Racing Torpedo - In a racing event that is attended by many motorized vehicle participants from various teams and manufacturers, of course, it will not display a uniform vehicle shape. Yes, various designs made in accordance with the race requirements, of course, will also colorize the excitement of the event.
A unique racing car created by Mario Dalmonte, Carlo Mollino, and Enrico Nardi in 1955 named "Bisiluro Damolnar" for the 24 hours Le Mans racing event. (Picture from: RoadAndTrack)
One of the racing events that always features participants with various motor vehicle designs is the 24 hours of Le Mans. This legendary racing event (since 1923), which is held annually at the Circuit de la Sarthe, Le Mans, France, is a venue to compete for the vehicle endurance when it is driven non-stop at high speed for 24 hours around the circuit.
The Bisiluro Damolnar with Carlo Mollino behind the steering wheel while on the speed at the 24 hours Le Mans racing event track in 1955. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
Yes, one of the most striking is the appearance of a bright-red open-top Italian racing car that took part in the 24-hour Le Mans of 1955, Bisiluro Damolnar. Its name derived from the surnames of its three designers, ie Mario Dalmonte, Carlo Mollino, and Enrico Nardi. It looked very different from all the other cars that competed in the legendary endurance competition.
This
1955 Bisiluro Damolnar has a Giannini-tuned twin-cam, 4 cylinders, 737 cc engine mounted on the left-hand side (to counter the weight of the driver, seated on the right). (Picture from: Silodrome)
This racing car which has the appearance like the twin torpedoes which in Italian is called 'Bisiluro,' is an anomaly, it’s asymmetrical, with no passenger seat, and has the engine mounted on the left-hand side (to counter the weight of the driver, seated on the right). And the 450 kg (992 lbs) weighed racing car running by a Giannini-tuned twin-cam, 4 cylinders, 737 cc engine of BMW 750 motorcycle.
The chassis as tested without the body. Note the standard radiator, test fuel tank, Appia suspension and round steering wheel. (Picture from: VeloceToday)
Out of context for a moment, the torpedo (siluro) shapes and names seem very popular to use by the Italian' automotive circles in the time. For example, Piaggio, the famous Pontadera-based scooter manufacturer ever made racing scooter called Vespa Monthléry back in 1950. Shortly after, the real torpedo-shaped design also implemented to its record-breaking scooter known as Vespa Siluro in 1951.
An ovoid steering wheel, designed for maximum legroom, was probably the least weird part of this creation.
(Picture from: RoadAndTrack)
Back to the car, it is built on a Fiat 500 chassis and frames made of the tubular steel for a lightweight body and attached with an engine with a high (for the time) power to weight ratio, and said the race car is capable of running up to a top speed of 216 mph (347 kph).
This 1955 Bisiluro Damolnar is built on a Fiat 500 chassis made of tubular steel for a lightweight body and an engine with a high (for the time) power to weight ratio. (Picture from: Silodrome)
But unfortunately, its appearance at one of the most prestigious racing events did not make any achievements. During the race, the Bisiluro was literally blown off the track, after colliding with a close-passing Jaguar D-Type and sustained too much damage to continue the race.
After being repaired and restored, the unusual-shaped racing car now lives on display at the prestigious Leonardo Da Vinci Museum in Milan, Italy. *** [EKA [27082020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SILODROME | STYLEPARK | ROAD AND TRACK | WIRED | VELOCETODAY.COM ]
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Chrome Phantom - Back in the golden age of American car design, the 1950s were more than just tailfins and chrome. They were about imagination, experimentation, and the fearless pursuit of what the future of driving could look like. Concept cars weren’t simply machines; they were rolling dreams, often built not to hit the streets but to spark ideas and capture the public’s imagination.
The 1956 Pontiac Club de Mer Concept is said the perfect setting for its resort club image. (Picture from: CarDesignNews)
Among the many futuristic creations of that era, one stood out for its daring proportions and jet-inspired styling: the Pontiac Club de Mer. Unveiled in 1956 at General Motors’ Motorama show,the Club de Mer looked more like a futuristic spacecraft than a car you might see at a diner.It was the brainchild of Harley Earl, GM’s legendary design chief, with Pontiac’s Paul Gillian bringing Earl’s bold vision to life.
The 1956 Pontiac Club de Mer (front) sat along with the Oldsmobile Golden Rocket at the 1956 Motorama. (Picture from: CarDesignNews)
The concept was daring yet elegant: a sleek two-seater roadster inspired by supersonic fighter jets, featuring a stainless steel body, twin windscreens reminiscent ofthe 1955 Lincoln Futura (later the TV Batmobile), concealed headlights, and a striking dorsal fin cutting across the rear deck. Standing just under 39 inches tall, the car hugged the ground, its smooth, low-profile body giving the impression it could glide even while at rest.
The Pontiac Club de Mer published on the 1956 GM Motorama's brochures. (Picture from: AMKlassiek)
Inside, the Club de Mer was stripped down compared to its futuristic skin but still had a flair for style. Red upholstery framed a cockpit that placed function over excess. A three-spoke GT-style steering wheel anchored the dash, with triangularly grouped gauges giving the driver just what was needed and nothing more. It was minimalism with a touch of showmanship—enough to make anyone sitting inside feel like they were piloting something ahead of its time.
Apart
from the full-scale replica, the only other surviving piece of the 1956
Pontiac Club de Mer Concept is a quarter-scale model, which passed
through several collectors before selling at auction in 2007 for
$75,000.(Picture from: PlasticModelCars in Facebook)
Despite its daring design, GM never intended the Club de Mer for production. Like many Motorama concepts, it was built as a rolling prototype, a showpiece rather than a showroom car. Only one full-scale version and a quarter-scale model were ever made. The life-size prototype toured briefly before GM scrapped it in 1958, part of the company’s standard practice of recycling concept vehicles once their usefulness was over. The small-scale version, however, survived, changing hands between collectors before eventually selling at auction in 2007 for $75,000.
The 1956 Pontiac Club de Mer concept car (in pictured replica model by Marty Martino) launched for the first time to public at the GM's Motorama Show. (Picture from: Carscoops)
Yet the story of the Club de Mer didn’t simply fade away with the passing of time. Decades later, the car’s futuristic vision caught the attention of custom builder Marty Martino, a man known for bringing lost automotive dreams back to life. He believed the Club de Mer deserved more than just a place in the archives of forgotten prototypes—it deserved to exist as a real, working machine that could be admired not only for its looks but also for its engineering.
This reproduction version of 1956 Pontiac Club de Mer Concept's interior is faithful insisted to the original design. (Picture from: CarDesignNews)
In the early 2000s, Martino began an ambitious project that would take three years to complete. Starting with a 1959 Pontiac chassis, he painstakingly recreated the sleek bodywork while ensuring the car could actually run. Under the hood, he installed a Pontiac Strato Streak engine paired with a Jetaway Hydro-Matic 4-speed transmission, giving the replica both the presence and performance that the original concept never fully realized.
The 1956 Pontiac Club de Mer concept (in pictured replica model by Marty Martino) was inspired by contemporary aircraft designs at the time. (Picture from: AMKlassiek)
Unlike the 1956 prototype, which remained little more than a rolling display piece, Martino’s version was designed to be driven. It wasn’t just a tribute—it was a fully functional interpretation of Pontiac’s forgotten vision, blending authenticity with practicality. When it finally appeared at auction in 2009, the replica drew considerable attention and sold for $110,000, showing that the fascination surrounding the Club de Mer was far from extinguished.
Today, only Martino’s replica and the surviving quarter-scale model remain as lasting symbols of Pontiac’s daring experiment with futuristic design. Though the original was lost to history, the car’s legacy continues to echo through these rare survivors. Nearly seventy years after its debut, the Club de Mer still stirs the imagination, reminding us of a time when automakers were unafraid to dream boldly, challenge conventions, and craft machines that looked as if they had come straight from tomorrow. *** [EKA [15092020][24092022] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BARRET-JACKSON | WIKIPEDIA | CARSCOOPS | AMKLASSIEK | PLASTIC MODEL CARS IN FACEBOOK ]
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Unique ONES - Frankly, when stumbling upon it while browsing the internet, we couldn't help but be amazed. What is this car, you may ask? Well, it's none other than the extraordinary Odyssey, a unique automotive creation that has captivated our attention like never before. After some thorough research aided by our trusty companion Google, we finally managed to uncover the fascinating story behind this car.
The Odyssey, originally built upon a Nova GT kit car, proudly features a 1641 Beetle engine and a reliable Volkswagen chassis beneath its sleek exterior. (Picture from: FiberClassics.org)
Meet Steve McHugh, an automotive enthusiast hailing from Tamworth, Staffordshire, England—the mastermind behind the Odyssey. The vehicle is a product of Steve's love for Nova kit cars, and the striking white beast we see today is the result of his relentless passion and dedication. Interestingly, Steve accomplished this feat without the luxury of a garage; instead, he undertook all the work on his very own driveway.
The Odyssey, originally built upon a Nova GT kit car, proudly features a 1641 Beetle engine and a reliable Volkswagen chassis beneath its sleek exterior. However, Steve's venture with this exceptional creation did not culminate there. Throughout a decade-long journey, he embarked on three remarkable iterations, continuously pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation.
The Odyssey showcased subtle modifications to the kit, including some lower body tweaks and Ford Cougar headlights, also Ducati's sidemirrors seamlessly integrated. (Picture from: MadAbout-KitCars)
The first stage of the Odyssey showcased subtle modifications to the kit, including some lower body tweaks and Ford Cougar headlights, also Ducati's sidemirrors seamlessly integrated. It was a proof to Steve's skill and vision, preserved for future generations to admire. Notably, this ambitious project also serves as a heartfelt homage to the
iconic VW Beetle 'Herbie,' as evidenced by the incorporation of the
legendary number 53 on various sections of the front bumper.
The Odyssey sprouted manga-inspired wings, sported aggressive ducting at the rear, and featured striking slots carved out of its hood. (Picture from: FiberClassics.org)
As he delved deeper into the world of car customization, the second iteration emerged, unveiling a more daring appearance. The Odyssey sprouted manga-inspired wings, sported aggressive ducting at the rear, and featured striking slots carved out of its hood. Inside, Steve revamped the interior with meticulously detailed billet knobs and buttons, complementing the snazzy teal paint job that adorned the exterior.
But Steve's thirst for innovation didn't stop there. The third and current iteration pushed the boundaries to the extreme. The car underwent extensive fiberglass and bondo work, resulting in completely restyled sides. The rear bodywork was dramatically eliminated, giving way to a jaw-dropping under-engine aero tray—a testament to Steve's audacious design choices. Not to forget, the engine received a substantial upgrade, elevating the car's performance to new heights.
The
rear bodywork was dramatically eliminated, giving way to a jaw-dropping
under-engine aero tray—a testament to Steve's audacious design choices.
(Picture from: derAutoFan)
All this remarkable work paid off when, in 2008, Steve McHugh's Odyssey triumphed in the competition for the nation's best modified car held by Discovery Channel. The recognition was well-deserved, considering the level of craftsmanship and ingenuity poured into this one-of-a-kind vehicle.
In essence, Steve McHugh's Odyssey embodies the limitless creativity and fervent passion that motivate automotive enthusiasts to bring their dreams to life. Fueled by determination, ingenuity, and an unwavering commitment, Steve elevated a modest kit car into a breathtaking masterpiece. This remarkable feat serves as a compelling illustration of the possibilities that unfold with a clear vision, a humble driveway serving as a workshop, and an unwavering love for all things automotive. *** [EKA [04082023] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | JALOPNIK | DUMPERT.NL | FIBERCLASSICS.ORG | MADABOUT-KITCARS ]
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Sculpted Eccentricity - The automotive world has never been short of surprises. Beyond famous production cars and celebrated racing machines, there are rare creations that blur the line between transportation and art, leaving a lasting impression long after they first appear.
1955 Bugatti Brown is built by an Anglo-French sculptor named James-Jacques Brown based on the 1938 Bugatti T57S chassis and while on display at the InterClassics 2015 held in Brussel. (Picture from: Automag.be)
One of the most unusual examples is the Bugatti Brown, a vehicle whose appearance remains striking even by modern standards. Its flowing, unconventional shape immediately sets it apart from traditional Bugatti designs and continues to intrigue enthusiasts who encounter it today.
1955 Bugatti Brown built by James-Jacques Brown and is sat on display at the Autoworld in Brussel. (Picture from: Mr. Wouter Bregman's photo on Flickr)
The story becomes even more fascinating because the car was based on one of Bugatti’s most exclusive foundations. Its origins trace back to a chassis ofthe 1938 Bugatti T57S, a model widely regarded as one of the rarest and most desirable creations ever produced by the legendary French manufacturer.
1955 Bugatti Brown built by James-Jacques Brown and is sat on display at the Autoworld in Brussel. (Picture from: Undiscoveredclassic.com)
Rather than preserving the chassis in its original form, Anglo-French artist James-Jacques Brown chose a radically different direction. In 1952, he created a highly aerodynamic body made from polyester resin, transforming the prestigious Bugatti platform into a sculptural automotive experiment that would later become known asthe Bugatti Brown.
1955 Bugatti Brown built by James-Jacques Brown and is sat on display at the Autoworld in Brussel. (Picture from: Undiscoveredclassic.com)
James-Jacques Brown (October 22, 1918 – December 21, 1991). (Picture from: Auto-Satisfaction.be)
When the project was finally unveiled at the 1955 Paris Motor Show, it attracted considerable attention. Audiences were confronted with a shape unlike anything commonly seen on the roads of the era, and the distinctive design earned widespread admiration from visitors who appreciated its bold artistic character.
Brown’s career extended far beyond automobiles. During the following years, he continued working as a painter and sculptor, often exploring fiberglass and other modern materials while exhibiting his creations internationally. Unfortunately, between 1969 and 1975, he discovered that prolonged exposure to polyester resin had seriously affected his health, leading to physical decline, depression, and eventually the end of his artistic productivity before his death in 1991.
1955 Bugatti Brown built by James-Jacques Brown and is sat on display at the Autoworld in Brussel. (Picture from: Postwarclassic.com)
The Bugatti Brown was never intended to remain a one-off curiosity. Brown reportedly constructed two examples using Bugatti chassis numbered 57645 and 57723, originally hoping the design could serve a commercial purpose. That ambition never materialized, and over time only one confirmed example remained known to enthusiasts and historians.
This was probably the second unit of the 1955 Bugatti Brown built by James-Jacques Brown. (Picture from: Auto-Satisfaction.be)
Historic photographs reveal that the missing car differed slightly from the surviving example. The most noticeable distinctions appeared around the front air intake and the windshield wiper arrangement, details that help researchers identify the two separate vehicles despite their shared design language.
The 1955 Bugatti Brown was found neglected in the 1980s at the backyard of a restoration workshop in France. (Picture from: Prewarcar.com)
The surviving Bugatti Brownendured a difficult journey. By the 1980s, its body had been found deteriorating behind a restoration workshop in France, separated from its original chassis and left in neglected condition. After being rescued and preserved, it was displayed at Autoworld Brussels without an engine and supported by a tubular structure, with some accounts suggesting a Volkswagen-based floorpan beneath it.
The 1955 Bugatti Brown was found neglected in the 1980s at the backyard of a restoration workshop in France. (Picture from: Prewarcar.com)
Founder’s Grandtourer - Some cars are remembered for setting records, while others become memorable because of the people who chose to drive them. The Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 belongs to the second group. Although Ferrari produced many celebrated models, this grand tourer gained a special place in history because it was among the few production Ferraris personally used by Enzo Ferrari. Success in motorsport had increased public interest in the brand, creating demand for a car that could offer more comfort without losing Ferrari’s performance DNA.
1962 Ferrari 330 GT Prototype Coupe with chassis number #4085 used by Enzo Ferrari as his personal car. (Picture from: Schmitt)
To answer that need, Ferrari introducedthe first 330 GT 2+2 prototypein the summer of 1962. The model evolved fromthe limited-production Ferrari 330 America, but it was far more than a simple update. A new chassis with a wheelbase two inches longer than its predecessor helped improve its grand touring character. The car also featured a classic Ferrari silhouette, defined by a long hood, elegant proportions, and a short rear deck.
Enzo Ferrari pictured with his personal 1962 Ferrari 330 GT Prototype Coupe with chassis number #4085. (Picture from: Schmitt)
Its stylish appearance was the work of Tom Tjaarda, a young designer who joined Ferrari in 1961 after working for Pininfarina. At just 27 years old, he created a shape that balanced sophistication with sporting intent. The 2+2 cabin layout added practicality, making the car suitable for longer journeys while preserving its exclusive feel.
1962 Ferrari 330 GT Prototype Coupe comes with a 2 + 2 layout and also carries a distinctive shape with a long hood and a Ferrari's classic short trunk profile. (Picture from: InsideHook)
Power came from a refined Colombo V12 engine enlarged to 3,967 cc, or roughly 330 cc per cylinder. Equipped with three Weber carburetors, the engine produced 300 horsepower at 6,600 rpm. Ferrari paired it with a four-speed manual gearbox featuring electric overdrive to make high-speed cruising more efficient.
1962 Ferrari 330 GT Prototype Coupe with chassis number #4085 is featured in a light ivory beautiful color plus a gorgeous black leather interior. (Picture from: Schmitt)
The 330 GT 2+2 was engineered as a true long-distance performance machine. Independent front suspension and a robust rear axle with longitudinal pushrods and tubular shock absorbers helped deliver stability at speed. Its smooth road manners earned praise from Car and Driver in 1965, which described the car as exceptionally composed at speeds above 80 mph.
1962 Ferrari 330 GT Prototype Coupe with chassis number #4085 powered by a Colombo V12 refined engine is fed by three Weber carburetors to produce 300hp of power at 6,600rpm. (Picture from: InsideHook)
Production ended in 1967 after only 1,087 examples were built. The first 627 cars were easily recognized by their distinctive four-headlight front design. One 1962 prototype finished in light ivory with a black leather interior became especially significant. Ferrari kept the car for two years, used it for the original brochure, and displayed it at the 1962 Brussels Motor Show. Carrying chassis number 4085, it later served as Enzo Ferrari’s personal car before being sold to Luigi Chinetti Motors in June 1964.
Decades later, Daniel Schmitt & Co.sold the same car for US$495,000 in 2018, more than double the model’s average market value according to Hagerty. Today, it remains one of the clearest links between Ferrari’s legendary founder and one of the company’s most elegant grand touring cars. *** [EKA [24122020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SCHMITT | INSIDE HOOK ]
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Wild Prototype - The post-war optimism of the 1950s and early 1960s brought with it an explosion of futuristic dreams. From fashion to architecture, everything was touched by the spirit of the Jet Age. It was a time when people believed the future had truly arrived—jets were streaking across the skies, space exploration had just begun, and sleek, aerodynamic shapes started to define the modern lifestyle.
The Mayan Magnum is a wild prototype designed and built by Dean Ing in 1965, based on the Volkswagen Beetle.(Picture from: Hagerty)
Nowhere was this obsession with the future more vividly expressed than in the world of automobiles. Designers weren’t just creating modes of transportation—they were imagining what the future could look like on wheels. The Jet Age spirit pushed creativity to its limits, inspiring bold shapes, experimental engineering, and designs that echoed the excitement of space travel and modern technology. It wasn’t only major automakers who caught this futuristic fever; independent builders and imaginative individuals also stepped up, crafting unique concept cars that defied convention and captured the essence of the era’s optimism.
The Mayan Magnum is a unique two-seater custom car featured with a double-bubble roof and gull-wing bodywork.(Picture from: Autoevolution)
In past discussions, we’ve explored some of these individual efforts, like the 1957 Galileo Concept and the 1960 Di Dia 150. But among the most compelling of these one-off creations is a car so distinctive, it seems as though it was lifted straight from the pages of a science fiction novel. That car is the Mayan Magnum—a truly original prototype built in 1965 by Dean Ing, a man whose background in aerospace and passion for design resulted in one of the most fascinating automotive experiments of the Jet Age.
The Mayan Magnum—a one-of-a-kind prototype built in 1965 by Dean Ing, whose aerospace background and design passion led to one of the Jet Age’s most fascinating automotive experiments.(Picture from: Autoevolution)
Dean Charles Ing, as he was also known, didn’t just want to build a car; he wanted to craft something that expressed the excitement and elegance of the Jet Age in physical form. And he succeeded—with about 3,000 hours of labor poured into the project, the result was as much a sculpture as it was a vehicle.
The 1965 Mayan Magnum by Dean Ing features an aircraft-inspired, sculptural cockpit, complete with a matching dashboard, hidden ancillary gauges, and grab handles for the passenger.(Picture from: eBay)
What makes the Mayan Magnum even more fascinating is how it blends components from various iconic cars to create something completely fresh. The platform and floorpan came from a Volkswagen Beetle, which provided a lightweight and compact base. For power, he opted for a 2.4-liter flat-six engine taken from a Chevrolet Corvair—another rear-engine American classic. That was paired with a Porsche-sourced gearbox, giving the car not just unique looks, but serious engineering credibility.
The Mayan Magnum features two low-back bucket seats trimmed in tan, paired with rich brown carpeting.(Picture from: Autoevolution)
Inspired by European rarities like the Maserati 450S Costin Coupe, the Porsche-Glöckler 356, and perhaps even the Durango 95, the Mayan Magnum features flowing lines, an ultra-low profile, and a smooth,rounded form that seems built to glide through the air. Subtle details, such as the Fiat-sourced wraparound windshield, enhance its futuristic character. The overall design is clean, elegant, and visually striking—standing in sharp contrast to the mass-produced cars of its era.
The Mayan Magnum is powered by a rear-mounted, large flat-six engine sourced from a Chevrolet Corvair. (Picture from: eBay)
Step inside, and you’ll find an interior that reflects the same imaginative spirit. The influence of aviation is immediately clear: low-back bucket seats, tan upholstery, a sculpted dashboard, and aircraft-inspired instrument placement all contribute to a cabin that feels more like a cockpit than a car interior. The VW Beetle’s influence is subtly present, too—in the floor layout and speedometer—blending the familiar with the fantastical.
The 1965 Mayan Magnum by Dean Ing is powered by a 2.4-liter flat-six engine from a Chevrolet Corvair, mounted on the chassis and paired with a Porsche-sourced gearbox. (Picture from: Hagerty)
Despite its obvious appeal, the Mayan Magnum never made it to production. It remained a personal passion project for Dean Ing, a handcrafted example of what could be achieved when creativity meets engineering skill. In 2021, the vehicle appeared at auction through Bring a Trailer, listed by the Ing family. However, with a top bid of $11,750, the reserve wasn’t met. Just a month later, the car finally found a buyer via eBay for $30,500—a modest sum for a machine with such originality and character.😉
The 1965 Mayan Magnum by Dean Ing was clearly influenced by European exotics, particularly the Maserati 450S Costin Coupe by Zagato and the Porsche-Glöckler 356 Coupe. (Picture from: eBay)
The Mayan Magnum may not be a household name today, but that doesn’t diminish its value as a rare gem of Jet Age imagination. Built entirely outside the realm of traditional car manufacturers, it stands as a testament to what one passionate individual can achieve with the right blend of creativity, knowledge, and determination. Dean Ing didn’t just design a car—he shaped a vision that captured the spirit of an era obsessed with speed, innovation, and the possibilities of tomorrow.
The Mayan Magnum feels like a true realization of its creator’s vision—featuring smooth, streamlined bodywork designed with aerodynamic efficiency in mind. (Picture from: Barnfinds)
What makes the Mayan Magnum truly special is how it blends everyday components with a level of design sophistication that rivals many factory-produced concept cars of its time. From its sleek, European-influenced exterior to its aviation-inspired interior, every detail reflects Dean Ing’s background in aeronautics and his fearless approach to design. This wasn’t a car built for mass appeal—it was built for the pure joy of invention and personal expression.
For those fortunate enough to see it in person, the Mayan Magnum is more than just a car—it’s a rolling piece of history, a physical embodiment of an optimistic era when the future seemed limitless. It's a reminder that innovation doesn't always come from big corporations or massive budgets. Sometimes, it comes from a garage, a dream, and someone daring enough to build something the world has never seen before. *** [EKA [01022022] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOEVOLUTION | HAGERTY | BRING A TRAILER | BARNFINDS | EBAY ]
