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Showing posts with label Sportscar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sportscar. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

One-off Rita Hayworth's Cadillac Ghia Coupe of 1953

~Gorgeous ONES~ Cross-oceanic automotive industry collaborations, especially between America and Italy, are known to have produced many beautiful automotive works. For example, the collaboration between Ford' power with De Tomaso' style from 1960, and many others.
The 1953 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe by Ghia (in pictured the Petersen Automotive Museum's owned model) once owned by an American famous actrees, Rita Hayworth. (Picture from: StreetMuscleMag)
Besides that, many of them were initially just "trial and error," as can be seen in the figure of the Chrysler TC which is known as the result of a collaboration between Chrysler and Maserati which was carried out by Pininfarina stylists based on the Cadillac Allanté.
1953 Cadillac Series 62 by Ghia (in pictured the Petersen Automotive Museum's owned model) posed along with 1966 Ghia 450/SS Convertible (on the left), and 1961 Dual-Ghia 325 during the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance 2002. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)
However, long before that, there was a beautiful creation of rebodying American car done by the skilled hands of Italian carrozzerie. And, it must be admit, the end result is the most beautiful vehicle of any that has ever been created. Here is a 1953 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe by Ghia.
Front three-quartered view of the 1953 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe by Ghia (in pictured model with VIN: 536253053). (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
It is known that Carrozzeria Ghia is a well-known Italian coachbuilder based in Turin who has built various car models for famous car brands in Europe, ranging from Alfa Romeo, Fiat to Lancia, and many others. However, not only European car brands, Ghia also built many American marques, and one of them was these Cadillac Series 62 Coupe in 1953, of which only two units were built.
Both the 1953 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe by Ghia (in pictured the Petersen Automotive Museum's owned model) is powered by a 331 cubic inch OHV V8 engine capable of producing around 210 bhp of power. (Picture from: StreetMuscleMag)
As quoted from Otoblitz, these two car models are still in existence today, and one of the units has been displayed in the Petersen Automotive Museum which is said, once owned by Rita Hayworth, a famous American actress, while the other one, once owned by John Perona, the owner of El Morocco, the famous Manhattan nightclub, who is also known as a long time customer of Ghia.
Both the 1953 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe by Ghia (in pictured model with VIN: 536253053) built based on the 3rd generation Cadillac Series 62 chassis with a wheelbase of 126-inches was introduced for the 1948 model year. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
Even though Ghia only built two units of this car, both of them have different front-end designs, so if you own this car you will certainly never find the same car while on driving on the streets. Not only that, you also won't find the same cars like this in the garages of another classic car collectors. Let's see the details as follows;
The interior view of the 1953 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe by Ghia (in pictured the Petersen Automotive Museum's owned model). (Picture from: StreetMuscleMag)
As we already know that these two beautiful coupes are built on the 3rd generation Cadillac Series 62 chassis with a wheelbase of 126-inches, and both powered by a 331 cubic inch OHV V8 engine capable of producing around 210 bhp of power. Those engine is mated to a GM Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic transmission. Originally these two cars painted in different colors, where one finished on blue-white, while other in elegant maroon.
The 1953 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe by Ghia (in pictured model with VIN: 536253053) has been sold for around $1,430,000 or equivalent to Rp.20,020 billions at an auction event held by RM Sotheby's in Scottsdale, Arizona back in the 2016. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
As quoted from StreetMuscleMag, one of the cars now resides in the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, it was originally finished in blue-white and was changed to the current color (maroon) to better exemplify the Ghia' body lines. Besides that the unit has parking lights, a slightly different styles of front-rear bumpers, along with rear fenders treatment and more of an egg-crate-designed grille compared than another one.
Rear three-quartered view of the 1953 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe by Ghia (in pictured the Petersen Automotive Museum's owned model). (Picture from: StreetMuscleMag)
Then the Cadillac Series 62 has been fully restored by Mike Fennel Restoration, a Santa Clarita, California based autoworkshop and had attended in the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance car expo in 1989 and 2002. 
the gorgeous second unit of the Cadillac Series 62 was auctioned was in 2016 at an auction event held by RM Sotheby's in Scottsdale, Arizona, which at the time reportedly sold for around $1,430,000 or equivalent to Rp.20,020 billions. 

That, decent price for a car as beautiful as this. However, this is not the only beautiful car produced by the American-Italian collaboration, here is one more that you may not have seen before, the 1955 Hudson Italia Coupe by Carrozzeria Touring... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CONCEPTCARZ | SPORTSCARMARKET | RMSOTHEBYS | TOPSPEED | STREETMUSCLEMAG | ]
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Tuesday, March 28, 2023

The remnants of 1970s Jaguar E-Type turned into Guyson E12

~Unique ONES~ As an automotive enthusiast, you must have a favorite ride. Well, what if the beloved ride is damaged or even destroyed in an accident. Maybe some of us would have surveyed the damage, contacted the insurers and either arranged to have the damage repaired or visited a local showroom to order a new one.
The Guyson E12 was designed and built by William Towns for Jim Thompson based on 1972 Jaguar E-Type Version III . (Picture from: KlassiekerPassie.nl)
However, Jim Thompson, a former British hill-climb champion who was also Managing Director of Guyson International, a sandblasting equipment manufacturer then, did something different when his Jaguar E-Type was destroyed in an accident. He decided to contact designer William Towns and ask him to come up with something unique based on his E-Type remnants.
1972 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 like this which formed the basis of the Guyson E12 designed and built by William Towns for Jim Thompson back in 1974. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
In short, Towns agreed to work on the E-Type up to it has a completely new and unprecedented body as Jim Thompson' wishes. Furthermore, he made intial drawings, continue removed the damaged engine cover and the still-pristine bootlids, then caked the remaining fore and aft with the type of clay used in the styling studio when building car models.
The initial sketch of the Guyson E12 was drawn by William Towns. (Picture from: KlassiekerPassie.nl)
Deftly he shaped the clay according to the initial sketches of the car he had made. William seems not to have drawn anything freehand, but to have drawn all lines along a ruler, just like his other designs, the Aston Martin Lagonda and his 1978 Towns Hustler. The next step, he made a series of molds from the resulting clay model, from which a set of glassfibre body panels was created.
The unique Guyson E12 which was originally finished in yellow before it's got a rebuilt engine done by Ron Beatty. (Picture from: HepworthInternational)
Along with other body parts were made of synthetic fiber then attached to the existing E-Type body with screws and filler. So the original E-Type is still under the skin, with which it retains its firmness and you could, in principle, 'conjure' the car back to its original shape. Bizarre! This will obviously not benefit the weight; two bodies on one chassis.
The Ron Beatty' rebuilt engine attached on the Guyson E12 is capable of producing around 345 bhp of power which is achieved with the help of six Weber LDF 44 mm carburetors. (Picture from: BelowTheRadar)
Then what about the engine? As quoted from Aronline, this unique Guyson E12 which was originally finished in yellow uses a rebuilt engine done by Ron Beatty who is known as a Jaguar engine tuner specialist. 
The second model of the Guyson E12 was constructed for Towns' personal use, which was based on a standard E-type S3 with automatic transmission. (Picture from: DrivesToday)
The rebuilt engine is capable of producing around 345 bhp of power which is achieved with the help of six Weber LDF 44 mm carburetors. Unfortunately, due to its large size, the top of the bonnet must be cut in such a way so that they could poke through and then conditioned by adding a special hood to protect it properly.
The Guyson E12 seems not to have special looks in freehand, but had all lines along a ruler drawn by William Towns. (Picture from: ClassicAndRecreationSportscar)
Nevertheless, when Thompson took delivery of his unique commissioned car in 1974, he was suitably impressed. It is natural, with such a unique appearance, not only Thompson was amazed, but many other people too. Even one of Jaguar employees reportedly were also amazed when accidentally met the car at a motorway service station. Not only that, as quoted from Aronline, it turns out that the uniqueness of the Guyson E12 has also attracted interest from the medias to try out the car's capabilities.
The Guyson E12 featured with such a unique appearance, not only Thompson was amazed, but many other people too. (Picture from: KlassiekerPassie.nl)
As the Motor Magazine which once tested it against the Ferrari Daytona (costing more than four times the standard E-Type with engine upgrades), and the result Guyson managed to become the winner. Meanwhile, other media, Fast Cars at that time only saw the uniqueness of its shape, then said that the Guyson E12 of William Towns worthy to be likened with one of Rachmaninov’s sublime variations on a theme of Paganini.
William Towns was so pleased with his creation that he had a second set of sheet metal parts made for his own E-Type powered by the standard 272 bhp 5,340cc V12 Jaguar engine, and even planned to supply body kits on a commercial basis. Unfortunately it didn't come that far and it stayed with two units. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KLASSIEKERPASSIE.NL | ARONLINE | BELOWTHERADAR | DRIVESTODAY | WIKIPEDIA | HEPWORTH INTERNATIONAL | GTPLANET.NET ]
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Monday, March 27, 2023

Here's the HiPhi Z GT electric car like one came from 20 years in the future

~Futuristic EV~ As we know, the trend of electric-powered vehicles that is currently sweeping the automotive industry is considered to be one of the most promising business magnets, resulting in the emergence of so many new automotive companies from all over the world to participate in developing environmentally friendly vehicles, including those from from China too.
Here's the HiPhi Z GT electric car like one came from 20 years in the future. (Picture from: Electrek.co)
Recently an electric car company from China, Human Horizons launched its newest ultra-futuristic electric vehicle that carries the modern GT (GrandTourer) styles named HiPhi Z GT, which comes equipped with cutting-edge technology that is claimed to be able to create an advanced driving experience that is unparalleled. By the launching such electric vehicle, the company hopes to redefine the traditional GT
The HiPhi Z GT electric car is the world's first passenger car features some kind of the wrap-around light curtain called Star-Ring ISD. (Picture from: Electrek.co)
Even this Chinese Telectric car maker company was founded in 2017, does not hesitate to say that its electric car looks, feels and runs like a car from 20 years in the future. This is because the HiPhi Z which was built with a steel-aluminum hybrid construction has brought a series of technological sophistication to its exterior and interior. Let's check it out!
The HiPhi Z GT comes with a futuristic design theme that is full of sharp curves on its body, making it look like a super vehicle that came from the future. (Picture from: Electrek.co)
As we can see, this car comes with a futuristic design theme that is full of sharp curves on its body, making it look like a super vehicle that came from the future. Furthermore, the HiPhi Z is the world's first passenger car features some kind of the wrap-around light curtain called Star-Ring ISD. Furthermore this advanced wrap-around light curtain system consisting of 4066 individual LED that make the car seem as if it can interact with passengers, drivers and its surroundings.
The HiPhi Z GT was built with a steel-aluminum hybrid construction has brought a series of technological sophistication to its exterior and interior. (Picture from: ELSport)
With such this intelligent ISD interactive system coupled with Ultra-WideBand wireless communication technology (UWB) by positioning as high as 10 cm, the car door can detect people, keys and other vehicles automatically. Thus, it can produce intelligently adjustable door openings, both in terms of speed and angle. In addition, there is also an Active Air Grille Shutters (AGS) system connected to the rear spoiler and wings to automatically adjust the vehicle's drag and reduce lift to improve overall performances.
The HiPhi Z GT featured with sophisticated digital settings that make it look like an ultra-futuristic spaceship by displaying what they call a kind of "digital soul" in the form of HiPhi Bot. (Picture from: Electrek.co)
It doesn't just stop there, it turns out that the application of advanced technology also reaches the cabin, so that it is able to present sophisticated digital settings that make it look like an ultra-futuristic spaceship by displaying what they call a kind of "digital soul" in the form of HiPhi Bot, namely AI (Artificial Intelligence) capabilities that can automatically adjust every aspect of the driving and passenger experience.
The HiPhi Z GT has four comfort and ergonomics sporty seats is covered in soft Ultrasuede Bio Galaxy fabric and embellished with dim ambient panel lights to the 23-speaker Meridian audio system. (Picture from: Electrek.co)
So that the driver and passengers will be presented with a sensory experience while in the HiPhi Z cabin with a series of combinations of lighting, touch, sound, and even fragrance, to create an immersive and comfortable environment. All of this feels even more refined because the entire interior of the Hiphi Z including the four comfort and ergonomics sporty seats is covered in soft Ultrasuede Bio Galaxy fabric and embellished with dim ambient panel lights to the 23-speaker Meridian audio system.
The HiPhi Z GT is also the only vehicle in the world equipped with 4-degrees of freedom (DOF), 8-direction infinitely adjustable, high-speed motion robotic arm. (Picture from: Electrek.co)
The HiPhi Z GT is also the only vehicle in the world equipped with 4-degrees of freedom (DOF), 8-direction infinitely adjustable, high-speed motion robotic arm that can move back and forth in less than one second, and features accuracy control down to 0.001 mm capable of performing smooth movements almost soundless.
The HiPhi Z GT is claimed to be able to reach speeds of up to 100 kph in just 3.8 seconds, and with a high-performance 120 kWh battery pack it can go up to 705 kilometers. (Picture from: AutonomousVehicleInternational)
In terms of performance, the HiPhi Z is claimed to be able to reach speeds of up to 100 kph in just 3.8 seconds, and with a high-performance 120 kWh battery pack it can go up to 705 kilometers. The battery is also equipped with Cell to Pack (CTP) technology and liquid coolant to offer heat diffusion and prevent fire. For the convenience of the driver, the HiPhi Z adopts an all-aluminum double wishbone front suspension, five-link rear suspension, air suspension and Continuous Damping Control (CDC) so that it can continuously adjust performance dynamically.
This rear-wheel drive car also has the IVC vehicle dynamic control system which, despite being more than 5 m long, can produce a steering angle of 13.2 degrees, or enable a turning circle similar to that of the MINI Cooper. The sophistication of this car is further complemented by the innovation of the company's own ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) or Phi Pilot systems, with dual redundancy capabilities for the six main systems of computing, perception, communication, braking, steering and power supply.
The HiPhi Z GT also complemented by the innovation of the company's own ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) or Phi Pilot systems, with dual redundancy capabilities for the 6 main systems of computing, perception, communication, braking, steering and power supply. (Picture from: Electrek.co)
For added safety, the HiPhi Z leverages the NVIDIA Orin X + QNX Neutrino real-time operating system (RTOS) chip leveraging 34 sensors and LiDAR technology to continuously scan the surroundings to provide steering and parking assistances.
The ultra-futuristic designed HiPhi Z GT made its public appearance at the Chengdu Auto Show 2022 held in August, at the time this electric-powered car was priced from US$ 89 thousand to US$ 129 thousand (around Rp.1.3 billion to Rp.1.9 billion). *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HUMAN HORIZONS | PRNEWSWIRE | ELECTREK.CO | AUTONOMOUSVEHICLEINTERNATIONAL ]
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Sunday, March 26, 2023

The one-off Nardi Raggio d’Argento

~Rare ONES~ You may still remember our article about the Alfa Romeo 412 Spider Vignale racing cars of 1950s that said have never been used to race. Well, our discussion this time is also related to those 1950s rare racing cars, because it was a donor for a car project called Nardi Raggio d’Argento (Silver Ray) which was built in 1960. How come?
The one-off Nardi Raggio d'Argento (Silver Ray) was designed by Giovanni Michelotti, and built by Carrozzeria Vignale based on the rare Alfa Romeo 412 Spider racing car. (Picture from: CarrozzeriaItaliani)
This car project was initiated by Enrico Nardi, founder and CEO of Officine Nardi which begins by dismantling of Bonetto Alfa 412 racing car for parts to be used in the project. Furthermore, the one-off Nardi Ray Silver was designed by Giovanni Michelotti.
The one-off Nardi Raggio d'Argento (Silver Ray) is part of the 'Raggio' series created by Nardi himself in the 1950s after the construction of two model of Blue Rays, consisting of Raggio Azzurro I and II. (Picture from: SportsCarDigest)
As quoted from Carrozzeria Italiani, this car is also known as the Plymouth Silver Ray which is part of the Ray series created by Nardi himself in the 1950s after the construction of two model of Blue Rays, consisting of Raggio Azzurro I and Raggio Azzurro II by Carrozzeria Vignale based on a design by Michelotti.
Enrico Nardi (on the left), and Giovanni Michelotti (on the right) while posed in front of the Raggio d’Argento, the finished car was shipped to William Simpson in September of 1961. (Picture from: CarrozzeriaItaliani)
Even though it uses the chassis from Alfa Romeo, it turns out that the Silver Ray is powered by an V8 engine of Plymouth Golden Commando coupled with an automatic transmission system. For that then required modifications to the entire front of the chassis. This was initially seen as impossible, but Nardi insisted on doing this complicated job.
The one-off Nardi Raggio d'Argento (Silver Ray) was designed by Giovanni Michelotti, and built by Carrozzeria Vignale based on the rare Alfa Romeo 412 Spider racing car. (Picture from: CarrozzeriaItaliani)
The machine is capable of spraying power up to 350 ponnies and with all that is in the performance of this car is expected to be able to give it a maximum speed of about 140 mph. While, this 1960s Vignale-made car built on a tubular chassis with some of the suspension is by modified Alfa Romeo coil spring units at the front and semi elliptic springs at the rear, with brakes are discs on all four wheels.
This is the number plate attached to the one-off Nardi Raggio d'Argento (Silver Ray), so it is thought that this car is currently still in the United States. (Picture from: SportsCarDigest)
In short, the car which was commissioned by an American client named James Simpson was finally completed and shipped to America in 1961. And it is known that the Silver Ray was about the last of the cars bearing Nardi's name.
Last photo of the one-off Nardi Raggio d'Argento as published in VeloceToday archives, November 21, 2103. (Picture from: VeloceToday)
Seems at this point, Nardi could clearly see that his company's future lay in aftermarket parts not just steering wheels. Reportedly, the car's current whereabouts is unknown.😢
We're sorry if the video above is not related at all to the Raggio d'Argento. This is a video about the Turin Auto Salon 1955, one of which show the Raggio Azzurro I. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARROZZIERI ITALIANI | VELOCETODAY | CARSTYLING.RU | SPORTSCARDIGEST | HEMMINGS ]
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Saturday, March 25, 2023

Remembering a short lived British' brand of Tornado Cars

~Rare ONES~ As previously discussed by many world automotive enthusiasts, that in the late 1950s and early 1960s, there're  many sportscar of plastic-bodied relatively affordable GTs entered the UK's market with brands such as Elva, Lotus, Marcos, Peerless, Reliant, Rochdale, Turner, and TVR in which all vying to be the master of the automarket in such class.
1958 Tornado Typhoon Roadster is supported by Ford powertrain and was marketed with affordable prices at launched. (Picture from: Market-Bonham)
And one of them that is not so well known is Tornado, which entered the fray in 1957. And the man behind it was Bill Woodhouse, who is narrated to set up the company after found the car kit he bought was so badly built, he struggled so desperately to finish it.
1958 Tornado Typhoon Sportsbrake featured with a fiberglass station wagon superstructure replacing coupe's detachable hardtop. (Picture from: Story-Cars)
Since then he resolved to produce something under his own autobrand that would be made to a much higher standard, for the reason then he partnered with his colleague Tony Bullen to estabilish an automaker company called Tornado Cars Ltd back in 1957, based in Mill End, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, England.
1961 Tornado Tempest (435 WNO) 1000cc sat on display at the Sywell Classic 2018. (Picture from: Flickr)
In short, the company's first production was launched in the 1958 called the Tornado Typhoon is supported by Ford powertrain and was marketed for less than £250 in roadster and shooting-brake styles. It is believed that between 300 to 400 of the Typhoon car, both complete and kit form, were produced and sold to the public.
1960 Tornado Competition Tempest 2 seater powered by an 997cc S4 OHV engine. (Picture from: Flickr)
The company's second model called the Tornado Tempest which replaced the Typhoon was launched in 1960. In appearance it was not actually a new design, only the Typhoon was updated to use the Ford Anglia 105E engine and Triumph Herald running gear. Even though all of these cars were produced with high quality standards and sold at affordable prices, they still could not change public opinion which looked at the Typhoon and its successor Tempest have an awkward appearance. During its production periods as much as 15 units for all Tempest bodies including 2 seater, 2 seater coupe, 4 seater, 4 seater coupe and shooting-brake.
1961 Tornado Talisman Coupe (owned by Bill Woodhouse) is a modern and attractive looking four-seater coupé. (Picture from: BelowTheRadar)
All of the above seemed to have started to change when the company launched the Tornado Talisman in late 1961 as the third model. So this can also be said to mark the company's new era beginning. In appearance, the Talisman is a modern and attractive looking four-seater coupé that is manufactured to high standards, is still relatively affordable prices. In standard form, Tornado Talisman' power came from a Ford Classic 1,340 cc engine with a pair of twin-choke Weber carburettors, also had the option with the powerplant built by Cosworth.
In standard form, the Tornado Talisman' power came from a Ford Classic 1,340 cc engine with a pair of twin-choke Weber carburettors, also had the option with the powerplant built by Cosworth. (Picture from: BelowTheRadar)
The company also provided two options to the prospective buyer, in which they could choose a kit priced at £875 (to avoid paying purchase tax), or a ready-made car priced at £1,259 while at that time the Lotus Elite has priced of £1,949, the Jaguar XK150 was £1,665, and the Triumph TR3 is only £991. Throughout 1962 the company enjoyed the sweet success of Talisman's high sales figures, and said 186 Talismans had been made, thus financing the racing passion of Bullen and Woodhouse, both of whom were keen amateur racers. 

However, it seems that the winds of change began to blow at the end of 1962, when Tornado Cars began experiencing financial difficulties and forced the couple to look for investors. At one point Colin Chapman was reportedly interested in acquiring the company, but he didn't because he hit financial problems of his own at the time. Due to the lack of investors, Tornado Cars underwent voluntary liquidation in 1963.
The company was later purchased by amateur racer John Baekart who opted for a strategy of cutting production and expanding the tuning side of the business. However, it seems that Baekart's efforts were also fruitless until he finally gave up in 1964, since then Tornado Cars really went out of business and dissapeared from the automotive market for good. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BELOWTHERADAR | AUTOCAR | MARKET-BONHAM | STORY-CARS | LANEMOTORMUSEUM ]
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Friday, March 24, 2023

Recent windtunnel surprise of the Volkhart V2 Sagitta Concept

~Rare ONES~ What is this car? How come it looks so weird? Those are the words that might come out the first time you see the shape of this classic car. Frankly, we have also never known before if a vehicle like this ever existed and still survives to this day.
The Volkhart V2 Sagitta was the 2nd prototype designed by Kurt C Volkhart and Baron R König von Fachsenfeld based on the Volkswagen Beetle 1st generation aka the KdF Wagen TYpe 60. (Picture from: ClassicCarWeekly.net)
Actually, the car named Volkhart V2 Sagitta is not too strange enough, if viewed from the basis of what the car was built. Well, actually this car was built based on the Volkswagen Beetle 1st generation also known as the KdF Wagen Type 60 which was produced between 1937 and 1944.
The Volkhart V2 Sagitta formerly known as the Luftwaffe 'courier car' due to it developed and built as a part of the Luftwaffe's need before the war for a small, fast and agile courier car. (Picture from: Bonham)
For your information, the most famous performance car based on the Volkswagen Beetle, of course the Porsche 356, but before that there were other cars which not many people know about is the Luftwaffe 'courier car' (thus the name of the car originally) at that time. How come?
The Volkhart V2 Sagitta is offered accommodation for 4/5 passengers inside its cabin, but never came close to series production. (Picture from: Hemmings)
As quoted from Bonham, the story began when the Luftwaffe needed  a fast small car that would serve as a courier vehicle, while at the same time being light, reliable, cheap to build and simple to maintain.  At that time, there's a German designer who understood aerodynamics named Kurt C Volkhart was partnered to design the car. Why should he?
The Volkhart V2 Sagitta when undergoing aerodynamic tests conducted by Volkswagen in its wind tunnel back in the 2011, produced a drag coefficient of 0.217 over a frontal area of 2.10 square meters. (Picture from: Hemmings)
In short, Volkhart had long ago recognised that performance could be improved by careful aerodynamic design, toward the end of the 1930s, he had come up with a small two-seater sports car called the V1, and powered by a rear-mounted 1,172 cc Ford Eifel engine with only 32 bhp of power. Unfortunately, it never went beyond the prototype stage.

The Volkhart V1 small two-seater sports coupe came out in the end of 1930s, and powered by a rear-mounted 1,172 cc Ford Eifel engine with only 32 bhp of power. (Picture from: Hemmings)
Development continued but was stopped later caused of the war, and the project would not resurface until 1947. At the time, Volkhart secured financial support from Sagitta to continue his aerodynamic sports car work, by building a teardrops-shaped prototype called V2 based on an early Volkswagen Beetle (technically a wartime KdF 60) chassis (with number 2-033683).
The Volkhart V2 Sagitta has inlets at the front, could be for the cabin ventilation, front brake cooling, horn, or a front mounted oil cooler. (Picture from: Hemmings)
And its slippery aluminum body was designed by Baron R König von Fachsenfeld, who would later produce many streamlined designs for several German automaker. While the construction of its aluminum body was entrusted to Helmut Fuchs in Niederwenningern, Ruhr, with additional work by Hans Daum's body shop.
The Volkhart V2 Sagitta is powered by a rear-mounted 1.1-liter flat-four good for 24 horsepower and a top speed of 88 mph. (Picture from: Hemmings)
It has one of the lowest coefficients of drag ever recorded for a road car, while its power is supplied by a rear-mounted 1.1-liter flat-four good for 24 horsepower. This little thing was good for 88 mph, which was faster than the first Porsches. Not only that, the new V2 offered accommodation for 4/5 passengers but never came close to series production, not the least because Volkswagen refused to provide chassis.
The Volkhart V2 Sagitta has a fan sucking air through that grille under rear window as for its engine cooling (although this 24 hp engine actually doesn't need much cooling). (Picture from: Hemmings)
As for the aerodynamic factor both Volkhart's prototypes, modern aerodynamicists later recalculated the V1's likely drag coefficient as 0.30, but when the V2 was tested in Volkswagen's wind tunnel in 2011 it was found to be 0.217, as good as the very best of modern designs. Wow, that's recent surprise of the Volkhart V2 Sagitta for us!!!
The Volkhart V2 Sagitta' last appearance in public under British racing green color was happened at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2012. (Picture from: Madle.org)
Only one example of the V2 Sagitta was built in 1947; it was purchased by Hugo Tigges, who had supplied the raw materials necessary during its construction. It was used by him as a daily rides for six years before abandoned languish in the garden back in the 1953. Only in 1955, Helmut Daum (son of the aforementioned Hans Daum) had permission to move this abandoned V2 car for further restoration.
The Volkhart V2 Sagitta' last appearance in public under British racing green color was happened at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2012. (Picture from: Madle.org)
Over the following decades, it was rebuilt and repainted several times, and finally the car finding its home with an Austrian Porsche collector named Walter Traxler. Its last appearance in public was happened at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2012. The last restoration process done shortly after the expo, which brought it back to its original silver color (from an British racing green repaint).
Recently, it was reported that the Volkhart V2 Sagitta was onlist on Lot 615 at an auction event in Paris entitled Les Grandes Marques du Monde à Paris (The Great Brands of the World in Paris) on February 2 2023 which was organized by Bonham with a price range of € 1,800,000 - € 2,600,000. (but then Withdrawn).😥 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CLASSICCARWEEKLY.NET | BONHAM | HEMMINGS | ULTIMATECARPAGE ]
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