Many Corvette series have been built since it first introduced by American giant auto manufacturer, Chevrolet in 1953 ranging from the concept to production car versions. As we all knew that the first model, a convertible, designed by Harley Earl, was shown to the public at the GM Motorama in 1953 as a concept car. Since then the Corvettes continue till today, the 6th generation models.
1990 Corvette Nivola by Bertone built based on the most fascinating American sports car Chevrolet Corvette. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3j4en49)
One that built-in 1990 was a model named the Corvette Nivola may be considered Bertone’s homage to the most fascinating American sports car ever built the Chevrolet Corvette. The sophisticated mechanical unit of the ZR-1 was interpreted by Bertone in a European key. Bertone designed a special chassis to make a sporty "boat" with mid-engine.
1990 Corvette Nivola by Bertone is a two-seater coupé which can be transformed into a spider with the removal of the slender roof. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3j4en49)
The Chevrolet Corvette Nivola by Bertone was revealed at the 1990 Geneva Motor Show. The Corvette Nivola appeared six years after another Corvette concept from Bertone, the Corvette Ramarro.
The body of the Nivola came into being at the same time as the chassis, and the two components are closely integrated. The result is a two-seater coupé which can be transformed into a spider with the removal of the slender roof. There are some really original touches, like the seats without cushioning (driver and passenger sit directly on the base of the vehicle), and the doors which conceal two ample baggage compartments.
1990 Corvette Nivola by Bertone was revealed at the 1990 Geneva Motor Show. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3j4en49)
The hydraulic-pneumatic suspensions allow for a vertical range of movement of 6 cm respect to the ground. All in all another ambitious project from the artistic and technological powerhouse of the Bertone Style Centre.
This mechanical layout made it possible to exploit all the power of the engine when accelerating and warrant perfect road-holding on bends. The name, Nivola, is after the famous driver, Tazio Nuvolari, nicknamed "Nivola", much admired by Bertone, who usually drove his cars dressed in yellow.
1990 Corvette Nivola by Bertone was powered by the same engine used in the Corvette C4 ZR-1. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3j4en49)
The Nivola was powered by the same engine used in the Corvette C4 ZR-1. However, in the Corvette Nivola, it was repositioned behind the passenger compartment in a mid-mounted location for better weight distribution.
The impressive 381hp engine was moved back behind the cockpit and teamed with a new ZF gearbox, thus achieving a balanced distribution of weight (40% on the front axle and 60% on the rear axle). This highly sporty model has a central engine with an original structure designed around it. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CONCEPTCARZ.COM | DISENO-ART | CARSTYLING.RU | MOTOR1]
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Hearing its name might feel strange to some of you. But after seeing its form it will certainly make you raise some eyebrows and have lots of questions. Because indeed you have never known this car before.
1965 Serenissima 308V Jet Competizione was originally predicted had all the advantages of a winning racing car, but... (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2ZqCX7F)
This car is called the Serenissima 308V Jet Competizione which first appeared at the 1965 Concours Villa d'Este. The car that was originally predicted had all the advantages of a winning racing car, but unfortunately, the coveted success never realized.
This car was commissioned by Count Giovanni Volpi for his Scuderia Serenissima racing team. At that time, Serenissima had made many interesting cars including the Breadvan, one of the most attractive modified Ferraris. However, the Jet Competizione was completely new at the time and was built from scratch by Alberto Massimino, former Fiat and Ferrari designer.
1962 Serenissima Ferrari 250 GT SWB 'Breadvan' is a 1 of 1 custom-made car built from a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB as the racing car of the Scuderia Serenissima team. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3gTlqe0)
And the Jet's powertrain is a new engine designed by Massimo that was made specifically for Count Volpi's many motoring interests. It is a three-liter V8 engine that is connected to an entirely new transmission system and is designed to work well on all Automobili Serenissima vehicles, both road and racing cars.
1965 Serenissima 308V Jet Competizione uses a three-liter V8 engine that is connected to an entirely new transmission system. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/32ihLlU)
Furthermore, the engine is mounted on a space frame chassis with an aluminum body shell. This car was going to contest the world’s greatest endurance races and developed by Elf Francis who is a racing mechanic of Stirling Moss.
1966 Serenissima ATS 358V Spyder, the only Serenissima racing car did make the actual race in the 1966 Le Mans. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/32bFT9X)
Unfortunately, its career on the racing track did not go smoothly, when at the 1966 Le Mans race event, Jet made its debut in the race trials in April 1966 before it was decommissioned and raced only once in Italy. Even, the only Serenissima car did make the actual race was one such a 3.5-liter open-top car variant called the 358V Spyder, but stops after drove only one lap before experiencing rear axle problems.
Rear three-quarter view of the 1965 Serenissima 308V Jet Competizione. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/32ihLlU)
Wanting Formula One exposure, the company made an agreement with McLaren to use a V8 engine on its 1966 M2B chassis. While it powered to McLaren’s very first world championship point, the engine was unreliable and the BRM unit was tried the following year.
Lastly, after being slept almost for forty years and not appearing in public, a Swiss owner reunited the same engine with the original Jet body (chassis #003) then performed a restoration to appear at the 2006 Concours Villa d'Este. When you see this car still has its original paint and interior, it is not surprising because the car has never really raced on the racing circuit. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOMOBILI SERENISSIMA | SUPERCARS.NET]
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After presenting a rarely seen sportscar figure named 1970 Costin Amigo a while ago, and on this occasion we will again present the unique sportscar figure that once existed and perhaps will never be seen again because until today its existence is unknown.😢
1966 Titania Veltro GTT 1500 Coupe (Intermeccanica) was shown for the first time at the 48th Salon de Turin in 1966. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2BHFr8B)
And the sports car that will be discussed on this occasion is the Titania Veltro GTT 1500 Coupe, the only one sports car prototype ever made in 1966 by an Italian automotive company called Intermeccanica based on a design created by Franco Scaglione, the Italian renowned automotive designer at the time. As an automotive designer, he was very famous at the time, so it is not surprising that many cars in his design work have become legendary car figures to this day.
1966 Titania Veltro GTT 1500 Coupe (Intermeccanica) also featured longitudinal slots in the hood as air extract. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2BHFr8B)
Yes, from Franco Scaglione's magical hand touch had given birth many legendary car designs such as the 1952 Abarth 1500 Biposto Coupe which is the first concept car from a series of the B.A.T. (Berlina Aerodinamica Technica) car models, and then the most beautiful car ever, Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale which made its debut for the first time on August 31, 1967, and many others.
1966 Titania Veltro GTT 1500 Coupe (Intermeccanica) dubbed as one of Franco Scaglione’s most inspired designs. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2BRsLvN)
This one-off prototype of the Titania Veltro GTT 1500 Coupe also known as 'Hairy One', and was shown for the first time at the 48th Salon de Turin in 1966. It appeared very elongated with a diminutive Vanwall-esque air intake, and also featured longitudinal slots in the hood as air extracts. And under its front hood lies a British Ford 106E engine, that made it able to run up to top speed was nevertheless 124 mph.
1966 Titania Veltro GTT 1500 Coupe (Intermeccanica) used a British Ford 106E engine, that made it able to run up to top speed was nevertheless 124 mph. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2BRsLvN)
As quoted in the book titled 'Intermeccanica: The Story of the Prancing Bull' on-page of 66, the Titania Veltro sportscar did teach Franco Scaglione a lot about the emerging science of aerodynamics. Curiously, many automotive experts said that the car was similar to that of another great aerodynamicist, Englishman Frank Costin's Amigo of 1970. Both were aesthetically too long in the wheelbase, neither made it commercially, but both excelled aerodynamically by using production engines.
1966 Titania Veltro GTT 1500 Coupe (Intermeccanica) appeared very elongated with a diminutive Vanwall-esque air intake. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2BHFr8B)
As mentioned before, this car has never been made into a production model by the Italian 'prancing bull' logoed car manufacturer, and sadly until now it is unknown where it is. And once again, strangely, there is not a single note that records and informs when and where this one-of-a-kind sports car was lastly seen.😢 Video below was not about Titania Veltro but another unique car designed by Franco Scaglione.👼
Many great cars that once triumphed while competing on the circuit were never seen again for a long time. So that not many people nowadays know the shape any more especially the achievements it had achieved in its heyday. And only a few of them ended their racing career just to sit silently in the corner as a display item in the museum or a collection of rich automotive enthusiasts.
1970 Costin Amigo number 6 of the 9 ever documented one and comes with the special air intakes fitted for the Le Mans race. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/31STGBU)
The Costin Amigo was one of them. It's a lightweight sports car built in the United Kingdom in the 1970s and was designed by Frank Costin (one of the founder of the Marcos (automobile) company) and built-in Little Staughton, Bedfordshire.
This car is considered by many, to be Frank Costin's greatest design and styling elements of almost every car of the period can be seen in this one car. Aerodynamics is pure science and Frank Costin was the best of his generation, his CV including the World Championship winning Vanwalls of the late 1950s.
Interior view of the 1970 Costin Amigo number 6 of the 9 ever documented one. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/31STGBU)
Its 2-liter engine and running gear came from the Vauxhall VX 4/90, but its plywood monocoque frame and aerodynamic fiberglass body gave it a top speed of 137 mph (220 kph), and a quoted 0-60 time of 7.2 sec. And reportedly only eight (or nine, depending on the source) of the cars were ever sold.
1970 Costin Amigo number 6 is fitted with its original Blydenstein 2.3 liter Vauxhall Dry sump rally spec engine. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/31STGBU)
This is the most famous of all Costin's being effectively their Works Car. It was driven at Le Mans in 1971 in the 3-hours race (not the legendary 24 Hours) by Brian Hart and Paul Pycroft de Ferranti and also by the legendary Gerry Marshal who won in the car at Thruxton in 1971.
1970 Costin Amigo also has a split-circuit braking system and a Getrag 5 speed gearbox, driving through a limited Slip Differential. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2O6EYzm)
The car on the picture above is number 6 of the 9 documented Amigo and is fitted with its original Blydenstein 2.3 liter Vauxhall Dry sump rally spec engine. It also has a split-circuit braking system and a Getrag 5 speed gearbox, driving through a limited Slip Differential. Sitting on Carmona alloys this is a superb car to drive and comes with the special air intakes fitted for the Le Mans race.
It was driven by several top drivers of the period. In the late 1980s, the car was sent to Bill Blydenstein by Paul Pycroft for a total rebuild which was well documented in many motoring magazines. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA | MOTORBASE.COM | COACHBUILD.COM | SILVERSTONE AUCTIONS]
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For a moment we go back to the late 1980s, at that time the Italian famous coachbuilder named Italdesign launched a sports car model named Italdesign Aztec. This unique stylish sports car designed by the renowned automotive designer, Giorgetto Giugiaro and introduced for the first time at the Turin Motor Show 1988, the sports car was deliberately created to celebrate the 20th anniversary of those famous Italian automotive design house.
The Italdesign Aztec designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and introduced for the first time at the Turin Motor Show 1988 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the famous Italian coachbuilder. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3gKPR6j)
Unlike sports cars in general, where the Aztec is equipped with two unique seats because the driver and passenger are placed separately, thus both need to communicate electronically. Uniquely, this sports car combines the speedster body style with a partially removable protective part in the arrangement of the gullwing-styled doors.
The Italdesign Aztec is equipped with two unique seats because the driver and passenger are placed separately, thus both need to communicate electronically. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3gKPR6j)
As a source of energy, Italdesign Aztec is equipped with an Audi turbocharged engine mated to a 4-wheel-drive system that comes from the Lancia Delta HF Integrale. The Audi's 2,226 cc five-cylinder DOHC engine is capable of producing power of around 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp), that's a bit less than its '250 HP' badge on the wing.
The Italdesign Aztec is powered by an Audi 2,226 cc five-cylinder DOHC turbocharged engine mated to a 4-wheel-drive system that comes from the Lancia Delta HF Integrale. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3gKPR6j)
The Aztec has a very futuristic style gesture with many future features. The car has control panels on both sides of the aluminum body panel on the back. After entering certain codes into the panel, information, and about the performance status of the car along with certain functions can be accessed via voice (for example to open its pop-up headlights, hydraulic jack, fire extinguisher, to a compressor to inflate the tires).
The Italdesign Aztec combines the speedster body style with a partially removable protective part in the arrangement of the gullwing-styled doors. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3gKPR6j)
Then in the cabin, Italdesign Aztec interior is wrapped in luxurious genuine leather with a group of separate instruments for passengers shaped like a steering wheel, which displays important information about the car and contains damper controls as well as communication tools along with time controls.
The Italdesign Aztec has a very futuristic style gesture with many future features including some of them can be accessed via voice. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3gKPR6j)
Amazingly, it turns out that this sports car has applied a satellite navigation system equipment located in the middle of the dashboard (positioned more towards the driver). Indeed, the design is clearly seen that the sports car was inspired by space technology that was being rife in the time, while the glass on the wings inspired by LeMans races that highlight the motorsport aspect.
Besides that, the sports car also has an adequate luggage compartment, while the carbon fiber rear wing is optimized for downforce and there is also the roll-bar installed for driver and passenger safety.
The Italdesign Aztec's big-sized rear wing is optimized for downforce and also the roll-bar for driver and passenger safety. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3gKPR6j)
According to some sources, there were only 18 units of the Italdesign Aztec have been built, of which the original planned production was 50 units (although some sources state the total production as "less than 25 units").
And in 1990, one of these sports cars had also appeared in one of the scenes of the horror-science fiction movie titled 'Frankenstein Unbound,' as a computer-controlled futuristic car owned by the film's protagonist, Dr. Joe Buchanan. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ]
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Alfa Romeo often collaborates with various designers to make their concept cars, like they did in 2010. To celebrate Alfa Romeo's 100th birthday and Pininfarina's 80th. The two then collaborated to realize a beautiful car named Alfa Romeo Pininfarina 2uettottanta, which was read by duettottanta.
Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta concept by Pininfarina is debuted at the 2010 Geneva International Motor Show. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2Y6dfo5)
The 2uettottanta concept car is Pininfarina's vision of how the next generation Alfa spider car should be. Besides that, the 2uettottanta represented the culmination of a long-standing partnership between the two Italian companies and paid tribute to the iconic '60s Duetto roadster.
Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta is Pininfarina's vision of how the next generation Alfa spider car should be. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2Y6dfo5)
How to spell the name of this concept car often causes confusion. The first character is not 2 as it is often considered but the capital letter D as written in the Renaissance. However the name has a meaning: 2 refers to a two-seat configuration, 2uetto for the influence of the classic Alfa Romeo Duetto model and ottanta is '80' in Italian (for how many years Pininfarina has been coming up with such stunners).
Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta concept inside is spacious and comfortable. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2Y6mgxA)
This concept car looks beautiful and elegant with the appearance of red bodywork inspired by the typical Alfa Romeo paint. Meanwhile, 2uettottanta has a width of 1,797 mm (70.7 in), length of 4,212.6 mm (165.9 in), the height of 1,280 mm (50.4 in), and has a wheelbase of 2500 mm. And the faces of the 2uettottanta concept, in particular, is not such a dramatic departure from current Alfa Romeo thinking. And from the side, and the rear, the surfaces are smooth, soft, flowing.
Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta concept, in particular, is not such a dramatic departure from current Alfa Romeo thinking. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2Y6mgxA)
This car is equipped with an elongated turbocharged 1,750 cc four-cylinder engine, a power plant that evokes memories of the 1750 Veloce from 1968, one of many versions originating from the famous "Osso di Seppia" (Cuttlefish). Power is sent to the rear wheels via the TCT box. Another little jewel is the new design for the lever of Alfa's DNA adaptive chassis system.
The Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta concept won the Car Design Award of the Year for the best car design in 2010 in the concept car category at the Geneva Motor Show. And this concept later inspired the birth of the latest generation of Alfa Romeo Spider for the American and European markets in the future. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA | CARSTYLING.RU]
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Hidden Gems - In the realm of automotive history, the iconic gullwing door-type often conjures images of the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300 SL from the 1950s to 1960s. Yet, hidden in the annals of American automobile innovation lies a lesser-known gem – the Ford Cougar 406. This concept car, born in 1962 under Ford's visionary gaze, brought a unique flair to the gullwing door legacy.
The Ford Cougar 406 futuristic concept car was debuting at the 1962 Chicago Auto Show featured top-hinged, electrically operated gull-wing doors. (Picture from: Kustomrama)
Internaly known as the D-523 "Cougar" was an experimental Ford built on a Thunderbird chassis, with fuel injection. The genesis of the Cougar dates back to Ford's experimental endeavors in the mid-1950s. Designed by Dean Jeffries in collaboration with Gil Spear’s studio in 1954 (largely by Samsen), this marvel was conceived as a response to Europe's burgeoning sports car market. The Cougar was more than a mere automobile; it was Ford's audacious foray into the realm of high-performance vehicles.
1962
Ford Cougar 406 designed by Dean Jeffries and uses a new 406 cubic inch
V8 engine developed 405 horsepower and 448 pound-feet of torque. (Picture from: Kustomrama)
Interior view of 1962 Ford
Cougar 406 Concept. (Picture from: Kustomrama)
Debuting at the prestigious 1962 Chicago show, the Ford Cougar 406 commanded attention with its avant-garde design. The pièce de résistance? Those mesmerizing top-hinged gull-wing doors, reminiscent of its German counterpart. Coupled with a robust 406 cubic inch V8 engine churning out 405 horsepower, this concept car promised a thrilling ride like no other.
Beyond its distinctive doors and powerhouse engine, the Cougar boasted other innovative features. Its swing-up headlights, discreetly nestled in the fenders, added a touch of futuristic charm.
The Cougar's silver screen debut came in 1963, immortalized in the film adaptation of Frederick Brisson's beloved Broadway hit, 'Under the Yum Yum Tree.' Painted in a resplendent 'Candy Apple Red,' the concept car dazzled alongside Hollywood luminaries like Jack Lemmon and Carol Lynley, etching its legacy in celluloid.
1962 Ford Cougar 406 featured top-hinged, electrically operated gull-wing doors. (Picture from: Kustomrama)
As with many automotive treasures, the Cougar's
current whereabouts remain shrouded in mystery. However, tantalizing
clues suggest its residence in Detroit, Michigan, under the ownership of
Joe Moridian. While sightings have dwindled over the years, the Cougar's allure as a symbol of American ingenuity and automotive artistry endures.
Notably, this wasn't Ford's first dalliance with the Cougar moniker. A 3/8-scale model had emerged in 1956, and in 1964, the automaker also launched a follow-up concept called the Ford Cougar II Concept. This model was intended as a rival to the Chevy Corvette. Later, Mercury adopted the Cougar moniker for a sleek two-door hardtop pony car built on the Mustang platform in 1967.
The Ford Cougar II Concept is built by Ford Motor Company intended to be an equal rival model of the Chevy Corvette. (Picture from: Motorcities)
The Ford Cougar 406 transcends mere nostalgia; it represents a bygone era of boundless creativity and daring design. Its gullwing doors may echo a bygone era, but their allure lingers, a testament to Ford's indelible mark on automotive history. As enthusiasts and historians alike continue to unravel its story, the Cougar stands as a timeless icon of automotive innovation and imagination. *** [EKA [13062020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSTYLING.RU | MYCARQUEST | KUSTOMRAMA | FORUM AACA | DEANGARAGE ]
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One of the most famous annual racing events in the world held from the 1920s to the 1950s was the Mille Miglia. It was an open race that covered more than 100 km in Italy. Even from this event, many legendary cars were born which later inspired modern concept cars today.
This can be seen in one of the legendary cars made by BMW in 1937 namely BMW 328 Mille Miglia 'Buegelfalte' which had competed and also won various prestigious races at that time such as Mille Miglia, Le Mans, and others.
BMW 328 Mille Miglia 'Buegelfalte' was produced in 1937. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2UFYXaM)
And over time, it turns out that in modern times like today, the German automotive manufacturer is noted to have made several concept cars based on the legendary racing cars mentioned above, such as;
1. 2006 BMW Concept Coupe Mille Miglia
This BMW concept car was deliberately built to commemorate a remarkable moment when the BMW 328 Touring Coupé won the racing event in 1940. And this concept car managed to steal the attention through its shape which is an adaptation of the design of the figure of the legendary classic BMW 328 Mille Miglia when it was introduced to the public on May 10, 2006.
The concept car uses the Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) bodywork and built on the BMW Z4 M Coupe chassis. Amazingly it turns out that the concept car also has fairly impressive innards. How not, this concept car is equipped with a straight-six 3.2 liters engine similar to the E46 M3 model, so it is not surprising that the car is capable of spewing power of 340 horsepower.
Rear three-quarter of the 2006 BMW Concept Coupe Mille Miglia. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/37dTKwJ)
For the interior sector, the Mille Miglia Coupe concept is truly a fusion of the classic style of 328 with the Z4, which certainly gets modern touches. The material used is only three kinds including thin Stainless Steel, Untreated Cowhides, and Lycra fabric. To commemorate those legends car, in some interior surfaces there is a symbol made using laser technology.
2. 2011 BMW 328 Mille Miglia Homage
This BMW 328 Hommage comes in the appearance of a roofless two-seat concept car and was made to commemorate of the 75th anniversary (in 2011) of the legends BMW 328 racing car that has the remarkable achievement as the holder of the highest average speed at the Mille Miglia legendary race event in Italy.
The concept car is based on the Vision Connected Drive roadster design study that has been shown previously by the German manufacturer at GIMS 2011. In order to emerge its retro-futuristic styled fusion, the BMW designer took certain elements from the original 328 model, such as a sleek design, vertical grille double, leather straps on the hood, wheel style, double windshield, and doorless.
Rear three-quarter of the 2011 BMW 328 Mille Miglia Homage. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3f9jxcp)
And most of the exterior and interior are made of plastic materials that are reinforced with carbon fiber so that BMW claims this car is very lightweight and more stable than made of aluminum. It's noted, the carbon fiber reinforced plastic materials which are also ever used on BMW M6 and M3 models.
Then specifically in the interior, it looks like its two-seat also have a retro touch with the same materials used for the interior include carbon fiber, leather, and aluminum. Then there's a six-inline engine with a capacity of 3.0 liters was seen under the hood with the power burst estimated of 340 horsepower. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BMW GROUP | SUPERCARS.NET]
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One that built-in 1990 was a model named the Corvette Nivola may be considered Bertone’s homage to the most fascinating American sports car ever built the Chevrolet Corvette. The sophisticated mechanical unit of the ZR-1 was interpreted by Bertone in a European key. Bertone designed a special chassis to make a sporty "boat" with mid-engine.
The Chevrolet Corvette Nivola by Bertone was revealed at the 1990 Geneva Motor Show. The Corvette Nivola appeared six years after another Corvette concept from Bertone, the Corvette Ramarro.
