The rarely seen of the Karmann-Ghia's design concept for Volkswagen of the 1960s

Rare ONES Volkswagen is a German's automotive brand that is very well known in the world since the 1937 and is the original brand of the Wolfsburg-based multi-national corporation, besides that they also oversees several other car brands such as Audi, Bentley Motors, Bugatti Automobiles, Automobili Lamborghini, SEAT, Škoda Auto, Scania and even Porsche. So it is not surprising that the German's company has a variety of production versions of car models.

The rarely seen of the 1965 Karmann-Ghia Concept designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro of Ghia as one of the design study models to be submitted to Volkswagen as a replacement model for the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia. (Picture from: MyCarQuest)

During their long business times, we get to know several iconic car models with the Volkswagen brand, such as the VW Beetle, VW T1 (Kombi), VW Golf, VW Passat and others. Besides producing car models independently, the German auto manufacturer also ever been involved several third parties, especially in the development of special car models. 

The Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia was designed by Luigi Serge of Ghia and manufactured by Karmann ranging of the 1955 to 1974. (Picture from: Jalopnik)

And one of the famous collaboration result car models of Volkswagen with third parties is the VW Karmann-Ghia. This is a sports car (available in coupe and convertible 2+2 form) built on the chassis and mechanics of the Volkswagen Beetle, it was designed by Luigi Serge and manufactured by Karmann ranging of the 1955 to 1974.

The rarely seen of the 1965 Karmann-Ghia Concept while sat on display at the 2019 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)

As we know, Volkswagen is a conservative company when it comes to dealing with major changes to its models. That is why they are often so reluctant to make a style change. But things were different when they approved the production of the VW Karmann-Ghia, at least they were willing to accept a style change into looked more fresher and sporty in the 1950s, even though in technical terms nothing had actually changed at all.

The 1965 Karmann-Ghia Concept is appeared with a lean, sleek and clean bodywork, so made it looks very modern and very striking especially for 1965. (Picture from: Jalopnik)

As qouted of the Jalopnik, Karmann, a compatriot company built the Karmann-Ghia for Volkswagen in collaboration with Carrozzeria Ghia, an Italian design house, whose often would design updated versions of their Karmann-Ghia in hopes Volkswagen would sign off, even though they never did and the original Ghia kept on as before. But Karmann never stopped trying to get Volkswagen excited about something new, which is why this particular car exist.

Until one day in the 1965, Karmann prepared and built three design study models to be submitted to Volkswagen as a replacement model for the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia and one of them named Karmann-Ghia Concept. As qouted of Conceptcarz, the car designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro while he worked for Ghia. The car built on a slightly wider version chassis than what it's used on the normal Karmann-Ghia. And it's appeared with a lean, sleek and clean bodywork, so made it looks very modern and very striking especially for 1965. Besides that the model has a certain form of precision which later became popular in the 1980s. 

The 1965 Karmann-Ghia Concept is based on the Type 1 platform and is appeared with different sides both in the left-right (some nice brightwork trim, and both a Ghia shield-badge and the KARMANN badge at the rear, it’s pretty elegant and fancy). (Picture from: Flickr)

So it could be said, the model should be born in the next fews decades ahead not in the 1965. It's also a pretty dramatic departure from the look and feel of not just the original Karmann Ghia, but almost any other models that Volkswagen was building at the time. As you can see, some of the curves and round shapes that were so dominating in the original model are now gone, replaced smooth planes with undercuts and angled cutaways that give the car an agile, lith and modern boxy look.

This study design model is also a very interesting demonstration about how flexible VW’s standard platform chassis was for carrying radically different body designs. In our unibody-dominated modern world, this sort of thing is much harder to pull off, but back in the day, VW was basically showed us, they can build pretty much bodies as many they wanted only on one chassis.

The 1965 Karmann-Ghia Concept is based on the Type 1 platform and is appeared with different sides both in the left-right (the finger-hole for the door handle mimics of the shark's gills-like engine cooling air vents). (Picture from: Flickr)

There are several unusual features installed on the study design model, such the turn signal indicators on the dashboard in the form of a lavish, decadent two little green arrows to let you know which way you’re turning, was next to impossible for decades. Then to fill the generously-sized engine bay of this one-off model is a standard VW Type I 1,300 cc 40 hp engine by using an offset air cleaner. While this is a real car, on a real chassis, and even drivable, it’s still just a design study, so you find some interesting details, like these engine air intake vents stickers.

Something else also only can find on this design study model, turn out the left and right sides are not the same. That's intended in order to evaluate two different design ideas for the door handles and side air cooling vents. On the the driver's side with some nice brightwork trim, and both a Ghia shield-badge and the KARMANN badge at the rear, it’s pretty elegant and fancy. The door handle is a minimal button and finger cut-out, very clean and slick.

Meanwhile, on the passenger side, we find a totally different and unique approach, especially the way of the finger-hole for the door handle mimics of the shark's gills-like engine cooling air vents. This is a bit bolder and sportier than the other side. Which side do you like better?

Write your choice in the comments column below this article. If only we have the time machines and go back to the past, so that we can help and give the input to Karmann in choosing the best design in the 1965.😀 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | JALOPNIK | WIKIPEDIA | MYCARQUEST | CONCEPTCARZ ]

Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone.

Conciso, another Ferrari weird creation of 80's

Unique ONES After sometime ago we all knew about weird Ferrari car creations of 80's such as Ferrari Mythos, Ferrari Testa D'Oro Colani or even from 50s like the classic-one Ferrari Ouvo. Perhaps a Ferrari 328 GTS is simply too standard. If that statement rings true, RM Sotheby's has consigned quite a quirky take on Ferrari's late-'80s sports car. And then....

1989 Ferrari 328 GTS Conciso. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2M0NFuZ)

Might be one of you will ask, is this a Ferrari? Yes, this is a truly one-of-a-kind Ferrari. It's called the Ferrari 328 GTS Conciso, a brainchild of German designer Bernd Michalak. Aside from the radically different shape, the Conciso's body is made entirely from aluminum to shed pounds–it's good for a 30-percent weight reduction, per the consignment. Looking for doors? 

Front view of 1989 Ferrari 328 GTS Conciso. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2M0NFuZ)

There aren't any, and the driver has to do their best hop and jump to enter the Conciso. A fixed roof? It's a convertible only. And the windshield? Frameless for driving pleasure, not for safety.

The steering wheel and dashboard view of 1989 Ferrari 328 GTS Conciso. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2M0NFuZ)

On the inside, the 328 GTS Conciso is pretty barren with a driver-focused cockpit, save for the fact that the most important gauges, the speedometer and tachometer, are set to the right. But, if the driver wants to see the oil temperature and fuel level, that's directly front and center... for some reason.

Rear side view of 1989 Ferrari 328 GTS Conciso. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2M0NFuZ)

The powertrain remains all Ferrari, however, with a 3.2-liter V-8 engine producing around 270 horsepower and a 5-speed manual for shifting duties. At the time, a 328 GTS could crack 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds, but the time should be slightly better with the Conciso's weight savings.

RM Sotheby hasn't provided an estimated sale price, so it's really anyone's guess as to how much the Conciso will sell for. It's one-of-one, which means someone, somewhere, will likely find it desirable. Or you wanna see another weird car designs in here. *** [EKA (21072019) | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTORAUTHORITY]

Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone.

Ferrari 250 GT N.A.R.T. Spider by Fantuzzi

ONE-OFF Throughout the history of the horse prancing logoed car manufacturer in America, seems it cannot be separated from the figure of Luigi 'Coco' Chinetti, Jr. Due to he has an extraordinary understanding of what the American market wants. As in the mid-1960s, while he assumed the spyder design would become the trend in the American market.

1962 Ferrari 250 GT N.A.R.T. Spider by Fantuzzi built based of the 1960 Ferrari 250 Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2 model. (Picture from: Supercars)

Previously, we had discussed about the Ferrari 275 P2 Speciale, a unique American styled sports car created by the design of Giovanni Michelotti under commissioned of Ferrari for Coco Chinetti Jr. based on the Bob Peak-made sketches. The car mentioned above was built on the basis of a spyder race car which made specifically for the Chinetti's racing team, the North American Racing Team (N.A.R.T.)

1962 Ferrari 250 GT N.A.R.T. Spider by Fantuzzi powered by a rebuilding engine according to Testa Rossa's specifications and done on by Alberto Pedretti and Alfredo Caiti. (Picture from: Supercars)

Well, those donor car was what we will discuss on this occasion, and the Ferrari 250 GT N.A.R.T. Spider by Fantuzzi is the car's name. The car began its day as the standard version of the 1960 Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2 model with the chassis number of #2235GT with the bodywork was built by Pininfarina. In the mid-sixties, its Pininfarina bodywork was considered too plain which was later replaced by Coco Chinetti with a new bodywork made by Carrozeria Fantuzzi was inspired the Ferrari's mid-engine sports prototype.

It is known that the car was built before the famous Ferrari 275 GTB variants were born, and was intended as its prototype model. As the result is a more dramatic appearance with an extended front nose and a 275 GTB-like profile car. Many of the race car features borrowed from the 250P such as the Kamm tail at the rear and the integrated roll hoop attached directly behind the interior.

1962 Ferrari 250 GT N.A.R.T. Spider by Fantuzzi has many features borrowed from the 250P such as the Kamm tail at the rear and the integrated roll hoop attached directly behind the interior. (Picture from: Supercars)

Once the aluminum-made bodywork was mounted on the 250 GTE chassis, then installed a rebuilding engine according to Testa Rossa's specifications and done on by former Ferrari technicians who worked for Modenna Motors named Alberto Pedretti and Alfredo Caiti. On those engine, they fitted the Testarossa camshafts, a new intake manifold with six twin-choke Weber carburetors and coupled with a 5-speed manual transmission system.

After completion the car was shown at several major auto show events in America, among others, the 1965 San Francisco Show and the 1966 NY Auto Show. To emphasize his credibility, Chinetti put the North American Racing Team (N.A.R.T.) logo on the back of the car.

After its show duties was over, the car was sold and since then changed owners many times before being owned by someone for more than 33 years. And in 1990, the car returned to the Fantuzzi coachbuilder for a fully restoration process until the mid-1990s. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SUPERCARS | ADRIANFLUX ]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.

What a strange fusion of 2 American muscle cars

ONE-OFF - In the realm of car design, creativity knows no bounds. Sometimes, designers take inspiration from existing models and fuse them together to create something entirely new and unique. This practice is often undertaken by individual designers who aspire to bring their dream cars to life, combining elements from various renowned designs to craft a vehicle that stands out in its own right.

1977 Cooper Markette with a combination appearance of the Corvette and Lincoln Continental Mark V is now owned by Randy Hammitt in a good condition as its heyday. (Picture from: Facebook)

One striking example of this innovative approach to car design emerged on the Hemmings some time ago. The vehicle, named the Cooper Markette, is a four-wheeled motorized marvel that boasts a distinctive fusion of a Corvette and a Continental Mark V. Constructed in 1977, this exceptional creation was commissioned by John Hurley, a prominent Chevy dealer in the United States, who proudly displayed it in his showroom upon completion.

1977 Cooper Markette is built from a complete Corvette, including its 350-cu.in four-barrel V8 engine, and combined with the complete Lincoln's distinctive shapes. (Picture from: Hemmings)

While details about this custom car are somewhat scarce, it is believed to be a one-of-a-kind or nearly one-of-a-kind creation. In the 1970s, a similar theme was explored in the Dunham Corvorado, which even made an appearance in a James Bond sequel titled "Live And Let Die." However, according to Hemmings, the Cooper Markette outshone its counterparts, earning the title of the best in its class.

The rear of the Cooper Markette hearkens to more of a Lincoln Continental than Corvette and uses separate panes of glass for its rear window. (Picture from: Hemmings)

Crafted by the skilled hands of Byron Cooper's workshop in Knoxville, Tennessee, this unique vehicle seamlessly blends the sleek aesthetics of the Corvette with the classic charm of the Continental Mark V. The foundation of the Cooper Markette is a complete Corvette, featuring a robust 350-cu.in four-barrel V8 engine. The extravagant fender blades reminiscent of a Vette are harmoniously combined with the distinctive shapes borrowed from the Lincoln, including a waterfall grille, stand-up hood ornament, and a Continental-style spare tire hump on the rear deck.

The Cooper Markette was connected to a petite coffin-shaped trailer when it participated in the 2021 Corvette show in Carlisle. (Picture from: CorvetteBlogger)

One notable design quirk that defies traditional regulations is the placement of the headlights below the bumper line, adding a touch of rebellion to the overall appearance. The exterior is further adorned with a vinyl Landau top, a split rear window, coach lamps, and rear lights reminiscent of the 1976 Mark IV.

The poor condition of the Cooper Markette in the 2017 before its fully restoration done. (Picture from: Corvette Forum)

While details about the interior are somewhat elusive, reports suggest a dove grey exterior with red trim, complemented by an all-Vette interior. The interior features a tilt-telescopic leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, Gymkhana suspension, automatic transmission, air conditioning, leather upholstery, wire wheels, a vinyl top, and a crucial stereo tape system with AM/FM radio.

The interior view of the Cooper Markette in the 2017 before its fully restoration done. (Picture from: Corvette Forum)

Back in December 1977, the Cooper Markette was listed in Hemmings Motor News with a price tag of $19,800. Fast forward to today, and it's estimated to be valued at over $77,000. However, in 2017, the unique vehicle was spotted in a state of disrepair, requiring a full restoration. Pictures uploaded by Darling, a member of the Corvette Forum, showcased the Markette's condition during a forum conversation in 2017.

Now, in the latest update from LSX Magazine, the Cooper Markette has undergone a meticulous restoration process and is currently in prime condition. Since 2018, it proudly stands among the impressive car collection of Randy Hammitt. The story of the Cooper Markette serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of unique automotive creations, bridging the past with the present in a captivating journey of restoration and preservation. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HEMMINGS | CORVETTE FORUM | THE MARK OF LINCOLN | LSX MAGAZINE | CORVETTEBLOGGER ]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.

Loewy's Cadillac Coupe de Ville of 1959

ONE-OFF Great man behind the great works. We are back to discussing about the American car that received the touch of the great French-born American industrial designer Raymond Loewy's eccentric hand after some time ago we had discussed another American car used by Loewy as a means of realizing the dream cars for him and his wife, namely the 1941 Lincoln Continental.

1959 Cadillac Eldorado Coupe de Ville designed by Raymond Loewy with the bodywork done by Pichon et Parat in France. (Picture from: Sportscarmarket)

Raymond Loewy is known and appreciated for his legendary style of speed, beauty and simplicity. His motto "never leave well enough alone," that's exemplified through his life and made his one of the most famous stylists of the time. Then in 1959, he was also known to have designed the Cadillac Eldorado Coupe de Ville later to be used as one of his personal vehicles from 1959 to 1970.

1959 Cadillac Eldorado Coupe de Ville powered by a 390-ci 4-bbl V8 engine coupled with automatic transmission system. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

The car was purchased in new condition and after the design was completed it was immediately sent to Pichon et Parat, his favorite coachbuilder company based in Paris. At the coachbuilder workshop, the car would be redesigned and transformed into a stylish and elegant coupe, after its completion it was shown off fo the first time at the 1959 Paris Auto Salon.

1959 Cadillac Eldorado Coupe de Ville posed along with Raymond Loewy, its designer. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

This Loewy's Cadillac Eldorado Coupe de Ville designed to be appeared in a unique and unusual style, it clearly can be seen from the appearance of the car without a conventional grille in front, instead it's replaced by the small ventilation holes that are colored according to the color of the car body. It was very rarely applied to a car model at that time.

1959 Cadillac Eldorado Coupe de Ville designed by Raymond Loewy with the bodywork done by Pichon et Parat. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

After finished, initially the body of the Loewy's Cadillac Eldorado was painted in light gray metallic with the roof in white. Later, at some point of the car was repainted in metallic gold, perhaps it was done by Loewy himself.

1959 Cadillac Eldorado Coupe de Ville designed by Raymond Loewy with the bodywork done by Pichon et Parat. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

Conceptually, the car's appearance almost resembles a European sports car, but in general the simplicity of the lines of his car designing is contradicting to the executive class car at that time. But the interior, engine and platform remain unchanged, apparently Raymond has no complaints about these spare parts. As in other cars, not everyone likes the design results, this also happens to his Caddy appearance and Loewy has no bother either. The one-off Caddy was used for years by Loewy and his family in Europe, then shipped back home to the States, where it spent time in New York and Palm Springs, California and driven up to as far as 41 thousand kilometers such recorded on its odometer at the time. In January 1971 he sold the rare car to neighbors in Palm Springs, a car collector named Mimo Zaccuri. And for a moment the car had not seen by the public, until at the end, it's reappeared while auctioned by Barret-Jackson at the Scottsdale 2010. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | JALOPNIK | CARSTYLING.RU | SPORTSCARMARKET | BARRET-JACKSON ]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.

Meet the first Corvette retractable hardtop version

ONE-OFF The Corvette is one of the iconic American muscle cars have its own uniqueness so that it will never outdate when it's becomes a discussion subject. No exception to this muscle and beautiful Corvette of the 1958. Actually, those car mentioned above, later known as the Corvette 'Scotty' Retractable Hardtop is not a factory prototype issued by the Chevrolet, but is said to be the creation of an inside job as a private project. How could this be happened? Here's the story behind it;

1958 Corvette 'Scotty' has special feature with the hardtop able to retract into the trunk. (Picture from: Macsmotorcitygarage)

For years, there were the stories have circulated amongst the Corvette collectors of the existence of an unusual version of the Vette with retractable hardtop. One of theose stories mentioned that there was an unusual Chevy production on one of the Corvette models in the 1958, ie a special version featured with the hardtop able to retract into its trunk like the Ford Skyliner has.

1958 Corvette 'Scotty' Retractable Hardtop once painted in white before repainted in 1989 into its current black color. (Picture from: Corvetteactioncentre)

Many Vette enthutiasts even automotive experts mentioned ever have seen those eccentric shape. Some of them said that the unusual Vette was seen around Detroit, then Florida. Then said, its color is white. No, black. No, it was white with red coves. Some versions of the legend claimed there was not only one, but three Corvettes with retractable hardtop. Furthermore they construed that's a genuine factory product of a kind of the rare prototype that somehow managed to escape into the wild.

As it turns out, there really are such cars, and only one has ever been built. Though it wasn't a factory project, the unique Vette was made by Francis H. Scott, a General Motors stylist, uniquely that the entire work process was not done inside the GM's studio. Then where? He created and built the Vette with retractable hardtop in his living room. So that at this point, we can understand why there're many have been fooled before.

1958 Corvette 'Scotty' was not a GM's factory project, but rebuilt by Francis H. Scott, a General Motor stylist in his living room. (Picture from: Macsmotorcitygarage)

As quoted of Macsmotorcitygarage, that Francis H. Scott really wanted to have a Corvette. And of course, he would not be able to buy the dream car he wanted, if only relied on the salary obtained from GM (considering the Corvette base price at the time was around $3,600). However he has expertise in clay modeling and fiberglass lay-up where he was working as a sculptor in the GM Styling Section.

In short, in the late of 1958 he purchased a wrecked and and written-off 1958 Corvette from an insurance company for $ 900. The car is loaded into his living room through the front door by removing the windshield and shattered body shells fit sideways. 

Then he set to work rebuilding it, with the original plan just wanted to repair it. The idea for a retractable roof came spontaneous when he started working on it, pure serendipity, due to his cramped work area. Coincidentally, the entire rear of the car was opened for repair, then he found a way that the Corvette able to lift-off its hardtop and stowed neatly in the trunk.

The idea for a retractable roof came spontaneous when he started working on it, pure serendipity, due to his cramped work area. (Picture from: Macsmotorcitygarage)

For his retracting mechanism, Scoot borrowed from the Skyliner which is much more complicated, but was later made to be simpler by him. The entire fabrication work, including the rear window frames, is done from fiberglass, from clay patterns and molds. Then he filed a patent on the design of the hinged track mechanism in 1962 and was granted in 1965 by a patent No. 3,180,677. Those mechanism has ever been offered to the GM management, but unfortunately they expressed no interest in Scott’s concept whatsoever.

After completion, this car was used by Scoot as its daily vehicle for nearly 6 years, before being swapped for another Chevrolet. This car had disappeared at a momment and only appeared occasionally which then made the rumors mentioned above. The unique car nicknamed Scotty (in honor of its creator) was known to have been in Florida for some time, repainted at least once, from black to two-tone white-and-red, then disappeared until 1989. When Terry Michaelis bought it, kept it and then restored back in 1994.

In 2005, the Corvette retractable hardtop was auctioned off in Barrett-Jackson, where it was sold for $ 340,200. The car is currently in the collections of car mega-dealer, NASCAR team owner and collector Rick Hendrick. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MACSMOTORCITYGARAGE | PROTEAMCORVETTE | BARRETT-JACKSON ]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.

The next eccentricity of Raymond Loewy on Lancia

ONE-OFF There are always creative people who are not only able to produce the best and quality works who are also able to provide inspiration to the people. No exception in the industrial world, especially automotive. A gentleman figure like Raymond Loewy, a well-known French-born American industrial designer who was involved in many industries including automotive between the 1930s and the late 1950s with his streamlined design style flourished.

This unique-shaped Lancia Flaminia Loraymo designed by Raymond Loewy in the 1959, is constructed by Rocco Motto in Turin, Italy and presented for the first time at the 1960 Paris Auto Salon. (Picture from: Fabwhellsdigest)

As we can see today, there are many works created through this gentleman's hands, such several world's petroleum company logos such as Shell, BP, or the logo of one of the famous American cigarettes Lucky Strike to the king-size Coca Cola bottle shape. Then in the world's automotive, started in 1940s, when he made costly experimental design works on the Lincoln Continental.

He was also known as an automotive designer for Studabaker and one of his famous works is Studebaker Avanti. Even, he was also the trains designer, and because of his many works in various fields, no wonder if some called him as Father of Industrial Design.

This Lancia Flaminia Loraymo has the eccentric and exotic appearance of the car includes the tapering front end with gaping grill enclosed by a prominent chrome frame, which also serves as a bumper, plus four uniques lights. (Picture from: Fabwhellsdigest)

Such as on the article before which talked about one of his famous creations called  BMW 507 Loewy Concept. This car concept built and reconstructed on in such a way as to become an eccentric car by him and launched at the 44e Salon de l'Automobile (Paris Motor Show) in the 1957 based on the BMW 507 (like one ever owned by the famous singer, Elvis Presley), so no wonder its looking much different from the original car.

This unique-shaped Lancia Flaminia Loraymo carries many design elements from its predecessor the 1957 BMW 507 Coupe which later also be applied to the following Studebaker Avanti model in 1963. (Picture from: Fabwhellsdigest)

Then in 1959, Raymond Loewy returned to spawn an automotive creation that was no less eccentric than his previous work. This time, he called it as the Lancia Flaminia Loraymo, and is built on the 1959 Lancia Flaminia Coupé chassis according to his own stylistic tastes resembled like a fish-face. Meanwhile about the 'LORAYMO' as the car's name is acronym of the surname and his owned-name, namely LO(ewy) RAYMO(nd) and also the telegraphic address of his studio.

This unique-shaped Lancia Flaminia Loraymo carries many design elements from its predecessor the 1957 BMW 507 Coupe which later also be applied to the following Studebaker Avanti model in 1963. (Picture from: Fabwhellsdigest)

When viewed from its design, it appears that the Lancia Loraymo carries many design elements from its predecessor the 1957 BMW 507 Coupe which later also be applied to the following Studebaker Avanti model in 1963. Then Raymond Loewy submitted next job to an Italian Turin-based coachbuilder company that specializes in aluminum bodies named Rocco Motto to turn his designs into a real car.

This unique-shaped Lancia Flaminia Loraymo carries many design elements from its predecessor the 1957 BMW 507 Coupe which later also be applied to the following Studebaker Avanti model in 1963. (Picture from: Fabwhellsdigest)

The eccentric and exotic appearance of the car includes the tapering front end with gaping grill enclosed by a prominent chrome frame, which also serves as a bumper. Then followed by the pinning four uniques lights consisted two outrigger fog lights are detached from the body by an aerodynamic fin and tucked under each headlights on the front fenders, which are slightly open-ended at the bottom for better brake cooling.

This unique-shaped Lancia Flaminia Loraymo uses a 2.5 liter V6 tune up engine by Nardi, and mated with 3 twin carburetors of Weber plus a modified camshaft. (Picture from: Fabwhellsdigest)

The car's uniqueness does not stop there and continues to the sinuous shape incorporates highly sophisticated aerodynamic solutions, such as the aileron above the rear window and the fully closed chrome wheel rims. The wraparound rear window overhangs the boot, which is only accessible from the passenger compartment. The only protruding rear elements are the twin exhaust pipes and slim bumper, while the taillights are flush with the body.

This unique-shaped Lancia Flaminia Loraymo has also protruding rear elements are the twin exhaust pipes and slim bumper, while the taillights are flush with the body. (Picture from: Fabwhellsdigest)

Then the power source comes from a 2.5 liter V6 Lancia's engine which was originally only capable of producing 119 hp, but after tuning up by Nardi, and mated with 3 twin carburetors of Weber plus a modified camshaft, so the power increased significantly to 150 hp so able to make the car run to top speed of 190 kph.

Shortly after the car completed, Loewy was so delighted with the result that he decided to present the Lancia Flamina Loraymo at the 1960 Paris Auto Salon. Like the previous car, this Lancia Loraymo was once Loewy's personal car for years while was in Europe and the United States. After his passed away in 1986, the car had not been seen by the public for a long time, before finally being rediscovered by by the president of the American Lancia Club, who decided to repatriate it by donating it to Lancia, today, the Loraymo resides in Lancia's factory museum in Italy. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FCAHERITAGE | FABWHEELSDIGEST | HEMMINGS ]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.