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

Friday, March 13, 2020

The last Bugatti Type 101 by Virgil Exner

As stated in the previous article, regarding the rise of the French premium car manufacturers in the post-war period. At that time the manufacturer in difficult times and tried to regain a place of honor in the world automotive industry through its famous model, Bugatti Type 101.
The 1965 Bugatti Type 101C Ghia was was designed by Virgil Exner and built by the Italian coachbuilder Ghia. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2TR4c79)
These models were built using the basis of the legendary Bugatti Type 57 Pre-War model. In total there were 7 chassis of Type 57 Pre-War built and bodied by three different coachbuilders, such as Gangloff, Guilloré, and Antem before the company sank into bankruptcy.
Sketch of the Bugatti Type 101C Ghia is made by Virgil Exner. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2vGRcct)
The last Type 101 was designed by Virgil Exner then built by the Italian coachbuilder Ghia atop the legendary Type 57 Pre-War chassis with the chassis number of 101-506 and later known as Bugatti Type 101C Ghia. It was exhibited at the 1965 Turin Motor Show in an attempt to revive the brand, but financing could not be arranged and production plans were scrapped. In the end, the car sold to Exner, and he owned the car for many years.
This Bugatti Type 101C Ghia was exhibited for the first time at the 1965 Turin Motor Show in an attempt to revive the brand(Picture from: http://bit.ly/2vGRcct)
It all began in December 1963, when Virgil Exner in Esquire published a series of seven design proposals to revive classic cars (mostly Americans) drawn according to modern tastes. Where four models in-between successfully transformed into a full-size car by Virgil Exner himself, namely Stutz Blackhawk, Duesenberg Model D, Mercer-Cobra and this Bugatti Type 101C Ghia.
The 1965 Bugatti Type 101C Ghia also featured the sporty high-class dashboard. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2vGRcct)
For the Bugatti case, he then sent the chassis he bought in 1961 to Ghia, to realize the car figure in accordance with his previous design. Then at the Ghia atelier, the Type 101 chassis were shortened by a full 460mm and the steel bodywork with Virgil’s design was placed on it with only minor changes, namely the side-mounted exhaust pipes and raked windshield (which gave place to a tasteful split windscreen).
The 1965 Bugatti Type 101C Ghia used a slightly updated version of the 3,257 cc straight-8 supercharged engine, producing around 200 hp(Picture from: http://bit.ly/2vGRcct)
After 6 months of work, the work was completed presented at the 1965 Turin Motor Show, at that time there were 50 buyers signed up for the car, and said Elvis Presley the most notorious among them.
The rear-design of 1965 Bugatti Type 101C Ghia is also very "sexy," with the slim and high rear end. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2vGRcct)
Unfortunately, Exner fell into financial problems before the production could start and the project was aborted, the car is taken as a part of the payment for debts. Exner was obliged to sell the car to Thomas Barett III, who after that sold it to Irving Tushinsky and subsequently to Mr. Anderson. 

The Blackhawk Behring Museum bought it in about 1984 and sold it in December 1988 to General William Lyon, its current owner who also owns the famous Type 10 Petit Pur-Sang, the first real Bugatti which Ettore built in the basement of his house while working as a manager for Deutz, two years before the foundation of his factory. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTO.HOWSTUFFWORKS | DRIVETRIBE | WIKIPEDIA | CARSTYLING.RU | ALLCARINDEX | SPECIALCARSTORE]
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Monday, March 9, 2020

The unique torpedo-likened car of the 1960s

You are certainly familiar with an Italian designer named Giovanni Michelotti, who works more as an independent designer and has designed many famous vehicles from various world-renowned automaker brands. 
1968 DAF 55 Siluro designed by Giovanni Michelotti made its first debut at the 1968 Geneva Motorshow. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/39myrJQ)
One of the concept vehicles ever designed by him is the DAF 55 Siluro (the name derived from an Italian word which roughly means 'Torpedo'), due to the car has a unique design with long sloping silhouette lines that runs on both sides of the exterior and hood.
1968 DAF 55 Siluro has a unique design with long sloping silhouette lines that runs on both sides of the exterior and hood. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Iukr53)
The DAF 55 Siluro made its first debut at the 1968 Geneva Motorshow and has not seen in public since then until the last appearance at the 2005 AutoRAI held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Yes, after being sat silently for almost 37 years, The car was later re-appeared as memorabilia for Giovanni Michelotti, who was known to have died suddenly in 1980.
The steering wheel and dashboard view of 1968 DAF 55 Siluro. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Iukr53)
Before starting to design this Siluro, Michelotti had worked as a consultant for the Dutch automotive company, DAF. During his work, he is known to have designed cars made by Dutch manufacturers such as DAF 44 and 55.
1968 DAF 55 Siluro is used 1,108 cc inline four-cylinder engine coupled with DAF's unique Variomatic Transmission system. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Iukr53)
One of the most remarkable features embedded in the figure of this tiny sedan is an automatic transmission system called Variomatic Transmission, which allows the car to run at the same speed in forward or reverse conditions.

The DAF Siluro is built based on the DAF 55 Coupe platform with a capacity of four passengers, used a 1,108 cc inline four-cylinder engine, capable of producing power of 50 bhp at 5,000 rpm. This engine is combined with DAF's unique Variomatic Transmission system.
Rearview of 1968 DAF 55 Siluro. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Iukr53)
DAF manufacturing production has stopped a few years ago. When it was rediscovered, Siluro was in poor condition and needed a lot of repairs. Because many of the Siluro parts were made by Michelotti, restoring this prototype car became a pretty heavy task. However, thanks to generous sponsors, DAF Siluro was finally returned to its original condition.
At present, DAF Siluro's unique car is stored and displayed permanently at the DAF Museum, which is located at Tongelresestraat 27, Eindhoven, The Netherlands. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SUPERCARS.NET | UNIQUE CARS AND PARTS]
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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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