The concept cars built based of the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale chassis (Part-2)

We continue talking about beautiful concept cars built on the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale chassis. After previously discussed 3 concept cars made by Pininfarina.

1968 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale recognized as one of the world's most beautiful cars. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1aDPLe)

Then here is another concept car built on the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale chassis, which was carried out by other Italian coachbuilders such as Italdesign who produced a concept car called the Alfa Romeo Iguana and the other is Bertone with a car called Alfa Romeo Carabo in 1968, and 1976 Alfa Romeo Navajo. 

Here are the three concept cars:

1. Alfa Romeo Iguana 

The Iguana project would be Ital Design’s third creation and Alfa Romeo wanted the car to debut in late October 1969 at the Turin Salon and the car built based on the chassis number of 750.33.116, Giugiaro’s ‘Iguana’ appeared more practical and viable for production than those efforts by Bertone and Pininfarina.

1969 Alfa Romeo Italdesign Iguana Concept by Italdesign was debuted at the 1969 Turin Motor Show. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3cWAVQB)

At its leading edge, the nose incorporated a full-width opening and traditional Alfa Romeo grille. The upper surface housed retractable headlights and a discretely integrated spoiler at the base of the windscreen. Large glass panels were used including for the roof and rear quarters. They lent an unusually airy feel to the cockpit.

1969 Alfa Romeo Iguana Concept's rear deck, tail fascia, and wings were all heavily vented to improve cooling. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2VDzQHw)

Its second spoiler was located above the base of the rear window and formed part of an unconventionally high tail. The rear deck, tail fascia, and wings were all heavily vented to improve cooling.

2. Alfa Romeo Carabo
The 1968 Alfa Carabo concept marked a revolutionary stage in supercar design made by Stilo Bertone, with its hydropneumatic-powered scissors doors and multi-colored one-way glass windows.

1968 Alfa Romeo Bertone Carabo designed by Marcello Gandini and built on the 33 Stradale chassis by the Stilo Bertone. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1rJbaoy)

The car was designed by Marcello Gandini, and the Carabo (which means 'beetle') was unveiled in October 1968, at Porte de Versailles in Paris. It was based on the chassis of the mid-engined V8 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale and mean as an experimental design aimed at solving aerodynamic issues while the car was driven at high speed.

1968 Alfa Romeo Bertone Carabo was unveiled in October 1968, at Porte de Versailles in Paris. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/15M30aC)

And its engine capable made 230 hp of power at 8,800 rpm, which made the car possible to achieve a top speed of 250 kph (155 mph).

3. Alfa Romeo Navajo
Besides the Carabo above, the same chassis was used to make a concept car that was named Alfa Romeo Navajo and also made by Stilo Bertone.

1976 Alfa Romeo Bertone Navajo designed by Nuccio Bertone and built on the 33 Stradale chassis by the Stilo Bertone. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3bSGHmd)

The Navajo concept car is designed by Nuccio Bertone with a futuristic and fantastic exterior design touch, both in character and color inspired by the most popular fictional science-fiction series in the late 1970s titled 'Battlestar Galactica.'

1976 Alfa Romeo Bertone Navajo was first introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in 1976. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3bSGHmd)

This concept car has a body that is entirely made of fiberglass. Armed with a 2.0-liter V8 engine, its power reaches 230 hp. This car was first introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in 1976.

And Alfa Romeo Navajo became the last concept of the series of concept cars based on the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale chassis, including Italdesign Iguana, Bertone Carabo, and a trio of Pininfarina concept cars. And like nearly all the 33 Stradale concepts, once its show career was over and retained by Alfa Romeo for their Museo Storico in Arese, Italy.*** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SUPERCARS.NET | SUPERCAR NOSTALGIA | DRIVETRIBE]
Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone

The concept cars built based of the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale chassis (Part-1)

Now we talking about beautiful cars made by Alfa Romeo which is also famous in the 1960s, namely Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, this car known as a road-legal version of the Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 racing car. At that time, this car was also recognized as one of the world's most beautiful cars. This car model was built as many as 18 units from 1969 to 1971.

1968 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale is one of the most sought classic cars in the world. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1aDPBy)

As we all knew, five units of 33 Stradales were made into concept cars by three Italian coachbuilders, such as Pininfarina which built 1968 Alfa Romeo P33, 1969 Alfa Romeo 33/2 Coupé Speciale, and 1971 Alfa Romeo Cuneo (made in the same chassis as the Roadster P33).

Right side view of 1968 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1aDPLe)

As well as two other concepts built by Italdesign named Alfa Romeo Iguana and the other is Bertone with a car called Alfa Romeo Carabo in 1968, and 1976 Alfa Romeo Navajo.

And here are 3 concept cars made into concept cars by Pininfarina.

1. Alfa Romeo P33 Roadster

The first car produced was the Alfa-Romeo P33 Roadster which was built in 1968 and was first displayed at Turin Motorshow in November 1968. This concept car uses a V8 mid-mounted engine.

1968 Alfa Romeo Pininfarina P33 Roadster was debuted at the 1968 Turin Motor Show. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2Y9voSA)

The P33 Roadster featured a wedge-shaped design, a large overhead spoiler, or aerofoil positioned just behind the cockpit and "beetle-wing" doors, and the car was painted in white with the interior and aerofoil in brown.

2. Alfa Romeo 33/2 Coupé Speciale

The next car is the Alfa Romeo 33/2 Coupé Speciale or commonly known as 33.2. The car was first introduced at the Paris Motor Show in 1969. One design that stands out is the pop-up lights and hydraulic butterfly doors. 

1969 Alfa Romeo Pininfarina 33/2 Coupé Speciale was debuted at the 1969 Paris Motor Show. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2zz9nSR)

This 2-door beautiful coupé was designed by Leonardo Fioravanti and said that the design was influenced by the Ferrari 250 P5 concept shown a year earlier at Geneva. 

1969 Alfa Romeo Pininfarina 33/2 Coupé Speciale with its hydraulic butterfly doors opened. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2zz9nSR)

And the 33/2 Coupé Speciale is based on the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale chassis No. 750.33.115 and bore a striking yellow paint.

3.  Alfa Romeo Cuneo

It is thought P33 Roadster's body was later removed by Pininfarina and replaced with the 33 Spider Cuneo design that debuted in January 1971 at the Brussels Motor Show. The Alfa Romeo 33 Spider Cuneo was a Paulo Martin-designed concept used a fully functional 230 horsepower 2-liter V8 engine and weighs just 1,400 lbs. 

1971 Alfa Romeo Pininfarina 33 Spider Cuneo Concept was debuted at the 1971 Brussels Motor Show. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2KDJ7ZO)

It was shaped like a racing powerboat and sported an aerofoil just behind the cockpit that also served as a roll bar and oil radiator. The headlights were grouped into a single cluster on the bonnet, with a similar cluster at the rear enclosing the tailpipes.
Despite the remarkable end result, the bodywork was dismantled shortly after the show over. (Jump to the next part.) *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTOR1 | OLD CONCEPT CARS | DRIVETRIBE

Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone

One of the most beautiful Ferrari species of the 1960s

Various forms of beautiful concept cars were born and had been made the world's automotive enthusiasts fascinated by its beauty to this day. Usually, it can be done if those automotive-creations as a collaboration result between automotive manufacturers and design houses. 

1968 Ferrari 250 P5 Berlinetta Speciale designed by Leonardo Fioravanti and debuted at the 1968 Geneva Motor Show. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2VEGEEz)

And one example is the beautiful sports car named Ferrari 250 P5 Berlinetta Speciale which appeared for the first time at the 1968 Geneva Motor Show and known built as a collaboration result between Ferrari and its compatriot coachbuilder, Pininfarina.

1968 Ferrari 250 P5 Berlinetta Speciale was constructed on a P4 chassis and used a mid-mounted 3-liter V12 engine. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3bGFvCj)

The car concept was designed by a Pininfarina's 29 years old designer named Leonardo Fioravanti and has features many design elements that appeared on later Ferrari models. 

The 1968 Ferrari 250 P5 Berlinetta Speciale's interior was dominated in red and black colors. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2Kzw7Es)

No wonder, due to the concept was intended to study aerodynamics, form, and potential future designs. It was a love-or-hate design with some enjoying it while others having strong negative reactions.

1968 Ferrari 250 P5 Berlinetta Speciale also has a glass-covered its mid-engine and styling that was low and curvy. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2KC2q5B)

The car was constructed on the Ferrari 330 P4 chassis and used a mid-mounted 3-liter V12 engine. And uniquely, the P5 featured the gull-wing doors which are something unusual for a Ferrari to this day.

1968 Ferrari 250 P5 Berlinetta featured the gull-wing doors which are something unusual for a Ferrari until now. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3bGFvCj)

And the car also has a glass-covered its mid-engine and styling that was low and curvy. Most Ferraris nowadays have a pane of glass over its engine but back in 1968, it was seen as revolutionary.

The concept then inspired the Pininfarina to build another prototype with an almost similar shape called the Alfa Romeo 33/2 Coupé Speciale and debuted a year later in Paris. And it's proven, the collaboration between the two companies remains lasting until now. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TOP SPEED | CONCEPTCARZ | CLASSIC CARS FANDOM | SUPERCARNOSTALGIA ]

Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone

A unique hot-rod style roadster of the 1960s

Maybe it has become a law of nature when a car shown with eccentric shapes and or not in accordance with the market demands so made it failed to be mass-produced or sold to the market. But uniquely, there are a few cars with an eccentric appearance that actually make them timeless. 

1965 Vivant 77, a unique hot-rod style roadster of the 1960s built based on the Herb Adams' design and bodied by 'The Beatles of Troy, Michigan.' (Picture from: https://bit.ly/34FQKIo)

Now let's find out, one of the most unusual, exclusive cars that you would hardly ever see on the road today. One of them is the following car which was built based on the design of Herb Adams, a development engineer at Pontiac and a key figure in the muscle cars of that GM division, wanted to realize his dreams in 1965 of creating a hot-rod dressed up as a design study.

1965 Vivant 77, a unique hot-rod style roadster of the 1960s drove to the Concorso d'Eleganza 2019 at Lake Como, Italy. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/34FQKIo)

The car design called the Vivant 77, it is aimed to not only successfully compete with its legendary stylistic role models, such as Bertone’s Alfa Romeo 'BAT mobiles,' but also with opponents on the quarter-mile drag-strip.

1965 Vivant 77, a unique hot-rod style roadster of the 1960s uses the rare 370 ci Pontiac V8 engine. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/34FQKIo)

Adams penned the body, produced a spaceframe, and found the rare 370 ci Pontiac V8 from 1958 and sourced all the other components before having the vehicle clothed in sheet aluminum. At first glance, the design is very thick with the Alfa Romeo BAT series and seems capable of being one of the 1962 Covington el Tiburon rivals.

The steering wheel and dashboard view of 1965 Vivant 77, a unique hot-rod style roadster of the 1960s. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2XJizy6)

The coachwork was fashioned by the three English panel beaters Harry Kennedy, Jack Henser and John Glover, who the US dragster scene was familiar with as 'The Beatles of Troy, Michigan.' After completing construction, this car was displayed for the first time at the 1966 Detroit Auto-Rama event.

1965 Vivant 77, a unique hot-rod style roadster of the 1960s was displayed for the first time in the 1966 Detroit Auto-Rama even. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/34FQKIo)

When the party was over, Vivant 77 was forgotten about before it has shown off to the public again in 2009 and being authentically restored to its original condition.
Lastly, the car reappeared before the public at the Concorso d'Eleganza 2019 and sunbathing lakeside on the grounds of Villa d'Este at Lake Como, Italy along with another 50 of the world's rarest cars and motorcycles. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DESIGNBOOM | JALOPY JOURNAL]

Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone

Underestimated at first, turns out the cutie car is able to win the world title

Not many people expected, when the Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 was introduced in 1984 would become part of the world's automotive history. However, turn out the lion-logoed car manufacturer of French is quite serious while getting involved in the Group-B world's rally then they built this fierce cutie monster.

1984 Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 street version built as a limited production that is only made as many as 200 units at that time. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2xtpqRA)

In fact, from the 26 rally series that it participated in over the two years (1985 and 1986), the 205 T16 were able to climb to the victory podium of 16 times. So it is not surprising that the championship title for drivers and manufacturers is safe in the Peugeot's hand.

But there is an interesting thing, namely the Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 as a limited production that is only made as many as 200 units at that time. No wonder if the car later became fought over among the racing fans at the time, due to its production version besides carrying the racing specifications, it was legal for road use (with a few restrictions on the features according to traffic regulations).

1984 Peugeot 205 Turbo 16, the Group-B Rally legend with tremendous achievements was 16 times grab the victory podium during 1985 and 1986. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2xtpqRA)

However, do not expect too much if the car will be exactly the same as the 205 mass-production versions because the manufacturer when working on the car also involves the racing division apparently only uses a few components of the 205.

1984 Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 utilized a wide footprint to improve control and thanks to the large air scoops behind its doors and a fairly wide back hips. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2xtpqRA)

In appearance, we can still find many similarities, but only limited to the windshield, doors, and lights. When viewed from its dimensions, this special edition car is not too thin, because the 205 T16 utilizes a wide footprint to improve control and thanks to the large air scoops behind its doors and a fairly wide back hips.

1984 Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 special white colored with production number 000/200. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2VfdAnc)

The rest for the mid-engine mechanism and four-wheel motion are special components. And it is believed that the placement of the gearbox mechanism behind the cockpit makes the power distribution ratio of 45:55 forward and backward.

This car gets power from a 1,775cc twin-cam turbo engine that reaches 200 hp and 255 Nm of torque. Then there is something that makes it even more classy, ​​the four-wheel motion system is the result of a special design from the Ferguson Formula (FF).

Peugeot 205 Turbo 16, one of the most successful Group-B Rally car with a 1,775cc twin-cam turbo engine. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2VgLuaQ)

Then there is an unusual position placement for its some components, thus making the 205 T16 observed by many world's racing modification specialists. One of them is the placement of the fuel tank behind the cockpit is also a consideration. But again, do not hope for practicality, because the front trunk is used to store spare tires.

Don't compare this car with the 205 GTI either, because the 205 T16 is designed to be very impressive when supporting the legs that use the 215/55 R15 tires. The tiny car with Bilstein attenuation and high ground clearance so it is very comfortable while driving and running fast in the corner.

When it comes to performance, the 205 T16 can be said to be the weakest when compared to its rivals, where acceleration from 0 to 100 kph can only be achieved in 6 seconds. Then the highest speed is also limited to 210 kph, even though the wind resistance is 0.35 Cd.

Not to mention there's the Turbo lag that always occurs when the engine speed is below 3,000 rpm, and ideally, the car engine spinning at 4,000 rpm, plus a 5-speed transmission lever that feels very short when operated and soft clutch stepped on. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTOR1 | SNAPLAP]

Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone

Mercedes-Benz C-111 research car series

The Wankel engine, or more popularly known as the rotary engine, was first developed by a German engineer named Felix Wankel in the 1920s and receiving a patent in 1929, and coincidentally at that time, Wankel was working at NSU where his engine was developed furthermore.

Three generations of the Mercedes-Benz C111 research car series, ie 1969 Mercedes Benz C111-I (left), 1970 Mercedes Benz C111-II (middle), and 1969 Mercedes Benz C111-I first prototype (right) posed together. (Picture from: Pinterest)

In the ensuing years, NSU licensed the Wankel engine design to various car companies around the world, including AMC, Mercedes-Benz, Citroen, General Motors, Nissan, Suzuki, and Toyota, etc. And as we all-know that Mercedes-Benz also installed the Wankel engine for the first of its C111 series in 1969.

At that time, the German automotive giant was experimenting with several new engine technologies, including Wankel engines, diesel and turbochargers, and by using the C111 platform as their testbed model. Other experimental features applied to the C111 include gullwing doors and luxurious interiors with leather trims, as well as air conditioning.

1970 Mercedes Benz C111-II used a four-rotor Wankel engine. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/39UjCxk)

The C111 series is a series of experimental cars produced by Mercedes-Benz in the 1960s to 1970s. The first version of C111 (called C111-I) was completed in 1969. Officially presenting the C111 at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) 50 years ago in September 1969, the futuristic design of this high-performance car got a three-rotor Wankel engine. The super sports car research of 1966 revealed the reason for the revitalization of the Mercedes-Benz design language three years later.

1978 Mercedes Benz C111-III Rekordwagen used a diesel engine with five pistons. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2V9c9Fz)

The C111-II, which was updated with a four-rotor Wankel engine for everyday use, was presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1970. The demand for sports cars from Stuttgart surged. Although in the end this car remained a research vehicle and did not enter the production series.

Instead, a series of record-breaking vehicles were built from 1976 onwards. The first is the C111-II D used a 3-liter 5-cylinder engine equipped with turbocharged and air-cooled engines. It manufactured since June 12, 1976, Mercedes-Benz scored a total of 16 world records with this vehicle on the test track in Nardò (Italy).

1979 Mercedes Benz C111-IV Rekordwagen used a 4.5-liter V8 petrol engine. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2RnpjgZ)

The 1978 C111-III (turbo diesel) and the 1979 C111-III (V8 petrol engine) that were aerodynamically perfected broke the spectacular record in Nardò where the C111-III with a new diesel to set the record in April 1978 with a speed of 321.9 kph and C111-IV 'Rekordwagen' followed in May 1979 with a world record of 403, 978 kph.
The appearance of the C111 research car family marked the Mercedes-Benz's "125 Years of Motorsport" back in 2019. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MERCEDES-BENZ | DRIVETRIBE]

Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone