Looking at a row of racing cars of the 1940s that have a unique and unusual shape is very pleasant for us. Especially cars manufactured by Italian automotive manufacturers.
One of them was a racing car that could be said success in various racing events at the time named the Fiat Stanguellini 1100 Sports Ala d’Oro (where Ala d'Oro is the Italian words means 'golden wing').
1943 Fiat Stanguellini 1100 Sports Barchetta Ala d'Oro. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/33KjoHN)
The cars were initially built by Fiat in 1934 and sold as the 508 S models. Then the exotic-styled roadster and coupe models were built based on the 508 S models done by Automobili Stanguellini, a small sports car maker based in Modena.
Front view of 1943 Fiat Stanguellini 1100 Sports Barchetta Ala d'Oro. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/33KjoHN)
The company was founded by Vittorio Stanguellini. It was most active between 1946 and 1960 and continued to produce competition cars until 1981 when Vittorio Stanguellini died; thenceforth, the company devoted to vintage cars.
Rear side view of 1943 Fiat Stanguellini 1100 Sports Barchetta Ala d'Oro. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/33KjoHN)
The first model known as the Stanguellini Sports Barchetta Ala d’Oro was born in 1943 out of the imagination of Francesco Stanguellini, a son of the company founder, Vittorio Stanguellini. The Italian company, despite its small size, enjoyed a glorious history of victories, even over its more famous 'cousins' at Ferrari.
1946 Fiat Stanguellini 1100 Sports Berlinetta Ala d'Oro. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3dpopd4)
Francesco had a passion for race cars and was described as 'the engine wizard' by the press for his ability to build light and powerful cars by transforming other models’ frames and engines. One day he drew the first sketch of this splendid vehicle by using a 1,110cc 4-cylinder Fiat's engine.
Left side view of 1946 Fiat Stanguellini 1100 Sports Berlinetta Ala d'Oro. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3dpopd4)
The engine was capable to burst power of up to 45hp and make it run to 185 kilometers per hour at top speed. So the cars which would win the Italian Sportscar Championship in 1946 and 1947.
Rearview of 1946 Fiat Stanguellini 1100 Sports Berlinetta Ala d'Oro. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3dpopd4)
The second sports models is the Stanguellini Sports Berlinetta Ala d’Oro equipped with a very special dynamic hardtop that was often used by drivers for endurance and road races such as the 1000 Miglia.
In 1946 it was purchased by Cornelio Corazza di Treviglio who re-registered it with RE 131665 plates, it is at this time that the car underwent the replacement of the engine (currently mounted) and was re-bodied by the Carrozzeria Ala d'Oro.
These two wonderful designs of the Ala d’Oro still lets the world's classic car enthusiast imagination soar until today. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ITALIAN WAYS | ROUTEVECCHIE | AQUARAMABEC | COACHBUILD]
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It turns out that the Tesla Cybertruck was not the first vehicle to apply an unusual shape. At least the shape of the front fascia that is almost similar to the pull of sharp and tapered lines turned out to have also been a trend in the automotive industry in the 1970s to early 1980s.
Lamborghini Athon Concept by Bertone appeared with the front fascia designed in the pull of sharp and tapered lines. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/39UzGjy)
Apparently, this also invited the interest of Lamborghini to design and make a concept car in 1980, which was named the Lamborghini Athon Concept. Like not wanting to lose from the others, the Italian car manufacturer which is famous for producing supercars has also once offered a radical concept and was named after an ancient Egyptian sun god.
Lamborghini Athon Concept by Bertone uses a 3-liter V8 engine, which is capable of spraying power of 260 horsepower only. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/39XZhrT)
During the late 1970s, Automobili Lamborghini was having financial difficulties and slowly went into bankruptcy and made some car enthusiasts were surprised when the dream car was introduced. Indeed, not many people know about this Lamborghini concept car. For his time, the Athon's unique figure looked very futuristic. This Athon concept car was made based on Lamborghini Silhouette P300 which was produced between 1976 and 1979 as many as 55 units.
Inside the cabin of Lamborghini Athon Concept by Bertone featured the futuristic-styled steering wheel and panels, so made it is one of the attractive futuristic sports car designs at the time. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2WiAcUy)
Yes, the raging bull logoed premium car manufacturer then collaborated with its compatriot coachbuilder company Bertone to create a tapered-designed and accompanied with the futuristic-styled panels in its cabin, so made this Lamborghini concept car is one of the attractive futuristic sports car designs at the time.
Lamborghini Athon Concept by Bertone was designed by Marc Deschamps, Marcello Gandini’s successor, and introduced at the 1980 Turin Motor Show. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2WiAcUy)
But unfortunately, it doesn't seem to work due to the Athon isn't as fast as other Lambo models. Although the car concept uses a 3-liter V8 engine accompanied with the 5-speed manual transmission system, which is only capable of spraying power of 260 horsepower. With those engine powers, the car could reach top speeds of 70 miles per hour and could go from 0-60 in 7.3 seconds. So the car then made only one.
If you pay close attention, the steering wheel design of this car looks as if it is floating. All of that thanks to the accuracy of the design, if at a certain angle the steering wheel looks floating. In addition, the car gear lever also has a unique shape such as the folding knife handle, there's also a touchscreen instrumental panel and even a phone.
If you are wondering what happened to the Athon, it was auctioned by RM Sotheby’s in 2011 and managed to fetch €347,200 ($392,700). At that moment, the car was in "absolutely original condition" and hopefully it remains the same to this day. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTOR1 | THE THINGS | THE AUTOBODY REVIEW]
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Development of V8 engined cars carried out by Automobili Ferruccio Lamborghini S.p.A. does not stop with the Urraco model. It has not been able to produce the best model yet, although the development process has cost a lot of money including funds from Ferruccio himself and the company.
It was more crucial and critical that the company's finances at that time were not in good condition where the sales figures could not compensate for its large investments, even after the Urraco P300 model was introduced. Even worse, the factory was not in a position to consider replacing Urraco at that time.
1976 Lamborghini Silhouette designed by Marcello Gandini of Carrozzeria Bertone. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/33w9nxC)
Ferruccio still believes that the more mainstream models could succeed and make more money than the exotic V12 supercars, so he asked Bertone to redesign the Urraco P300 into a different looking car, so as to be able to drive sales to a level that would boost sales to a level that would finally create some decent return on the massive investment in the development of the V8 engined cars.
Then Bertone prepared the first prototype which was projected as the Urraco's successor. The prototype was displaying the extension of the round wheel arches and modified rear window, further development of this initial concept leads to the figure that came to be known as the very special Lamborghini Silhouette which was first shown to the public at the 1976 Geneva Auto Show.
1976 Lamborghini Silhouette was a targa-style version of the Urraco P300. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/33w9nxC)
The refurbished model still clearly showed its Urraco origins but took the original design several years into the future. The Silhouette would become the first production Lamborghini featuring a removable roof section creating a convertible model.
Only one downturn on this configuration is the removal of the rear seats and for the Lamborghini Silhouette, the configuration changes into two seats by making enough space to store its removable roof section in the rear, where those two removed seats located before.
Then in the interior of the Silhouette, there was a significant improvement over the previous Urraco model, such as the use of a magnificent new bucket seat, far more stylish with an aggressive exterior. But the use of standard fabrics is still used with a beautiful vertical line in the middle of the chair and backrest.
The steering wheel and dashboard view of 1976 Lamborghini Silhouette. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2vwtvTS)
Although the interior was changed to a more ergonomic style with a new dashboard that tilted slightly towards the driver, the use of genuine leather for the interior is still optional for the Silhouette. Imagine being caught in some heavy rain with a cloth interior. It could be a problem if you didn’t bring those beach towels with you.
Shifting on the exterior, the impressive deep front spoiler with similar styled, squared-off wheel arch extensions as needed to cover the innovative telephone dial wheels shod with state of the art Pirelli P7 tires, 285 mm wide at the rear. Then the wheel size increased from the original 14 inches to a larger 15 inches, while the overall width of the rim rose to 11 inches at the rear.
1976 Lamborghini Silhouette used a V8 engine derived from the Urraco P300 is driven up to 265 hp. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/33w9nxC)
Then the entire suspension geometry was modified to keep those 285 mm of Italian rubber as flat as possible on the road and maintain full traction on the wide rear wheel at all times. The Miura inspired engine cover design from the Urraco was lost during the redesign, and a new tunnel back was introduced incorporating a rollover cage to comply with safety regulations for open-top cars.
While the engine is derived from the Urraco P300 but is driven up to 265 hp which means adding weight from the substantial modifications needed to the chassis to go roof-less, it does not mean that the Silhouette would stay behind the Urraco P300 when driving on the open road.
1976 Lamborghini Silhouettewas kept in production for only two years, with a total at no more than
52 units from which only 27 to 31 are believed to have survived today. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/33w9nxC)
Overall, this should be a good idea of open-top driving a true Lamborghini very appealing to potential buyers, but the Silhouette couldn’t fulfill its high hopes. So it does not make the company's financial condition better, due to Lamborghini couldn’t convince customers to buy the Silhouette. And even worse is the fact that the company was unable to certify the Silhouette for sale in the United States, possibly the biggest market for this kind of Lamborghini.
The Lamborghini Silhouette was kept in production for only two years, with a total at no more than 52 units from which only 27 to 31 are believed to have survived today. And it is not surprising that this model is now included in one of the rare Lamborghini models so to get it requires more effort at a high cost too, just like the whole experience of the V8 engined car development that was carried out by the late Ferruccio back in the Seventies.
However, the development efforts of the V8 engined car by the Italian premium car manufacturer have not stopped at the Lamborghini Urraco and Silhouette even though production stopped in 1979. Then the last reincarnation of the V8 engined model was continued on the Lamborghini Jalpa which was first introduced at the Geneva Motor Show 1981. And the final model of V8-engined car would show some decent production numbers outselling all its predecessors several times over. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LAMBO CARS | SUPERCARS.NET]
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Design modifications often attract the attention of automotive enthusiasts. Because not only presents a design that is more okay and new, design modifications often provide inspiration for modification enthusiasts. But have you ever imagined if the Porsche 911 was modified to be an offroad car?
If you never imagine it, try to see this Porsche modification which is guaranteed to change the total look of the car to be cooler. Because with a touch of almost the entire body to make a German-born car this one is very different as a result of Gemballa's creations.
This fierce-look Gemballa Avalanche 4x4 dirt-monster concept made based on the Porsche 911. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2QiRFZs)
Gemballa, one of the leading automotive tuners managed to modify the Porsche 911 by changing its appearance to a 4x4 off-road car. The results of the car modification became known as the Gemballa Avalanche 4x4 Concept.
However, the automotive tuner did not provide information about the change package embedded in the Porsche 911. However, the exterior design of the modified Porsche 911 looks like a rally car.
Call it on the bonnet which is replaced with a new bonnet with ventilation that can remove the heat from the engine properly. In addition, the part of the roof was changed in order to be able to cut the wind well.
The Gemballa Avalanche 4x4 Concept' body presenting a stronger impression in each corner by adding wide wings to the rear to add the tough impression. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2QiRFZs)
Then, the composition is done on the body by presenting a stronger impression in each corner and adding wide wings to the rear to add the impression of being tough and able to cut the wind perfectly, so as to increase performance.
Sebuah kiriman dibagikan oleh GEMBALLA (@gemballainstagram) pada
Then the tuner also overhauled the legs of the car by replacing a new suspension and using tough tires that can be used in any terrain area, especially muddy lanes. This means that the car is deliberately designed to be able to devour all-terrain, even more so Gemballa Avalanche will carry the 4x4 wheel drive.
But unfortunately, the special Porsche automotive tuner did not provide complete information about the release date or production of the modified Porsche 911. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GEMBALLA | AUTOBLOG | HYPERBEAST]
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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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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.
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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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 | CARFURITY | CLIFF REUTER]
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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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The company was founded by Vittorio Stanguellini. It was most active between 1946 and 1960 and continued to produce competition cars until 1981 when Vittorio Stanguellini died; thenceforth, the company devoted to vintage cars.
