Here are 2 concept cars adopted from André Franquin's famous comic strips

Rare ONES Before we start discussing about the four-wheeled vehicle in question on the article title above, maybe some of you don't know and are wondering who's André Franquin? He is an influential Belgian cartoonist who worked on the famous comic strips of 'Spirou et Fantasio' from 1947 to 1969, which is also considered by many as the series' golden age. Besides that, there are also his other famous comics, namely Gaston and Marsupilami.

The Turbot Rhino (Turbotraction) 1 roadster while on display at the Exposition Le Monde de Franquin 2007 held in Brussels, with the far-background is the Turbotraction 2. (Picture from: Deviantart)

André Franquin (January 3, 1924
– January 5, 1997). (Picture from:
Deviantart)

Well, in the comic strips of 'Spirou et Fantasio,' where André Franquin beautifully illustrated a lot of unique vehicles ranging from a flying scooter, cars, even submarines and others. On this occasion we will only specifically discuss the unique four-wheeled vehicles in the comic strip. At first glance you might think that the vehicle was built by some prestigious European manufacturers in the early 50's and you'd be wrong. It was designed and drawn by himself for the comic purposed in 1953.

The illustrations of the Turbot Rhino (Turbotraction) 1 (up) and the Turbotraction 2 (below) in the famous André Franquin's comic strips of 'Spirou et Fantasio' published from 1947 to 1969. (Picture from: Sbarro)

Why did we mention that André Franquin too illustrates all of this so neat? Because as a writer, he has even gone a step further, by creating Turbot as an imaginary car brand which was then pinned on his first car and then the second one. The imaginary car brand of Automobiles Turbot or Turbot appeared for the first time in the comic strips of 'Spirou et Fantasio' in the album 'Spirou et les heitiers' which was published in 1951 through the yellow-colored Turbot tandem race car model.

1. 2004 Turbot Rhino (Turbotraction) 1

And as the first car designed by him under the name the Turbot Rhino (Turbotraction) 1 which is known as a blue-colored unique roadster figure and it first appeared in those comic strips of 'Spirou et Fantasio,' in the album of 'La corne du rhinocéros' (The rhinoceros horn).

The replica of Turbot Rhino (Turbotraction) 1 which is built based of the André Franquin's comic illustrations and worked by Sbarro in the 2004. (Picture from: Reddit)

In 2004 the roadster mentioned above was brought into the real world by Sbarro, a Swiss automotive design house owned by Franco Sbarro. As quoted of the company page, the unique roadster replica was deliberately built to pay a tribute for André Franquin, besides that it is also intended as the dream embodiments of all the children whose grew up with Spirou.

The Turbot Rhino (Turbotraction) 1 roadster built by Sbarro in the 2004 based of the Citroën Xantia Activa chassis and at the same time used its V6 engine as well. (Picture from: Deviantart)

The Rhino 1 roadster first appeared in public at the Exposition Le Monde de Franquin 2004 event held in Paris. By looking at its unique shape at a glance, the rounded front fascia of the Sbarro-made roadster is very similar to the French first turbine car named the Socema Gregoire. (It is not known whether there's a connection between them both or just a coincidence).

The Turbot Rhino (Turbotraction) 1 roadster first appeared in public at the Exposition Le Monde de Franquin 2004 event held in Paris. (Picture from: Deviantart)

The Turbot Rhino 1 actually a real engined roadster prototype so it can be driven like the cars in general (as evidenced by there are many photographs circulated while the car is driven on the streets). Due to a lack of information, it is not known what kind of engine of it. And reportedly, Sbarro built the car based on the Citroën Xantia Activa chassis and at the same time used its V6 engine as well.

The Turbot Rhino (Turbotraction) 1 roadster played a role and appeared briefly in a short scene in a French film entitled 'Les aventures de Spirou et Fantasio,' in the 2018. (Picture from: IMCDB)

As quoted from IMCDb, in 2018, the Sbarro-made Rhino 1 roadster played a role and appeared briefly in a short scene in a French film entitled 'Les aventures de Spirou et Fantasio,' whose story was adopted from the comic strips of 'Spirou et Fantasio' by André Franquin.

2. 2006 Turbotraction 2

Next we move on to the second car known as the Turbotraction 2. As quoted by CarJager, this car illustration appeared in the Franquin' comics around the 1958 and was very much inspired by the 1954 Ford FX-Atmos concept car. 

The Turbotraction 2 roadster was brought to life in 2006 by the creative touches of the famous Belgian designer named Louis de Fabribeckers who had worked at the Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera. (Picture from: Pinterest)

The second car was brought to life in 2006 by the creative touches of the famous Belgian designer named Louis de Fabribeckers who had worked at the Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera. Reportedly, this Torbotraction 2 roadster was deliberately built by commissioned of an anonimous wealthy car collector who was passionate about Spirou as well.

The Turbotraction 2 was a front-engined roadster built based of the Porsche 924 chassis. (Picture from: Pinterest)

The Turbotraction 2 roadster is built on the Porsche 924 chassis, and said that it uses the engine as well. However, it is not known what engine is installed under the hood, whether is the 125 hp, 2 liter naturally aspirated engine? Or the 2-liter turbo engine with 170 or 177 hp from 931? The second option is never indicated, although it would seem the most closest to the Franquin's idea of a Turbo engine.

After the Turbotraction 2 was finished in production by Touring and then showcased in October 2006 for the Exposition Le Monde de Franquin 2006 event held in Brussels. (Picture from: Pinterest)

After the Turbotraction 2 was finished in production by Touring and then showcased in October 2006 for the Exposition Le Monde de Franquin 2006 event held in Brussels. And it is believed this car is still around today and may still be driven through. So for today what remains a mystery is the engine: turbo or atmo? *** [EKA [21022021] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FRANQUIN | SBARRO | IMCDB | WEBCARSTORY | IPERNITY | DEVIANTART | REDDIT | MEINEKLEINFABRIK | CARJAGER ]

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The unofficial XP-87 racer was the forerunner of the Corvette C2 Stingray

Rare ONES Indeed, not many people know that the origin of the birth of the legendary Corvette C2 Stingray model actually started from a secret project built outside the GM manufacturer which had even considered an 'unofficial model'.

The 1959 XP-87 Sting Ray racer is an experimental race car designed in the studios at General Motors under Bill Mitchell, while its shape was based on a sketch by designer Pete Brock, and was further developed by Larry Shinoda. (Picture from: CarInfo)

It all started when the highly influential automotive industry association in the United States, namely the Automobile Manufacturers Association (AMA) in 1957, prohibited US automotive manufacturers from producing, selling and even advertising sports cars, racing cars and high-performance parts. At its peak, the manufacturer was prohibited from participating in any car racing championship in the US.

Bill Mitchell standing next to the 1959 XP-87 Sting Ray racer and the 1961 Corvette Mako Shark XP-755. (Picture from: MotorCities)

Meanwhile, the GM's Styling Director then Bill Mitchell feeling riled up and thought that this policy could be threatened the future of the Corvette model, whose prestige was climbing the ladder of success in the auto market. This made Mitchell then develop a new generation Corvette model secretly and not be known by any GM officials.

1959 Bill Mitchell XP-87 Sting Ray racer while attended at the 2019 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

At that time the development of the car involved a team of talented young designers specially appointed by Mitchell himself, and among them were Peter Brock, Larry Shinoda and others. The team conducted design research to create the new generation Corvettes at the initiative and personal expense of Bill Mitchell.

The unofficial XP-87 Sting Ray racer featured with a two-seater roadster, and secretly built based on the 1957 Chevrolet Corvette SS chassis. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

From a number of body designs that were made, finally a two-seater roadster model design was chosen which was codenamed XP-87 "Sting Ray". The model chassis was adopted from the 1957 Corvette SS which is powered by a Chevy small block V8 engine with a capacity of 4.6-liter which is capable of producing bursts of power up to 315 hp and maximum torque of 400 Nm which is then combined with a 4-speed manual transmission from Borg Warner.

The 1959 XP-87 Sting Ray racer is powered by a Chevy small block V8 engine with a capacity of 4.6-liter which is capable of producing bursts of power up to 315 hp and maximum torque of 400 Nm. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

When the car was completed in early 1959, Mitchell had time to test it in racing, but the XP-87 could not use the attributes of GM, Chevrolet and even the Corvette nameplate though. Despite achieving success in racing as a privateer participant in 1959-1960, Mitchell was under 'pressure' from GM officials to withdraw the XP-87 "Sting Ray" from the race due to the prohibition policy issued by the AMA and also related to his position who was already serving as Vice President of GM.

1959 Bill Mitchell XP-87 Sting Ray racer on display at the Peterson Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, California in July 2016. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

Finally, Bill Mitchell gave up and “Sting Ray” withdrew from various racing events. It wasn't long before the car was modified enough to comply with road regulations specifications for use by him as a daily vehicle. After several years of use as his private vehicle, then GM persuaded Mitchell to sell the XP-87 "Sting Ray" which was then kept at the GM Design Studio and used as design reference material for the Corvette C2 generation, which was produced in 1963. 

After retired from racing, the XP-87 Sting Ray was converted to road use including fitting a full-width windshield and a passenger seat, and became Bill Mitchell’s 'weekend car'. (Picture from: WallpaperUp)

Chevrolet pinned the "Stingray" nameplate on the Corvette C2 (second generation Corvette) by connecting two words from the "Sting Ray" nameplate used on the Mitchell's XP-87. Although at first glance "Sting Ray" and "Stingray" sound similar, they certainly have different meanings.

Lastly, General Motors restored the XP-87 “Sting Ray” in 2000 and exhibits it at various classic car events to this day. But considering that the car is the only one in the world and is very historic for the GM manufacturer, the "Sting Ray" is very rarely exhibited to the public and is currently sat on display at the GM Heritage Center in Detroit, Michigan. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTORCITIES | AUTOEVOLUTION | WIKIPEDIA ]

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The One and only Green Hornet

Special ONES After some time ago we briefly discussed the King of the Road, now we will discuss another GT500 model that is no less amazing, namely the Shelby EXP500 'Green Hornet'. Arguably one of the rarest and most sought after Mustangs, unfortunately the Green Hornet fails to sell at Barrett-Jackson despite $1.8 million bid in early January of 2013. 😏

1968 Shelby EXP500 Green Hornet. (Picture from: AutoGuide)

This gorgeous prototype was came about when Ford commissioned the building of a “California Special” Mustang prototype, that was shown off to gauge public reaction and decide whether to move forward with the project or not. In the end, Ford did not approve the program, and sent the car back to Shelby to become a different prototype.

Left side view of 1968 Shelby EXP500 Green Hornet. (Picture from: Hemmings)

The notchback coupe-style prototype was internally known as EXP 500, and became a pet project of Carroll Shelby himself as well as Shelby chief engineer Fred Goodell. The car is also equipped with an independent rear suspension and a unique rear disc brake configuration on all four wheels and a Conelec fuel injection system. All of which were revolutionary in the 1960s, when fuel injection was not commonly used in cars until two decades later.

Interior view of 1968 Shelby EXP500 Green Hornet. (Picture from: Hemmings)

Although Barrett-Jackson did not provide further details about this 'Green Hornet', Hemmings did provide an explanation about the car in detail more than 10 years ago, in a test vehicle. After trials are completed, the car is then 'stripped' of its innovative features to be sent to Ford's Employee and Auction Resale Lot. 

1968 Shelby EXP500 Green Hornet is powered by an experimental 428CJ fed via an experimental Conelec electronic fuel-injection unit. (Picture from: Hemmings)

In other word, perhaps due to this fondness for the car by the execs, it escaped being destroyed and was allowed to slip into the mainstream market. The cars was then taken by Robert Zdanowski and eventually sold to a Ford dealer in Cheboygan, Michigan, named Don Darrow.

Rear side view of 1968 Shelby EXP500 Green Hornet. (Picture from: Hemmings)

Don was not familiar with the history of this car so he made some changes to the model. In 1980, his son read a book by Paul Newitt and learned that his father's car was a very special Ford Mustang. After all these years, the car has resurfaced, and been fully restored for sale in January 2013. It comes with a certificate of authenticity from Ford. 

Who would have thought that at that time this beautiful car were not sold, maybe because of the fantastic price figures. But we think that number is reasonable considering the Green Hornet was a rare wheeled gem ever. Lastly, the EXP500 Green Hornet shown to public once again in the 2019 SEMA Show, where the visitors spoiled with the history of the restoration of this iconic muscle car in the form of documentation at their booth. *** [EKA [09072015] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BARRET-JACKSON | AUTOGUIDE | FOXNEWS | AUTOBLOG] | HEMMINGS ]

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It's a precious four-wheeled gems from 1990s arcade games

Rare GEMS For those of you, game fans from the late 1980s to early 1990s, did you remembered with the arcade game titled OutRun which was first released in 1986 on the Sega platform? Well, the game invites us to compete with dexterity to pass many obstacles while driving a roadster that at first glance is similar to the Ferrari Testarossa which in fact the model has not been made by this Italian prancing horse logoed automaker at the time.

Ferrari Testarossa Spider OutRun is built by Pininfarina in 1990 and inspired with similar car existed on the 1986 arcade game titled OutRun. (Picture from: RM Sothebys)

Who would have thought that as Yu Suzuki and AM2's classic arcade OutRun grew famous at that time, it turned out that there were a rich fan whose interested in the roadster' design which at first glance resembled the Ferrari sports car, and then commissioned to Pininfarina to make it into real in 1990, and called Ferrari Testarossa Spider OutRun. 

The similar car appeared on the 1986 arcade game titled OutRun, then inspired someone to turn it into the Ferrari Testarossa Spider OutRun through Pininfarina in 1990. (Picture from: Autogids.be)

As is well known, during that era Pininfarina was known to handle a lot of work on building special models of prancing horses for special clients such as the Sultan of Brunei or his younger brother, Jefri Bolkiah. As far as we know (details, as ever, are sketchy) as many as seven units of the Testarossa Spiders (were built by Pininfarina) went to the Sultan and his royal family.

Ferrari Testarossa Spider OutRun was commissioned by one of Pininfarina's 'important clients', who  rewarded the coachbuilder's hard work by never registering the car for road use or driving it. (Picture from: RM Sothebys)

After all, the car we are discussing today is not actually one of ex-Bruneian Ferraris. Instead, it was commissioned by another Pininfarina's 'important client', who  rewarded the coachbuilder's hard work by never registering the car for road use or driving it, really. 

Ferrari Testarossa Spider OutRun has a unique convertible top, and is still in very good condition, from the exterior to the engine with the odometer only 400 km. (Picture from: TopGear)

Then who actually commissioned this Testarossa Spider OutRun? No one knows. As quoted of Top Gear, that the only one spider ever made with the prancing horse emblem was made specifically for Gianni Agnelli, the boss of the Italian automotive giant, Fiat once acquired Ferrari back then, namely the silver one with a blue roof.

Ferrari Testarossa Spider OutRun is powered by a 5-liter 12-cylinder inline engine which is said to be capable of providing an output of 375 horsepower with 470 Nm of torque. (Picture from: TopGear)

Furthermore, the unique car with a convertible roof itself is equipped with a 5-liter 12-cylinder inline engine which is said to be capable of providing an output of 375 horsepower with 470 Nm of torque. And with that much boost of engine power, the Ferrari Testarossa Spider OutRun accelerates from rest to 100 kph in 5.7 seconds, and is driven up to a top speed of 290 kph.

Ferrari Testarossa Spider OutRun accelerates from rest to 100 kph in 5.7 seconds, and is driven up to a top speed of 290 kph. (Picture from: TopGear)

Maybe some of you are curious about the price? So it just so happened that in early November 2022, this one-of-a-kind car was auctioned off by RM Sothebys in London. At the time, the car is still in very good condition, from the exterior to the engine with a travel record on the odometer, only about 400 kilometers.

Not surprisingly, this prancing horse iconic roadster is highly coveted by automotive collectors. Moreover, the Testarossa Spider OutRun has restored by Pininfarina and Ferrari in Maranello. Well, after going through a fierce auction process, finally the red roadster sold for £1.4 or around Rp.26 billion. WOW!! It's a kind of precious four-wheeled gems. 😉 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | PCGAMER | TOPGEAR | RM SOTHEBYS | WIKIPEDIA | AUTOGIDS ]

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The Ringbrothers's super truck custom Enyo built based of Chevy Loadmaster

Unique ONES Something unique will never go unnoticed, and that was the case when the SEMA 2022 event was held in Las Vegas some time ago, where there were several automotive works that caught our attention. And one of them is the Enyo, which is the work of the famous car-builder, Ringbrothers based on 1948 Chevrolet Loadmaster pickup. Well, as quoted of Carscoops, for the beautiful and unique final form of this super truck, it requires this Wisconsin-based workshop to spend up to 10,000 hours of work.

1948 Chevrolet Loadmaster 'Enyo' Custom by Ringbrothers delivers CAD designed trim and parts that are all cut in-house, in a such way they have successfully combined big box truck cab and big-sized engine. (Picture from: KabarOto)

As previously mentioned, this super truck that bears the name of the Greek goddess of war, 'Enyo,' is custom built based on the classic 1948 Chevrolet Loadmaster pickup with a long process under extraordinary quality workmanship. As you can see, Enyo delivers CAD designed trim and parts that are all cut in-house at the Ringbrothers machining facilities, in a such way they have successfully combined big box truck cab and big-sized engine.

1948 Chevrolet Loadmaster 'Enyo' Custom by Ringbrothers is only filled with two seats, and coupled with a very neat and luxurious interior made of carbon fiber. (Picture from: KabarOto)

The majority of Enyo's super truck body is made using an extensive carbon fiber component. Furthermore, Ringbrothers successfully combined the cabin and engine to the same chassis as in the IndyCar cars, coupled with a special design exhaust so as to produce a thunderous car sound. While the legs are supported by Öhlins-made suspensions combined with four costum rims wrapped of racing specification tires of Goodyear Eagle.

1948 Chevrolet Loadmaster 'Enyo' Custom by Ringbrothers is powered by Goodwind V8 high-deck racing engine with a capacity of 8,400 cc capable to burst out a power of around 1,000 hp. (Picture from: KabarOto)

On the back of the cabin, there's a radiator which its existence at a glance is hindered by two large electric fans upon it. The radiator is positioned close to the rear axle, and deliberately made high so it is not too close to the road surface, because the posture of the Enyo super truck is very low.

1948 Chevrolet Loadmaster 'Enyo' Custom by Ringbrothers has a radiator which its existence at a glance is hindered by two large electric fans upon it. (Picture from: KabarOto)

For the cabin, it does not look much different from the donor, which can only be filled with two seats. Well, the difference is seen in the final touch which is very neat and luxurious made of carbon fiber with the dashboard covered with an elegant genuine leather, accompanied by a simple design steering wheel, but confirms the modern impression thanks to the touch of silver color accents.

1948 Chevrolet Loadmaster 'Enyo' Custom by Ringbrothers bodywork is made using an extensive carbon fiber component, coupled with a special design exhaust so as to produce a thunderous car sound. (Picture from: Carscoops)

As a result, the Enyo super truck, which is powered by the Goodwind V8 high-deck racing engine with a capacity of 8,400 cc capable to burst out a power of around 1,000 hp coupled with a rear-wheel drive system, managed to grab prestigsious awards for several categories of custom builders, including winning the SEMA Battle of the Builders presented by Mothers Polish as the 2022 Best Overall Build.

And for those of you who have never seen the work of this Wisconsin-based custom car workshop, maybe you can immediately take a look at one of the works we have discussed before, such the ADRNLN, a gorgeous modification result car worked by the Ringbrothers in 2013 based on the 1971 De Tomaso Pantera. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | THE RINGBROTHERS | CARSCOOPS ]

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