Had You ever heard the Aguzzoli Condor sports car before?

Another ONES Have you heard the name Aguzzoli before? Well, if some of us today rarely ever know about it. This is natural, indeed that's name is uncommonly heard in the automotive world, though used on the unique shaped coupe of the 1960s called the Aguzzoli Condor.

Aguzzoli Condor MK2 is the second prototype race car designed by Franco Reggiani and built by Piero Drogo in the 1964 for the father and son of Parma businessman, Giovanni and Sergio Aguzzoli. (Picture from: AutoHistory.Blog.Hu)

According to Autohistory, the name is taken from the Parma businessmen father and son, Giovanni & Sergio Aguzzoli who had commissioned (some said) to Piero Drogo and friends to build the mentioned Condor sports car. Just for Ur info, Giovanni and Sergio Aguzzoli were wealthy petrolheads whose had made their fortune in the salami trades. At the same time, Sergio was known also the owner of Alfa Romeo dealer in Parma.

Aguzzoli Condor MK1 Aguzzi Condor MK2 is the first prototype race car built by Piero Drogo and Carrozzeria Nembo in the 1963 for the father and son of Parma businessman, Giovanni and Sergio Aguzzoli. (Picture from: Coachbuilt)

The story begins in the early of 1960s, when a former Ferrari test driver named Luigi Bertocco seek for the help of Giovanni and Sergio Aguzzoli to build the specifically mid-engined race car for him, because they are both considered to be able to provide financial support, and the car manufacturer connections at the same time.

Aguzzoli Condor MK1 is built using the Alfa Romeo SZ running gear on a tubular frame chassis and powered by a mid-mounted 4-cyl 1300cc engine linked to a Citroen DS19 gearbox. (Picture from: Coachbuilt)

Why did Bertocco insisted to make the such race car? Because Ferrari was too stubborn, conservative and would not built the mid-engined race car construction in the Formula One, eventhough in the circuits at the time, the Prancing Horse owned race cars looked overwhelmed by the might of the mid-engined construction ones.

Aguzzi Condor MK2 has unique bodywork designed by Franco Reggiani in the response to Aguzzoli’s request that the technical content be embedded in an artistic form. (Picture from: ClassicandCreationSportsCars)

In short, Aguzzoli agreed to give the financial supports to Bertocco in order to build the race car based on the mid-engined construction ideas with the fiberglass body mounted on the tubular frame chassis. To realize the race car, then Sergio Aguzzoli contacted Piero Drogo through his bussines connection to make the car design.

Aguzzoli Condor MK2 is debuted at the Geneva Show, in March of 1964, and was given a much more harmonious chestnut than its predecessor. (Picture from: DannataVintage)

Coincidentally, Piero Drogo is brought his old friend of Giorgio Neri and Luciano Bonacini, also known as Nembo (this trio formed the famous Ferrari Breadvan for Count Giovanni Volpi's Scuderia Serenissima racing team), them both was run a small carrozzeria and mechanic shop based in Modena, Italy, active from the late 1950s to around 1967. As the result, the Aguzzoli racing purpose car is only built as many as 2 units.

Aguzzoli Condor MK2 with Luigi Bertocco behind the wheels raced in various prestigious domestic racing events at that time, along with its predecessor, the Condor MK1. (Picture from: WheelsAge)

The first Aguzzoli race car was built and assembled in 1963 at the Modena-based Carrozzeria Nembo, which was soon referred to by everyone as Aguzzoli Condor MK1. The car built using the Alfa Romeo SZ running gear on a tubular frame chassis and powered by a mid-mounted 4-cyl 1300cc engine linked to a Citroen DS19 gearbox.

Aguzzoli Condor MK2 is built based on the mid-engined construction ideas with the fiberglass body mounted on the tubular frame chassis. (Picture from: ClassicandCreationSportsCars)

The first Aguzzoli Condor prototype had weighed of only 520 kilograms which theoretically had a top speed of 260 kph, and reportedly it had attracted the Alfa Romeo's attention to renew their racing division spectacularly and also promised to entrust the company's racing program to Aguzzoli. But then the wish was annulled by Alfa Romeo itself by sending the Alfa Romeo TZ racing cars made of the ex-Ferrari engineer, Carlo Chiti to the racing arena.

Aguzzoli Condor MK2's interior has two bucket seat, seeringwheel with simple dashboard such on the racing car in general. (Picture from: BellesItaliennes)

It did not necessarily make Aguzzoli give up, instead they then prepared a second prototype called Aguzzoli Condor MK2 in 1964 with its unique bodywork is designed by Franco Reggiani in the response to Aguzzoli’s request that the technical content be embedded in an artistic form. This time the MK2's chassis development process was carried out very quickly, and is powered by an TZ's twin-spark 1,600 cc engine, coupled with the Hewland's transaxle. Then all wrapped in a unique Piero Drogo made body.

Aguzzoli Condor MK2 is powered by an TZ's twin-spark 1,600 cc engine, coupled with the Hewland's transaxle. (Picture from: BellesItaliennes)

As the result, some of the features installed on the Condor MK2 such the ventilation shafts above the engine room and the hidden placement of radiator is preceded its time and were only introduced several years later. The Aguzzoli Condor MK2 is debuted at the Geneva Motor Show, in March of 1964, and was given a much more harmonious chestnut than its predecessor, and didn't stand out from the impressive sports cars of the era.

Aguzzoli Condor MK2 featured with the ventilation shafts above the engine room and the hidden placement of radiator is preceded its time. (Picture from: ClassicandCreationSportsCars)

The two Aguzzoli's race cars along together (with Luigi Bertocco was using the MK2 and its compatriot racer, Umberto Masetti behind the MK1's) went down in various prestigious domestic racing events at that time, with fairly successful results. Unfortunately in 1966, Aguzzoli withdrew from the race, due to a lack of sponsorship and technical problems that continued to cost money. 

Aguzzoli Condor MK2 has a beauty captivating appeal of an Italian-made sports car under the racing car construction and a pinch of secrets that surrounds all similarly unique cars. (Picture from: Perico001's Flickr)

Then Sergio Aguzzoli lended the cars to the private racers, among whom Domenico Lo Coco is managed to grab the runner-up titles in the high mountain racing and the Italian Formula 3 Championship, that's the Aguzzoli's cars best results achieved. By the end of season, the Aguzzoli Condor MK2 race car got into a garage where it dusted for years, and forgotten.

The above description might explained why the unknown and not very successful cars can be attractive. This is probably because it has all the beauty, captivating appeal of an Italian-made sports car under the racing car construction and a pinch of secrets that surrounds all similarly unique cars. Thus, the Aguzzoli's short wheelbase sports cars were once rejected by Alfa Romeo can become a legendary vehicle that is almost lost and forgotten by fans of the automotive world today. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOHISTORY.BLOG.HU | CLASSICANDCREATIONSPORTSCARS | COACHBUILT | MENUDEIMOTORI.EU ]

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Toyota Alessandro Volta ahead 20 years before its time

Special ONES As we have known that the hybrid drive system has become one of the approaches in designing future environmentally friendly cars had carried out by many automotive manufacturers in the world. No exception, one of the automotive giants from Japan, Toyota had ever conducted a vehicle design study powered by a hybrid drive system in the past.

Toyota Alessandro Volta, taking its name from the Italian physicist who is credited for inventing the battery (he's also where we got the term "volts" from). (Picture from: DrivingLIne)

Possibly because of the large number of concept vehicles that have been built by the Japanese automotive manufacturer, it is not surprising if one of them is almost forgotten. The concept car in question is a hybrid-powered vehicle which is the result of one of the Toyota projects in 2004 named Toyota Alessandro Volta. As seen from its name, the concept car is dedicated to Alessandro Volta, a talented Italian physicist who finds a battery (from his name we have the term 'Volts' now).

Toyota Alessandro Volta's styling, which was done by the famed Italdesign Giugiaro studio. (Picture from: DrivingLIne)

Toyota Alessandro Volta displays the Mid-Engined past feature that is also pinned on BMW Nazca, Alfa Romeo Scighera, and Volkswagen W12 to show the fact that if the racing form is able to accommodate an innovative and 'clean' propulsion system, with the scope of the design to compile and design The future sedan and compact cars that have a low impact on the environment are very large.

Toyota Alessandro Volta provided innovative interior geared towards the 3-seat offering and a flexible steering wheel and pedal board clamping. (Picture from: DrivingLIne)

When heading to the real world, Toyota is not alone in the process of making Volta Concept. It turned out that the Japanese manufacturer collaborated with the famous Italdesign Giugiaro studio for car styling. They both experimented thoroughly, so it produced a beautiful and slim body placed on a full carbon fiber chassis.

Toyota Alessandro Volta was powered by a hybrid system derivative that originated from the Lexus RX 400 mated to a 3.3-liter v6 engine positioned behind the rear axle. (Picture from: DrivingLIne)

As mentioned earlier, that Toyota Alessandro Volta was powered by a hybrid system derivative that originated from the Lexus RX 400 mated to a 3.3-liter v6 engine positioned behind the rear axle which was able to send power around 400 horsepower to move the four wheels. The Toyota AlessanTro Volta Concept made its debut at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show.

Toyota Alessandro Volta is a styling exercise aimed at exploring new applications of the Hybrid synergy Drive technology. (Picture from: Supercars.net)

As you might know, the Toyota collaboration project with Italdesign Giugiaro has never exceeded the concept stages. It was also stated that during the development period, this concept car project had spent large costs and it was also used as one of the main reasons why the Volta had never entered the Toyota production line.

Given the number of hybrid supercars today, including the Acura NSX mentioned above, this concept does not seem too brave according to the current standards, but it is a big problem in 2004 when the Toyota Prius that spends fuel is a standard hybrid that people think.

And as one proof that this car is the preview of what will come, this can be led when Toyota has succeeded in working on a new hybrid-powered hypercar project which then transforms into a version of the highway from the Le Mans racing car knwon as the Toyota GR SuperSports Concept. It turned out that Toyota Alessandro Volta only overtooked about 20 years. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ITALDESIGN GIUGIARO | DRIVINGLINE | SUPERCARS ]

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The future car vision of the 50s as realized by the 80s custom car makers

ICE HIGHNESS For automotive enthusiasts, the 1950s is known as one of the eras that recorded the birth of cars with unique and strange shapes that were inspired by many things related to the jets, rockets and outerspaces, so it's no wonder that this period was known as the jet-age. Wild and garish designs are becoming commonplace in hopes of capturing the public's imagination. One of the famous concept cars from this era was the Ford Futura which later became the basis of the Batmobile.

The Studebaker XF58 'Ice Pincess' Custom built by Richard Fletcher in the 1987 by using the Studebaker body elements and the Cadillac's mechanic components. (Picture from: NewAtlas)

Here is another example, a very unique car named the Studebaker XF58 'Ice Princess' custom car is a special vehicle for Studebaker's vision of the future in the 50s as envisioned by the 80s custom car makers. That's not as confusing as it sounds. Well, the unique car was made in 1987 by Richard Fletcher using body elements from Studebaker and Cadillac. 

The Studebaker XF58 'Ice Pincess' Custom is very clearly visible reflecting the bullet nose design of the 1950s Studebaker models. (Picture from: HotCars)

As qouted of the Hotcars, the car began its life as a sedan, eventually being modified in such a way that it became like a 20-foot-long 6-wheeled weird starship. The original plan, the car maker wanted to make the car as if it was made and designed by the Studebaker stylist of the 1950s. Mostly of the car's bodywork is hand made by using sheet metal on the Studebaker chassis and powered by the Cadillac mechanical components.

The Studebaker XF58 'Ice Pincess' Custom also featured with the double bubble canopy cockpit. (Picture from: SteamPunkTendencies)

So it is not surprising that the distinctive shape of the Studebaker is very clearly visible reflecting the bullet nose design of the 1950s Studebaker models.  It's framed by custom headlights and a dual axle front end for a total length of 20 feet. The long sweeping hood adopted of the 1950s styles, coupled with the double bubble canopy cockpit.

The Studebaker XF58 'Ice Pincess' Custom is powered by the latest 500 cubic inche Cadillac's engine. (Picture from: AtomPunk)

This 1950s oddly styled of Studebaker is powered by a 500 cubic inch engine taken from the latest Cadilac. Maximum output for that unit is 400 horsepower, although it's not clear which configuration has been used. Judging from the physical shape uniqueness, what is certain is that the car is worthy of being an ideal set of wheels for a superhero or perhaps even a supervillain.😎 As you can see on the almost similar wheels belong to Captain Nemo or Red Skull have.👍

Once completed, the car was sold in 2018 for $38,500 at the Russo & Steele's auction event in Scottsdale, Arizona. The last time the weird shaped car appeared for the public at the 2020 Chicago Auto Show as part of the Klairmount Kollection which is a touring car collection originally created by a World War II veteran named Larry Klairmont turned into a successfull real estate developer. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSCOOPS | NEWATLAS | STEAMPUNKTENDENCIES | HOTCARS ]

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The modern-styled of the C111 series realized by GWA Tuning called the Ciento Once

Modern LOOKS Mercedes Benz has always been known as one of the world's automotive giants who have produced many phenomenal cars, such as in the 1950s with the Mercedes Benz 300SL which pioneered the gullwing door types, then in the late 1960s the German's manufacturer also had time to make several phenomenal experimental cars known as the Mercedes Benz C111 series which coincidentally also adopted the similar gullwing door types.

Mercedes Benz Ciento Once prototype with its gullwing doors opened is built by GWA Tuning in 2011 and inspired by the Mercedes-Benz C111 experimental car series. (Picture from: Extravaganzi)

As we know the Mercedes Benz C111 experimental car series were made from 1969 to 1979 in several models which were mostly powered by a Wankel rotary engine (perhaps to follow the trend at the time). The car series also had made history as the world's fastest car through one of its cars, the C111-III powered by a turbo diesel engine in 1978 and continued to 1979 with the C111-IV 'Rekordwagen'. Unfortunately, now the names 300SL and C111 are just a memory and people are starting to forget, besides there are many more innovative cars with faster performance.

Three generations of the Mercedes-Benz C111 research car series, ie 1969 Mercedes Benz C111-I (left), 1970 Mercedes Benz C111-II (middle), and 1969 Mercedes Benz C111-I first prototype (right) posed together. (Picture from: Pinterest)

A different thing happened to the legendary gullwing door types which seems to be still applied by the German manufacturer, and lastly the kind of door types was pinned on the Mercedes Benz SLS AMG of the 2012. Meanwhile in 2011, the Gullwing America (GWA) Auto Design & Tuning, an automotive company based in San Antonio, Texas produces and sells 1 unit (yes, only 1 unit!) a car that is touted as a modern interpretation of the Mercedes Benz C111 which is named GWA Ciento Once (meaning "one hundred eleven/111" in Spanish) and applied the gullwing door types as a homage for the two legendary models.

Mercedes Benz Ciento Once prototype has a handmade aluminum body mounted on a strong and lightweight construction tubular space-frame chassis. (Picture from: Luxuo)

This GWA Tuning car has a handmade aluminum body mounted on a strong and lightweight construction tubular space-frame chassis. Dimensionally, the Ciento Once is slightly different from the C111 concept car, with a shorter wheelbase (2,616 mm), its weight is similar at 1,400 kg, applied the upgraded modern suspension with coil-overs and the brakes of Mercedes Benz S55 AMG. It is intended that the Ciento Once's engine big power can be controlled better.

Mercedes Benz Ciento Once prototype is slightly different from the C111 experimental car series, with a shorter wheelbase (2,616 mm), but has a similar weight of 1,400 kg. (Picture from: Luxuo)

Yes, indeed, the burst of engine power from the Ciento Once is no longer the same as the C111 experimental car series is used the four-rotor Wankel rotary engine or the inline 5-cylinder turbodiesel. Due to  the one-off GWA Tuning car has used a M120 Mercedes V12 engine that produces a robust 408 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed Cima H-type transaxle and a special tuned exhaust, as used in the Pagani and Koenigsegg supercars.

Mercedes Benz Ciento Once prototype's cabin has two carbon fiber seats without finishing, and for the design details, for a moment it reminds us of the classic figure of the Mercedes Benz W120R 'Ponton'. (Picture from: Luxuo)

Furthermore, to support its running performance, on the aerodynamic side, at the front of the Ciento Once, a spoiler with large air intakes is attached to maximize the aerodynamics of the car inspired by the C111 which was the most aerodynamic car of its time. Besides that, there is also an adjustable Spoiler Wing feature that can be adjusted electronically, as well as a diffuser on the back. For the legs, GWA Tuning has installed SLS-style equipment, such as the GWA Type-A five-spoke concave wheels with a modern retro design measuring 19 inches in front and 20 inches behind, which are wrapped in 265/35/19 tires at the front and 295/30 /20 at the rear.

Mercedes Benz Ciento Once prototype's legs featured with the GWA Type-A five-spoke concave wheels with a modern retro design measuring 19 inches in front and 20 inches behind, which are wrapped in 265/35/19 tires at the front and 295/30 /20 at the rear. (Picture from: Luxuo)

In the interior, GWA Tuning carefully installs carbon fiber seats without finishing, and for the design details, for a moment it reminds us of the classic figure of the Mercedes Benz W120R 'Ponton'. This is thanks to the use of polished aluminum that reflects light, both from the dashboard panels, to the pedals, door sills (including the AC control, entertainment and navigation system devices) in retro style but still feels modern, due to the massive use of carbon fiber which gives a sporty impression as well.

Mercedes Benz Ciento Once prototype is powered by a M120 Mercedes V12 engine that produces a robust 408 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed Cima H-type transaxle and a special tuned exhaust. (Picture from: Luxuo)

Thus, when viewed to the final result, it is clear that the GWA Ciento Once shows the love of Arturo Alonso, the boss of GWA Tuning for the C111 experimental car series, and of course the price would not be cheap, especially considering that it produced just 1 unit only. Off course somehow, the one-off Ciento Once's prestige, exclusivity, and nostalgia feeling is difficult to measure with money, even it could be leveled if it compared to the similar expensive exclusive cars that have been made by other manufacturers such as Bugatti, Lamborghini, Ferrari, and others.

It is not known whether this Ciento Once car has ever been realized into real world, because as far as we know the GWA's one-off car made in 2011 has never been heard of again. Even the automaker are no longer visible in cyberspace, because everything related to the GWA Tuning's sites has no longer existed in cyberspace.😭 Does anyone know about this American automotive company?🏁 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTOR1 | PEDAL2METAL | TOPSPEED | THEVRL | BENZTUNING | LUXUO ]

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The odd and angular Mantis XP beast raced only once

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 the 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)

It 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 | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES || 24H-LEMANS  PORNOWHEELS | CLASSICDRIVER | MOTOR1 | DRIVETRIBE | SUPERCARS.NET | WIKIPEDIA ]

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