ONE-OFF - In 1994, a former Zagato's designer Gioacchino Acampora breathed new life into the storied name of Carrozzeria Castagna. After securing the rights to the historic brand, he introduced an Alfa Romeo 75-based prototype named the "Vittorio" at the Geneva Motor Show. This marked a significant moment for Castagna, setting the stage for future innovations.
The Castagna Rossellini, along with its sibling, the Castagna G.C., both made their debut at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
After a quieter period, Castagna returned to the spotlight at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show, showcasing both the Castagna G.C., also known as 'Ginevra,' and the Castagna Rossellini. The G.C., a sleek two-door, two-seater, was built on an Alfa Romeo chassis and featured rear-wheel drive. Meanwhile, the Rossellini drew inspiration from the company’s earlier concepts, particularly the Auge concept, a 1995 model featuring a custom body on a Maserati 3200GT chassis, with reworked dashboard controls.
The Castagna Rossellini, along with its sibling, the Castagna G.C., both made their debut at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)
Yet, it was the unveiling of the Rossellini that truly captured attention. This unique Barchetta styled car, named in honor of the famed Italian director Roberto Rossellini, was an homage to his deep appreciation for Ferrari cars. Rossellini, known for his discerning taste, had previously ordered several custom Ferraris, with the Ferrari 375 MM Bergman Coupe by PininFarina being among the most celebrated.
The Castagna Rossellini, along with its sibling, the Castagna G.C., both made their debut at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
The 2003 Castagna Rossellini is more than a vehicle; it is a tribute to Rossellini’s legacy. This bespoke creation made its debut at the "Concorso di Villa d’Este" in Cernobbio, Italy, from April 25th to April 28th, 2003. It stands as a testament to Italian craftsmanship and design, seamlessly combining elegance with performance. Built on a Ferrari 550 Maranello chassis, the Rossellini features a 6.0-liter V12 engine, producing a formidable 720 horsepower.
The Castagna Rossellini, along with its sibling, the Castagna G.C., both made their debut at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show. (Picture from: Story-Cars)
The design of the Rossellini is nothing short of spectacular. Its exterior is characterized by sweeping lines that flow from a traditional front grille, merging into the headlamps and continuing rearward to embrace the rear lights. The integration of these elements culminates in the exhaust tailpipes, creating a cohesive and dynamic look. The car also boasts a large, sculpted bonnet, prominent side air scoops, and an innovative cockpit cover, all reflecting Castagna’s distinctive design philosophy.
The Castagna Rossellini, along with its sibling, the Castagna G.C., both made their debut at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show. (Picture from: Story-Cars)
A standout feature of the Rossellini is its double-bubble roof, which elegantly arches over the cockpit, adding to the car’s unique appearance. This design element not only enhances the vehicle's aesthetic appeal but also pays homage to the classic Barchetta style.
The Castagna Rossellini, along with its sibling, the Castagna G.C., both made their debut at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show. (Picture from: Story-Cars)
Castagna’s dedication to blending traditional automotive styling with cutting-edge performance is evident in the Rossellini. The car exemplifies the artistry of Italian coachbuilding and offers a glimpse into the future of bespoke automotive design.
Since then, Castagna has continued to innovate with new projects on the horizon. Nevertheless, the Rossellini remains a standout example of how classic elegance can seamlessly blend with contemporary performance, carrying forward Castagna’s legacy of creating automotive masterpieces. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSTYLING.RU | STORY-CARS | WEBCARSTORY | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | AUTOMOTIVEDESIGNCONFERENCE ]
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Forgotten ONES - The world of automotive design has always been driven by innovation, with concept cars offering glimpses into the future of transportation. Concept vehicles allow manufacturers to push the boundaries of what is possible, both technically and aesthetically, often acting as a canvas for the latest engineering breakthroughs and bold design choices.
The Pontiac Sunfire Concept was introduced in 1990 as a four-seater sports coupe with an ultra-modern, sleek aesthetic and advanced engineering that set it apart from its contemporaries. (Picture from: DrivesToday)
One such concept car that left a lasting impression despite never making it to mass production was the Pontiac Sunfire. This visionary model, though never widely available, left a significant mark on the auto industry, capturing imaginations with its futuristic features and design. Pontiac, a brand once synonymous with American muscle and performance, took a bold step forward with the Sunfire, but like many great concepts, it ultimately fell into the shadows.
The Pontiac Sunfire concept emerged as a beacon of hope, a car that was designed to reinvigorate the company’s image. (Picture from: DrivesToday)
In the early 1990s, Pontiac was known for producing powerful, stylish cars under the umbrella of General Motors. However, as the brand's momentum began to slow, the Pontiac Sunfire concept emerged as a beacon of hope, a car that was designed to reinvigorate the company’s image. The Sunfire was introduced in 1990 as a four-seater sports coupe with an ultra-modern, sleek aesthetic and advanced engineering that set it apart from its contemporaries.
The Pontiac Sunfire, during its design phase, underwent meticulous detailing, with clay modeling and trimming to refine its final shape and contours. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)
The concept car was crafted from carbon fiber, which was rare for its time and helped reduce its weight while enhancing performance. One of the most distinctive features of the Sunfire was its innovative door design—rear-hinged half doors that swung backward, making it easier to access the rear seats. This design element would later be adopted by other manufacturers, but at the time, it was a fresh and bold move.
During the design process, the Pontiac Sunfire went through an extensive clay mockup phase, where its shape and features were carefully sculpted and refined. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)
The engine specifications were just as forward-thinking. The Sunfire was powered by a 2.0-liter, 16-valve, dual overhead cam engine, equipped with a turbocharger that produced an impressive 190 horsepower. This engine was paired with a five-speed Getrag manual transmission, adding to its sporty, performance-oriented character. Additionally, the car boasted advanced features like anti-lock brakes (ABS) and fully independent suspension, making it a technologically superior vehicle for its era. The wheels were particularly striking, with 20-inch wheels in the front and 21-inch wheels in the back, a configuration that was considered unconventional at the time but contributed to its aggressive stance.
The striking wheels featured a 20-inch diameter in the front and a larger 21-inch diameter in the rear, creating an unconventional yet aggressive stance. (Picture from: DrivesToday)
Inside the Sunfire, the futuristic theme continued. Pontiac integrated cutting-edge electronics, including a head-up display (HUD), a voice-activated cellular phone, and a 10-speaker CD player. The car also had a unique system for entering the vehicle—a thumb-pad sensitive to pressure, which opened the doors and returned the mirrors to their preset positions. The lack of traditional door handles emphasized the car’s focus on high-tech solutions and modern conveniences. It was truly a glimpse into the future, combining comfort, technology, and style in a way that resonated with the vision of tomorrow’s automotive world.
Inside the Pontiac Sunfire Concept, the futuristic theme continued. Pontiac integrated cutting-edge electronics, including a head-up display (HUD). (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)
However, despite the excitement surrounding the concept, the production version of the Pontiac Sunfire that followed several years later was a disappointment for those who had been captivated by the original vision. The production Sunfire, introduced in 1994, lacked many of the standout features that had made the concept so intriguing.
The Pontiac Sunfire Concept also had a unique system for entering the vehicle—a thumb-pad sensitive to pressure, which opened the doors and returned the mirrors to their preset positions. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)
The sleek carbon-fiber body was replaced with a more conventional design, and the innovative rear-hinged doors were abandoned. It became more of a rehash of existing models under the General Motors family, particularly the “J-Car” platform, rather than a revolutionary new offering. While the production model sold reasonably well, it failed to capture the hearts of enthusiasts who had been waiting for something extraordinary.
The Pontiac Sunfire Concept was powered by a 2.0-liter, 16-valve, dual overhead cam engine, equipped with a turbocharger that produced an impressive 190 horsepower. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)
This turn of events is not uncommon in the automotive world. Often, concept cars that dazzle crowds at auto shows end up being watered down when they reach production, losing the very elements that made them special in the first place. The Pontiac Sunfire is a prime example of this phenomenon. The promise of cutting-edge design and engineering was diluted, resulting in a car that was practical but lacked the flair and innovation that the concept had teased.
Pontiac showcased the Sunfire Speedster concept at the 1994 Chicago Auto Show. Painted in vibrant Sunfire Mango, the two-seater prototype featured a hood scoop. (Picture from: ChicagoAutoShow)
While the production Sunfire did not live up to the original concept’s potential, the legacy of the 1990 Sunfire concept remains. Its bold design choices and technological advancements were ahead of their time, influencing future models not only from Pontiac but also from other manufacturers. The rear-hinged door concept, for instance, was later seen on vehicles like the Mazda RX-8, showing how ideas from concept cars can continue to inspire even after the original fades into history. Additionally, the focus on integrating advanced technology into the driving experience, such as HUDs and voice-activated controls, has become standard in many modern vehicles, demonstrating the forward-thinking nature of the Sunfire’s design.
The production Pontiac Sunfire, manufactured from 1994 to 2005, notably lacked many of the standout features that had made the original concept so intriguing. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
Pontiac’s journey as a brand came to an unfortunate end in 2009 when General Motors decided to discontinue the line. Many enthusiasts still regret this decision, believing that Pontiac had more to offer, particularly in the era of muscle car revivals. The Pontiac Sunfire concept, though ultimately just a footnote in automotive history, stands as a testamen t to the brand’s creativity and ambition. It was a car that, for a brief moment, showed the world what the future of driving could look like.
In retrospect, the Pontiac Sunfire concept serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of innovation in the automotive world. While it may not have become the game-changer Pontiac hoped for, it continues to be remembered by car enthusiasts as a symbol of what could have been. The excitement it generated in the early 1990s still lingers, proving that even in a world where practicality often trumps ambition, there is always room for dreaming of what the next great vehicle might be. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DRIVES.TODAY | CARSTYLING.RU | WIKIPEDIA | OLDCONCEPTCARS | CHICAGOAUTOSHOW ]
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Iconic Ambition - In the vibrant tapestry of automotive history, certain creations stand out not for their victories, but for the stories they carry and the daring ambitions of their creators. The Shelby T-10 King Cobra is one such machine, a symbol of unrelenting innovation and a testament to the boundless dreams of its mastermind, Carroll Shelby. While the King Cobra's tale is tinged with missteps and unfulfilled potential, its origins and journey reveal a fascinating chapter in the evolution of American motorsport.
The 1967 Shelby T-10 King Cobra, believed to be chassis T-10-001 in the photo, represents relentless innovation and the boundless vision of its creator, Carroll Shelby.(Picture from: 60s and 70s Sports Prototype Race Cars on Facebook)
Carroll Shelby, a name synonymous with performance and ingenuity, was no stranger to pushing the boundaries of what was possible in the 1960s. Renowned for his work withthe Shelby Cobra and the Ford GT40, Shelby'sventures into competitive racing were marked by both triumph and experimentation. Among his boldest endeavors was the T-10 King Cobra, a car envisioned to dominatethe Canadian-American (Can-Am) racing circuit. However, unlike Shelby's celebrated successes at Le Mans, the King Cobra's journey was fraught with challenges that ultimately defined its legacy.
The 1967 Shelby T-10 King Cobra with chassis T-10-002, while sat on display at the Monterey Historics, Laguna Seca in 2015. (Picture from: Flickr)
The T-10 King Cobra emerged in 1967 as a collaboration between Shelby and British engineer Len Terry. Designed to compete at the highest levels of motorsport, the T-10 was powered by a prototype Ford 351 cubic inch XE V8 engine. This rare powerplant, with only six aluminum examples ever cast, delivered an impressive 520 horsepower in a car weighing just 1,400 pounds. To further enhance its performance, the T-10 was equipped with four Weber carburetors, a setup that underscored its racing pedigree. However, its unique suspension system, featuring single-spring designs at the front and rear, contributed to handling quirks that made the car unpredictable on the track.
The 1967 Shelby King Cobra Can-Am, chassis T-10-003, has been meticulously restored to its former glory and was photographed at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering 2022. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
Despite its promising specifications, the T-10 struggled to achieve notable results in the highly competitive Can-Am series. The car's erratic behavior in corners and its unconventional design limited its ability to challenge established competitors. Consequently, the T-10 marked the end of an era for both Shelby and Ford. The 1967 season not only saw the King Cobra's lackluster performance but also prompted Ford to withdraw its official support for Shelby's workshop. This decision effectively curtailed further development of the T-10 and signaled a temporary retreat from motorsport for the automaker.
The 1967 Shelby King Cobra Can-Am with chassis T-10-002, raced at the 2013 Monterey Motorsports Reunioin. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)
Of the two T-10 chassis originally built, only one survives today. The other was lost in the throes of racing, leaving chassis #002 as a living relic of Shelby's ambitious vision. Over the years, this surviving car has changed hands and found a second life on race tracks across the United States. Its presence at historic racing events, like the Shelby American Automobile Club's annual convention, keeps its legacy alive and offers a glimpse into a moment of bold innovation in American racing history. | 0IGtxigaB2Y |
The T-10 King Cobra may not have secured its place among racing legends, but it remains a captivating piece of Shelby's storied career. Its design, powered by rare engineering and driven by an audacious spirit, reflects the relentless pursuit of excellence that defined the golden age of motorsport. Today, as enthusiasts and historians celebrate the ingenuity of Carroll Shelby, the King Cobra serves as a poignant reminder of the risks and rewards of innovation. It stands as a bridge between eras, connecting the dreams of the past with the enduring passion of automotive culture.
The allure of the T-10 King Cobra lies not in its victories but in the unyielding ambition that brought it to life. As it continues to grace tracks and exhibitions, its story reminds us that even in the face of adversity, the pursuit of greatness leaves an indelible mark. For those who admire the spirit of ingenuity, the King Cobra is a symbol of what it means to dream big and embrace the journey, regardless of the outcome. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CLUBCOBRA | SPEEDHUNTERS | ULTIMATECARPAGE | JUSTACARGUY ]
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Unique Creation - Imagine a racing car unlike any other, one that defies traditional design with its striking shape and innovative features. This unique car, often likened to a bug with large fins at the back, is not just a work of art but a product of intense engineering and a passion for racing.
The Satecmo Eolia, designed by André George Claude, took several years to complete and was finally registered in 1958, ready for its intended purpose: racing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. (Picture from: IconicAuctioneers)
The man behind this creation was André George Claude, the son of the renowned French chemist and physicist George Claude. While his father made significant contributions to science, André’s interests took him down a different path—one that led to the design and construction of an extraordinary French racing car.
The Satecmo Eolia's design, featuring a magnesium body and streamlined Berlinetta style, was as remarkable as its performance, having undergone extensive wind tunnel testing.. (Picture from: IconicAuctioneers)
André's journey into the world of racing cars began with his own dissatisfaction with the options available to him. As an accomplished racing driver, having competed in prestigious events like the Tour de France, the Alpine Rally, and the Mont Ventoux Hillclimb, André felt that no car truly met his needs. This frustration drove him to design a car that combined speed, innovation, and French craftsmanship. His company, Satecmo, was tasked with building the car, which would feature a Renault engine—a company they were already collaborating with for tuning the 4CV model.
The Satecmo Eolia, named after Eolias, the God of the Winds in classical mythology, was a true marvel of engineering, blending innovation and craftsmanship in every detail. (Picture from: IconicAuctioneers)
The creation, named Satecmo Eolia after Eolias, the God of the Winds in classical mythology, was a marvel of engineering. The car's design took shape over several years, and by 1958, it was finally registered and ready for its intended purpose: racing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Unfortunately, this dream never materialized, but the car itself stood as a testament to André’s vision. It was fast, reaching a top speed of 104 mph, and offered impressive acceleration, thanks to the Renault 4CV engine mounted in the rear. André also designed a five-speed "reverse gate" gearbox, adding to the car’s advanced features for its time.
The Satecmo Eolia showcased André George Claude’s exceptional attention to detail, with every element—ranging from the placement of the 90-liter fuel tank to the right-hand steering wheel—carefully designed to enhance handling and balance. (Picture from: IconicAuctioneers)
The Eolia’s design was as remarkable as its performance. With a body crafted from magnesium and a streamlined Berlinetta style, the car had undergone extensive wind tunnel testing. Claude’s attention to detail ensured that every element, from the placement of the 90-liter fuel tank to the right-hand steering wheel, contributed to optimal handling and balance. His dedication to aerodynamics and lightweight materials allowed the Eolia to maintain a competitive edge, even in an era when many cars were built with more conventional methods.
The Satecmo Eolia was initially powered by a Renault 4CV engine mounted in the rear, which was replaced in 1960 with an engine from a Renault Dauphine Gordini.(Picture from: IconicAuctioneers)
In 1960, the car received a significant upgrade when it was fitted with the engine from a Renault Dauphine Gordini. Tuning experts at Renault further enhanced the engine, pushing its output to around 69 horsepower. This made the Eolia not just a unique creation, but a serious contender in the racing world. Yet, despite the car’s potential, André’s dreams of entering it into the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans remained unrealized, and the car was eventually sold in 1967.
The Satecmo Eolia stands out with its striking design, featuring two large double fins mounted at the rear, enhancing both its aerodynamics and unique appearance.(Picture from: IconicAuctioneers)
The Eolia’s journey didn’t end there. It was sold to a young engineer and spent many years in South West France before being acquired by its current owner in 2006. Remarkably, the car still only has 15,000 kilometers on the odometer, and its original features, including the Claude-designed 5-speed gearbox and electrical equipment, remain in excellent condition. The car is road-legal with French registration and is surprisingly fast, offering an exhilarating driving experience thanks to its lightweight body and tuned engine. | GJf7j0MSAUY |
Today, the Eolia is a rare and sought-after piece of automotive history, offering enthusiasts the chance to own a car that combines advanced design with racing heritage. With its unique features and competitive potential, this remarkable vehicle could be a valuable asset in various UK and European racing series. For those looking for a truly special car that showcases innovation and craftsmanship, the Eolia is an opportunity not to be missed. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ICONICAUCTIONEERS | CLASSICDRIVER | CLASSIC AND RECREATION SPORTSCARS ON FACEBOOK |]
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The KING - It's not every day that a story surfaces about a cover-up involving a King. Yet, when it does, and it involves a custom-built Cadillac designed by the renowned Pininfarina, it instantly piques the interest of car enthusiasts. The tale of this exceptional Cadillac traces back to the early 1950s, a time when innovation in design was celebrated and affluent individuals sought vehicles that made a statement. In this case, the story begins with Norman Granz, a Beverly Hills concert promoter and record producer who envisioned something extraordinary.
The 1954 Cadillac PF200 cabriolet’s design was sleek and minimalist, reflecting the clean, modern lines that were synonymous with Pininfarina’s style. (Picture from: DeanGarage)
In 1953, Granz, who had made a name for himself in the music industry by producing live-concert records, shipped a Series 62 Cadillac to Pininfarina in Italy. The goal was to create a completely new body for the car, one that would reflect the elegance and sophistication that Pininfarina was famous for. Granz, who had amassed considerable wealth from his success with record labels like Clef, Norgan, and Verve, was certainly no stranger to luxury. After selling his music catalog to MGM in 1961 for a cool $2.5 million, he took a step back from the music world, but his love for exceptional automobiles never waned.
Originally painted silver, the 1954 Cadillac PF200 roadster was fully restored after an accident, with its color changed to blue and air vents added to the sides.(Picture from: DeanGarage)
The inspiration for Granz's Cadillac transformation came during his visit to the 1952 Geneva Auto Salon, where he laid eyes on the PF200—a stunning car designed by Pininfarina and built on a Lancia chassis. The sleek lines and innovative design captivated him, and he decided he wanted a similar body, but scaled up to fit his American Cadillac chassis. This decision would lead to the creation of a unique, one-of-a-kind roadster that perfectly blended American power with Italian design finesse.
A side view comparison of the Cadillac PF200 roadster shows the original silver-painted version (bottom image) alongside its fully restored condition, featuring a blue color and added side air vents (top image). (Picture from: DeanGarage)
Cost was no object for someone of Granz's stature. The price for this automotive masterpiece was reportedly set at the cost of materials, but with a twist—Granz sweetened the deal by offering a complete collection of his record productions. This included works from legendary musicians such as Ella Fitzgerald, Joe Pass, and Oscar Peterson, all of whom he managed. Other jazz greats like Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, and Sarah Vaughan were also part of this incredible collection. This barter, which mixed automotive excellence with musical genius, was truly a one-of-a-kind transaction.
The 1954 Cadillac PF200 Cabriolet was a two-door, three-seater roadster originally painted silver, later restored with a blue color and added side air vents. (Picture from: Paul Balze in Flickr)
The final result was a two-door, three-seater roadster painted in silver. Although Granz wanted the car to exude European style, he also wanted to retain a strong connection to its Cadillac roots. To ensure this, the car was fitted with signature Cadillac-style bumpers, and the iconic Cadillac "V" emblem was prominently displayed on both the radiator grille and the trunk lid. These elements ensured that, despite its exotic Italian bodywork, the car was unmistakably a Cadillac at heart.
The Cadillac PF200 roadster's grille, framed in chrome, featured a chrome "V," a key design element that linked the car to its Cadillac heritage. (Picture from: DeanGarage)
Dubbed the Cadillac PF200, this concept car was officially introduced in 1954. Pininfarina, responsible for its design and construction, gave the car a distinct aesthetic, starting with its large oval grille framed in chrome. The grille also featured a chrome "V," which was a key design element that tied the car back to its Cadillac heritage. Cadillac wheel discs from 1953 were used, further cementing its identity, despite its radically different appearance.
Inside, the Cadillac PF200 cabriolet was as luxurious as the exterior suggested, with the cabin upholstered in while leather. (Picture from: DeanGarage)
Inside, the car was as luxurious as the exterior suggested. The cabin was upholstered in tan leather, providing an elegant contrast to the silver-gray exterior paint. The roadster’s design was sleek and minimalist, reflecting the clean, modern lines that were synonymous with Pininfarina’s style. The two-seat layout emphasized the car's sportiness, while the roadster’s proportions made it feel far more compact than a typical Cadillac of the era.
The 1954 Cadillac PF200 cabriolet was powered by the same engine as the Series 62 Cadillac, a 346 cu in (5.7 L) Monobloc V8. (Picture from: DeanGarage)
There is some debate about the origins of this particular Cadillac model. While many sources agree that it was a custom car commissioned by Granz and built by Pininfarina, others suggest that it might have had a different origin. From several sources such Carstyling.ru, and DeanGarage write that the car was actually commissioned for Luigi Chinetti, an influential Ferrari importer and close friend of Enzo Ferrari. However, the connection between Chinetti and this Cadillac remains speculative, with little concrete evidence to support this theory. Regardless, what is clear is that the Cadillac PF200 cabriolet was a one-off masterpiece, never intended for mass production.
The Cadillac PF200 Cabriolet is often referred to as the "King of Cadillacs," a fitting title for such a unique and elegant creation. (Picture from: Paul Balze in Flickr)
The Cadillac PF200 Cabriolet is often referred to as the "King of Cadillacs," a fitting title for such a unique and elegant creation. The car’s blend of American engineering and Italian design makes it a standout among the many Cadillacs produced during that era. Its rarity and beauty contribute to its legendary status, much like the idea that there can only be one true "King."This car represents a moment in time when customization, creativity, and collaboration across industries came together to create something truly special.
In the world of automobiles, the story of Norman Granz’s Cadillac PF200 serves as a reminder of the golden age of design, when carmakers pushed boundaries and individuals sought vehicles that were more than just transportation—they were symbols of status, taste, and personality. Today, the legacy of this remarkable car lives on, not just in the memories of those who witnessed it but in the broader history of automotive design. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DEANGARAGE | CARSTYLING.RU | OLDCONCEPTCARS | CLASSICCARS.FANDOM | ALLCARINDEX | PAUL BALZE IN FLICKR | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI ]
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Forgotten ONES - The world of automotive history is dotted with fascinating tales of innovation, ambition, and occasional misfortune. One such intriguing story revolves around De Tomaso, an Italian premium car brand that has left an indelible mark on the racing and exotic car industry. Founded by Alejandro De Tomaso in 1959 in Modena, Italy, this brand has witnessed a rollercoaster journey, particularly in the 1990s when Alejandro himself continued to design exotic cars until his passing in 2006.
The De Tomaso Biguà was one of the last models crafted by the iconic Italian car manufacturer before the company ceased production. (Picture from: Supercars.net)
The De Tomaso Biguà was one of the last models crafted by the iconic Italian car manufacturer alongside the De Tomaso Guarà of 1993 before the company ceased production. The De Tomaso Biguà represented a bold new direction for the brand. Alejandro De Tomaso, despite facing health issues, envisioned the Biguà as a unique sports car with a distinctive retractable roof that could transform it from a coupe to a convertible or targa.
The De Tomaso Biguà represented a bold new direction for the brand, inspired by the simplicity and elegance of TVR designs. (Picture from: DeTomasoDC.co.uk)
In the early 1990s, as De Tomaso's health declined, the management of the company became more challenging. During this period, Maserati’s chief engineer, Giordano Casarini, inspired by the simplicity and elegance of TVR designs, proposed the concept of the Biguà. He developed a straightforward front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (FR) chassis based on a Ford V8 engine. This combination promised a blend of power and versatility, making the Biguà a standout in the sports car market.
The
De Tomaso Biguà envisioned the Biguà as a unique sports car with a distinctive
retractable roof that could transform it from a coupe to a convertible
or targa. (Picture from: DeTomasoDC.co.uk)
The prototype of the De Tomaso Biguà was unveiled at the 1996 Geneva Motor Show, where it garnered significant attention. Among the admirers were the Qvale family, prominent US importers of European prestige cars. They saw the potential in the Biguà and decided to invest in its development, providing the necessary funding to transition the concept into a production-ready vehicle. Their involvement was crucial, as they anticipated strong demand from the US market and built a new assembly plant in Modena to meet this expected demand.
The De Tomaso Biguà featured a straightforward front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (FR) chassis based on a Ford V8 engine. (Picture from: Supercars.net)
Initially, the plan was to market the car as the De Tomaso Mangusta, a name that carried historical significance for the brand. However, due to ongoing management issues at De Tomaso and the shifting dynamics within the company, Qvale eventually took over the entire project. When the car finally went into production in 2000, it was rebranded as the Qvale Mangusta. Despite this change, the car retained many of the core design elements and engineering principles envisioned by Casarini and De Tomaso.
The
Qvale Mangusta is the production version of the De Tomaso Biguà,
retaining many of the core design elements and engineering principles
envisioned by Casarini and De Tomaso. (Picture from: Supercars.net)
The De Tomaso Biguà, in its conceptual stage, featured a composite body and a robust box-section steel chassis, supported by double-wishbone suspensions. True to De Tomaso’s tradition, it utilized a stock Ford V8 engine and transmission from the Mustang Cobra. This setup ensured compliance with Federal emission and safety standards, making it suitable for the US market.
The car's angular exterior, designed by Marcello Gandini, known for his work on the Lamborghini Miura and Countach, had mixed reviews. Despite some criticisms of its bulk and high bonnet, necessitated by the tall Mustang V8, the Biguà's standout feature was its flexible roof panel, allowing it to switch between a Coupe, Targa, or Roadster.
Ultimately, the De Tomaso Biguà represents a fascinating chapter in the history of De Tomaso. It showcased the brand's commitment to innovation and adaptability, even in the face of significant challenges. While it never reached production under its original name, the spirit and vision of the Biguà lived on through its transformation into the Qvale Mangusta. This car remains a testament to the enduring legacy of De Tomaso and the creative ingenuity that defined the brand. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DETOMASODC.CO.UK | SUPERCARS.NET | PANTERA.INFOPOP | AUTOMOBILE.FANDOM ]
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Since then, Castagna has continued to innovate with new projects on the horizon. Nevertheless, the Rossellini remains a standout example of how classic elegance can seamlessly blend with contemporary performance, carrying forward Castagna’s legacy of creating automotive masterpieces. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSTYLING.RU | STORY-CARS | WEBCARSTORY | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | AUTOMOTIVEDESIGNCONFERENCE ]
