Charity Model We used to talk about a three-wheeled vehicle powered by a Harley-Davidson motorcycle engine named Merlin Roadster some time ago. And maybe some of you know an internationally celebrated automotive designer and enthusiast named Barry Watkins who once took part in the effort to revive one of the Italian brands, Bizzarrini through the launch of a super sports called Bizzarrini BZ-2001 back in 1993.
The first appearance of Sundolous SportStar when debuted in 2006. (Picture from: Kneeslider)
Well, now we will discuss about similar kind of super sports once again, but this one is rather diffirent with the appearance such the real unique sports car and is powered by two V-twin Harley-Davidson engines developed by Barry Watkins and his team consisting of automotive builders and fabricators.
The first appearance of Sundolous SportStar powered by a unique rear-mounted air-cooled 88 CI 2 HD' engines mated to a Corvette transaxle. (Picture from: Kneeslider)
In 2000, when Barry Watkins wanted to build an exotic sports car prototype would use as a fundraising tool for charitable contributions. As the result, here's the sports car named SportStar or SHADO Prototype. Besides having a weird design, the car is initially powered by a unique rear-mounted air-cooled 88 CI engine, which is a special-built engine from two Harley-Davidson V-twin engines mated to a Corvette transaxle.
This is an in house-built engine taken from two Harley-Davidson's V-twin engines whose pinned previously in the Sundolous SportStar. (Picture from: Kneeslider)
Those unique engine was the Barry Watkins's original idea, ie an in house-built engine taken from two Harley-Davidson's V-twin engines. That's right, not one Harley's V-twin engine but two V-twins combined in such a way that it becomes one engine.
The Sundolous SportStar or SHADO Prototype sat on display at the Museum of American Speed in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Picture from: MuseumofAmericanSpeed)
This unique sports car made its official debut in 2006. Subsequently in 2010, the car was rebuilt by upgrading composite chassis and body, swapping drivetrain with an S-7 Corvette 427 CI engine which is said to be capable of pumping power up to 555 hp and mated to a Ricardo Ford GT 6-speed transmission operated by electronic paddle shifters.
The
Sundolous SportStar or SHADO Prototype is powered by an S-7 Corvette
427 CI engine mated to a Ricardo Ford GT 6-speed transmission operated
by electronic paddle shifters after overhauled in 2010. (Picture from: MuseumofAmericanSpeed)
There you are SportStar, a unique sports car whose body is now dominated by black, and has many chromed touches ranging of the wheels, roll bar, windshield frame (comes from 1953 Corvette), headlight bezel, grille and rear wing support. When viewed from its posture which has an overall length of about 13 feet with a width of 84 inches, then this car is claimed capable of producing extraordinary cornering stability.
The Sundolous SportStar or SHADO Prototype has two racing bucket seats and featured with the dash full of modern racing-looks instrument panels. (Picture from: MuseumofAmericanSpeed)
Relates to side script ‘Sundoulos’ represents Watkins' company, Sundoulos World Motorsports whose mission is committed to charity and fundraising works. Sundoulos derives its name from the Greek word for "servant," synonymous with religious or spiritual servitude.
Regarding its existence today, as quoted from MuseumofAmericanSpeed, this SportStar has become part of the collection of the Museum of American Speed in Lincoln, Nebraska after being donated by Barry Watkin. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MUSEUMOFAMERICANSPEED | AUTOWEEK | KNEESLIDER | HOMECARMAG ]
Modern Styles Still discussing the work of the Italian coachbuilder company, Gruppo Stola. This time what will be discussed is a sports car concept that was built by the Turin-based coachbuilder in 2000 named Stola S81 is mentioned as a modern interpretation of the legendary Lancia Stratos from its creator Marcello Gandini.
2000 Stola S81 is designed by Marcello Gandini and built by Gruppo Stola as the modern intepretation of the legendary Lancia Stratos. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)
Gruppo Stola's relationship with the designer Marcello Gandini had begun in the late 1980s with the development of the Bugatti EB110. In 1996 Stola decided to start producing concept cars to promote its skills; four years later to shown off at the the 2001 Turin Motor Show.
2000 Stola S81 is nothing more than a full-scale model without an engine, although is set to carry a mid-mounted V8 Maserati's engine capable of producing power of 370 hp. (Picture from: Motor1)
As quoted of Motor1, this concept car was designed by the same Gandini and painted in a flashy orange hue as a nod to the Lancia HF Prototype from 1971. Indeed, it's a rare opportunity in the automotive industry when a very popular car designer like Marcello Gandini is asked to revamp his previous works such as the Lancia Stratos so that it feels quite special and looks more modern in the Stola S81 figure.
2000 Stola S81 is a two-seater sports car which has been equipped with modern security features. (Picture from: Motor1)
As mentioned above, the Turin-based coachbuilder company unveiled the concept car at the 2001 Turin Motor Show, about 28 years since the original Lancia Stratos' debut, as we all know went on to become one of the most successful race cars ever. While the "S81" in its name refers to the 81st anniversary of Alfredo Stola's workshop founded in 1919.
2000 Stola S81's inside featured with modern layout cabin and dashboard full with advance instrument panels. (Picture from: Motor1)
The concept also was launched a decade before the Ferrari 430 Scuderia-based New Stratos, and in fact the Stola S81 is nothing more than a full-scale model without an engine. As such, there are no plans to come out with a production version, although the concept is reportedly set to carry a mid-mounted V8 Maserati's engine capable of producing power of 370 hp.
2000 Stola S81 is a good tribute to one of the most fabled nameplates in the world's rally scene. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)
This full-scaled S81 car model is made of an epoxy resin that can be molded in such a way that it becomes the figure of the familiar wedge designed car that put the Lancia in the halls of fame. It is also mentioned that the concept is a good tribute to one of the most fabled nameplates in the world's rally scene.
The S81 concept featured with the same proportions as its source of inspiration, and the modern look on the Stratos is still visible almost two decades later, thanks in part to the wraparound windshield and funky wheels. Other than that, the S81 is simply a reboot as it incorporates several features that take the concept away from Lancia's masterpieces, such as boomerang-shaped LED headlights and a continuous light strip at the rear.
Tiny & Unique Indeed, Gruppo Stola as an Italian coachbuilder company does not have a name as famous as its compatriots such as Pininfarina, Zagato and others. However, when viewed from the works, it is not inferior to those famous coachbuilders.
The Stola Abarth Monotipo Concept is built as one-off sportscar concept by Gruppo Stola, and was designed by retired Pininfarina designer Aldo Brovarone. (Picture from: UltimateCarPages)
Well, in the 1990s, Stola had launched several interesting concept vehicle designs. One of them have also been discussed before here, such as the Fiat Dedica, a custom-made Fiat Barchetta of 1996 dedicated for a former those Italian giant automaker boss, Giovanni Agnelli.
The Stola Abarth Monotipo Concept's retro-styled body is made completely of composite
materials, clearly displaying Stola's capability of handling this exotic
material. (Picture from: UltimateCarPages)
And two years after those custom made Fiat Barchetta launched, the Turin-based coachbuilder company is launched one-off sportscar concept named the Abarth Monotipo Concept and was intended to showcase Stola's craftsmanship rather than to be a fashion statement.
The Stola Abarth Monotipo Concept has unique upwards swinged doors at the touch of a hidden switch. (Picture from: UltimateCarPages)
Like the 1996 Dedica, the Abarth Monotipo was designed by retired Pininfarina designer Aldo Brovarone, a close friend of Stola managing-director Alfredo Stola.
The car has unique upwards swinged doors at the touch of a hidden
switch, while the roof comprises of a long, sweeping aerospace-developed
Plexiglass roof panel.Fiat's close relationship with Stola allowed them to licence the "Abarth" tag, and also pinned its traditional 'scorpion' badges at the front and rear.
The Stola Abarth Monotipo Concept also has unique the roof comprises of a long, sweeping aerospace-developed Plexiglass roof panel. (Picture from: ItaliaSpeed)
The interestingly retro-styled body is made completely of composite
materials, clearly displaying Stola's capability of handling this exotic
material. Even more impressive is the perfect finish of the bodypanels.
All transparent parts are not made of glass but of Isoclima
Polycarbonate, which is also used in the aerospace industry, so no wonder if the Abarth Monotipo weighted just 880 kilos.
The Stola Abarth Monotipo Concept is powered by slightly tuned four-cylinder turbo 2,0-liter engine of Lancia Delta Integrale. (Picture from: TopCarRating)
While the drivetrain mounted on the slightly stretched Barchetta chassis is a four-cylinder turbo 2,0-liter engine, the same one that used by the Lancia Delta Integrale. Slightly tuned, it is good for a decent 330 hp at 6,500 rpm coupled with 5-speed manual transmission system.
Those engine power then transferred to the front axle. It was able to do acceleration from zero to 100 kph in 4.9 seconds with a top speed of 290 kph, and to tame those high speeds, so the Monotipo is fitted with the same vented Brembo discs as found on the Ferrari F50.
Ur Dream Car Before leaving Buick in 1951 to move up the General Motors ladder, Charles A. Chayne had approved the Buick XP-300 project and made it as the GM LeSabre's companion dream car, while its name reflects the fact that it was an experimental vehicle with its drivetrain can be spewed power over 300 horsepower.
1951 Buick XP-300 Concept car features a wraparound windshield, three tailfins, and a grille that resembles an electric razor and also includes push-button power windows and seats. (Picture from: OldCarsWeekly)
Besides Charles A. Chayne, in the process of creating the Buick XP-300
concept car (previously labeled as XP-9) also involved other famous
figure in the automotive world such as Ned F. Nickles and Harley J. Earl. As we all knew, Charles Chayne have worked together with Harley Earl since the creation of the first future concept car called the Buick Y-Job more than a decade earlier.
1951
Buick XP-300 Concept car (on right-side) shared many common mechanical components with the GM LeSabre Concept (on left-side), including
its three tailfins and a 335 horsepower V8 engine, which can run on gasoline or methanol. (Picture from: MacMotorCityGarage)
Off course, if seen from the car appearance, it was really inspired by the heyday of the jet era of the 1950s. In addition, it's known the concept shared many common mechanical components with the LeSabre, including its 335 horsepower V8 engine, which can run on gasoline or methanol.
1951 Buick XP 300 Concept sat on display in the Buick collection at the Sloan Museum, Flint, Michigan. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
Despite its somewhat similar appearance to the LeSabre, the XP-300's
styling feels cleaner than the more futuristic and rocket-inspired lines
of its counterpart. Furthermore, although the LeSabre generally
reflects Earl's design philosophy, the XP-300 fits more closely with
Chayne's conception of the future of Buick production cars, and its
front end design ultimately reflects the 1954 Buick line.
Overall, both of concepts (Y-Job and XP-300) are pretty much the same; and XP-300 was a 1950s dream car that is an interpretation of modern vehicles based on design sketches by Ned F. Nickles, an extraordinary talent self-taught designer.
The interior of the Buick XP-300 Concept features pleated blue-leather bucket seats with adjustable inflatable air bladders and a center console. (Picture from: WikiWand)
Meanwhile the XP-300 has aluminum body panels that reduced the overall weight of the car to 3,100 lbs. This was important, because the body and frame structure were welded as a solid unit and the many push-button power accessories (including the rear convertible window) were heavy and added extra pounds.
The
Buick XP-300 Concept features with a striking side trim that would look like a home on the fictional Buck Rogers' interplanetary cruiser. (Picture from: AmazingClassicCars)
And according to OldCarsWeekly, its beauty and innovation went beneath its aluminum skin. Four hydraulic jacks were hidden under the body work and elevated either the driver or passenger side of the car. Upon shutting the doors, steel bars hydraulically slid out so that the car was more rigid, as these bars completed the rollcage-like framework within the body.
The
Buick XP-300 Concept's beauty and innovation went beneath its aluminum skin, features also with four hydraulic jacks were hidden under the body work and elevated either the driver or passenger side of the car. (Picture from: AmazingClassicCars)
The XP-300 convertible concept car has the appearance looks like partially of sports car and spaceship sized 16-ft that glides just 6-1/2 inches above the ground. This car features an "electric shaver" grille, a wraparound windshield, a three-fin tail with an electric radio antenna protruding from the center fin and striking side trim that would look like a home on the fictional Buck Rogers' interplanetary cruiser. It even has push-button seats and windows!
The
Buick XP-300 Concept also features with a three-fin tail with an electric radio antenna protruding from the center fin. (Picture from: AmazingClassicCars)
The interior of the XP-300 features pleated blue-leather bucket seats with adjustable inflatable air bladders and a center console. The car also has a telescoping steering wheel and an instrument panel displaying a prominently mounted combined speedometer/tachometer as well as a fuel gauge. It also boasted numerous technologies considered safety features in 1951, including its dual brakes, adjustable seats, and adjustable steering wheel in addition to seat belts.
The XP-300 was displayed at auto shows across the United States, where it became a popular fixture with attendees as well as the press. The XP-300 accumulated nearly 10,400 miles (16,700 km) of driving, although it did not drive as far as the more publicized LeSabre. In 1966, the XP-300 was refurbished and donated to the Alfred P. Sloan Museum in Flint, Michigan.
ONE-OFF We are interested to know more while seeing this fairly beautiful car shaped on the Pinterest pages. Besides having a beautiful shape, it turns out that its unusual name factor also sparked the desire to get to know the figure of this car more closely. After surfing and searching in the internet, finally we're knew that the car's name comes from the name of the person who designed it, Frederick Zeder Jr.
1953 Zeder Storm Z-250 concept car by Frederick Zeder Jr. and bodywork by Bertone. (Picture from: OldConceptCars)
Who is he? He is the son of Frederick Zeder who is known as one of the Three Musketeers of Chrysler's engineering team, or the early engineering team that had an important role in the early days of the American car manufacturer previously known as Studebaker.
Like Carol Shelby, the young Zeder had matured in the automotive racing world before serious getting involved into the car design, he was also obsessed with creating a sports car that could become a serious competitor to Jaguar and Ferrari cars both on the racing track and streets.
What's the idea? As quoted from DriveTribe, his dream car is a dual purpose sports car only with just a simple switch on the car's body can be converted from racing use and street use. So then was born the Zeder Storm Z-250.
1953 Zeder Storm Z-250 concept car while on display at the Peterson Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. (Picture from: ReddIt)
It turns out that in the making of this beautiful car also involved the famous Italian coachbuilder Bertone, it's not surprising if the car was known as one of numerous Bertone's designs in the 1950s. Besides that, there are also many people who know it as the Dodge Storm Z-250, due to the concept car uses the Dodge's mechanical elements.
1953 Zeder Storm Z-250 concept car
interior featured with a brown colored steering wheel, the same nuanced
dashboard that consisted by several sporty instruments panels and two
genuine-leather covered bucket seats. (Picture from: MyCarQuest)
In fact the car was designed independently by Fred Zeder Jr. along with the great engineers at that time such as Carl Breer, Gene Cassaroll, Hank Kean and John Butterfield to be proposed as a Chrysler's grand coupé. After completing the design then Zeder Jr. commissioned the Italian master craftsmen Bertone to build the car bodywork. And the result is a beautiful American sports car with a touch of an Italian flare.
1953 Zeder Storm Z-250 concept car uses a Dodge HEMI V8 engine which is capable of producing 260bhp of power and making acceleration performance from 0 to 60 in just 7.5 seconds. (Picture from: Roeteveechie.org)
The model reflects the Bertone style of the period, with particular attention to the lines and design of the American car, especially with regards to the long streamlined front bonnet, smooth wings and imposing horizontal radiator grille.
The car built on a rigid tube frame chassis it was intended to be a dual-purpose sports and racing car. When raced the comfortable touring body currently fitted could be removed by unscrewing four bolts and replaced with an ultra light 150 pound fiberglass body.
As
the driving force, the Storm Z-250 uses a Dodge HEMI V8 engine which is
capable of producing 260bhp of power and making acceleration
performance from 0 to 60 in just 7.5 seconds. Meanwhile the car's other
components such as brakes, suspension and steering rack are also taken
from some other Chrysler vehicles.
If the Zeder Storm Z-250 would have gone into production it would have competed with
the Ford Thunderbird, Chevrolet Corvette and the Kaiser Darrin. (Picture from: OldConceptCars)
It is said that this car was originally planned with a 2 + 2 composition, but when the bodywork was to be built the Italian coachbuilder, a Bertone designer suggested to Zeder Jr. to turn it into a 2 seater sports car. He was interested to try it and then the 2-seat sportscar Z-250 was realized with satisfying results. The car had run some testings on the famous Fiat roof test track in Turin, and was also presented at the 1953 Turin Auto Show to a great reception.
Zeder Jr. was delighted by the enthusiastic reception of the Italian audience for his car, then he brought it back to the US to offer it to Chrysler in the hopes that the American manufacturer would be interested in producing the car.
However, after arriving in the US, it turned out that Chrysler refused because the Storm Z-250 was considered too expensive and not profitable for the company. Though Zeder Jr. could have offered his car to others, but he wasn't do that due to the Chevrolet Corvette and Ford Thunderbird had made debuts. So he gave up on his dream of producing the dual purpose racer and put the only-one built concept car into his garage.😢
After being rejected by Chrysler, this car was seen several times on display at various institutions and events. In fact, with such exquisite style and potential, it's sad that the car was never produced. In our opinion, this car actually deserves to be a serious competitor for the Corvette, Thunderbird, Jaguar, even Ferrari at the time.😒 *** [EKA [02122020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | JALOPNIK | OLDCONCEPTCARS | DRIVETRIBE ]
Ready to Fly Australia, a country which is located in the southernmost part of the planet Earth, turn out also has a long history in the world's automotive, although now the country's automotive industry is almost no longer seem vibes like before. Despite that, as we all know, the land of kangaroos once had Holden, an automotive brand that was quite well known throughout the world.
If the Holden Torana GTR-X could be entered into production line back in the 1970s, it would be a potential rival to the Datsun 240Z. (Picture form: ClassicDriver)
As quoted of Manofmany, the Australian automotive company stopped all local production in 2017. These days, the brand imports its vehicles from plants in Germany, Canada, and the USA. Nevertheless, models like the Holden Commodore (which delivers reliable performance at an affordable price) remain the stuff of legend.
The Holden Torana GTR-X concept is built in 1970 based on the relatively traditional Torana GTR XU-1 coupé. (Picture form: ClassicDriver)
Besides that, this Australian manufacturer also had a mid-sized car called the Holden Torana (the name comes from an Aboriginal word meaning "to fly") which was produced between 1967 and 1980. Throughout the 1960s to 1970s the reverberation of sports cars trend seemed to have succeeded in influencing the interest of this Australian manufacturer to develop the sports cars.
The Holden Torana GTR-X concept designed with a pointed nose, steeply raked windscreen and pop-up headlights also fitted with advance technology at the time such 4-wheel vacuum assisted disc brakes, retractable seat belts, foam filled fuel tank and electric windows. (Picture form: ClassicDriver)
In short, then Holden Torana GTR-X concept car was born, initially, was seriously considered for production in the early 1970s. The concept car is built based on the relatively traditional Torana GTR XU-1 coupé, the concept was not only given a ground-up redesign using in-vogue features (a pointed nose, steeply raked windscreen and pop-up headlights), but also featured with advance technology at the time.
The Holden Torana GTR-X concept has the long-grain black vinyl wrapped interior to complete two cozy racing-style seats, a three-spoke steering wheel and also a dashboard full of gauges and buttons. (Picture form: ClassicDriver)
As qouted of Wikipedia, the GTR-X had a fibreglass body appeared into a wedge-shaped 1970s typical styles including a hatchback rear access, and the prototype cars had LC Torana GTR XU-1 mechanical components.
The Holden Torana GTR-X concept is powered by a 3.05-litre Torana GTR XU-1 straight six engine. (Picture form: CarStyling.ru)
The GTR-X looks similar to the iconic sports cars of the 1970s, such as the Maserati Khamsin, Ferrari 308 GT4, Lotus Esprit, and Mazda RX-7, and according to the automaker the 1,043 kg weighted sports car concept capable to run up to a top speed of 210 kph.
The Holden Torana GTR-X concept had a fibreglass body appeared into a wedge-shaped 1970s typical styles including a hatchback rear access. (Picture form: ClassicDriver)
Besides having a beautiful and simple body made of fiberglass, and this is the first car made by Holden to be fitted with four-wheel disc brakes. However, unlike the previous Hurricane concept car also made by this Australian manufacturer, the GTR-X concept is still potentially feasible for production.
The Australian automaker making a lot of promotional materials during the development time of the Holden Torana GTR-X concept to attarct potential customers. (Picture form: ClassicDriver)
At that time Holden made three prototypes and seemed serious enough to work on the project by making a lot of promotional materials to attract potential customers if the car was produced. However, in the end, the domestic market was deemed too small to cover all the expenses associated with the car's production process.
If it was produced, the shapely Australian-made sports car might have made quite a rival for the likes of the Datsun 240Z. Today, one of the Torana GTR-X sports car can be found at the Holden's headquarter in Melbourne, while another two
prototypes were destroyed.😞 Wanna see the Holden retro magic touch named the 'EFIJY Concept' *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CLASSICDRIVER | WIKIPEDIA | MANOFMANY | CARSTYLING.RU ]
Regarding its existence today, as quoted from MuseumofAmericanSpeed, this SportStar has become part of the collection of the Museum of American Speed in Lincoln, Nebraska after being donated by Barry Watkin. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MUSEUMOFAMERICANSPEED | AUTOWEEK | KNEESLIDER | HOMECARMAG ]
