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Showing posts with label One-Off. Show all posts
Showing posts with label One-Off. Show all posts

Saturday, February 8, 2025

Shelby EXP500 Green Hornet: The Ultimate One-of-a-Kind Mustang

Special ONES - Shelby has long been synonymous with high-performance Mustangs, creating some of the most legendary muscle cars in automotive history, including the King of the Road, which we briefly discussed earlier. Among these, the Shelby EXP500 "Green Hornet" stands out as one of the rarest and most intriguing prototypes ever built. Unlike many other one-off concept cars that never made it past the design stage or were eventually scrapped, this unique Mustang managed to survive, gaining recognition as an irreplaceable piece of automotive heritage. Despite its historical significance and groundbreaking features for its time, the Green Hornet failed to find a buyer at Barrett-Jackson in early 2013, even with an astonishing bid of $1.8 million.😏
The Shelby EXP500 Green Hornet. (Picture from: AutoGuide)
The story of this car began when Ford initiated the development of a “California Special” Mustang to test the waters for a potential new model. This concept, built in notchback coupe form, was created to gauge public interest. However, Ford ultimately decided against moving forward with the project, and instead of discarding the prototype, the company sent it to Shelby American for further experimentation. At this point, the vehicle received an internal designation as EXP500 and became the personal project of Carroll Shelby and his chief engineer, Fred Goodell.
Left side view of the Shelby EXP500 Green Hornet. (Picture from: Hemmings)
Unlike the production Mustangs of the era, the Green Hornet was outfitted with several advanced features that were ahead of their time. It boasted an independent rear suspension, which was highly uncommon for American muscle cars in the 1960s, as most relied on solid rear axles. Another notable innovation was its four-wheel disc brake system, providing superior stopping power compared to the standard drum brakes found on most cars of its generation. Additionally, the Green Hornet was equipped with a Conelec fuel injection system, a rarity at a time when carburetors were the dominant choice for fuel delivery. These enhancements made it one of the most technologically advanced Mustangs of its era.
Interior view of the Shelby EXP500 Green Hornet. (Picture from: Hemmings)
Despite its innovations, the Green Hornet did not go into production, and after completing its testing phase, it was stripped of some of its unique components before being sent to Ford’s Employee and Auction Resale Lot. Typically, prototypes like this would have been destroyed, but in a stroke of luck, the Green Hornet managed to avoid that fate. Instead, it found its way into private ownership, where it remained hidden from the spotlight for years.
The Shelby EXP500 Green Hornet is powered by an experimental 428CJ fed via an experimental Conelec electronic fuel-injection unit. (Picture from: Hemmings)
The car eventually ended up with Robert Zdanowski, who later sold it to Don Darrow, a Ford dealer in Cheboygan, Michigan. At the time, Darrow was unaware of the true significance of the car and made modifications without realizing its historical value. It wasn’t until 1980 that his son came across a book by Paul Newitt, which detailed the unique history of the vehicle. This discovery led to the realization that their car was not just another Mustang, but a highly significant prototype.
Rear side view of the Shelby EXP500 Green Hornet. (Picture from: Hemmings)
After years of being under the radar, the Green Hornet was fully restored and reintroduced to the world in 2013, complete with a certificate of authenticity from Ford. However, despite its rarity and deep historical roots, it surprisingly failed to sell at auction. Perhaps the price tag was too high for potential buyers at the time, but given its status as a one-of-a-kind piece of automotive history, its value is unquestionable.
In 2019, the Green Hornet once again made an appearance, this time at the SEMA Show, where it was displayed alongside detailed documentation of its extensive restoration process. This provided enthusiasts and collectors with a deeper appreciation of its journey and the effort involved in preserving such an iconic vehicle. The fact that this Mustang still exists today, after narrowly avoiding destruction decades ago, makes it one of the most fascinating survivors in the world of classic muscle cars. *** [EKA [09072015,12022022] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BARRET-JACKSON | AUTOGUIDE | FOXNEWS | AUTOBLOG] | HEMMINGS ]
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Friday, February 7, 2025

Shelby Black Hornet: The Ultimate One-of-a-Kind Muscle Car

Legendary Rarity - Over the years, Carroll Shelby and Ford have collaborated to produce some of the most legendary muscle cars in history. Their partnership led to the creation of vehicles that pushed the boundaries of performance, engineering, and design. Among these remarkable machines was the Green Hornet, a prototype that introduced innovative technology to the Mustang lineup. However, years later, a special tribute was built, one that retained the essence of the Green Hornet but with a striking new look—this was the 1968 Shelby EXP500 CSS Black Hornet.
The 1968 Shelby EXP500 CSS Black Hornet was a direct descendant of the Green Hornet Shelby GT500, mirroring much of its mechanical prowess. (Picture from: FordAuthority)
This unique Mustang was a direct descendant of the Green Hornet Shelby EXP500, mirroring much of its mechanical prowess. Under the hood, it housed a Cobra Jet 428 V8 engine, generating an impressive 335 horsepower. The setup was enhanced by Edelbrock aluminum heads, a top-loader 4-speed transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The car also featured the signature Shelby 10-spoke wheels, maintaining the aggressive stance and classic styling that defined the era of high-performance Mustangs.
The 1968 Shelby EXP500 CSS Black Hornet featured the signature Shelby 10-spoke wheels, maintaining the aggressive stance and classic styling that defined the era of high-performance Mustangs. (Picture from: AllForMustang)
The Black Hornet paid homage to its predecessor, which originally served as a rolling testbed for experimental automotive technologies. The Green Hornet had been a platform for innovations such as electronic fuel injection, independent rear suspension, a power antenna, and four-wheel disc brakes. While the Black Hornet did not incorporate all these features, it retained much of the original character, positioned at a transitional phaseafter receiving disc brakes but before adopting EFI or an independent rear suspension.
The 1968 Shelby EXP500 CSS Black Hornet built based on an original 1968 Mustang and painted it in Stetson Black, a tribute to the hat famously worn by Carroll Shelby himself. (Picture from: FordAuthority)
The man behind the Black Hornet’s construction was Barry Smith, owner of Legendary G.T. Under a licensing agreement with Carroll Shelby Licensing, Smith meticulously built this car as an official continuation of the Shelby EXP500 program. He started with an original 1968 Mustang and painted it in Stetson Black, a tribute to the hat famously worn by Carroll Shelby himself. The result was a strikingly bold Mustang that commanded attention both for its looks and its performance.
The 1968 Shelby EXP500 CSS Black Hornet retained its authenticity with a standard interior, original seatbelts, a 1958 Cobra steering wheel, and a center console featuring a manual transmission shifter for a true muscle car experience. (Picture from: AllForMustang)
Beyond being a showpiece of automotive engineering, the Black Hornet also had a noble purpose. It was created to support the Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation, a charity dedicated to helping children with medical needs. The car was also associated with Restoration Hardware, further enhancing its connection to preservation and legacy. For a time, this special Mustang resided in Carroll Shelby’s personal collection, making it an even more coveted piece of automotive history. Adding to its authenticity, the title itself bore Carroll Shelby’s signature, solidifying its status as an officially recognized Shelby vehicle.
The 1968 Shelby EXP500 CSS Black Hornet powered by a Cobra Jet 428 V8 engine, generating an impressive 335 horsepower. (Picture from: AllForMustang)
Mechanically, the Black Hornet was equipped with a Holley high-volume fuel pump, a Cobra Jet manifold exhaust system, a Mallory Unilite ignition system, and a Shelby intake manifold. The engine was topped with a Cobra air cleaner, ensuring optimal performance. Other features included power steering and brakes, a Griffith aluminum radiator, tinted glass, and a standard interior setup without a roll bar. The center console housed the manual transmission shifter, staying true to the muscle car experience. Original seatbelts and a 1958 Cobra steering wheel further enhanced the car’s authenticity. Its exterior was completed with Shelby 10-spoke wheels wrapped in Goodyear GTII tires, sequential taillights, and Lucas fog lights, giving it a signature Shelby look.
The car was officially recorded in the Shelby Worldwide Registry, cementing its place in history. While the Green Hornet remains in the possession of Craig Jackson and Steve Davis of Barrett-Jackson, making it unlikely to ever be sold, the Black Hornet has made its way to the market. At one point, it was available for purchase, carrying a hefty price tag of $850,000, reflecting its rarity, significance, and undeniable appeal. *** [EKA [15072015] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FORDAUTHORITY | MOTORAUTHORITY | AUTOEVOLUTION | ALLFORMUSTANG ]
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Thursday, February 6, 2025

De Tomaso 'NOTYCAT' Pantera: A Real Naughty Cat with Unleashed Power

Hidden GEMS - In the world of high-performance automobiles, the pursuit of innovation and boundary-pushing design has always been at the forefront. Some vehicles are born from a place of tradition, while others are radically altered to challenge and reshape what’s possible. The 1971 De Tomaso Pantera, an iconic sports car originally handcrafted in Turin, Italy, is one such example. 
The 1971 De Tomaso "NOTYCAT" Pantera is a heavily modified, twin-turbocharged masterpiece wrapped in matte black, meticulously crafted by Shad Bruce. (Picture from: DeTomaso Pantera NOTYCAT On Facebook)
However, the Pantera that has captured the automotive world’s attention in recent years is not the one that rolled off the production line in the '70s. It is the custom-built "NOTYCAT," a heavily modified Pantera crafted by Shad Bruce in the United States. This twin-turbocharged masterpiece takes a classic Italian design and turns it into an aggressive, high-performance machine capable of competing with modern supercars.
The De Tomaso "NOTYCAT" Pantera was created by Shad Bruce, built upon a yellow 1971 "Pushbutton" Pantera that he acquired in 2004. (Picture from: DeTomaso Pantera NOTYCAT on Facebook)
The journey of the NOTYCAT began in 2004 when Shad Bruce acquired a 1971 De Tomaso 'Pushbutton' Pantera with the intent to restore and enhance it. What started as a routine restoration soon evolved into a complete re-imagining of the car. Over the course of more than a decade, Bruce worked tirelessly on modifying every single aspect of the Pantera, reworking its powertrain, structure, and styling to create something truly extraordinary. By 2016, the NOTYCAT was born—a twin-turbocharged beast that had left behind the traditional confines of the original Pantera to become a car unlike any other.
The 1971 De Tomaso "NOTYCAT" Pantera commands attention with its aggressive design, featuring sharp futuristic lines and a widebody stance that embodies power, perfectly reflecting Shad Bruce's vision. (Picture from: DeTomaso Pantera NOTYCAT on Facebook)
The custom-built Pantera’s appearance alone is enough to turn heads. Bruce's vision for the NOTYCAT was one of aggressive design, combining sharp, futuristic lines with a widebody stance that exudes power. The front end of the car is striking, with bold features that give the Pantera a modern, edgy look. The rear of the car, however, is where the real spectacle lies. Here, the engine bay is fully exposed, revealing the powerful twin-turbocharged V8 engine in all its glory. Massive intercoolers flank the engine, adding to the high-performance aesthetics, while the quad-exhaust system promises a spine-tingling soundtrack to match its aggressive looks.
The 1971 De Tomaso 'NOTYCAT' Pantera boasts a striking front end with bold, modern features, while its rear steals the spotlight with an even more dramatic and eye-catching design. (Picture from: NOTYCAT Pantera on Instagram)
Clearly, this custom-built Pantera boasts several standout features that set it apart from the rest. The front hood, for instance, showcases a striking paint design with the word "NOTYCAT" outlined in yellow, positioned horizontally over a black-and-white photo collage that depicts the Pantera assembly process in Turin, Italy—an artistic tribute to the De Tomaso brand. Adding to the uniqueness, just nearby, there's a custom aluminum air duct and grille intricately crafted with the De Tomaso emblem motif, further enhancing the car’s distinctive character.
The 1971 De Tomaso 'NOTYCAT' Pantera features a striking front hood design with "NOTYCAT" outlined in yellow, set horizontally over a black-and-white photo collage of the Pantera assembly in Turin, Italy, as a tribute to the De Tomaso brand.. (Picture from: DeTomaso Pantera NOTYCAT on Facebook)
One of the most captivating aspects of this build is its beautifully designed engine compartment. It’s not just about the aggressive wide-body stance; the goal was also to create a way to highlight the heart of the machine. What stands out is the engine cover itself—a truly one-of-a-kind design featuring tempered glass cut with precision using a water jet. The glass is further enhanced by a bold, CNC-routered aluminum ornament in a striking "X" shape, adding both visual appeal and a sense of craftsmanship that reflects the car’s extraordinary level of detail.
The 1971 De Tomaso 'NOTYCAT' Pantera features a uniquely designed engine cover with precision water-jet-cut tempered glass, enhanced by a bold CNC-routered aluminum "X" ornament that showcases its exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. (Picture from: NOTYCAT Pantera on Instagram)
Under the glaas-covered rear hood of the NOTYCAT lies a heavily modified 351 Cleveland iron-block V8, now expanded to a monstrous 408 cubic inches. The engine’s raw displacement is just one part of the equation—Bruce overhauled every single component with high-performance upgrades to ensure that the car would reach new heights of power and speed. The addition of twin turbos, twin intercoolers, twin fuel cells, and other advanced components helped push the power output to a staggering 900 horsepower, transforming the once modest Pantera into a hypercar capable of competing with some of the most cutting-edge vehicles on the road today.
The 1971 De Tomaso "NOTYCAT" Pantera is powered by a heavily modified 351 Cleveland iron-block V8, expanded to a monstrous 408 cubic inches, with twin turbos, twin intercoolers, twin fuel cells, and other advanced components boosting its power output to a staggering 900 horsepower. (Picture from: DeTomaso Pantera NOTYCAT on Facebook)
But NOTYCAT isn’t just about power; it’s also about the philosophy of the build. Bruce is a strong advocate of the "built, not bought" mentality, and every element of the NOTYCAT reflects that philosophy. Each modification, from the engine upgrades to the bespoke styling choices, was executed with meticulous attention to detail. This wasn’t a quick project—it was a labor of love, crafted over many years, and with every upgrade, the car evolved into a refined yet outrageous machine that balanced performance and design flawlessly.
The 1971 De Tomaso 'NOTYCAT' Pantera boasts a race-inspired cockpit with a bold yellow-accented dashboard, modern gauges, and a sleek, functional center console. (Picture from: DeTomaso Pantera NOTYCAT on Facebook)
As word of the NOTYCAT’s radical transformation spread, it quickly became a sensation on social media, particularly on Instagram, where automotive enthusiasts from around the world were captivated by its aggressive stance and unmatched performance. While some purists may argue against the extensive modifications, there’s no denying that the NOTYCAT represents a new era for the Pantera. It blends the old with the new, honoring the car’s classic Italian roots while embracing modern performance engineering.
The 1971 De Tomaso "NOTYCAT" Pantera redefines the concept of a classic car, transforming it from a mere upgrade into a bold reimagining of what’s possible in the hands of a true innovator. (Picture from: @Retromania4ever on X)
What makes the NOTYCAT so special is its ability to redefine the concept of a classic car. It is not just an upgraded Pantera; it is a reimagining of what a classic can become when placed in the hands of a true innovator. With its monstrous power, radical design, and fearless performance, the NOTYCAT is a statement in the automotive world. It shows that there are no limits to what can be achieved with a classic chassis, a visionary mindset, and a relentless commitment to performance and design.
The NOTYCAT has emerged as more than just a car—it is a bold declaration of what’s possible when tradition meets modern innovation. As it roars down the road, it serves as a reminder that the boundaries of automotive design are not fixed, and the future of performance is as limitless as the imagination. Wherever this beast goes, it commands attention and sparks conversation, capturing the essence of what it means to truly push the limits of speed, power, and design. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DETOMASO PANTERA NOTYCAT ON FACEBOOK | NOTYCATPANTERA ON INSTAGRAM | NICOLE JOHNSON'S DETOUR ON YOUTUBE | DELDIOSMOTORCLUB | CLUBLEXUS | TORKBUZZ | CONCEPT45 | SHIFT-S3CTOR | SPEEDSOCIETY ]
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Saturday, February 1, 2025

Classic Art-Deco Labatt Brewery Truck: A Timeless Icon

🍻Brewed Icons - The history of innovation often leads us to stories that blend creativity, engineering, and resilience. One of the most unique examples of this is the Labatt Streamliner, a striking and futuristic delivery vehicle that doubled as a moving advertisement. Born out of necessity during a time of strict advertising restrictions, the Streamliner is not just a vehicle—it’s a symbol of ingenuity and timeless design. Its creation and eventual preservation tell a remarkable story of vision, artistry, and dedication.
When a sip of beer evokes a taste of history, the Labatt Streamliner—created out of necessity during a time of strict advertising restrictions—comes to mind, designed by Count Alexis de Sakhnoffsky, a Russian-born automotive designer. (Picture from: Forum.AACA.org)
After Ontario’s Prohibition ended in 1927, the Labatt Brewing Company faced a unique challenge. Despite the legalization of alcohol, advertising beer in traditional media was still prohibited. Instead of being stymied by these restrictions, Labatt found a groundbreaking solution. They envisioned a fleet of delivery trucks that would serve as mobile advertisements, combining practical beer transport with stunning visual appeal.
The Labatt Streamliner’s cab-over-engine tractor featured a beautifully curvaceous shape, with the rear sweeping down in a steep, unbroken line to fully skirted dual wheels, and one restored 1947 model still exists, owned by Labatt Brewing Co. (Picture from: SimanaItIsSays)
To realize this ambitious idea, Labatt enlisted Count Alexis de Sakhnoffsky, a Russian-born designer renowned for his expertise in automotive and industrial design. In 1935, de Sakhnoffsky created the first generation of the Labatt Streamliner. The bodywork of each Streamliner was fabricated by Smith Bros. of Toronto, with aluminum sheathing tacked to a wooden superstructure. Beneath this were a White Motor powerplant and Fruehauf drop frame chassis.
The Labatt Streamliner’s first model from 1937 featured rather conventional cabs, with the exception of the distinctive running boards and fender skirts, which added a unique touch to its design. (Picture from: SimanaItIsSays)
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Streamliner was a technical marvel. Powered by a 6.3-liter six-cylinder engine, it could carry up to 8.5 tonnes of beer and reach speeds of 80 km/h, outperforming the average trucks of the era. It was also one of the first Canadian vehicles to feature advanced safety innovations, such as air brakes and a fifth-wheel anti-jackknifing system. These features highlighted Labatt’s commitment to combining style with functionality.
One of the Labatt Streamliner’s second-generation models won a prestigious design award at the 1939 New York World’s Fair, highlighting its innovative and forward-thinking design. (Picture from: SimanaItIsSays)
These vehicles were revolutionary in appearance and function, featuring smooth, aerodynamic lines that were unprecedented for trucks of the time. Vibrant red paint, accented with genuine gold-leaf lettering, made the Streamliner stand out on the road, turning heads wherever it went.
The trailer of a Labatt’s Streamliner enclosed a volume of approximately 825 cu. ft. or 8 1/2 tons of beer. (Picture from: SimanaItIsSays)
The Labatt Streamliner wasn’t just about beer delivery—it also reflected the company’s focus on community engagement. Labatt trained its drivers to act as Good Samaritans on the road, assisting stranded motorists with tasks like changing tires or handling minor accidents. This “Highway Courtesy Program” earned the company widespread goodwill, making the Streamliner not only a marketing tool but also a symbol of kindness and service.
The Labatt Streamliner’s fourth model from 1947, the last of de Sakhnoffsky’s designs, was the most flamboyant of all the Streamliners, featuring bold and striking aesthetics; one of these models has since been expertly restored and continues to make appearances on the show circuit. (Picture from: Richard Spiegelman on Flickr)
Total 18 units of the Streamliner ever crafted, and evolved through several iterations, with the most iconic being the 1947 model. This version featured bold curves of Art-deco style, fully skirted wheels, and a signature dorsal fin, embodying the height of mid-century automotive design. However, by the mid-1950s, the era of the Streamliner came to an end. Advances in logistics and advertising rendered the vehicles less practical. Their limited cargo space, side-opening doors, and high production costs were no longer viable in a changing industry. By 1955, the Streamliners were retired, fading into obscurity.
The Labatt Streamliner’s fourth model from 1947 was restored by Joe Scott, a retired president of White Truck Sales in London, Ontario, with the help of his brother, Bob Scott, and financial support from Labatt Brewing Company. (Picture from: Richard Spiegelman on Flickr)
That obscurity, however, did not last forever. In 1977, Joe Scott, a retired president of White Truck Sales in London, Ontario, decided to preserve this unique piece of Canadian history. With financial support from Labatt Brewing Company and the help of his brother, Bob Scott, Joe began the painstaking process of restoring a 1947 Streamliner. The restoration effort was monumental. While six trailers were located in Ontario, they were in poor condition, including one that had been repurposed as a construction site office.
The Labatt Streamliner’s fourth model from 1947, the last of de Sakhnoffsky’s designs, was the most flamboyant of all the Streamliners, featuring bold and striking aesthetics; one of these models has since been expertly restored and continues to make appearances on the show circuit. (Picture from: Richard Spiegelman on Flickr)
The tractor portion of the vehicle posed an even greater challenge—it was missing entirely. Undeterred, the Scott brothers used vintage photographs and technical blueprints to recreate the tractor cab with precision. They sourced aluminum sheets from England and applied traditional metal-shaping techniques to ensure the restoration stayed true to the original design. After years of dedication and meticulous craftsmanship, the project was finally completed in 1983, bringing the 1947 Labatt Streamliner back to life.
The Labatt Streamliner’s legacy was further cemented in 1996 when it was prominently featured on a Canadian postage stamp, celebrating its historical significance and lasting impact on Canadian culture. (Picture from: PostageStampGuide)
The restored Streamliner became an instant icon once more. It made appearances at fairs, exhibitions, and public events, where it was celebrated as a piece of Canada’s industrial and cultural heritage. In 1996, its legacy was further cemented when it was featured on a Canadian postage stamp. To this day, the restored Streamliner serves as a roving ambassador for Labatt, delighting audiences with its retro charm and its horn, which amusingly plays the tune “How Dry I Am.”
The Labatt Streamliner’s story is a testament to the power of creativity and determination. What began as a clever solution to advertising restrictions evolved into a timeless symbol of innovation. Its restoration completion in 1983 ensured that this piece of Canadian history would continue to inspire future generations. From its early days as a stylish delivery truck to its current role as a celebrated artifact, the Labatt Streamliner remains a shining example of how imagination and dedication can leave an enduring legacy. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TIMESCOLONIST | SIMANAITISSAYS | FORUM.AACA.ORG | WEIRDWHELLS | HOTTEST MACINES ON FACEBOOK | POSTAGESTAMPGUIDE | WIKIPEDIA ]
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Thursday, January 30, 2025

Volgatti: A Mind-Blowing Garage-Built Masterpiece

Garage Genius - In the world of automotive engineering, where creativity meets precision, there exists a unique niche for custom car projects that challenge the norm. Among these ambitious ventures, one particularly captivating creation has emerged: the Volgatti. A blend of historical charm and modern extravagance, the Volgatti is a testament to the imagination and craftsmanship of its creators, Axes: Garage—a team of Russian automotive enthusiasts. This car stands as a fusion of iconic designs from different eras, showcasing what happens when tradition and innovation collide in a most unexpected way.
The Volgatti, built by Axes: Garage, embodies a vision that fuses the elegance of a 1960s Soviet GAZ-21 Volga with the striking aesthetics of a Bugatti Chiron. (Picture from: AutoEvolution)
The story of the Volgatti begins with a vision to merge the elegance of a 1960s Soviet GAZ-21 Volga with the sheer performance and aesthetic allure of the Bugatti Chiron, one of the most luxurious hypercars ever made. However, the base for this marvel wasn’t a Bugatti, as one might expect, but a BMW 6-Series Coupe (E63). By using the BMW as the foundation, the Axes: Garage team transformed the shell of an ordinary car into something extraordinary. Over the course of three painstaking years, they turned this idea into reality, crafting a car that is both a tribute to the past and a reimagining of the future.
The Volgatti wasn’t built on a Bugatti, as one might expect, but rather on a repurposed BMW 6-Series Coupe (E63), transformed over three years. (Picture from: RealUNICARNS on X)
The project’s roots lie in the cultural and automotive landscapes of Belarus and Russia, where enthusiasm for rebuilding and reimagining vehicles has steadily grown. The Volga, produced between the 1950s and 1970s in the Soviet Union, was a symbol of practicality and mass production, with over 600,000 units made. It boasted a modest 80-horsepower engine and was never intended to be a sports car. Meanwhile, the Bugatti Chiron, with its W16 engine producing 1,500 horsepower and a top speed of 380 km/h, represents the pinnacle of modern automotive engineering. Combining these two vastly different vehicles might seem like an impossible dream, but for Axes: Garage, it was an irresistible challenge.
The Volgatti boasts a strikingly unique look, featuring the classic silhouette of the GAZ-21 Volga at the front, seamlessly merged with the rear of a Bugatti Chiron. (Picture from: RealUNICARNS on X)
The creation process involved intricate planning and design work. The team carefully replicated the rear end of the Bugatti Chiron, crafting custom fiberglass molds and components to achieve the car’s distinctive shape. The front end retained the classic silhouette of the GAZ-21 Volga, resulting in a harmonious blend of old and new. Every detail was meticulously designed, from the sleek paintwork and chrome finishes to the modified cooling and suspension systems. The transformation also required significant structural modifications to the BMW base, ensuring it could support the weight and design of the Volgatti’s unique frame.
The Volgatti’s transformation required extensive structural modifications to the BMW base to support its weight and uniquely crafted design. (Picture from: ГАЗ-21-is Gijebi Group on Facebook)
Building the Volgatti wasn’t just a test of skill but also a financial challenge. As quoted of The Supercar Blondie, the project’s total cost reached an estimated $106,995, including materials, labor, and workshop expenses. Among these costs were the $1,000 BMW donor car, a $400 Volga shell, and countless custom parts, such as wide wheels, air suspension, and fiberglass molds. Despite the high price tag, the team’s dedication and resourcefulness made the dream a reality.
The Volgatti defies categorization, with a Bugatti-inspired rear and a front that pays homage to Soviet automotive history. (Picture from: RealUNICARNS on X)
The end result is a car that defies categorization. From the rear, the Volgatti is unmistakably Bugatti-inspired, while the front pays homage to Soviet automotive history. Yet, the foundation of the BMW ensures that this hybrid creation offers reliable performance and a solid driving experience. The Volgatti’s bold design even evokes the spirit of American muscle cars from the 1950s, creating a strange but captivating blend of cultural influences.
The Volgatti’s bold design echoes the spirit of 1950s American muscle cars, resulting in a striking yet unconventional fusion of automotive cultures. (Picture from: RealUNICARNS on X)
Though the Volgatti is a finished masterpiece in many respects, its journey isn’t over. The creators are still refining elements such as the custom suspension, wheels, and other features, appealing for support from the automotive community to bring their vision to full fruition. As it stands, the Volgatti has already captured the imagination of car enthusiasts worldwide, drawing attention for its daring design and the story behind its creation.
The Volgatti is more than just a car—it’s a symbol of creativity, perseverance, and the ability to think outside the box. It challenges the boundaries of what’s possible in automotive design and inspires others to reimagine what cars can be. Whether admired for its audacity or its craftsmanship, the Volgatti leaves an indelible mark on the world of custom car projects. From a modest idea in a Russian garage to a stunning reality, the Volgatti proves that with passion and determination, even the wildest dreams can hit the road. If you are curious, here is the link to The Final video. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | @DASHINGAXE ON YOUTUBE | SUPERCARBLONDIE | AUTOEVOLUTION | GATSBYONLINE | AUTOPLUS.FR | BLIKK.HU | YANDEX.RU | REAL UNICARNS ON X | SUPERCARBLONDIE GROUP ON FACEBOOK | ГАЗ-21-IS GIJEBI GROUP ON FACEBOOK | 9AGENCY REEL ON FACEBOOK | DIY & CRAFT ON FACEBOOK ]
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