Braking performance has also been upgraded with Wilwood components at the front, ensuring the car can confidently manage its enhanced speed potential. 

The 1970 Custom-Built Lotus Europa. (Picture From: Silodrome)

Further refinements extend into its stance and aerodynamic behavior, where adjustable front and rear wings add a functional layer of tuning rarely seen in the original Europa’s era. The car rides on 13-inch Panasport-style wheels wrapped in 205/60 Toyo Proxes RA1 tires, a combination chosen for grip and precision rather than nostalgia alone. All of these elements work together to preserve the Europa’s core philosophy of lightness while introducing a sharper, more contemporary driving experience. Despite the extensive modifications, the essence of the original Lotus engineering mindset still lingers—minimal mass, purposeful design, and mechanical honesty pushed through a modern lens. 

The 1970 Custom-Built Lotus Europa. (Picture From: Silodrome)

Now based in Piedmont, California and carrying a valid California title, this reinterpreted Lotus Europa exists in a space between restoration and reinvention. It respects its lineage without being confined by it, offering a glimpse into how classic engineering principles can evolve when paired with modern materials and performance expectations. In a time where many vintage cars are preserved strictly as they were, this alloy-bodied Europa stands apart as a reminder that heritage can also be a foundation for experimentation, not just preservation. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SILODROME ]

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BMW Vision K18 Takes BMW Motorrad Design to the Next Level

Sixfold Horizon - At a time when motorcycle design is increasingly defined by efficiency, digital interfaces, and aerodynamic refinement, the arrival of the BMW Vision K18 feels almost like a deliberate interruption to that trend. It is not just another futuristic study shown for attention; instead, it emerges as a bold reminder that mechanical emotion still has a place in modern engineering. Revealed at the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on the shores of Lake Como, this concept from BMW Motorrad immediately shifts focus back to the raw presence of a machine built around one defining idea: the inline-six engine taken to its expressive extreme.

The BMW Vision K18 Concept is not just another futuristic study shown for attention; instead, it emerges as a bold reminder that mechanical emotion still has a place in modern engineering. (Picture from: Motoplanete)

At the heart of the BMW Vision K18 lies a familiar yet reimagined powerhouse — an 1,800 cc inline-six engine architecture that has long been associated with BMW’s touring heritage, particularly models like the K1600 GT and GTL. Traditionally known for smoothness, distance capability, and calm refinement, this engine has rarely been associated with aggression or visual drama. The K18 changes that perception entirely by placing the engine not as a component within the bike, but as the emotional and structural center of the entire design language. Everything radiates outward from it, as if the motorcycle was constructed to celebrate every cylinder rather than simply house them. 

The BMW Vision K18 Concept bodywork combines hand-shaped aluminum panels formed through planishing techniques with forged carbon elements, producing surfaces that feel both industrial and artisanal. (Picture from: ZigWheels)

Visually, the BMW Vision K18 borrows heavily from aviation inspiration, especially the iconic Concorde, resulting in a silhouette that feels stretched, low, and arrow-like. The body flows with a downward, forward-leaning stance that suggests movement even when stationary, almost like a machine caught mid-takeoff. One of the most distinctive engineering choices is the repositioning of the airbox and tank arrangement, allowing the rear section to be flattened and extended. This creates a striking profile where the bike appears to glide forward as a single continuous form rather than a stack of mechanical parts. 

The BMW Vision K18 Concept has a standout feature is a side panel stretching over two meters, formed from a single continuous piece — a feat that highlights the extreme fabrication ambition behind the project. (Picture from: ZigWheels)

What makes the design even more distinctive is the obsessive repetition of the number six throughout its visual identity. Six air intakes channel airflow through individual pathways, six LED headlights define the front signature, and six exhaust outlets complete the rear composition. This “six-by-six” motif is not accidental decoration but a structured design philosophy BMW refers to as “Full Force Forward,” directly referencing the engine’s cylinder count. Whether viewed as symbolic or architectural, it reinforces the idea that every detail is tied back to the mechanical heart of the motorcycle. 

The BMW Vision K18 Concept Six air intakes channel airflow through individual pathways, six LED headlights define the front signature, and six exhaust outlets complete the rear composition. (Picture from: ZigWheels)

The construction of the Vision K18 goes beyond conventional concept design and enters the territory of experimental craftsmanship. Its bodywork combines hand-shaped aluminum panels formed through planishing techniques with forged carbon elements, producing surfaces that feel both industrial and artisanal. A standout feature is a side panel stretching over two meters, formed from a single continuous piece — a feat that highlights the extreme fabrication ambition behind the project. Additional surface treatments, including flame-sprayed metallic finishes, are used to evoke the heat-blued character of Formula 1 exhaust systems, reinforcing the idea of controlled intensity within the design. | UuuCTYZfnBI |

Beyond aesthetics, the BMW Vision K18 also explores functional experimentation, featuring hydraulically adjustable suspension that can alter the bike’s stance and an actively cooled headlight system that emphasizes the visible engineering approach rather than hiding it. Even the intake system is intentionally exposed, turning airflow management into a visual performance element. According to BMW Motorrad leadership, including CEO Markus Flasch, the project reflects a desire to push beyond conventional boundaries and reimagine what an inline-six motorcycle can represent. While it remains a one-off creation with no confirmed production path, its true value lies in how it reframes expectations — showing that even the most established engine platforms can still inspire radical design thinking in the present day.

 

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

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Ferrari HC25 One-Off Supercar: A Bespoke V8 Masterpiece

Precision Reverie - In an era when supercars are rapidly shifting toward electrification and digital precision, there is something deeply fascinating about machines that still celebrate raw mechanical emotion. That is exactly why the Ferrari HC25 immediately captured attention when it appeared at the Circuit of the Americas in Texas. More than just another exotic model, the HC25 represents a rare meeting point between Ferrari’s celebrated V8 heritage and the brand’s evolving modern identity. Built as a one-off creation for a single client, the car reflects how craftsmanship and personal vision can still shape automotive culture in a world increasingly dominated by mass-produced performance.

The Ferrari HC25 one-off supercar was developed through Ferrari’s exclusive Special Projects program, the same division responsible for some of the company’s rarest custom-built creations. (Picture from: CarAndDriver)

The HC25 was developed through Ferrari’s exclusive Special Projects program, the same division responsible for some of the company’s rarest custom-built creations. Under the direction of Ferrari Design Studio led by Flavio Manzoni, the project reportedly took around two years from concept sketches to final execution. Unlike limited-production models that are eventually repeated for wealthy collectors, the HC25 exists as a singular creation with no duplicates planned. Ferrari based the car on the F8 Spider. itself already considered historically important as the final mid-engined Ferrari powered by a non-hybrid twin-turbocharged V8 engine. That foundation alone gives the HC25 unusual significance in Ferrari’s timeline, especially now that hybrid technology is becoming central to the company’s future.

The Ferrari HC25 one-off supercar finished in matte Moonlight Grey paint and paired with diamond-cut five-spoke wheels. (Picture from: CarAndDriver)

Rather than merely modifying the F8 Spider, Ferrari completely reshaped the car’s identity. The HC25 was designed to act as a visual bridge between older V8 Ferraris and newer models such as the F80 and the 12Cilindri. One of the clearest examples is the bold black horizontal band stretching across the bonnet, a design cue that instantly links the car with Ferrari’s current styling language. The body itself balances muscular proportions with cleaner, more futuristic detailing. Sharp creases along the sides, lowered visual shoulder lines, and carefully sculpted surfaces give the roadster a more aggressive and planted appearance without losing Ferrari’s trademark sensual curves.

The Ferrari HC25 one-off supercar's cabin contrasting elegantly against grey technical fabric upholstery and giving interior a cohesive visual identity. (Picture from: CarAndDriver)

From the side profile, the HC25 becomes even more dramatic. A gloss black three-dimensional central band visually divides the car into front and rear sections while also housing the air intakes. The feature flows smoothly toward the sharply angled rear screen, which was redesigned to place greater emphasis on the exposed engine beneath it. Ferrari also integrated a long aluminium blade through the center of the black section, subtly incorporating the door handles into the structure itself. The effect is both futuristic and functional, giving the car a stronger cab-forward stance while making it appear lower and more aerodynamic even at a standstill.

The Ferrari HC25 one-off supercar stands almost like a farewell letter to Ferrari’s pure non-hybrid V8 era while simultaneously embracing the design direction of the company’s future. (Picture from: CarAndDriver)

The details continue through every corner of the vehicle. The HC25 uses completely unique headlamps with slim lenses and lighting modules never previously seen on a Ferrari. Vertical daytime running lights create a more technical and modern face, while the rear adopts equally narrow taillights integrated into a full-width graphic stretching across the back. Mesh cooling openings and a dramatic diffuser surrounding twin trapezoidal exhaust outlets reinforce the car’s purposeful character. Finished in matte Moonlight Grey paint and paired with diamond-cut five-spoke wheels, the exterior avoids excessive flamboyance and instead leans toward understated sophistication. Inside, Ferrari carried yellow accents from the brake calipers and shields into the cabin, contrasting elegantly against grey technical fabric upholstery and giving the interior a cohesive visual identity. | 5CGA3S-S3T8 | IFoA5u_FwmE |

What makes the HC25 especially compelling today is not simply its exclusivity, but what it represents culturally. The automotive industry is entering a transition period where analog sensations are gradually disappearing behind software-driven performance systems. The HC25 stands almost like a farewell letter to Ferrari’s pure non-hybrid V8 era while simultaneously embracing the design direction of the company’s future. It is recognizably Ferrari from every angle, yet unmistakably individual in execution. In Texas, surrounded by modern supercars and racing spectacle, the HC25 did not need outrageous theatrics to stand apart. Its presence alone told a story about craftsmanship, heritage, and the enduring appeal of machines built with emotion at their core. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FERRARI | CAR AND DRIVER ]

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The odd and angular Mantis XP beast raced only once

Most Oddly Kind - The end of the 1960s in the perspective of the racing world was the heyday for the Ford GT40 in various world racing events. This tough racing car made by the American automotive giant Ford Motor Company is said to have triumphed over a number of tough rivals such as Ferrari, Porsche and others.

Marcos Mantis XP is a uniquely shaped car developed in the 1968 by a British automotive manufacturer named Marcos Engineering Ltd. (Picture from: Motor1)

So it is not surprising that Ford's race car, which was built by adopting future designs and combined nicely with this high-performance engine, then invites many parties to make like those Ford's race cars. One of them is a uniquely shaped car called the Marcos Mantis XP developed by a British automotive manufacturer named Marcos Engineering Ltd. in 1968.

The front and rear ends of the Marcos Mantis XP is open upward, giving it a look that this Mantis is shedding a layer of skin. (Picture from: FavCars)

At the time, the British car manufacturer is intended to fight for footing in the world's performance car market. Although at the end the manufacturer has never shown any of its own cars in the global high performance car market. Many said that the Mantis XP is designed by Dennis Adams who at the time worked for the car company.

Marcos Mantis XP's plexiglass cabin and engine compartment are its signature feature, a design trait that give the Mantis its futuristic appeal. (Picture from: Motor1)

The Marcos Mantis XP is truly one-of-a-kind, and its strange styling makes it one of the most visually striking automobiles we’ve seen today. So the car design was breathtaking for 1968, if not unconventional, and it remains so today. It could be seen of its plexiglass cabin and engine compartment are its signature feature, a design trait that give the Mantis its futuristic appeal.

Marcos Mantis XP is powered by a mid-mounted BRM-Repco V8 Formula 1 engine, whose cylinders rose into the clear-covered engine compartment in the rear of the vehicle. (Picture from: Motor1)

The vertical plexiglass doors swing upward and a small window slides forward for a bit of fresh air. The front and rear ends also open upward, giving it a look that this Mantis is shedding a layer of skin. The body design is at once angular and curvy, with a chopped rear end and curvy front fenders that give it an aggressive appearance. The Marcos Mantis XP fit this formula well, as its future-forward design and muscle-heavy heartbeat earned it a debut on the world championship racing circuit.

Marcos Mantis XP is truly one-of-a-kind, and its strange styling makes it one of the most visually striking automobiles we’ve seen today. (Picture from: Motor1)

The Marcos Mantis XP was powered by a mid-mounted BRM-Repco V8 Formula 1 engine, whose cylinders rose into the clear-covered engine compartment in the rear of the vehicle. This powertrain was enough to compete with the world’s top race cars, despite the electrical problems which stopped it at the Spa 1000km.😢

The 1968 Marcos Mantis XP looked quite out-of-place at its debut during the Spa 24 Hours race in Belgium. Flanked by the curvy Fords, Porsches and Ferraris of the late 60s, unfortunately this odd and angular beast is failed to participated the Spa race due to electrical problems, and has been warehoused since then until its recent resurrection by a careful restoration in California by the current owner, Ned Morris. *** [EKA [10082021] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES || 24H-LEMANS  PORNOWHEELS | CLASSICDRIVER | MOTOR1 | DRIVETRIBE | SUPERCARS.NET | WIKIPEDIA ]

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