Daroo, it hard to deny its attention-grabbing appeal

At this time we will still discuss the figure of the cars that have a unique appearance and look different from existing cars in general. Still from the American automotive manufacturer, this time it's Dodge's turn. Of course, you still remember other Dodge's cars named Deora I which later inspired the birth of Deora II.

1968 Dodge Daroo I (right) and Dodge Daroo II (left) show cars. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2UVUm4p)

The Dodge's car which we will discuss this time has a name that is no less unique than the Dodge's car was mentioned earlier. The car was given the name of Dodge Daroo, where the name meant arrows and spears, and its pointed nose certainly emphasized the name.

Dodge Daroo I

The Daroo I show car first appeared before the public of the world's automotive enthusiasts in 1968 and was said to be one of the wildest factory show cars of the 1960s. This car is the result of a collaboration between Dodge's design manager at the time, Bill Brownlie and George Barris, Hollywood’s self-professed "King of the Kustomizers."

1968 Dodge Daroo I in the first appearance with a brilliant golden-orange color called Pearl Honey Yellow. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/348wP4l)

At that time the car appeared with a radical appearance with a cut-off roof and glass, pointed nose, and pile of speed, it was difficult to find the Dart under all the swoopy bodywork. This car was built based on the 1967 Dart GT Convertible, which was then shortened 10-inches at the rear by Barris and lengthened 17-inches in front, then formed a deep V-shaped nose.

1968 Dodge Daroo I show car then change the paint with a fresh lime green color. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/348wP4l)

The car first was finished in a brilliant golden-orange color called Pearl Honey Yellow. The Daroo was such a hit that it received a mild facelift and fresh lime green paint and was sent back out for a second year-long tour. The car was then retired from show duty and fortunately, still exists today in the hands of a private collector.

Dodge Daroo II

This Daroo's second car show was present shortly after the first one was finished, which then created a bit of confusion about the identity of Daroo I. Given the original Daroo show car was in great demand for the same appearance so that a similar second car was launched simultaneously.

1968 Dodge Daroo I in its unusual appearance with a sporting red paint. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2x0RcEx)

The presence of this car show clearly shows the desire of Dodge stylists for a true roadster. And the Daroo II show car made of the same Dart GT and appeared in a sporting red paint with more boxy-shaped, with no door glass, and no backlight. It seems that was a practical way to accommodate how to get in-out of the car by jumping through the window.

1968 Dodge Daroo II show car has a flatten trunkless rear deck and featured with twin competition-style fuel fillers. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2UVUm4p)

Daroo II was only 42 inches high with a chopped, frameless windshield, and featured a 15-inch-wide air foil-molded roll bar that connected via lengthy pillars to the rear deck lid spoiler. Then to accentuate the flat, trunkless rear deck, an elevated panel with twin competition-style fuel fillers on both sides ran the length of the car from the rear window opening back.

The both car's power sources were respectively used a 340-cubic-inch, 275-hp. V-8 engine with single four-barrel carburetion, and dual exhausts. They were operable like normal cars, so hard to deny its attention-grabbing appeal. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSTYLING.RU | BLOG DODGE]

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Vex is a Porsche Boxster wrapped in Gagliardi's custom widebody kit

Maybe all this time we only know that the existence of exotic cars can only be done by automotive manufacturers such as Bugatti, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and many others. In reality, not everyone can have exotic cars from those well-known manufacturers, keeping in mind its fantastic price.

This gorgeous Gagliardi Vex was a custom car built by Gagliardi Design and based on the used Porsche Boxter 987. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2UwYNnc)

It created a niche that is then immediately accommodated by those who see it as an opportunity that should be filled. This is what we can see in the following beautiful car, at first glance it has an extraordinary appearance that immediately reminds us of the figure of exorbitant-priced Italian-made exotic supercars.

But who would have thought it was a custom car built by Gagliardi Design named Gagliardi Vex. Well, this custom car was built based on the used Porsche Boxter 987.

Gagliardi Vex was painted with the Corvette's white and now comes equipped with 20-inch wheels. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2UwYNnc)

And the particular vehicle shown in the picture above is the first Vex whose body is made by using sheet metal, and the Boxster's wheelbase is stretched from 12-inch to 107-inch, and then wrapped in Gagliardi's custom widebody. Then, it was painted with the Corvette's white and now comes equipped with 20-inch wheels, performance coils, and a stainless steel exhaust.

Gagliardi Vex still used the Porsche Boxster's 2.7-liter flat-6 engine capable of spewing power up to 240 horsepower. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2JrFhlS)

While its interior is largely based on the original Porsche, it’s been upgraded with diamond-stitched red leather, along with a 7" Android touchscreen entertainment system, and custom lighting system.

Gagliardi Vex has an acceleration performance from 0 to 100 kph in 6.2 seconds before reaching a top speed of 256 kph with a typical Porsche sound. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2UwYNnc)

Just info, the 2nd generation Porsche Boxster (code name 987) started the basic version from 2005 to 2012 which used a 2.7-liter flat-6 engine capable of spewing power up to 240 horsepower. The engine power is able to make it accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 6.2 seconds before reaching a top speed of 256 kph with a typical Porsche sound.

If You are want to have and in feeling the sensation of driving with this exotic custom car, currently on e-Bay there's one unit of Gagliardi Vex with a price tag of around $65,000. Though if You already have a Porsche Boxster as a donor, you can have Gagliardi build You one for about $50,000 and then You just sit tight and wait until Your car is finished 3 months later. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GAGLIARDI DESIGN | 95OCTANE | TECHEBLOG | CARSCOOPS | CARADISIAC]

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The 2nd Bosley classic dream car

The classic cars made in the 1960s have many unusual shapes and sometimes are also made and designed by manufacturers or individuals whose names may sound strange to us today. There is a certain indescribable thrill associated with the resurrection of a long lost automobile.

1966 Bosley Mark II Interstate built by Richard Bosley for over nine years in the process. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2xE0iXJ)

One of them is a car named Bosley Mark II Interstate, which was completed in 1966 by Richard Bosley, a horticulturist from Ohio, who is also a sports car enthusiast with a passion for automotive design. Although in fact, he did not have formal automotive training. And in the early 1950s, he decided to build his dream car.

1966 Bosley Mark II Interstate made its debut in Sports Cars in Review in 1967 at the Henry Ford Museum. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2xDaDmI)

After finishing building the first prototype of his car in 1953 known as the Bosley Mark I, while the chassis and drivetrain were rather conventional, the coupe body made of fiberglass and by the hand was truly shocking. And the international press immediately paid attention and Mark I was the subject of many articles in the United States and abroad at the time.

The steering wheel and dashboard view of 1966 Bosley Mark II Interstate. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2xDaDmI)

After that, he decided to make his second car which the process he was assisted by his wife, Carol and had spent time of nine years. There were over 5,500 hours of labor involved in the hundreds of handcrafted parts as well as items handed over to Reutter of Germany (such as seats and grilles) then Sibano-Bisano of Italy (for side windows and vents).

1966 Bosley Mark II Interstate has many revolutionary features at the time (such as high stoplights, retractable driving lights, top dashboard display and seats with side backrests and passenger headrests). (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2xDaDmI)

The car was then known as the Bosley Mark II Interstate made its debut in Sports Cars in Review in 1967 at the Henry Ford Museum by highlighting many of its revolutionary features (high stoplights, retractable driving lights, top dashboard display and seats with side backrests and passenger headrests).

1966 Bosley Mark II Interstate is equipped with 345 horsepower, Pontiac V-8 Tri-power engine mated with the Corvette manual transmission. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2xDaDmI)

Despite having the appearance of 'Dream Car', this car was built to drive on the new highway system so it was named 'Interstate'. The fiberglass monocoque body is built on its Corvette chassis, and the car is equipped with 345 horsepower, Pontiac V-8 Tri-power engine mated with the Corvette manual transmission. The car had appeared as the cover story in several world's automotive magazines.

1966 Bosley Mark II Interstate's last appearance was at the 2018 Concours d'Elegance in Hershey Pennsylvania. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2xDaDmI)

Bosley kept the car until the late 1980s. The second owner let the car break down. It was rescued in 2000 and was acquired by the current owner in 2015. A full forensic restoration was completed and completed in the summer of 2017.

And for the last time, the car appeared in public was at the 2018 Concours d'Elegance in Hershey Pennsylvania, which we able to see on the video above. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CONCEPTCARZ | VINTAGE RACE CAR | AMERICAN COACHBUILDER]
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One of the BMW-owned pre-war legendary racing cars

One of the world's most important pre-war racing cars is the BMW 328 Mille Miglia 'Buegelfalte' which was made in 1937. This car is the only special roadster ever made at the BMW factory in Munich, and has numerous race wins to its credit (including a Mille Miglia class win) which later became an inspiration-sourced for almost all of post-war sports cars.

As is well known, BMW has been actively involved in the car racing activities in the pre-war periods and has enjoyed much significant success with the 328 model which is sophisticated and high-performance. 

BMW 328 Mille Miglia 'Buegelfalte' was produced in 1937. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2UFYXaM)

The race car was built on a chassis numbered of 85032 and was produced in May 1937 as a standard bodied car designed by the Experimental Department of Rudolf Schleicher at BMW. This car was noted to have participated in the 1937 Le Mans racing competition drove by the famous British racing driver of the time, A.F.P. Fane, as well as the 1937 Tourist Cup which was driven by H.G. Dobbs.

Front three-quarter of 1937 BMW 328 Mille Miglia 'Buegelfalte.' (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2UFYXaM)

And in the fall of 1939, the racing car was dismantled at the BMW's racing division at Milbertshofen before it was extensively reengineered and used as a basis for leaner bodywork in preparation for the 1940 racing season and Mille Miglia in particular. For this reason, BMW makes this aerodynamic coupe and lightweight open roadster.

Extensive modifications done to the car include lowering the engine and driveline in the chassis to reduce the front area of ​​the body and lower the center of gravity to improve handling. The design was done by Wilhelm Kaiser, a very experienced member of BMW's new design department, led by stylist chief Wilhelm Meyerhuber. Then its 1: 10 scale model was tested in the pioneering aerodynamic wind tunnel of Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wunibald Kamm, with a long, tapered tail that took advantage of the lowered engine and profile.

Top view of 1937 BMW 328 Mille Miglia 'Buegelfalte' interior. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2UFYXaM)

Magnesium material is even used for the car's braking system, which consists of Alfin drum brakes with a Duplex system for the front and rear wheels. The 17-inch steel disc wheel has a lightweight metal ring, and the tires are specially made for Mille Miglia by Continental, so the car can travel at long distances without having to change the tires. 

With true racing style, the rear leaf spring suspension can be adjusted, controlled with additional stabilizing bars. Even the hub is a super-lightweight special edition unit, like most hardware, aluminum nuts, screw heads and the like. After all modifications at Milbertshofen are finished, the BMW Bügelfalte is then tested on a track not far from BMW's headquarters in Munich.

Left side view of 1937 BMW 328 Mille Miglia 'Buegelfalte.' (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2UFYXaM)

For 2 roadsters and other streamlined coupes whose bodywork is entrusted to Touring in Milan, which had the capacity to finish before the 1940 Mille Miglia. It should be noted that these two "second series" roadsters have complete mechanics and tubular substructure completed in Munich before the bodywork is finished in Milan. Because of this, they don't have the typical "pants fold" fender.

During the war, the roadster Bügelfalte was given to Albert Speer, Reichsminister for Bewaffnung und Munition (Armaments and Munitions). Remarkably, it survived five years of world war and was seized by Russia for repair. The Russians awarded it to Artiom Ivanovich Mikoyan, head of the Mikoyan i Gurevich Design Bureau, who was none other than the creator of the famous MiG fighter jets.

Rear three-quarter of 1937 BMW 328 Mille Miglia 'Buegelfalte.' (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2UFYXaM)

Mikoyan let his son use it, but the boy’s escapades eventually drained his father's patience, so in 1972 he exchanged the Bügelfalte with Guido Adamson of Riga, Latvia, for a Lada car that was not too inclined to arouse a young man's fantasy while driving it.

With the collapse of "Iron Curtain," Adamson drove the Bügelfalte to Munich and entrusted it to BMW's care, and was seen using it occasionally, especially on the 1991 Mille Miglia Storica where it was displayed on a BMW poster commemorating the event.

In 2001, this car was acquired from Adamson and, for the last decade before appearing at an auction event in Monaco, was serviced and maintained by the BMW's specialists at the Tom Fischer Classic & Race Car Service. Working together with Georg Thiele. a BMW 328 engine specialist and with utmost attention to originality, the complete mechanicals, including engine, front and rear axle and brake system, have been rebuilt.

Lastly, the legendary racing car was seen at an auction event on May 1, 2010, at the Grimaldi Forum, Monaco. Yes, the unique BMW 328 Buegelfalte Roadster signature collector car shown off at the RM Auction's event and was reportedly sold post-bid for more than $ 5.6 million. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BMW BLOG]

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The most powered Porsche sportscar in the 1990s

When we were talking about the 1990s supercars, the first things that crossed the mind were McLaren F1, Ferrari F40, Jaguar XJ220, and Porsche 959. However, it turns out that Porsche once had one forgotten sports car named the Porsche 911 GT1 Straßenversion.

1996 Porsche 911 GT1 Straßenversion is one of the most powered sports cars in the 1990s. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2WHOleb)

Back in 2017, it was sold for $5,665,000 or approx Rp.7 billion in one of the Gooding & Company auction events. When offered the Porsche 911 GT1 Straßenversion, it is still in a well-maintained state and has no defects or damage. The mileage of this vehicle has only reached 7,900 kilometers. So what makes this classic sportscar able to achieve so expensive selling prices?

One of the Porsche 911 GT1 Straßenversion was sold for $5,665,000 at the Gooding & Company auction events in 2017. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2Ucs0DO)

As quoted of Carscoops, at that time, the Stuttgart-based premium car manufacturers should make several units of cars that were legal for use on the streets as one of the requirements to join endurance racing at 24 Hours of Le Mans. And the Porsche 911 GT1 made in 1996 which later became the Porsche's ticket to participate in the FIA GT Championship.

Left side view of the 1996 Porsche 911 GT1 Straßenversion. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3bmODv0)

This Porsche beautiful road-legal version, of which only 20 units were ever produced of its initial plan as much as 25 units. The car was designed with a wide frame and spoilers, and front lip. Its rear is inspired by Porsche 962, and front by Porsche 993 with elevated ground clearance, the suspension is softer, the gear and engine ratios are adjusted.

Compact interior vies of 1996 Porsche 911 GT1 Straßenversion. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3bmODv0)

Likewise, the interior also looks aggressive, especially the instrument panel that shows various indicators. This model is as fierce as the racing version, so it has the impression of being uncomfortable for use on the highway.

1996 Porsche 911 GT1 Straßenversion used a 3.2 liter V6 twin-turbocharged engine. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3bmODv0)

This street-legal car version is equipped with a 3.2 liter V6 twin-turbocharged engine. The engine sector is capable of generating power up to 544 hp at 7,000 rpm, with torque reaching 600 Nm at 4,250 rpm. No wonder this car can accelerate from zero to 100 kilometers in just 3.7 seconds. This car can also run up to 310 kilometers per hour.

The appearance and performance numbers of this car is quite impressive for a car from the 1990s, so it's not surprising in its heyday, this sports car was considered one of the most powerful cars of the era. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | THE THINGS |]

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An exotic 1940s Stanguellini Ala d'Oro sports cars

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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