Meet the most influential Porsche You've never heard of

It could be said, if there weren't any of the following vehicles, maybe Porsche would never have had a racing program, at least, none that were so entrenched from the start. Yes, this car begins with the figure of Walter Glöckler was initially a motorcycle racer and owner of a car dealer in Frankfurt.

The 1954 Glöckler-Porsche 356 Coupe is the forerunner to the rise of the Porsche in the modern world of racing. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/33TSNbI)

By his curiosity about a car, made him able to spend countless hours of tinkering so then led him became an early adopter of a strange kind of new racing car model which is later known as the Glöckler-Porsche 356 Coupe, a progenitor of Porsche's greatness on the racing tracks.

The 1954 Glöckler-Porsche 356 Coupe has vertical headlights, including a third one placed in the center beside its rounded headlights in the front. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3j0EJn7)

From its appearance, the Glöckler-Porsche 356 was indeed very different from other Porsche 356s, which began to be produced by this German manufacturer in 1948. Well, shortly after being launched, 6 units were assembled by Glöckler and his team into racing cars from the Porsche and Volkswagen parts.

There's a Porsche badge along with a small-sized Glöckler-logo above the third headlights of the 1954 Glöckler-Porsche 356 Coupe. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/33TSNbI)

The new racing car uses an all hand-hammered aluminum body, so then no wonder the weighs less than 1,000 lbs. Thanks to Glöckler's unique expertise to improve the Porsche design, so it is not surprising that his racing car started to reap great results on the track when it managed to win car races under 1,000cc across Germany in those days.

The 1954 Glöckler-Porsche 356 Coupe uses a Type 547 quad-cam engine from the 550 Spyder, the same engine that would eventually support the 356 Carrera. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/33TSNbI)

When the Glöckler racing cars wandered to many racing tracks at that time continued to make the best achievements, vice versa Porsche experienced different things, the German manufacturer is experiencing financial problems led it had an impact on many aspects. One of them that there is no time and means can be allocated to compete on the racing track. Despite these conditions, previously the Zuffenhausen engineers have been attracted by Glöckler's efforts and already gave him their full support.

The 1954 Glöckler-Porsche 356 Coupe appears with a simple dashboard that features several instrument panels and a rounded steering wheel. (Picture from https://bit.ly/33TSNbI)

In the 1950s, Porsche's financial condition was slightly improving and stable, the company decided to produce racing cars again. And they then borrow the Glöckler design for the Porsche 550 Spyder racing car to compete in the Le Mans racing event with Helmut Glöckler (Walter Glöckler's cousin) behind the wheel. Well, it could be said this car was the company savior on the racing track at the time.

The 1954 Glöckler-Porsche 356 Coupe has special features like wheel spats on all four corners. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/33TSNbI)

Even though on early Glöckler-Porsche model was considered a somewhat eccentric, at first glance, resembling a bathtub, with a small pillbox bunker to accommodate its driver. But on later models also included features such as wheel spats on all four corners, small chrome grills on the front, and upright headlights.

The window frames of the 1954 Glöckler-Porsche 356 Coupe were misaligned. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/33TSNbI)

Although all of these racing car models have never achieved huge success on the racing circuit or even matched the achievements of the inspired models, clearly today, all of them become something that is very valuable in the hands of collectors.

The story didn’t end there, the Glöckler's seventh model was designed to compete in the 1954 Mille Miglia is considered sleek and beautiful. The car has a panoramic window split down the center, wheel arches cut into the body, vertical headlights, including a third one placed in the center.

The 1954 Glöckler-Porsche 356 Coupe has a panoramic window split down the center. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/32YyESF)

Subsequently, the window frames were misaligned, the door was cut into the roof, and tailfins were added on the rear. The engine provided by Porsche engineer Ernst Fuhrmann was a Type 547 quad-cam from the 550 Spyder, the same engine that would eventually support the 356 Carrera.

Due to production delays, the Glöckler-Porsche 356 Coupe had to miss the starting lineup at Brescia but it was still able to compete in the Liège-Rome-Liège rally, even though it should be limped to cross the finish line due to serious technical problems.

In 2014, this coupe known to be sold privately. And then traveling from one exhibition to another around the globe, so far it able to make Porsche enthusiasts delight, at the same time made them feel surprised as well while to see there's a Porsche badge above the third headlights on something otherwise not similar to the Porsche car model generally. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ROAD & TRACK | THE AUTO GALLERY]

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The 812 Superfast goes into the next level

Maybe you still remember the figure of the Ferrari 250 GTO, one of the great iconic cars ever made by Ferrari, the Italian renowned premium car manufacturer with the prancing horse logoed in the 1960s.

Just to refresh our memory, the Ferrari 250 GTO ('Gran Turismo Omologata' or 'Grand Touring Homologated' in English) is a GT class car is used a V12 Tipo 168/62 Colombo engine and produced from 1962 to 1964 for fulfilling the homologation condition on the  FIA's Grand Touring Car Group 3 category.

Ferrari Omologata is a unique coachbuilt one-off model and is described by the Maranello-based manufacturer as a vibrant evocation of the values that define Ferrari in relation to GT racing. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3i4ZSvc)

In the present context, perhaps in your mind as a speed lover who idolizes the Italian prancing horse species wondering, is Ferrari in officially launching a model like the iconic 250 GTO once again? It seems those whisper echos had reached to the Maranello-based auto manufacturer and tease them to do something.

Ferrari Omologata designed by a variety of subtle nods of design inspired by science fiction, racing heritage, and modern architecture. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3i4ZSvc)

And now here's good news, Ferrari has officially launched its newest model although only one unit is made under the name Ferrari Omologata.

As quoted from Top Gear, this is a unique coachbuilt one-off model and is described by the Maranello-based manufacturer as a vibrant evocation of the values that define Ferrari in relation to GT racing. Also, it said as equally at ease on the road as it is hitting the apex on the track in the hands of a true gentleman driver.

Ferrari Omologata sweeps back to the rear with a new three horizontal transverses 'cuts', while the new rear spoiler is said to offer downforce, and set off the car’s 'aggressive, sporty stance.' (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3i4ZSvc)

This beautiful car was built by a Ferrari's special design team headed by Flavio Manzoni which is made entirely of aluminum, with a flattened oval grille, which tapers up to a rounded section over the front wheel arches. It sweeps back to the rear with a new three horizontal transverses 'cuts', while the new rear spoiler is said to offer downforce, and set off the car’s 'aggressive, sporty stance.'

Furthermore, Ferrari said that the Omologata was made especially under commission of a 'discerning European client' and was completed in about 2 years and had much to express. And among those many things, this Omologata is built on the base of the Ferrari 812 Superfast model where all that's left of 812 is the headlights, windshield, and chassis, while the rest is a variety of subtle nods of design inspired by science fiction, racing heritage, and modern architecture.

Ferrari Omologata uses a 6.5-liter V12 engine that is estimated to be capable of producing 789bhp of power and described as more a transcendental celebration of the internal combustion. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3i4ZSvc)

Even though it uses the same drivetrain as the 812 Superfast, a 6.5-liter V12 engine that is estimated to be capable of producing 789bhp of power, the Omologata's engine isn’t so much a big, powerful engine, and described as more a transcendental celebration of the internal combustion. Unfortunately, there is no performance record yet, although the Italian manufacturer says that this model has tested it on the Ferrari’s Fiorano test track.

Then what should be underlined about this model is the use of a new red color for the livery called Rosso Magma with a dark carbon fiber coating and special racing graphics developed by the Italian premium car manufacturer.

Inside, the leather/fabric seats are electric blue with four-point racing harnesses, and there are metal parts covered with a 'cracked paint' effect on the dashboard and steering wheel, to reflect Ferrari’s Fifties and Sixties GT racers. There is even a 'paint hammer' effect on the doorknobs and the center 'bridge' console. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TOP GEAR]

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One of the most legendary Maserati racing cars of 1950s

After we discussed the latest Maserati MC20 supercar some time ago, on the occasion we will discuss one of the old cars ever released by this Italian manufacturer which is equally beautiful. As you can see today, the Maserati classic race car not only appeared in stunning vintage red, also in good condition.

1956 Maserati 450S Prototype by Fantuzzi under commissioned of a wealthy American businessman Tony Parravano. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3hzxG3b)

Did you know? This racing car known as Maserati 450S was actually ever driven by Stirling Moss, the most renowned UK' racer back in the 1956 Mille Miglia. Unfortunately in the race, his brakes mysteriously gave out, and the car suffered some nasty damage, but it has been completely restored and is looking amazing today.

1956 Maserati 450S Prototype by Fantuzzi is appeared in a new contoured style body. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3iUJwqp)

This beautiful car creation started when a wealthy American businessman named Toni Parravano hired Maserati in 1956 to develop a new V8-engined car using the Kurtis Indy chassis. Maserati saw it as an opportunity to revive its project coded Tipo 54 by developing a new engine and use its sport-specific chassis. The original car, which carried the V-6 engine with chassis number 3501, became the testbed for this American-ordered car.

1956 Maserati 450S Prototype by Fantuzzi is made tremendous performance by clocked the third-best timing during test at the 1956 Sweden Grand Prix's practice season. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3iUJwqp)

Carrozzeria Fantuzzi came into and made a new body with a contoured design. The car also got a longer wheelbase to accommodate its new 5.7-liter V-8 520hp engine. Then the updated vehicle was tested at the Sweden Grand Prix's practice session in August 1956 where the automaker continued to tweak the new chassis and make improvements.

1956 Maserati 450S Prototype by Fantuzzi uses a 5.7-liter V8 engine with the power of 520hp. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3iUJwqp)

Its appearance was quite surprising and amazed everyone with its tremendous acceleration and top speed. The car clocked the third-best timing in the practice, but the underdeveloped car could not handle the vibrations resonating from the wrong firing order of the engine’s spark plugs. Afterward, the 450S received a new chassis at the Modena factory.

1956 Maserati 450S Prototype by Fantuzzi is claimed its first-ever podium finish at the 1957 Sweden Grand Prix. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3iUJwqp)

Furthermore, this car was quickly prepared to take part in the 1956 Mille Miglia racing event with the legendary driver Stirling Moss behind the wheel of the 450S along with Denis Jenkinson as navigator. While in the race, the car suffered a brake failure and had to stop after hitting a tree. The driver and navigator survived without a scratch, but the car had to return to the factory for repairs and further development.

Development continued and in 1957, the new 450S was launched for its maiden race at 1000 km Buenos Aires where it had led the Ferrari twin-cam sports car by 10 seconds. But the car suffered a failed transmission and should be out the race. However, later the car claimed its first-ever podium finish at the 1957 Swedish GP. Sadly, the FIA changed the rules next year, making the 450S ineligible for the Grand Prix.
With a vehicle so rare, RM Auctions can expect anything from $5.5 million to $8 million U.S. dollars back in 2014. It will really take a lot of money along with even more courage to own this unique piece of history. Unfortunately, the car not sold with a high bid of $4,816,350 only.😌 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TOP SPEED | RM SOTHEBYS |  SUPERCARS | AIROWS | REVOLZCARPOLISHING | SIMON CARS | CLASSIC WEEKLY]

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Another beauty car creation based on the Alfa Romeo Tipo 33

As usual when surfing in cyberspace, there we are again fascinated by the beauty of this racing car when we stop by on Pinterest. What do you think, it's gorgeous right? This is not surprising anymore because this car is built based on the Alfa Romeo Tipo 33.

Look out how beautiful the Alfa Romeo Tipo 33/2 Daytona racing car looks! (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2FCrTNl)

Besides being built into this racing car model, it turns out that the Tipo 33 sports car had also been transformed into several other models and that's have discussed before. And a small number of road-going cars were derived from it in 1967, called Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, and become one of the most beautiful and the most sought after sports cars in the world.

Look out how beautiful the Alfa Romeo Tipo 33/2 Daytona racing car looks! (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2ZGr8d2)

As we already know, that Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 was a sports racing prototype built in a limited number used to race by the Alfa Romeo factory-backed team in 1967 and continued development through to 1977. These cars took part for the World Sports Cars Championship, Nordic Challenge Cup, Interserie and CanAm series.

In 1968, Alfa's subsidiary, Autodelta, created an evolution model called 33/2. A road version, dubbed Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale was also introduced. At the 24 Hours of Daytona, the Porsche 907 with 2.2L engines were dominating the overall race, but Alfa took the 2-liter class win, with Udo Schütz and Nino Vaccarella; after that, the car was named as "Daytona". Since then this racing car model has been known as the Alfa Romeo Tipo 33/2 Daytona.

Look out how beautiful the Alfa Romeo Tipo 33/2 Daytona racing car looks! (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3hH5mfk)

The win was repeated at the Targa Florio, where Nanni Galli and Ignazio Giunti also took second place overall, followed by teammates Lucien Bianchi and Mario Casoni. Galli and Giunti then won the class at the Nürburgring 1000 km, where the 2.5L version finished for the first time, 4th place in the 3.0L class with Schütz and Bianchi.

Look out how beautiful the Alfa Romeo Tipo 33/2 Daytona racing car looks! (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2E8WIZn)

However, in most races, the Alfa drivers were outclassed by their Porsche rivals which used bigger engines. In 1968, the car was used mainly by privateers, winning its class in the 1000km Monza, Targa Florio and Nürburgring races.

At the end of the season, Alfa Romeo had finished third in the 1968 International Championship for Makes. A total of 28 cars were built during 1968, allowing the 33/2 to be homologated as a Group 4 Sports Car for 1969.

Furthermore, with the 33TT12 racing car model, Alfa Romeo won the 1975 World Championship for Makes, and with the 33SC12 the 1977 World Championship for Sports Cars, taking the first place in all eight of the car racing championships. All kinds of racing car models mentioned above are derived by the Tipo 33 as well. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GIRARDO.COM | GASHETKA]

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Do you ever see this Ermini's barchetta?

If we look at the figure of this beautiful classic car, at first glance, we will immediately remember the famous car brands like Ferrari, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, etc. However, if you look at the front grille, which has the 'E' emblem firmly imprinted on it, you might immediately wonder; what is the brand of this beautiful sports car? 

1948 Ermini Fiat 1100 Corsa is a two-seater barchetta bodied by Morelli. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3ikCafo)

This is the Ermini Fiat 1100 Corsa. It is a 2-seater barchetta bodied by Morelli and manufactured in 1948. Ermini? Maybe some of us rarely know or even don't know about this Italian brand. Let's talked about it. 

During the years just after the Second World War, there were plenty of small sportscar manufacturers in Italy producing cars for the many road races that were organized. The most popular was the 750 and 1100 cc classes and the cars were often based on mass-produced components from Fiat.

1948 Ermini Fiat 1100 Corsa was the first car built by Pasquono Ermini for compete in various racing events. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3bMKMc3)

One of the smallest of these manufacturers, often derogatorily referred to as "Etceterini" to distinguish them from the more familiar names like Ferrari and Maserati, must have been Ermini from Florence. But still, it was successful enough to be remembered today.

The brand owned by Ermini Automobili, an Italian automotive company is founded by Pasquino Ermini, a Florence engineer who learned his trade as a mechanic and driver during the 1920s and '30s with the Squadra Materassi and its Bugatti and Talbot cars. Following the war, he built his first car, a combination of a (heavily modified) Fiat 1100 chassis and an Alfa Romeo 2500 engine. With this, he competed in various events.

1948 Ermini Fiat 1100 Corsa is a combination of a (heavily modified) Fiat 1100 chassis and an Alfa Romeo 2500 engine. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3bK4JjZ)

He then decided to produce his own engine, choosing to enter the then-popular 1100 class. The result was a twin-cam 1094cc unit which emerged in 1947, one of the first twin-cams in that class. It immediately proved successful and was sold to many competitors, who fitted it to a variety of cars, usually either based on the 1100 or with a chassis by Gilco.

Bodies were supplied by numerous coachbuilders. In 1949 Ermini began building complete cars, with his 1100 DOHC engine, the chassis by Gilco, and the bodywork by Tofani. The early 1950's saw the Ermini 1100 as the car (or engine for those who chose to fit it to different chassis') to have. Tofani was unable to meet the demand, and so Motto and Morelli were used to producing the bodies.

Rear three quarter of the 1948 Ermini Fiat 1100 Corsa. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/35oxO35)

In 1953 Ermini introduced a new engine. Still a DOHC 1100 it now had an aluminum block and five main-bearing crankshafts. Around 20 engines were built and were fitted to cars by Ermini themselves (with a chassis designed by Gilco, Scaglietti, Morelli, and Frua (designed by Michelotti).

Even though it looks small, the work of this Italian automotive manufacturer still exists today. Yes, this company still continues to produce cars and engines for various purposes, especially racing needs. And its last production sports car was Ermini 686 'Seiottosei' which was exposed to the public at the 2014 Geneva International Motor Show. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ERMINI AUTOMOBILI | SUPERCARS.NET | COACHBUILD.COM | RITZSITE.NL | CARS A-Z]

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Alfa Romeo 1900 'Esse Esse Zetas'

During the 1950s the automotive world in Europe was hit by the car racing euphoria that marked by so many racing events that were attended by many participants ranging from automotive brand holders, other companies to individuals.

Alfa Romeo 1900 SSZ (Super Sprint Zagato) built by Carrozzeria Zagato from 1954 to 1957. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2DjKDA8)

This has also attracted a lot of interest from Alfa Romeo customers to make racing cars with this Italian qualified brand to fight in a racing event at that time such as the Mille Miglia and others. And then the celebrated local coachbuilder, Carrozzeria Zagato, renowned for its lightweight, aviation-inspired lines, was called upon to create such a car and immediately set to work.

Alfa Romeo 1900 SSZ (Super Sprint Zagato grabs instant success and won at the gruelling multi-stage Stella Alpina, driven by Galluzzi. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2DjKDA8)

The potent result, the 'Alfa Romeo 1900 SSZ (Super Sprint Zagato)' as it became known, was an instant success and won its first major outing, the gruelling multi-stage Stella Alpina, driven by Galluzzi. It wasn't long before Alfa’s racing department test driver Consalvo Sanesi tried out the new car and reported back to the firm’s top brass, who quickly sanctioned limited production.

Alfa Romeo 1900 SSZ (Super Sprint Zagato has a beautiful interior covered dominantly with light-brown genuine-leather. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2DjKDA8)

The Zagato Berlinetta also is known as the "esse esse zetas" or SSZ in short. It has the Zagato's trademark double-bubble roof. It matched Zagato's aerodynamic efficiency and the lightweight aluminum body design with the most potent version of Alfa Romeos 1900 known as the SuperSport.

Alfa Romeo 1900 SSZ (Super Sprint Zagato uses a 1,975 cc DOHC inline four-cylinder engine coupled with Weber carburetors, five-speed manual transmission system. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2DjKDA8)

The power amount of 115 bhp was burst out from its 1,975 cc DOHC inline four-cylinder engine coupled with Weber carburetors, five-speed manual transmission, so can be made the car speeding on the track. The car also featured with special independent front suspension with double A-arms, coil springs, and hydraulic shock absorbers, live-axle rear suspension with trailing links, coil springs, and hydraulic shock absorbers, and four-wheel drum brakes.

Alfa Romeo 1900 SSZ (Super Sprint Zagato is simply one of the most dynamic post-war sports cars ever created. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2DjKDA8)

The Zagato-bodied 1900C is simply one of the most dynamic post-war sports cars ever created, and it continues to draw the fascination and respect of Italian design connoisseurs. It has evolved into one of the most collectible post-war Alfa Romeo cars of all time.

It is thought that just 39 examples (plus two bare chassis) of these 1900 SSZ bespoke coupes were built specifically for racing, from 1954 to 1957. And they are all regarded as the pinnacle of the 1950s production Alfa Romeos. And at the 2016 RM Sotheby's Auction in Arizona, the price of one of these Zagatos offered is estimated at $1.4 to 1.8 million, had sold yet at the event. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ZAGATO | RM SOTHEBY'S | CARSTYLING.RU | FABWHEELSDIGEST | SUPERCARS.NET | KIDSTON.COM]

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Testa Rossa Coupe restored by Neil Twyman

Indeed, if we talk about beautiful and exotic sports cars there will be no end. Especially when the mentioned topic is 'Testa Rossa,' and you must be agreed with us if that's the most legendary name in the world's automotive as one of the famous sports car species made by the Maranello-based premium car manufacturer, Ferrari.

Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Coupe is a chimera model of two famous 1961 Ferrari 250 GTE and Testa Rossa restored by Neil Twyman. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3hxfV5D)

Even one of the 'Testa Rossa' named classic sports cars (1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa) has won several races like the Mille Miglia, 24 hours of Le Mans in the 1950s. Now, this roofless classic racing car from the Prancing Horse logoed manufacturer is listed as one of the most expensive cars in the world (its price tag ranging from the U.S. $12 million to $25 million).

Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Coupe still uses an original 3-liter V12 'refreshed' 250TR type Block engine. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2D1z2pe)

Well, the 'Testa Rossa' (not 'Testarossa') which will be discussed this time is a little different, because it is made as a coupe. In fact, the classic Testa Rossa racing car of 1950s had never been made by Ferrari in a coupe platform before. So if there is now a Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Coupe, of course, make you will ask who has built it?

Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Coupe is restored by Neil Twyman over a period of 10 years (from 2001 to 2011). (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2D1z2pe)

As quoted by Velocecars, this Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Coupe was built by Neil Twyman for himself over a period of 10 years (from 2001 to 2011). This is one and the only coupe car was built from a Testa Rossa and a half portion of the 1961 Ferrari 250 GTE wreck which had been in a crash and left to rot. From there, he restored it back into pristine condition by using a mix of authentic 250 Testa Rossa parts and his own fabrications.

Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Coupe is was built by simply adding a 250 GTE-styled hardtop over the legendary Testa Rossa body. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2D1z2pe)

For example, the suspensions and brakes are original type 250 as per what would have been on the cars in period. And as its powertrain uses an original 250TR type Block 3-liter V12 'refreshed' engine and coupled with an original 250TR type Ribbed gearbox.

Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Coupe is an incredible beautifully unique Ferrari red and cream build that just might be worthy of an inane asking price. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3hxfV5D)

Broadly speaking for the exterior appearance, this beautiful coupe was built by simply adding a 250 GTE-styled hardtop over the legendary Testa Rossa body. While the chassis was made by Neils' team using jigs from the original chassis they worked on. So it is clear, that's a chimera of two famous Ferrari models.

And if you've come to the end wondering why this doesn't look anything like a Testarossa, that's because this is a two-word 'Testa Rossa,' the prancing horse species of the '50s/'60s, not a one-word, '80s/'90s Testarossa. The result is an incredible beautifully unique Ferrari red and cream build that just might be worthy of an inane asking price. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FAST IS FAST | VELOCE CARS | INSIDE HOOK | HICONSUMPTION.COM]

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The weirdest Le Mans racing car

In a racing event that is attended by many motorized vehicle participants from various teams and manufacturers, of course, it will not display a uniform vehicle shape. Yes, various designs made in accordance with the race requirements, of course, will also colorize the excitement of the event.

A unique racing car created by Mario Dalmonte, Carlo Mollino, and Enrico Nardi in 1955 named "Bisiluro Damolnar" for the 24 hours Le Mans racing event. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3hhygDz)

One of the racing events that always features participants with various motor vehicle designs is the 24 hours of Le Mans. This legendary racing event (since 1923), which is held annually at the Circuit de la Sarthe, Le Mans, France, is a venue to compete for the vehicle endurance when it is driven non-stop at high speed for 24 hours around the circuit.

The Bisiluro Damolnar with Carlo Mollino behind the steering wheel while on the speed at the 24 hours Le Mans racing event track in 1955. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3iSP3x8)

Yes, one of the most striking is the appearance of a bright-red open-top Italian racing car that took part in the 24-hour Le Mans of 1955 named Bisiluro Damolnar. Its name derived from the surnames of its three designers, ie Mario Dalmonte, Carlo Mollino, and Enrico Nardi. It looked very different from all the other cars that competed in the legendary endurance competition.

This 1955 Bisiluro Damolnar has a Giannini-tuned twin-cam, 4 cylinders, 737 cc engine mounted on the left-hand side (to counter the weight of the driver, seated on the right). (Picture from: https://bit.ly/34lxlyq)

This racing car which has the appearance like the twin torpedoes which in Italian is called 'Bisiluro,' is an anomaly, it’s asymmetrical, with no passenger seat, and has the engine mounted on the left-hand side (to counter the weight of the driver, seated on the right). And the 450 kg (992 lbs) weighed racing car running by a Giannini-tuned twin-cam, 4 cylinders, 737 cc engine of BMW 750 motorcycle.

The chassis as tested without the body. Note the standard radiator, test fuel tank, Appia suspension and round steering wheel. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/31ycm9J)

Out of context for a moment, the torpedo (siluro) shapes and names seem very popular to use by the Italian' automotive circles in the time. For example, Piaggio, the famous Pontadera-based scooter manufacturer ever made racing scooter species called Vespa Monthléry back in 1950. Shortly after, the real torpedo-shaped design also implemented to its record-breaking scooter known as Vespa Siluro in 1951.

An ovoid steering wheel, designed for maximum legroom, was probably the least weird part of this creation. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3hhygDz)

Back to the car, it is built on a Fiat 500 chassis and frames made of the tubular steel for a lightweight body and attached with an engine with a high (for the time) power to weight ratio, it is said the race car is capable of running up to a top speed of 216 mph (347 kph).

This 1955 Bisiluro Damolnar is built on a Fiat 500 chassis made of tubular steel for a lightweight body and an engine with a high (for the time) power to weight ratio. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/34lxlyq)

But unfortunately, its appearance at one of the most prestigious racing events did not make any achievements. During the race, the Bisiluro was literally blown off the track, after colliding with a close-passing Jaguar D-Type and sustained too much damage to continue the race.

After being repaired and restored, the unusual-shaped racing car now lives on display at the prestigious Leonardo Da Vinci Museum in Milan, Italy. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SILODROME | STYLEPARK | ROAD AND TRACK | WIRED | VELOCETODAY.COM]

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