ONE-OFF Maybe once upon a time it crossed our minds, did religious leaders or priests
ever get involved or even drown in the excitement of the world's automotive. In fact, there are many examples and we had already
discussed one of them here, namely Father Alfred A. Juliano, a Catholic priest whose designed and built a weird-shaped concept car named the Aurora Safety Car back in the mid-1950s.
The 1972 FEI X-3 Lavinia shooting-brake sports car concept featured with Dodge V8 engine designed and built by Rigoberto Soler and his FEI's student team. (Picture from: AutoEntusiastasClassic)
Roberto Sabóia de Medeiros(1905-1955). (Picture from: AllPar)
Well now there's one more, a Jesuit priest and visionary Roberto Sabóia de Medeiros realized that Brazil could no longer depend on just being an agrarian
country after World War II ended, and had to pave the way to become an industrialized country. For the such reason, he initiated the Fundação de Ciências Aplicadas (FCA) or in English, the Foundation of Applied Sciences in 1945, to aid in Brazil's industrialization; two years later, the foundation opened its Faculdade de Engenharia Industrial (FEI) or Faculty of Industrial Engineering in São Paulo.
The Brasinca 4500GT sports car built by Rigoberto Soler during 1964 to 1966 as many as 77 units, is powered by a six-cylinder Chevrolet engine. (Picture from: AutoEntusiastasClassic)
Ten years later, spurred by Brazilian President Juscelino Kubitschek, Brazil's industrial revolution gained speed, especially in São Paulo,
with investments by numerous foreign automotive industries such International Harvester, Simca, Willys Overland, and General Motors. FEI opened a new campus in Sao Bernardo do Campo, thanks to a land donation by Lavinia Gomes, Mayor Lauro Gomes' wife.
The 1972 FEI X-3 shooting-brake sports car concept (on the left) posed along with its predecessor 1968 FEI X-1 (on the right). (Picture from: AutoEntusiastasClassic)
In
1963, one key professor named Rigoberto Soler was knows as a former
official of ENASA (Empresa Nacional de Autocamiones), which made trucks
in the '50s for Francoist Spain and had built the Pegaso sports car, led
by a former Alfa Romeo technical director Wilfredo Ricart. Previously during 1964 to 1966, Soler had designed and built a sports car with a six-cylinder Chevrolet engine named the
Brasinca 4200 GT as many as 77 units.
Mockup of the FEI X-2 hovercraft, for use in rivers, swamps and wetlands; the project was not fully completed, having reached the testing phase with a wooden air-sliding platform, a propeller and no cabin. (Picture from: LexisCarBrasil)
Then within FEI, Soler led the Department of Studies and Research Vehicles.
Their first car called the FEI X-1, was a unique two-seater car based on the mechanicals of the Renault
Gordini featured with hovercraft-fan at rear, and was first shown in 1968. This car is the forerunner of the FEI X-2 model which was made as a real hovercraft which move without contact with the ground supported by air pockets.
FEI's classroom with the X-3 side view (notice the curved floor), and Professor Soler, standing beside the desk. (Picture from: AutoEntusiastasClassic)
In
1972, Soler instructed his students to work on a unique-shaped sports
car in general called as the shooting brake, the FEI X-3 'Lavinia' (as tribute to the FEI benefactor), which would be an evolution
of the 4200 GT. For your info, the shooting-brake is a type of car design
that usually
comes with one door on each side, and a little boxy shaped at the rear,
where it might have one or two-opened doors. He specified the use of a tubular steel frame and air
brake, a rectangular flap embedded in the rear of the vehicle. The
students were divided into two groups, one responsible for manufacturing
the chassis and other bodywork.
Sketches of what would become the FEI X-3, made by Rigoberto Soler. (Picture from: AutoEntusiastasClassic)
Initially, for this concept car, Soler gave his students freedom to relate to the shape, dimensions, and components that will be used to build it as well. So this car then took its dimensions idea by taking a reference to the use of the Ford 292-cubic-inch V8 engined model. And the most of the components would be from the
Dodge Dart. While the front suspension was a Torsion Aire, with torsion bars;
though the Chrysler rear axle was supported by coil springs, more
suitable for a sports car. Fourteen-inch magnesium wheels were used; the
Gemmer steering box was the same as the Dart's but with its 24:1
reduction ratio changed to 15:1 to be more sensitive to high-speed
maneuvers.
The FEI X-3 chassis under construction featured with Ford front-engined. (Picture from: AutoEntusiastasClassic)
The
318 V8 engine was the LA type cast in Brazil, the one used in Dart (198
bhp), and was later replaced by one from the Charger R/T (sports
version of the Brazilian Dart) with a higher compression ratio and dual
exhaust system for 215 horsepower. The original Dart transmission, with
only three gears, was also replaced by the Brazilian Charger R/T's four
speed. The transmission was modified due to the smaller wheelbase, and a
new differential ratio was used as the X-3 would be lighter and more
aerodynamic than the Dart. The drum front brakes were also replaced with
discs.
The first version of the FEI X-3 finished with yellow paintwork, and the airbrake open. (Picture from: AutoEntusiastasClassic)
The
body construction was made using a hammer form, just like Italian car
makers. The X-3 was completely shaped by hand from aluminum, with a
strong roll cage to protect the occupants, gull-wing doors, monolithic
aluminum front end, two rear gas tanks (90-liter/24-gallon capacity),
side exhausts, and external air brakes. The tail lights, as in current
cars, stayed in the roof columns. The X-3 had two spare tires and a good
luggage space in the trunk. Interestingly, the windshield was from a
Ford Galaxie.
The FEI X-3 while sat on display at the 2004 São Paulo Motor Show. (Picture from: AutoEntusiastasClassic)
Inside the sports car there are leather-covered reclining seats, air conditioning, instrument panel on the center console, three-spoke aluminum steering wheel, a kind multipurpose briefcase fuctioned as glove box. Students also want to install an eight-millimeter camera inside the car to record all activities related to car's tests, practice or races.
The FEI X-3's engine set back from the axle, with the "shaker hood" cover on display. (Picture from: AutoEntusiastasClassic)
After completion, the X-3 measures 4.3 meters long, 1.8 meters wide and 1.1 meters high. It had a ground clearance of 0.18 meters and weighed 1100 kg, with a very low drag coefficient of 0.32, and originally painted in yellow.
The FEI X-3's cabin featured with the leather-covered reclining seats, air conditioning, instrument panel on the center console, three-spoke aluminum steering wheel, a kind multipurpose briefcase fuctioned as glove box. (Picture from: AutoEntusiastasClassic)
It was built
by the team of Ricardo Okubo, Ademir Fornasaro, Carlos Augusto
Scarpelli, Flávio Vicenzetto, Gilberto Luz Pereira, A. Heymann, R. Milk,
Joseph Pompeo Giannocoro, Barretti Roberto, Roberto Julio Asam, and
Rudolph Herbert Meyer. The team managed to get the job done on time until the X3 Lavinia finally made it on display and debuted at the 1972 São Paulo Auto Show.
The
FEI X-3' final version was painted in green and gold metallic, and is featured with a such unique gull-wing doors. (Picture from: AutoEntusiastasClassic)
But the effort was not wasted, at the expo the car was finished in green
and gold metallic, became one of the stars of the event, winning the
admiration of then-President of Brazil General Emilio Medici Garrastazu.
Currently the FEI X-3
Lavinia, restored by the FEI, and is still part of the college's collection
and is displayed at various events on the history of Brazilian
automobiles. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ALLPAR | AUTOENTUSIASTASCLASSIC | HOTCARS | HISCIENCIA ]
~Our DREAM~ Time goes by, since the 1930s, automobile manufacturers in the world began to think of experimenting on a car that is considered have a futuristic design of what are they called later as The car of the future.
1941 Chrysler Thunderbolt. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)
Of course, such those visionary efforts with brought the looks what kind of future vehicles based of trends on those days, this considered important to be done in order to lead opinions to look by their car product ads and to look how's the popularity of the manufacturer among the society. Only, some of which it seemed so weird in todays context.
Here are six futuristic (and weird) car designs in the past which ever introduced to the world.
1. 1941 Chrysler Thunderbolt
In the 1940 New York Auto Show, the Chrysler Thunderbolt to be announced as ”The Car of the Future” by the automaker. The Thunderbolt was rushed in production for the expo with the intention to educate the general public about aerodynamics and streamlining.
Front side view of 1941 Chrysler Thunderbolt. (Picture from: RM Sotheby)
The Thunderbolt was built to minimize wind resistance, so it was a smooth aerodynamic machine in every aspect. The only exterior ornamentation was a single chrome lightning bolt on each door. The aerodynamics were enhanced by eliminating door handles, using concealed headlights, doing away with A pillars, and enclosing the wheel wells.
Rear side view of 1941 Chrysler Thunderbolt. (Picture from: RM Sotheby)
The Thunderbolt featured an all aluminum body and an electrically controlled retractable hardtop. The doors were opened with the touch of a button and the windows were raised and lowered by hydraulics. The Thuderbolt’s interior featured a bevy of leather and push buttons. It was powered by a 323.5 cu-in straight-eight that produced 143 hp.
There were only six cars ever made (four surviving todays), and each was given its own unique color scheme. This innovative car was designed by Ralph Roberts and Alex Tremulis and was built by the Briggs Body Works Company.
2. 1942 L'Oeuf Electrique
This car is known for its three wheels called L'Oeuf Electrique which means 'Electric Egg'. This futuristic car made by an artists, industrial designers, as well as a French engineer, Paul Arzens in 1942.
When created, this Egg Car intended for personal / individual in the days of mi. Since Egg Car appeared, until now a mini electric car continues to be an inspiration for many to develop it. Although Paul Arzens is Frenchmen, but he built an egg similar car in Germany with the existing material at the time.
Rear three quarter of 1942 L'Oeuf Electrique. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
Because the war was raging, Arzens replace the energy supply of gasoline (which at that time was so hard to come by) into electrically based. Therefore, Egg Car is the first car bubble which led to the France made small cars after the war.
3. 1953 General Motors Firebird
General Motors Firebird was the result of a trilogy of three prototype concept car earlier work of Harley Earl. Firebird was introduced in the show Motorama Auto Shows three editions in 1953, 1956 and 1959. From its shape, it is clear that the Firebird was inspired from the design of existing fighter aircraft at that time.
1953 General Motors Firebird I. (Picture from: AllCarCentral)
Although a breakthrough, none of the Firebird design made for commercial purposes. This product is only as proof to General Motors for the ideas and concepts of technology development are assessed futuristic car. Today, these cars are stored neatly in the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan, and are often on display at the auto show each event.
1956 General Motors Firebird II. (Picture from: Otoblitz)
For the Firebird, General Motors known to successfully solve turbine fuel research done on the car since the 1930's to the 1950's with Emmett Conklin as projecy manager. With this new turbine engine, capable of the Firebird speed boost of up to 200 mph.
1959 General Motors Firebird III. (Picture from: Otoblitz)
Interestingly, General Motors consistently experimented with the Firebird concept car during the 1950s, so that the American manufacturer was recorded as making 3 models until 1959, and then the exterior treatment and rear fin styling of the concept were applied to Cadillac models between 1959 and 1961.
4. 1959 Cadillac Cyclone XP-74
The Cyclone looked more like a jet aircraft than a car, its two fenders resembling rockets. The two flat door Segments could be slid back. The revolutionary design was matched by the radar-sensing crash avoidance system and the Plexiglas bubble-top that automatically closed when its sensor detected rain.
The Cyclone Concept was designed to test styling and engineering ideas. The 2-passenger concept had a clear plastic cover that fit snugly against the panoramic windshield for a true 360 degree vision. When not in use, the power operated canopy folds backward beneath the surface of the trunk. At the touch of a button, Cyclone's doors move outward 3 inches from the car, and slide back smoothly on ball bearings for easy entrance.
1959 Cadillac Cyclone XP-74 featured with sliding door and canopy bubble tops. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)
Among its advanced features is a radar sensing device, located in the twin nose cones, which scans the road ahead, and electronically alerts the driver wîth an audible signal and a warning light if an object is in its path. The dash instruments are clustered like an aircraft dashboard, between the two passengers. An intercommunication system allows the passengers to converse wîth persons outside the automobile without raising the canopy.
Rear three-quuarter of 1959 Cadillac Cyclone XP-74. (Picture from: BelowTheRadar)
Built on a 104' chassis, the Cyclone is 197' long and stands only 44' tall; the body is made of steel (not fiberglass, like some experimental models); power is provided by the standard 325 HP engine fitted wîth a low-profile carburetor, a cross-flow aluminum radiator and two fans. The entire exhaust system, including the muffler, are located in the engine compartment wîth exhaust outlets just ahead of the front wheels.
The initial white pearlescent paint was replaced later wîth silver; at the same time, the GM Air Transport logo disappeared from the tall fins, to be replaced by an oblong, vertical Cyclone name badge placed at the extremity of each rear fender. The seats are silver leather.
5. 1970 Ferrari Pininfarina 512 S Modulo
The famous Italian car manufacturer Ferrari commissioned Pininfarina design house embodies the Ferrari 512 S Modulo, a unique future concept of an Italian designer, Paolo Martin back in 1970. Meanwhile the mentioned above car built on the chassis obtained of the 1968 Ferrari 612 Can Am (chassis number of #0864). As the result, the car with a similar shape submarine was first introduced at the Geneva Motor Show 1970.
1970 Ferrari (Pininfarina) 512 S Modulo. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
As You can see the Modulohas a very low body with style roof that slides forward like a submarine as the entrance to the cabin. Partially closed four tires and attractive features of this futuristic car is 24 holes in the engine that can generate power up to 550 hp and can run at speeds of 220 mph in 3.1 seconds, and while on driving certainly it will be created floating-like sensation.
6. 1970 Bertone Lancia Stratos HF Zero
Lancia Startos HF (Tipo 829) or widely known in short as Lancia Stratos. However, none of the most unique designs in addition to types of Lancia Stratos HF Zero. Here HF stands for High Fidelity. Similar unique car concept sports car is currently one of the highly successful race car in his day and had won the World Rally Championship three-times consecutively in 1974, 1975 and 1976.
Lancia Stratos HF Zero was produced by an Italian car manufacturer Lancia and was designed by Marcello Gandini of Bertone Stylo. This show car was made for 12 months and first introduced to public in the Turin Motor Show 1970.
Right side view of 1970 Bertone Lancia Stratos HF Zero. (Picture from: MotorAuthority)
This car is powered by a 1.6 L Lancia Fulvia V4 drivetrain, and had sat in display at the Bertone Museum, then sold at RM Sotheby's auction for €761,600 in Italy in the new year selebration of 2011. The last time the car was exhibited at the Sculpture in Motion: Masterpieces of Italian Design, held at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.
Rare ONES One of the attractions of the world's automotive lies in the unique design created by automotive designers specifically to provide convenience and comfort in driving. And for each design result that is considered appropriate and suitable for the times and trends, then put it into prototype form to undergo a series of trials before it is decided to mass produce.
The Fitch Phoenix prototype was touted as the most ambitious from the 1960s era created by John Fitch, a former Corvette racer and Corvair tuner along with his neighbor, Coby Whitmore. (Picture from: CurbsideClassic)
By the way, not all of them will make it to this stage, so we encounter many designers' works that can be said to be good in design, but for one reason or another made them have to stagnant at the concept stage. However, we believed a good work always can find its right way to be born and known by the public. Indeed, there are many ways for automotive designers to convey their work to car manufacturers.
The Fitch Phoenix prototype final design was executed in steel by Frank Reisner’s Intermechanicca Group in Turin, Italy. (Picture from: CurbsideClassic)
Not to forget the following car prototype called Fitch Phoenix which was touted as the most ambitious from the 1960s era created by John Fitch, a former Corvette racer and Corvair tuner. Besides that, the car is an original American car that is touted to be the fiercest competitor of the Porsche 911 in a series of 500GT cars built based on Corvair underpinnings.
The Fitch Phoenix prototype's interior shows a rather strong Italian influence featured with the low seat backs. (Picture from: CurbsideClassic)
The car making process began, soon after Chevrolet released the 140-hp Corsa engine option on its Corvair in 1965, Fitch started tinkering with it in his Connecticut garage. It was there that the bespoke Sprint fastback model was produced and quickly became a favorite among those in the know. But you know it's actually his second project based on Corvair, due to since 1963, Fitch and his neighbor, a legendary cartoonist Coby Whitmore. They began work on a unique rear-engined prototype, which was intended as a super-exclusive grand touring coupe.
The Fitch Phoenix prototype is powered by an air cooled 164 c.i. Corvair flat six coupled a quadruple Webber carb setup made it capable burst out 170 hp at a low 5200 rpm. (Picture from: CurbsideClassic)
By using a quadruple Webber carburetor setting, Fitch coaxed an impressive 170 hp for the base model car powered by a flat six-cylinder air-cooled engine. He then fitted a targa upper body designed by Whitmore onto a shortened '65 Corvair chassis, installed Girling disc brakes, and added staggered front-rear 6 and 7-inch wheels.
Uniquely, the Fitch Phoenix provided a weird spare tire hump on the fender.(Picture from: CurbsideClassic)
As quoted of Curbside Classic, the final design was executed in steel by Frank Reisner’sIntermechanicca Group in Turin, Italy and wedded to a highly modified Corvair drive train and running gear. Building on a base of readily available mechanical parts was essential to ensure that spares would be available and to simplify servicing.
The Fitch Phoenix prototype has a curb weight of just 2,150 lbs, and could reach 60 mph in 7.5 seconds en route to a top speed of 130 mph. (Picture from: CurbsideClassic)
Shortly after the Fitch Phoenix completed with a curb weight of just 2,150 lbs, it could reach 60 mph in 7.5 seconds en route to a top speed of 130 mph, such an impressive figures for its time. Oh, there's also a spare tire mounted on the fender. As you can see, it fast and classy.
The Fitch Phoenix prototype, like so many other cars styled by a non-professional designer/studio, shows some good elements but a number of shortcomings too. (Picture from: CurbsideClassic)
In June 1966, John Fitch debuted his Phoenix, shortly after which the US. Congress gave their approval to the creation of the Bureau of Highway Safety to regulate and distribute automotive safety standards in the country. By the time those measures were put in place two years later it appeared debacle Unsafe at Any Speed had effectively grounded the Corvair which is implicated the Fitch-Whitmore GT prototype as well. As a result, the planned production of 500 units fell apart, leaving only one unit that was built as a prototype.😓
This car isn't just a (gorgeous) vestige of one of America's pioneering motorsports figures, it's also a tiny glimpse of proof into a strange, alternate timeline where high-horsepower, rear-engine, special-edition GM grand touring cars are well, as if unaffected and still there and holding on while this one has to step aside.😢 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CURBSIDECLASSIC | ROADANDTRACK ]
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ONE-OFF Watching unique cars especially those custom made from the 1960s was great, and these following custom car of 1960s have long held our attention and also arouse curiosity. Well, we saw for the first time the car known as the 1963 Ford Thunderbird Custom with a plate number of '3RDE641' was when interacting on social media Twitter and Pinterest.
1963 Ford Thunderbird Custom with a plate number of '3RDE641' called Scorpion is built by George Barris back in the 1960s, and commisoned by Eddie Leon. (Picture from: CustoCarChronicle)
This one-off custom-made classic car with a striking exterior looks and different from any model of its kind that has ever existed. It's deniable those unique exterior shapes is inspired by the world of aviation, which was becoming a trend at that time in the US. In addition, it has a long body, uniquely, this 1960s classic car wearing a Corvette-badge at the front, chopped top, extended roofline, rear tire covers and also custom interior. What's even more extraordinary, if the standard Ford TBird model has 2 taillights at the rear, but this custom car has 3 taillights placed in a section that is made to resemble a fighter jet thruster.
1963
Ford Thunderbird Custom with a plate number of '3RDE641' wearing a Corvette-badge at the front, chopped top. (Picture from: Pinterest)
Then who had the initial idea for a custom car like that? As quoted of Hooniverse, the car's story began when Eddie Leon, a furniture store owner in Los Angeles who commissioned a custom car maker to build the 1963 Ford Thunderboard that he purchased in the late 1960s.
1963 Ford Thunderbird Custom's interior is covering by color combination of red and gold such a kind of the ancient Egyptian Pharaoh's themed. (Picture from: CustoCarChronicle)
As quoted of CustomCarChronicle, the current owner was found an old Craigslist's advertisement from 2007 saying that the car was built by George Barris for Eddie Leon from the Leon Furniture Shops (his name all over car including badge on bonnet and on dash also says build one of one what's it called the Scorpion).
1963 Ford Thunderbird Custom's science-fiction themed interior is fascinating featured with many switches, lights, and knobs successively covering every corner of the dashboard. (Picture from: CustoCarChronicle)
More likely, George Barris had talked about it once and then claimed he built it as he has with numerous other custom cars of the 1960s. Then when was this car built? Based on information of the current owner, he found a trophy at the car's trunk shown the car had won the trophy for the Best Custom Car 1968 San Mateo. So it must have been created pre 1968.
1963 Ford Thunderbird Custom with a plate number of '3RDE641' has a long body with extended roofline and a unique rear tire cover. (Picture from: CustoCarChronicle)
As quoted of CustomCarChronicle, the classic custom car is powered by a 1963 427 Ford Top Oiler or Center Oiler engine. In 1975 were added a set of ported and polished 1966 (C5AE) Medium Rise heads (2.19 intake / 1.73 exhaust). It is estimated that the machine mentioned above is capable of producing around 450 ponies which isn’t bad for a low (9.5:1) cruiser.
1963 Ford Thunderbird Custom with a plate number of '3RDE641' is powered by a 1963 427 Ford Top Oiler or Center Oiler engine, and estimated capable of producing around 450 ponies. (Picture from: CustoCarChronicle)
It is tough to describe the inside of this Ford Thunderbird Custom. As you can see, the car interior is covering by color combination of red and gold such a kind of the ancient Egyptian Pharaoh's themed.
1963 Ford Thunderbird Custom with a plate number of '3RDE641' has 3 taillights placed in a section that is made to resemble a fighter jet thruster. (Picture from: CustoCarChronicle)
Uniquely, the 1960s science-fiction themed interior is fascinating featured with many switches, lights, and knobs successively covering every corner of the dashboard, and according to the current owner of the vehicle, everything still works. Even it has the voice control? Can you imagine what voice control from the 70s is like, and what for?
1963 Ford Thunderbird Custom with a plate number of '3RDE641' should been created pre 1968, due to in that year it had won trophy for the Best Custom Car 1968 San Mateo. (Picture from: ReddIt)
The Scorpion, as the car came to be known, and is currently in Adelaide, Australia. The car's current order of ownership can be traced back to Eddie Leon's family since the custom car spent most of its life in Vacaville, Southern
California before an Australian car collector bought it, and then the
current owner bought it from him.
1963 Ford Thunderbird Custom with a plate number of '3RDE641'called Scorpion is currently in Adelaide, Australia. (Picture from: CustoCarChronicle)
Since it is an unusual looking vehicle, and judging from the pictures circulating in cyberspace where the car looks shabby with relatively makeshift conditions, we hope the Australian owner able to restore it to its full period-correct glory conditions. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HOONIVERSE | CUSTOCARCHRONICLE | THEDRIVE | WIKIPEDIA ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
But the effort was not wasted, at the expo the car was finished in green
and gold metallic, became one of the stars of the event, winning the
admiration of then-President of Brazil General Emilio Medici Garrastazu.
Currently the FEI X-3
Lavinia, restored by the FEI, and is still part of the college's collection
and is displayed at various events on the history of Brazilian
automobiles. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ALLPAR | AUTOENTUSIASTASCLASSIC | HOTCARS | HISCIENCIA ]
