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

Thursday, February 27, 2020

Abarth's rarest experimental coupe

Italy has long been known as a suitable and pleasant country for the birth of the world's most beautiful and exotic motorized vehicles produced by many talented genius figures and renowned automotive companies over there.
The 1952 Abarth 1500 Biposto Coupe is also known as the first series of B.A.T. (Berlina Aerodinamica Technica) which features a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder inline engine, which can produce 75 horsepower. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/38RIOoH)
Well, on this occasion we will discuss about one of these beautiful and exotic vehicles, the Abarth 1500 Biposto Coupe which was built in 1952. As we all know, Abarth is a Turin-based auto company and known as one of of Fiat Group subsidiaries founded by Carlo Abarth on April 15, 1949 that has speciality of produces a variety of racing cars.
Front view of 1952 Abarth 1500 Biposto Coupe at the 2011 Amelia Island Concours. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2uYRKtS)
The Abarth 1500 Biposto is an experimental coupe designed by Franco Scaglione, who at that time worked for the Bertone design house. And when the Abarth 1500 Biposto was shown at the Turin Motor Show 1952, it  stole a lot of public attention due to its unusual appearance looks.
Right side view of 1952 Abarth 1500 Biposto Coupe at the 2011 Amelia Island Concours. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2uYWzmX)
The front of this car is an unforgettable sight, with triple headlights protruding forward with dynamic air intakes situated in-between. At first glance, it similar to the Tucker 48 or Torpedo concept car, along with thin rear fins. 

Its large rear window is a two-part design, separated by a thin center pillar, and melds gracefully into the rear section. The rear wings sport accented vertical tail fins that would become an extremely popular design feature in American cars in later years.  
Right side view of 1952 Abarth 1500 Biposto Coupe at the 2011 Amelia Island Concours. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2uYWzmX)
The car is also known as the first series of B.A.T. (Berlina Aerodinamica Technica) which features a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder inline engine, which can produce 75 horsepower, with an overhead valve and a double Weber carburetor. This engine is combined with a four-speed gearbox and drum brakes. 

And the Biposto design is believed to have inspired the B.A.T. series made by another Italian auto company, Alfa Romeo later on and off course in collaboration with Bertone.
Rear-right view of 1952 Abarth 1500 Biposto Coupe at the 2011 Amelia Island Concours. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/32iq8Ml)
After its succesfull performing at the Turin Motor Show, the Abarth 1500 Biposto prototype was then bought by an American auto company, Packard Motor Car Company and shipped to their headquarters in Detroit, where this unique design car was used to inspire their designs.
In mid-1953, the Abarth 1500 Biposto was given to automotive journalist Dick Smith as a gift for his idea for Packard's new advertising slogan. Smith rarely drove this gift car for two decades, before finally being neatly stored in his car storage garage.
Final achievement of the Abarth 1500 Biposto we've knew, ie was grab the Gran Turismo Trophy prestigious award at the 2010 Pebble Beach Concours D'Elegance, and featured in the famous Gran Turismo 6 racing game series. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FANDOM | CARFURITYCLIFF REUTER]
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Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Ever heard of the Porsche 916?

Everyone may know about the Porsche 911, and many also know the Porsche 914, but have you ever known about the Porsche 916 sports car? Not many people know about this Porsche car model. So in the Porsche cult, the figure of the 916 is among the rarest models and at the same time becomes one of the rarest cars in the world today. 
1972 Porsche 916 is known as one of the world's rarest cars today. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/39xWDZm)
The Porsche 916 takes over the raw body from the Porsche 914/6. The roof is permanently welded to the body. The fenders look widened to make enough room for the 7-inch wide light-alloy wheels. And the car is also fitted with the brakes and 2.4-liter fuel-injected engine that was built on a 915 type trans-axle.
1972 Porsche 916 made in limited number, ie 11 units and all of them were prototypes. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2ORgVoU)
When looking at the shape overall, then the car looks rather quirky because it has the sharply-stroke lines at the canopy and front fascia which is certainly different from other Porsche models that are dominantly rounded.
The cabin of 1972 Porsche 916 appeared with a simple design. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2uEeqPU)
In fact that it was the fastest sports car that Porsche had ever built and its engine able to spew power of up to 190 hp at 6,500 rpm, and its top speed could reach 145 mph which was pretty darned impressive back in the mid-1970s.

The Porsche 916 was built in 1972 in a very limited number, namely only 11 units, and all of them were prototypes. And among the 11 cars that were made, apparently, only one unit was sent to the United States and is now on display at the Automobile Atlanta Museum in Marietta, Georgia.
1972 Porsche 916 used a 2.4-liter fuel-injected engine that could be burst power of up to 190 hp at 6,500 rpm. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/38tfl4e)
It is unknown what causes the Porsche 916 not being produced by that German automotive manufacturer. It reported, that in the time, Porsche 916 was planned to have a retail price of $14,000.00, which would have made it the most expensive Porsche built up until that time.

Yes, it sounds like a ridiculously low number today but, when you compare it to the price of the best Porsche 911 of the day at $10,000.00 you quickly see that the 916 was in an expensive price range all by itself.
In other words, this car model was ruined by the price that was expensive so not suitable for its initial expectation, and finally, it was decided not to be mass-produced. In addition that this 916 model also thought would not be able to attract buyers and then the project was canceled shortly after the prototype was made. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SUPERCARS.NET | SPEAKING OF AUTOMOBILE ATLANTA | CARTHROTTLE]
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Monday, February 24, 2020

A nice classic racing car but didn't have a good career

Among the many racing cars of the 1960s that had an exotic appearance, there were made specifically under commissioned of the automotive enthusiasts who were thick-pocketed to be used as the excellent vehicles that were driven in the racing circuit.
1967 Bizzarrini P538 with a Lamborghini V12 engine at an auction event during 2004 in the United States. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2uTyXzV)
Now on this occasion, we will show a 1960s racing car that has its own uniqueness but thought not completely fulfill its potential as the racing car named Bizzarrini P538. The car was built under commissioned by the owner and constructed by Giotto Bizzarrini himself.
One of those rare Lamborghini V12 powered race cars, the Bizzarrini P538 located in the United States. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/37G4sut)
It was a mid-engined roofless racing car with a tubular steel chassis covered by a fiberglass body and did not have chassis numbers stamped on them. And could be said, this is a stunning car in look, however, it did not have a good race career.
The Lamborghini V12 engine mounted on one of the Bizzarrini P538 racecars. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2HySisR)
And the first P538 was commissioned by the American race car driver, Mike Gammino who intended to race it in the Can-Am series. Gammino wanted the Lamborghini V12 engine to be used because he liked that engine and because Giotto Bizzarrini was the designer of that engine. The Gammino P538 would be an all Bizzarrini race car, while the other used a Corvette 327 CID V8 engine.
This is a true racecar with a Lamborghini V12 engine, the 1967 Bizzarrini P538 model. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/37G4sut)
Originally introduced in late 1965 there have been many continuation cars made since the original four (although one of these four was likely made from parts from an earlier wrecked car). This is perhaps the last Bizzarrini made by Ing. Bizzarrini!
During its career on the circuit, the P538 was included in an unlucky car. Due to always been crashed and as a result did not have a successful race history. As far as we could tell, it was not the fault of the car itself instead most caused by some bad luck on the track and money problems as usual. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LAMBOCARS | MY CAR QUEST]
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Friday, February 21, 2020

A unique 1948 Mille Miglia racing car

Automotive history is filled with many "what if" stories, but nothing is more tempting than Cisitalia, which is officially known as the Compagnia Industriale Sportive Italia. The company was founded shortly after World War II by an Italian industrialist and experienced amateur racer named Piero Dusio, who wanted to take his racing expertise from a car made by his own company.
1947 Cisitalia 202 CMM with the chassis number of CMM-002 on display at the Gooding's 2016 Pebble Beach Auctions. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/39oZTGi)
But unlike Ferrari, the Cisitalia's first road car has created an international sensation. Yes, 1946 Cisitalia 202 was the first revolutionary grand tourer to apply the knowledge of Cisitalia racing know-how to an impossibly gorgeous and well-mannered road car.
Front-left side view of 1947 Cisitalia 202 CMM with the chassis number of CMM-002. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/39oZTGi)
But once it turns out there is a racing car that takes the basis of the car, which is a Cisitalia 202 CMM (Coupe Mille Miglia), one of the most striking examples of sleek and aerodynamic coachwork, and is a tangible proof of collaboration between engineer Dante Giacosa, designer Giovanni Savonuzzi and coachbuilder Alfredo Vignale.
Interior view of 1947 Cisitalia 202 CMM with the chassis number of CMM-002. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/39oZTGi)
The car's exterior fitted with a striking aerodynamic coupe featured with stingray-fin characteristics on the back such as one that applied on the first Batmobile or Alfa Romeo BAT car series in the 1950s.

As previously revealed, that this car was built based on the Cisitalia 202 which features a sophisticated chassis and also equipped with a modified Fiat 1100 mechanical unit. The Cisitalia 202 CMM car is made 2 units only with the intent to be used in endurance racing. So the first unit of the car was launched for the 1947 racing season.
Engine view of 1947 Cisitalia 202 CMM with the chassis number of CMM-002. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/39oZTGi)
While the second car with chassis number CMM-002 has been built for the Mille Miglia 1948 endurance race, which is driven by Piero Tarrufi and Domenico Rabbia.
Rear-right side view of 1947 Cisitalia 202 CMM with the chassis number of CMM-002. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/39oZTGi)
Unfortunately, it failed to finish in slippery Cisitalia. Following its contemporary racing career, it spent most of its life in the Japanese collector's golden cages, making it rarely seen by the public.
But in 2016, the 1948 Cisitalia 202 CMM was auctioned to the public for the first time, with a pre-auction estimate price of the US. $2 million to $3 million, or approximately Rp.26.2 billion to Rp.39.4 billion. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ULTIMATECARPAGE | MOTOR1]
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Monday, February 17, 2020

This rare car is another form of Porsche 944

Rarity is one of the special values ​​that become one of the benchmarks in the world's automotive to determine the car's price. Obviously, with scarcity, will certainly add to the uniqueness and special taste of the car and give the owner its own prestige.

Imagine, if you drive a car with only 5 units in the world, and of course, it would be very different if you drive with ordinary cars that are often found on the streets. Surely it would be more fun and maybe increase your confidence if you could drive that rare car.
The Heynsdyk 2500 SF is an open sportscar built based on Porsche 944 in a limited number of only 17 units. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2UGyOKK)
One example of a good rare car is a roadster made by a sports car manufacturer from the Netherlands named Heijnsdijk Sportscars. Maybe just by looking at the company name some of us have never known it, let alone the car produced by it. It guaranteed, must be some of you have never seen it before. But unfortunately, the company reportedly went bankrupt and stopped all of its business activities in 2012.

Yes, the company has ever made a sportscar known as the Heynsdyk 2500SF, and it said has a synergistic design between classic and contemporary styles, and arguably combines the design of the BMW Z series with the Wiesmann Roadster, which was later given accents in the style of antique racing cars of the 1940s and 1950s. And the result? Quite unique and looks different from other exotic roadsters ever!
The Heynsdyk 2500 SF has the 2,500 cc, 4 cyl, 163 HP engine, and 5-speed manual gearbox. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2UGyOKK)
The first prototype was carefully hand-modeled in steel by Heijnsdijk Sportscars' founder Ronald Heijnsdijk. Not for nothing that he won the second price in the category innovation during the Dutch Design Week in 2008.

Who would have thought from behind its body, there's a Porsche famous sportscar, which is more precisely the Porsche 944. Well, the Heynsdyk 2500SF is actually a kit car, which was built on the basis of the 1980s Porsche 944, and still using the frame, and of course drive by its original engine.
The Heynsdyk 2500 SF is said able to accelerate from 0 to 96 kph in just 6 seconds. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2UGyOKK)
And what makes this 2500SF figure different from the Porsche 944, is that Hensdyk built it by using galvanized steel, so making it lighter and sturdier than the original Porsche 944. However, this car uses an engine with a capacity of 2,500 cc from the Porsche S version. This engine can spew power up to 163 horsepower which then easily makes the 2500SF accelerate from 0 to 96 kph in just 6 seconds.
However, another major advantage of Heynsdyk 2500 SF is the price! If you buy the kit only, the price was only around $ 20,000, and of course, you have to buy a Porsche 944 or 944S first. If you want a complete package? It's cost you around $50,000! As quoted from ERclassics, it is known that this Dutch automotive company built this sports car in a limited number of only 17 units.

Although sold at a fairly high price. In our opinion, you can buy a new BMW car series by spending that money. But if you still want to own this unique car, of course, that will be an equivalent value for a rare car isn't! *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SUPERCARS.NET | ERCLASSICS.COM | FRANKYEMTLAAAAT! | THE COOLIST]
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Saturday, February 8, 2020

This electric version of Porsche 910 classic able to speed up to 300 kph

Of course for the classic car enthusiasts, the figure of a Porsche 910 classic racing car is not something unfamiliar. The Porsche classic car originally built in the 1960s as the racing car and based on the Porsche 906 model. This car is produced in a limited number, which is as many as 29 units.
This electric version of Porsche 910 classic able to speed up to 300 kph. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3bdmmb7)
The cars are seen passing fast in several European racing circuits in a very short time, between 1966 and 1967 with some quite impressive achievement records, namely by winning several racing competitions like the 1000 km Nürburgring and several European's Hillclimb series in 1967.
This electric-powered Kreisel Evex 910e price soars dramatically to US $1.07 million or around Rp.14.2 billion. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3bdmmb7)
In the end, there's a piece of good news when an Austrian company called Kreisel Electric in collaboration with Evex Fahrzeugbau, a German automotive company is rebuilt the Porsche 910 model by using the electric drive which was then called the Kreisel Evex 910E in 2017. Just for info, the Austrian company has ever produced an electric version of the Mercedes Benz G Class which later used by one of Hollywood's famous actors, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The all-electric performance of the car is also impressive thanks to the high-energy-density 53 kWh battery pack that they managed to fit in a 1,100 kg (2,400 lbs) car. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3bdmmb7)
As quoted from Motor1, when viewed from its physical appearance, this fully electric-powered car looks similar to the original Porsche 910 but it can be sure this car may pass on public roads, thanks to the electric power it carries. To make the electric version, so the Porsche 910 sports car should be experienced a total modification mainly to swap its conventional engine to the electric drive system so that it fully uses electricity.
The all-electric performance of the car is also impressive thanks to the high-energy-density 53 kWh battery pack that they managed to fit in a 1,100 kg (2,400 lbs) car. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2upIYo9)
Reportedly as well, due to the application of the electric drive system in it so made the car's price soar dramatically to US $1.07 million or around Rp.14.2 billion. And to support the car's performance, Kriesel installed a 53 kWh battery system to supply power to the electric motors so as able to produce power of up to 483 hp and torque of 770 Nm. And then the power is channeled to the wheels through a two-speed transmission system.
This electric-powered Kreisel Evex 910e that were originally produced only 35 units, and later 4 units were built by Evex. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3bdmmb7)
By using those power, so the 910e is claimed to be able to accelerate from 0-100 kilometers per hour with a record time of 2.5 seconds with top speed through to reach 300 kph. While the car's cruising range reaching as far as 350 km for a single battery recharged.

As for the exterior design of the car, Kriesel entrusted it to Evex Fahrzeugbau, a German automotive company to make changes that were felt necessary to some parts of the car. The vintage style was also maintained like its original car style. Yes, making slight adjustments from the side of the frame due to the use of conventional engines are different from electric drives.
The company said that only 35 units were originally produced, and later 4 units were built by Evex. Finally, this electric-powered Kreisel Evex 910e had debuted at the Techno Classica 2017 in Essen, Germany and sat calmly side by side with a conventional engined Porsche 910 replica. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KRIESEL ELECTRIC | EVEX | WIKIPEDIA | MOTOR1]
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Sunday, January 26, 2020

One of Brazilian's classic streamlined sports cars

Bianco is a Brazilian automotive company which was officially established at the Sao Paulo International Motor Show 1976. The company was founded by Ottorino (Toni) Bianco, a famous Brazilian racing car designer and is considered the first car designer for Formula 3 Brazil.

Bianco then produce cars with the body that utilizing the combination of reinforced plastic and fiberglass materials, while the machines and mechanisms taken from Volkswagen. The most important and best known models from these manufacturers are Bianco S 'Furia' and Bianco Tarpan.
1976 Bianco S 'Furia'. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1ZsnTd)
By taking inspiration from the European style and design guidelines handbuilt, Bianco S 'Furia' produced only about 20 units per month. Bianco S is also featured in a number of international auto show, and became famous because of the unique body shape and sporty.

Furia is also recognized as a model of Bianco's most well known (especially in Brazil and most of South America), and is regarded as the top models of the company. In its inaugural debut at the New York Auto Show 1976, it was reported that more than 180 units of Bianco S 'Furia' were sold, it marked the highest sales achievement only a few months after the company was established.
Interior view of 1976 Bianco S 'Furia'. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1ZsnTd)
Bianco enjoyed their success in the Brazilian automotive market in the mid-1970s, but unfortunately because of disagreements among several owners, then Bianco was eventually forced to shut down by the end of 1979.
Engine compartement of 1976 Bianco S 'Furia'. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1ZsnTd)
Bianco S 'Furia' has a body made of reinforced plastic that combined with fiberglass material, featuring flowing design lines and is dominated by the large glass, front trunklid, large side door and the rear lights are adopted from some models of GM cars in that era.
Rear side view of 1976 Bianco S 'Furia'. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1ZsnTd)
In addition, Bianco S 'Furia' has many safety features such as roll bars and sheetmetal seat on both sides to reduce the impact of collisions. These cars produced by handmade, and featuring distinctive features such as the wooden steeringwheel, bucket seats, center console, large-sized wheels and luxurious leather seats.

For the machinery sector, Bianco S 'Furia' powered by a horizontal four-cylinder, air-cooled engine from Volkswagen with a capacity of 1,600 cc, and dual carburetors adopted from the VW Beetle. This machine is capable of spewing the power up to 65 horsepower, with acceleration from 0-100 km/h within 17.7 seconds before reaching a maximum speed of 146 km/h.
Now the car is fairly rare, with a population of about 186 units were ever built, is currently estimated there are only about 50 units of Bianco S 'Furia' remaining, and most of them in Brazil and several countries in South America and the United States. *** [EKA [070516] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BRING A TRAILLER]
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Thursday, January 23, 2020

You've been lucky, if could be see one of these cars

Maybe you are wondering, why did we make the title of the article like that? This was intentional because it was to show how scarce the following cars were. So it is very rare for people to see it passing on the streets at this time.
The rarest 2007 Blastolene B-702, this unique shaped car inspired by the 1930s French car, designed by Michael Leeds and Randy Grubb. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2tANCvJ)
Like the unique shaped car above named 2007 Blastolene B-702 or known as the best art-deco costumized car ever, it was designed by Michael Leeds and Randy Grubb. The following cars were rare, unloved, forgotten but somehow extremely cool and interesting models that deserve to be dragged into the light and shown to the public once more.

So, here they are – 6 classic sports cars you probably didn’t know ever existed.

1. Melkus RS 1000
The first sports car came from the eastern bloc communist countries which were known to be very closed during the cold war era. So it is very rare to hear the production of sports cars made by these countries. Until one day in the East Germany, there's an automotive engineer named Heinz Melkus designed a very capable and attractive sports coupe car and convinced the Wartburg factory to produce a limited number of these sports cars.
1969 Melkus RS1000. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2GMiCRP)
By using the Wartburg 353 as a basis, Melkus designed and fabricated independent front and rear suspension, roll-bars and close ratio 5-speed gearbox. And then the 992 ccm engine was tuned to produce 68 hp and mounted behind the driver sending its power to rear wheels, instead to front like in its basis car Wartburg 353.

Melkus also designed and manufactured lightweight fiberglass body which featured modern design and low profile. The car was called Melkus RS 1000 and it was introduced for the first time in 1969. To be honest, for 1969s standards this was an extremely advanced sports car, however underpowered with just 68 hp of power.
Left side view of 1969 Melkus RS1000. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2GMiCRP)
The production ended in 1979 after 101 cars were made. The Melkus RS 1000 was extremely expensive for East European standards which also explains why the car made in limited production. Most the sports cars were bought by the auto sports teams and raced in local championships.

And it's rumoured, the car company has been revived by making the Melkus RS2000 and shown it for the first time at the 2009 Frankfurt International Motor Show.

2. Kellison J6
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, fiberglass body construction stopped being high tech process exclusive to established manufacturers and became something you could do in your garage. This influenced numerous small companies to start offering their plastic bodies to be mounted on regular car chassis creating a unique and interesting design.

1965 Kellison J6. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Srhoga)
There's an auto company named Kellison established in the early 1950s, the company produced several successful kits for installation on popular models, but in early 1960s the company introduced the J6. The J6 could be bought as a kit or a fully built car, making Kellison a boutique car manufacturer.

The J6 was based on Corvette frame but Kellison didn’t just re-body the ‘Vette. They moved the engine further back in the chassis, changed the suspension, installed larger brakes and different interior making J6 better handling and even faster since J6 body was somewhat lighter than stock Corvette.
Rear side view of 1965 Kellison J6. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2TmI7z0)
This conversion was pretty popular and over 500 bodies or cars were built. The J6 was very successful in hands of private racing teams since it offered Corvette power in better handling package.

3. ASA 1000 GT
This little Italian sports car was once considered the next big thing in the car industry when it was introduced in 1962. Then it known as “Ferrarina” (little Ferrari), the ASA 1000 GT was exactly that since it was built on tubular chassis with lightweight body and engine designed by then Ferrari engineer Giotto Bizzarinni.
1964 ASA 1000 GT 'Ferrarina' by Carrozzeria Bertone. (Picture from: RM.Sotheby)
It had four-wheel disc brakes, sports suspension, and nicely trimmed interior. Under the hood was the 1.03-liter four cylinder engine capable to spew 93 hp of power. However, despite the big initial interest by the world's automotive customers, the car production stopped in 1967 after only 95 examples were built. Today, this Ferrarina is highly praised by collectors and car historians.

4. Matra Djet
Virtually unknown outside of France, Matra was a very innovative and influential car manufacturer in the country. Originally, the company was dedicated to airplane and military production but then it built cars and developed concepts for another French automotive manufacturers such as Renault, for example.
1965 Matra Djet. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2GLs8F1)
In 1965, Matra took over the Djet project from racer Rene Bonnet and introduced it to the public as the first mid-engined production car in the world. In those days, the concept of mid-engined cars was reduced to racing prototypes and Matra decided to introduce similar cars for the road.
Rear side view of 1965 Matra Djet. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2GLs8F1)
The car custom built chassis with diminutive Renault 8 engine may look slow today, but since the car only weighed 660 kg it was pretty fast in those day. Matra Djet was a very influential car since it showed the world a new engineering concept which was later accepted by all leading world's sports car manufacturers.

5. Cheetah
The global success of Shelby Cobra inspired many American race car builders to build a similar car which could compete on international level. From this perspective, nobody came close to beating the Cobra.
Bill Thomas Cheetah GT. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2ICRR4h)
But Bill Thomas, a famous Chevrolet tuner and race car builder was a serious candidate. Unfortunately, due to various circumstances, the Cheetah was never given a proper chance. As you know, Chevrolet and GM pulled out of racing in 1963 but several independent race shops worked for GM`s back door programs in which the company supported the private racing teams with racing know-how or special racing parts.
Right side view of Bill Thomas Cheetah GT. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2ICRR4h)
Bill Thomas’ shop was one of those outfits and he decided to build a Cobra competitor with Chevrolet power. That is how the Cheetah was born. Built on special lightweight chassis with a small block V8 moved as far back as possible and covered in a light fiberglass body, the Cheetah looked and performed as a race car.

Despite some overheating problems, the Cheetah was a remarkable performer and won some lower rank races and even the 1968 SCCA championship. Unfortunately, lack of support, mechanical problems and even a fire at the shop in California stopped the production after around 20 cars were built.

6. Marcos GT
The car produced from 1964 to 1971 and again from 1981 to 1990. Marcos GT was the most popular and interesting model from the British auto company named Marcos Engineering Ltd. Basically, a kit car built on custom chassis but with choice of engines, Marcos GT was relatively cheap but capable sports car with aggressive styling, low weight, and decent performance.
1967 Marcos GT. (Picture from: Hemmings)
The GT could be had with numerous engines, mostly by Ford and lineup started with small 1.5 or 1.6-liter four-cylinders. However, if you want to experience full potential, the buyers needed to opt for 3.0-liter V6 from Ford or Volvo. For a brief period of time, Marcos GT was offered on the American market with Volvo`s straight six but not many cars were sold. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTOR-JUNKIE]
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