Ever heard of the Porsche 916?

Everyone may know about the Porsche 911, and many also know the Porsche 914, but have you ever known about the Porsche 916 sports car? Not many people know about this Porsche car model. So in the Porsche cult, the figure of the 916 is among the rarest models and at the same time becomes one of the rarest cars in the world today. 

1972 Porsche 916 is known as one of the world's rarest cars today. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/39xWDZm)

The Porsche 916 takes over the raw body from the Porsche 914/6. The roof is permanently welded to the body. The fenders look widened to make enough room for the 7-inch wide light-alloy wheels. And the car is also fitted with the brakes and 2.4-liter fuel-injected engine that was built on a 915 type trans-axle.

1972 Porsche 916 made in limited number, ie 11 units and all of them were prototypes. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2ORgVoU)

When looking at the shape overall, then the car looks rather quirky because it has the sharply-stroke lines at the canopy and front fascia which is certainly different from other Porsche models that are dominantly rounded.

The cabin of 1972 Porsche 916 appeared with a simple design. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2uEeqPU)

In fact that it was the fastest sports car that Porsche had ever built and its engine able to spew power of up to 190 hp at 6,500 rpm, and its top speed could reach 145 mph which was pretty darned impressive back in the mid-1970s.

The Porsche 916 was built in 1972 in a very limited number, namely only 11 units, and all of them were prototypes. And among the 11 cars that were made, apparently, only one unit was sent to the United States and is now on display at the Automobile Atlanta Museum in Marietta, Georgia.

1972 Porsche 916 used a 2.4-liter fuel-injected engine that could be burst power of up to 190 hp at 6,500 rpm. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/38tfl4e)

It is unknown what causes the Porsche 916 not being produced by that German automotive manufacturer. It reported, that in the time, Porsche 916 was planned to have a retail price of $14,000.00, which would have made it the most expensive Porsche built up until that time.

Yes, it sounds like a ridiculously low number today but, when you compare it to the price of the best Porsche 911 of the day at $10,000.00 you quickly see that the 916 was in an expensive price range all by itself.

In other words, this car model was ruined by the price that was expensive so not suitable for its initial expectation, and finally, it was decided not to be mass-produced. In addition that this 916 model also thought would not be able to attract buyers and then the project was canceled shortly after the prototype was made. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SUPERCARS.NET | SPEAKING OF AUTOMOBILE ATLANTA | CARTHROTTLE]

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A unique 1948 Mille Miglia racing car

Automotive history is filled with many "what if" stories, but nothing is more tempting than Cisitalia, which is officially known as the Compagnia Industriale Sportive Italia. The company was founded shortly after World War II by an Italian industrialist and experienced amateur racer named Piero Dusio, who wanted to take his racing expertise from a car made by his own company.

1947 Cisitalia 202 CMM with the chassis number of CMM-002 on display at the Gooding's 2016 Pebble Beach Auctions. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/39oZTGi)

But unlike Ferrari, the Cisitalia's first road car has created an international sensation. Yes, 1946 Cisitalia 202 was the first revolutionary grand tourer to apply the knowledge of Cisitalia racing know-how to an impossibly gorgeous and well-mannered road car.

Front-left side view of 1947 Cisitalia 202 CMM with the chassis number of CMM-002. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/39oZTGi)

But once it turns out there is a racing car that takes the basis of the car, which is a Cisitalia 202 CMM (Coupe Mille Miglia), one of the most striking examples of sleek and aerodynamic coachwork, and is a tangible proof of collaboration between engineer Dante Giacosa, designer Giovanni Savonuzzi and coachbuilder Alfredo Vignale.

Interior view of 1947 Cisitalia 202 CMM with the chassis number of CMM-002. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/39oZTGi)

The car's exterior fitted with a striking aerodynamic coupe featured with stingray-fin characteristics on the back such as one that applied on the first Batmobile or Alfa Romeo BAT car series in the 1950s.

As previously revealed, that this car was built based on the Cisitalia 202 which features a sophisticated chassis and also equipped with a modified Fiat 1100 mechanical unit. The Cisitalia 202 CMM car is made 2 units only with the intent to be used in endurance racing. So the first unit of the car was launched for the 1947 racing season.

Engine view of 1947 Cisitalia 202 CMM with the chassis number of CMM-002. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/39oZTGi)

While the second car with chassis number CMM-002 has been built for the Mille Miglia 1948 endurance race, which is driven by Piero Tarrufi and Domenico Rabbia.

Rear-right side view of 1947 Cisitalia 202 CMM with the chassis number of CMM-002. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/39oZTGi)

Unfortunately, it failed to finish in slippery Cisitalia. Following its contemporary racing career, it spent most of its life in the Japanese collector's golden cages, making it rarely seen by the public.

But in 2016, the 1948 Cisitalia 202 CMM was auctioned to the public for the first time, with a pre-auction estimate price of the US. $2 million to $3 million, or approximately Rp.26.2 billion to Rp.39.4 billion. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ULTIMATECARPAGE | MOTOR1]

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Have You ever known these two unique Polish motorcycles?

Embarking on a digital journey through the vast expanse of cyberspace often leads to unexpected discoveries, especially when stumbling upon unique motorized vehicles that defy the conventional. The allure of the unknown struck us when we first encountered the MSS (Motocykl Stanisław Skura) 1 and MSS 500, two classic Polish motorcycles that seemed to exist in the shadows of obscurity.

The first motorcycle built by Stanislaw Skura in 1949 named MSS 1. (Picture from: Tropper4x4)

Intrigued by their distinctiveness, our curiosity was piqued, compelling us to delve deeper into the story behind these two remarkable machines. As we navigated through the limited information available, a sense of mystery enveloped both motorcycles, enhancing their enigmatic charm.

1. 1949 MSS 1
The MSS 1, crafted in 1949, holds the distinction of being the inaugural motorcycle meticulously handcrafted by Stanisław Skura. Working at a military airbase granted him access to valuable equipment and aluminum materials from airplane workshops, paving the way for the birth of this extraordinary machine. With components predominantly crafted by Skura himself, including the notable German military aircraft wheels and carburetor sourced from tanks, the MSS 1 stands out with its unique design.

1949 MSS 1 featuring front and rear wheels repurposed from German military aircraft, snugly ensconced in 20-inch truck rims. (Picture from: Tropper4x4)

What catches the eye immediately is the MSS 1's unique design, featuring front and rear wheels repurposed from German military aircraft, snugly ensconced in 20-inch truck rims. The carburetor, an essential component, found its origin in German tanks. The V2 OHV engine, boasting a capacity of around 4,500 ccm, coupled with a three-speed gearbox, adds both power and charisma to this one-of-a-kind creation.

1949 MSS 1 powered by a V2 OHV 4,500 ccm engine combined with a three-speed gearbox. (Picture from: JustACarGuy)

Remarkably, the MSS 1 could accommodate up to eight passengers, a feat achieved with a sidecar and a rear platform. The ingenious design allowed for a unique riding experience, with three passengers on the motorcycle and two on the sidecar, while an additional three could stand on the rear platform.

1949 MSS 1 has a pretty unique shape, this can be seen from both of front-rear wheels mentioned taken from the German military aircraft wheels and mounted on 20-inches-size truck rims. (Picture from: Polskie Motocykle on Facebook)

The lack of detailed performance information doesn't dim the fascination surrounding this motorcycle. Its ability to bear such a significant load not only showcases the craftsmanship of Stanisław Skura but also implies the presence of a potent and robust engine that powered this unconventional marvel.

1949 MSS 1 is able to carry 8 passengers at once including the driver (3 on the motorcycle and 2 on the sidecar) and 3 other standing on the rear platform. (Picture from: Polskie Motocykle on Facebook)

Tragically, the MSS 1 met its untimely demise when confiscated and destroyed by the Polish military. Allegations of utilizing military property components led to the demise of this extraordinary creation.

2. 1957 MSS 500

Fast forward to 1957, and Stanisław Skura rekindled his passion for crafting unique motorcycles with the MSS 500. The rounded and peculiar design, accentuated by large wheels, sets this motorbike apart. This motorcycle at a glance is similar to another unique motorcycle from Germany named Friedenstaube Motorrad that made in the 1930s. However both of them didn't have any relationship at all.

While this MSS 500 is built by Stanislaw Skura in 1957 and used a single-cylinder 500 ccm engine. (Picture from: Tropper4x4)

Constructed mainly from leftover items of the 2nd World War, the MSS 500 boasts an aluminum frame, trapezoidal front, swingarm with central shock absorbers, and aluminum fenders..

 

Powering the MSS 500 is a single-cylinder engine with a 500 ccm capacity. Unfortunately, specific performance details remain elusive. Notably, this motorcycle rolls on a pair of car wheels, encased in 16-inch rims, adding to its unconventional charm.

 

Regarded as a rare gem, the MSS 500 attracts automotive collectors worldwide, commanding exorbitant prices. The last known public appearance of this unique motorcycle was at a classic motorcycle exhibition held at the Topacz Castle in Kobierzyce near Wroclaw, Poland, in 2012. (Picture from: Izhmoto.pl)

The tales of MSS 1 and MSS 500 serve as a testament to the ingenuity that springs forth from individuals who seize opportunities and creatively transform their surroundings. As we explore the untrodden paths of inspiration, these motorcycles remind us that with determination and courage, anyone can turn dreams into reality.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops.... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TROOPER 4X4 | IZHMOTO.PL]

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Car or Motorcycle? No it's Bi-Autogo!

When we hear the word of 'V8 engine,' thus in our memory immediately imagined an engine with V configuration and has 4 cylinders on each side, then maybe you immediately imagine a muscle-car that uses a machine that has a large capacity. But it seems, this time you are wrong to imagine that the vehicle is a car, did you know the first vehicles used a V8 engine? It's a motorcycle like a car or vice versa. It was clear, the first vehicles used the V8 engine was named Bi-Autogo.

The Bi-Autogo was a prototype American motorcycle, built-in 1913 by Detroit artist & engineer James Scripps-Booth. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1arPvO)

As reported by Time magazine, the Bi-Autogo was essentially a two-wheeled vehicle. It designed from 1908 to 1912 and built as a prototype in 1913 in Detroit by an artist and engineer as well named James Scripps-Booth.

The vehicle supported by a pair of wooden wheels diameter of 94 cm (37 inches). Due it has a very heavy weighting, ie 1,451 kg (3,200 lbs), so there were the small extra wheels also pinned on both sides which served to help prop up the vehicle at a low speed so as not easily overturned.

The Bi-Autogo in its heyday. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1arRH5)

The vehicle using an aluminum body, and also already using the steering wheel like a car. Bi-Autogo also listed as the first vehicle which put the horn button is integrated with the steering wheel plus the folding armrest attached for the first time on a vehicle.

Rear side view of the Bi-Autogo on display of the Detroit Historical Museum. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/39vR9yn)

The vehicle which is decorated a series of copper pipe was using a machine with a very large number of displacement, ie 6,300 cc. Due to the limitations of technology at that time, makes it just can generate a small amount of power by 45 hp (33.5 kW).

As quoted of the Autoblog, just one was built and it's currently on loan to the Owls Head Transportation Museum from the permanent collection of the Detroit Historical Museum as well as it was recorded in the 50 Worst Car of All Time by Time magazine in 2007. Wanna see another unique vehiles like this? Here's Shilovky Gyrocar.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. God will forgive Your sins .... *** [EKA [12062016]| FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TIME | AUTOBLOG]

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Now, Santa needs to ride on a Dodge-engined snow sleigh

Even though it has been passed, but seems that the excitement can still be witnessed in a unique automotive work that has been exhibited at the LA Auto Show that was held last year. Yes, it might be at that time Dodge did not have a new product to display at one of the largest automotive shows in the United States. But that does not mean there are no interesting works from those well-known American car manufacturers.

This unique snow sleigh's power certainly does not come from the herd of deers but rather from the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye's engine. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2OnG61R)

Whatever it means, at this exhibition the American car manufacturer brought a unique red-colored Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye that doesn't have car-shaped at all, but it was displayed as a snow sleigh usually used by Santa Claus when Christmas comes (uniquely, this one isn't pulled by a herd of deers as usually).

This unique vehicle concept is made by cutting off the Challenger front roof and leaving a little roof and C pillars, as well as the height of the windshield cut off and leave it half. Then, at the back, it looks like it was given an empty space that was used as a place to store your Christmas presents.

The wheels were replaced with slide pads like the Santa's snow sled. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2GOlj3t)

Not to forget also the American automotive manufacturers have also pinned also special emblems made for this car that was given a black color. But, the Hellcat's logo of the Challenger looks different by added the deer antler on its head.

As you can see, the roof and door of the car are removed and the windshield is cut in half. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/37Tb3CP)

Then for the legs that previously should be installed are 20-inch rims wrapped in Pirelli P Zero 275/40ZR20 tires but then replaced by pair of slide pads as that installed on a snow sleigh in general. Furthermore, this Santa Claus vehicle looks increasingly fierce, with chrome exhaust pipes coming out directly from its left-right fenders.

Normally, the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye is able to bear a fierce power of up to 797 horsepower because it uses a 6.2-liter V8 supercharged Hemi engine.

There's no further information, whether the red-colored Dodge Challenger snow sleigh can run normally, then how the motion mechanism of its pair of slide pads which is the replacement for its four wheels?

But certainly, this Santa's snow sleigh from Dodge became one of the stars while on display at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show. Even Dodge took its time to make a video where a former professional wrestler, Bill Goldberg acted as Santa Claus. Yes, it might be one of the Dodge's ways to enliven Christmas eve which is celebrated annually in December. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ]

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A Wooden Karmann Ghia Cabriolet from Jepara

Teak wood is indeed known for its strength when compared with other types of wood, but what happens if this type of wood is used as a car body? Will it be strong or not? To prove its strength, a wooden craftsman and also furniture entrepreneur from Jepara named Al Sadad tried to prove it. And not half-hearted he then made wooden-bodied car made of teak wood.

Other wooden automotive creations of Jepara craftsmen, ie the teak wood-bodied 1964 Karmann Ghia replica. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2UpeI7M)

As quoted from Muria News, besides working as a wood craftsman, the man from Jepara is also an automotive enthusiast, especially the Volkswagen cars. So it is not surprising if he then gets a crazy idea to make a wooden-bodied car made of teak wood. Even before, in 2015 he has ever made a teak wood-bodied Volkswagen Safari.

A teak wood-bodied 1964 Karmann Ghia replica made by Jepara craftsmen carries a 1,600 cc Mexican VW Safari engine. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2tnp8cG)

And the wooden car that he made this time is the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia and was also deliberately prepared to attend the largest Volkswagen car festival in Indonesia in 2017. Sadad explained that he needs something more complex and challenging in the making of the wooden-bodied car, and as we know the Karmann Ghia one of scarce VW models has many curvatures all over its body.

The steering wheel and dashboard view of the teak wood-bodied 1964 Karmann Ghia replica. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2UpeI7M)

For this car, he claimed to have spent nearly Rp.150 million or (approx the US $10,000). It was used to buy an original VW engine, make the body from old teak wood and then decorate the interior and exterior of the car.

The Jepara's typical wooden-carved motifs with the VW logo on the front seats of the teak wood-bodied 1964 Karmann Ghia replica. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2UpeI7M)

As quoted from Tribunnews Jogja, all raw materials are obtained from wood waste that is around his house and workshop. Although easy to find raw materials, the car production process is not as easy as imagined. In addition, some spare parts must be imported from abroad, such as rear lights. According to Sadad, he encountered many difficulties during the process of making this wooden car.

Al Sadad (wearing an orange shirt) poses with a wooden-bodied 1964 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia replica of his-owned. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2OpsGCq)

Among these are when making frames for windshields that demand high precision works. Because, if it is not suitable, so the car's windshield can be slipped when the car in use. In addition, to make the front hood arches are also not easy because it also requires extra accuracy in order to get results that are very similar to the original.

Al Sadad-owned wooden-bodied Volkswagen Karmann Ghia replica while on display at the Jogja Volkswagen Festival (JVWF) contest event. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/36VOQ63)

Furthermore, Sadad revealed that in the production of this car the most expensive cost was the craftsman cost because to carve in certain parts must be done by people who are truly experts.
After 4 months of work to combine its wooden body with a chassis, legs and a hunk of Mexican VW Safari engine, plus the touches of the creative hands of woodcarvers, then a replica of the VW Karmann Ghia cabriolet had been finished with a light brown colored distinctive teak wood veins and curves, coupled with a number of carvings with Jepara's typical wooden-carved motif.

The Karmann Ghia replica with the plate number of 'K 4 YU' whose body is made of old teak wood is not just mere decoration. So, the car also can run like a car in general because under its wooden hood there is a capacity of 1,600 cc engine. This wooden car has been displayed for the first time at the 2017 Jogja Volkswagen Festival (JVWF). *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MURIA NEWS | OTO DETIK | TRIBUNNEWS JOGJA]

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The Darth Vader's insane car

For fans of the world's phenomenal sequel 'Starwars' movie are certainly familiar with the antagonist figure named Darth Vader. Turn out, those antagonist figure from the George Lucas's directed movies also had been inspired the automotive designer at Mattel Inc., a famous Hot Wheels' brand toy maker company to create a unique four-wheeled vehicle in real-scale.

The full-scale Vader HotWheels car uses a Corvette chassis and is reportedly has a speed of 80 mph displayed at the 2014 San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC). (Picture from: http://bit.ly/36TEDGV)

The car that has the similarity appearance to the Darth Vader's mask was built shortly after the 1:64 scaled toy version was launched. After the construction process had been finished, then the Hot Wheels toy company displayed this unique-faced car at the 2014 San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC).

As mentioned above, this car has a fairly eccentric appearance on the exterior, because it is made to resemble the mask of the Dark Side central figure named Anakin Skywalker aka Darth Vader. In fact, as quoted by the DuPont Registry, this car is also fitted with a special feature that allow it to make a sound of the Darth Vader's typical breath.

The full-scale Vader HotWheels car uses an LS3 V8 engine which is also used by the Corvette and is able to provide maximum power of 526 hp. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2ue2bZT)

The car's construction is built on a Corvette chassis by using carbon fiber material, the rest is custom made up to its all four red-striped wheels. This car is guaranteed to function 100 percent like a car in general, just imagine if the Supreme Commander is behind the wheel, it will definitely look so frightening and unique.

How not, this unique car will be able to run fast, because under the hood there is an LS3 V8 engine which is also used by the Corvette and is able to provide maximum power of 526 hp and top speed of 128 kph, but noted can penetrate a maximum speed of 240 kph. *** [EKA [27042014] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GIZMAG]

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Look how the smallest Ford EcoBoost gave the life to the Hot Wheels Rip Rod

If you look at its current form, then this is not a 1:64 scaled Hot Wheels car model which is often seen sold in the toy stores, but this is a racing concept car in the size of 1: 1 made based on the Hot Wheels car model by given a 1,000 cc Ford EcoBoost turbocharged inline three-cylinder engine.

The 2012 Hot Wheels Rip Rod static car model displayed at the 2013 SEMA on the Ford Motor Company booth, designed and built by Mattel Inc. and Bandito Brothers. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2t3H5wV)

Although it has a capacity of only 1,000 cc, the smallest Ford EcoBoost direct-injection engine with a turbocharger is capable of spraying power up to 200 hp to make this racing-style car on high speeding at the racing track. Then the racing car concept to be known as the Hot Wheels Rip Rod. 

The Ford Hot Wheels Rip Rod real-car shown off at the 2015 Montreal International Auto Show. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2uF5VDw)

It was said that the racing car concept is an evolution of the static project car first seen at the 2013 SEMA on the Ford Motor Company booth and designed and built by Mattel and Bandito Brothers. In the time, the 2012 Rip Rod was featured on a trailer pulled by a special Ford Transit Connect with Hot Wheels livery.

The Ford Hot Wheels Rip Rod real-car shown off at the 2015 Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2uF5VDw)

And in 2014, Matel Inc., Ford Racing team in the United States and Europe with Bandito Brothers made a real racing car concept that can run fast by using the 1.0-liter Ford EcoBoost, the same engine that was named 2012-13-14 International Engine of the Year.
And You might though it should have come with a V8 engine block due to it’s evoking the old school machines, don’t forget the Hot Wheels Rip Rod is a modern interpretation of the hot rods. And as you can see, modern times have brought us small turbocharged engines and electric assistance.

In the video above you can see how Ford gave the life to a static car that before only stood still at a car show, which then immediately turned into a really fierce racing car. And Ford also claims the power derived by its small engine can be an evolution in the racing world. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | INFO HOT WHEELS | AUTOEVOLUTION | THE RICHEST]

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Seeing the James Hetfield's Custom Car

James Hetfield is a rock superstar who is very influential in the music industry since 30 years ago. He and his band, Metallica has sold millions of albums and toured the world is one side that we know of James Hetfield.

Black Pearl, James Hetfield's custom car. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1s7NoI0)

It turns out that most of the money from his work as a musician was used to satisfy his hobby on the cars. He built a custom car, named the 'Black Pearl' that currently won the 2014 Goodguys Mother's Custom of the Year contest and crowned as Custom Car of The Year 2014.

Interior view of James Hetfield's Custom Car. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1g7R051)

Just info, this car was originally found by James in a pathetic shape. Contour of the car body is inspired from the rounded shape of the European and American cars in late 1930 - 1940s. This car was designed by Rick Dore, and the tear drops body model combined with 1948 Jaguar saloon chassis was later modified by two experts named Marcel and Luc De Lay. They make car body panels of aluminum material.

Under the hood of James Hetfield's Custom Car. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1g7R051)

James Hetfield choose a V8 Ford engine with a capacity of 302 cubic inch that can spewed a power of 375 hp, to fill the 'Black Pearl' and connected to the gearbox of C4 mate transmission from the same manufacturer.

Rear three quarter of James Hetfield's Custom Car. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1g7R051)

The front suspension taken from Ford Mustang cars. A little unfortunate is the rear braking system that used was taken from Ford Explorer, which is not a vintage category, but not a big problem from the safety factor is maintained.

The pearl color which makes this car so special is the result of 'Luscious Deep Black PPG' by Darryl Hollenbeck of Vintage Color Studio. *** [EKA {220914] | FROM VARIOS SOURCES | AUTOEVOLUTION]

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