The unseen before of Porsche 551 Street Vision Spyder concept car

We were continuing to discuss concept cars that have never been presented by the German manufacturer Porsche. Apart from the Porsche 919 Street which is a road-legal version concept car of the Porsche 919 Hybrid, it turns out that the Stuttgart-based car manufacturer still has other concept cars inspired by their other legendary racing cars.

Porsche 551 Vision Spyder concept born in 2019 and inspired of the legendary Porsche 550-1500 RS Spyder racing car. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3mIaEK4)

This time, the German manufacturer is trying to take inspiration from their legendary racing car, the Porsche 550-1500 RS Spyder which had participated and succeded in various racing events in the 1950s (precisely 1954). And then here's born a concept car called the Porsche 551 Vision Spyder in the form of 1:1 scaled model. As a concept car, it was first initiated in 2012 also has the same fate as the 919 Street concept  car figure, which has never been shown off to the public.

Porsche 551 Vision Spyder concept born in 2019 and inspired of the legendary Porsche 550-1500 RS Spyder racing car. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3mIaEK4)

The Porsche Vision Spyder has an exterior design that is completely different from the Porsche-made existing lineups. On the front, you won't see the circular headlamps that could be saw in the 911 or 718 models. The Porsche designer team affixed the headlights in a rectangular shape. In order for this concept car to look more aggressive and sporty like a real racing car, the German manufacturer added a gaping-wide air intakes, cooling ducts for the brakes, and two red tow hooks.

Porsche 551 Vision Spyder concept born in 2019 and inspired of the legendary Porsche 550-1500 RS Spyder racing car. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3mIaEK4)

To give the impression of a naughty speedster as its slogan 'Little Rebel', Porsche added a small-sized windshield. This concept car is also equipped with a roll bar which of course functions as a security system. The roll bar also makes the Porsche 551 Vision Spyder look even more boxy. Meanwhile for the rear, the taillights carry the current Porsche characteristic of a thin horizontal line.

Don't expect any futuristic interior design in this car. Because Porsche only presents a pair of bucket racing seats and a sporty three-spoke steering wheel. Even though it will not enter the production line, the Stuttgart-based manufacturer said the Porsche Vision Spyder concept design could be the key to creating an innovative and timeless its future sports car designs. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSCOOPS ]

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Enzo Ferrari personal car

Almost all automotive enthusiasts must know the Ferrari brand which has many great sports car models, but it will be incomplete if we don't discuss the cars ever used by Enzo Ferrari, who is known as the founder and owner of the premium brand.

1962 Ferrari 330 GT Prototype Coupe with chassis number #4085 used by Enzo Ferrari as his personal car. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/37tR006)

In the 1950s, as Ferrari transformed into a dominant force on the race track, it also brought increased interest in the Prancing Horse marque which meant a further development need for a practical offered product to the consumers. Infact, though said to be practical, it is not the right word to describe the Ferrari, so then the company saw the need for a proper 2 + 2 GT car and as the result, here's Ferrari 330 GT with the first prototype launched in the summer of 1962.

Enzo Ferrari pictured with his personal 1962 Ferrari 330 GT Prototype Coupe with chassis number #4085. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/37tR006)

The car comes from the limited production of the Ferrari 330 America, but the 330 GT features a new frame with a wheelbase of 2 inches longer than its predecessor which was built based of the 250 GTE. Besides comes with a 2 + 2 layout, the Ferrari 330 GT also carries a distinctive shape with a long hood and a Ferrari's classic short trunk profile.

1962 Ferrari 330 GT Prototype Coupe comes with a 2 + 2 layout and also carries a distinctive shape with a long hood and a Ferrari's classic short trunk profile. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3nGl9yY)

The car's gorgeous shape was designed by a young designer named Tom Tjaarda who previously worked for Pininfarina and joined Ferrari in 1961 at the age of 27 yo. As its drivetrain, the car uses a Colombo V12 refined engine by an enlarged block meant to create extra cooling capacity. It replacing 3,967 cubic centimeters, averaging 330cc per cylinder, those hungry V12 engine is fed by three Weber carburetors to produce 300hp of power at 6,600rpm.

1962 Ferrari 330 GT Prototype Coupe with chassis number #4085 is featured in a light ivory beautiful color plus a gorgeous black leather interior. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/37tR006)

The power is transferred via a 4-speed manual gearbox with electric overdrive for road efficiency. As the car's is designed for the high-speed touring, so the car's handling depend on a fully independent front suspension and a sturdy rear axle held by longitudinal pushrod and tubular shock. In 1965, the Car and Driver magazine noted and said, that the Ferrari 330 GT's high-speed handling characteristics was smooth as glass on anything over the eighty.

1962 Ferrari 330 GT Prototype Coupe with chassis number #4085 powered by a Colombo V12 refined engine is fed by three Weber carburetors to produce 300hp of power at 6,600rpm. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3nGl9yY)

The Ferrari 330 GTs was produced into two distinct series, with only 1,087 units made up to 1967, of which the first 627 units featured a unique four-headlight arrangement. The Ferrari 330 GT 2 + 2 has a special meaning in the prancing horse logoed company as it is one of the few production cars that Enzo Ferrari drives personally with the two prototypes being driven by him as his personal car.

The 1962 Ferrari 330 GT Coupe coachworked by Pininfarina as shown here featured in a light ivory beautiful color plus a gorgeous black leather interior. This prototype example was made in 1962 and is one of the most important Ferrari 330 GT that will come on the market for many years. The Maranello-based auto factory maintained this car for two years after it was built, and used for the car original brochure then at the 1962 Brussels Motor Show, it appeared as a show car in the Ferrari's booth.

As mentioned above that Enzo Ferrari also uses this example with chassis number #4085 as his personal car. This incredible provenance is documented by Ferrari author, Leonardo Acerbi, in his book-titled Ferrari: A Complete Guide to All Models. Only in June 1964, this car was sold to Luigi Chinetti Motors, one of the first Ferrari dealers in the United States. The car lastly sold by Daniel Schmitt Co.Ltd at the price of the US. $495,000 back in 2018. According to Hagerty, that’s more than double the average going rate for this model. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS OSURCES | SCHMITT | INSIDE HOOK ]

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Conceived as a racy speedster, and ended as a roadworthy convertible

As we all know, in the 1950s to 1960s, the world's automotive industry players competed with each other to attract the attention of customers and then buy their production cars. There're various ways have been done including by making several exhibition cars intended to lead public opinion regarding the technological advances they have achieved at that time and create trends so that they have the opportunity to dominate the automotive market.

The first appearence of 1961 Pontiac Tempest Monte Carlo Concept Car. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3gQ6lLo)

And the follows beautiful car is one of the few concept cars actually made to drive. It's just been completely sorted and ready for a show event or a long haul trip. Besides, it is one of the few General Motors concept cars that is truly road-worthy, and known as Pontiac Tempest Monte Carlo Concept Car which is also known to have experienced dramatic make over shortly after it been born.

The first appearence of 1961 Pontiac Tempest Monte Carlo Concept Car. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3r1qMtx)

Initally, it made in 1961 as a naughty speedster in the General Motors styling studios directed by Bill Mitchell, GM's head of design at the time. The Monte Carlo is based on the standard '61 Tempest production car, which has been shortened about one foot to create a two-seat roadster. Upon completion, the Monte Carlo concept car was a hit at various auto shows and major road racing events.

The first appearence of 1961 Pontiac Tempest Monte Carlo Concept Car. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3gQ6lLo)

Not infrequently, it made the concept car has to share the spotlight with the Chevrolet Corvair Sebring Spyder, another GM's cool show car. As quoted from HuntingRidgeMotors.com, the concept car building and developing costs in 1961 is exceeded $250,000 (if converted to today's money, that would equal over $2,000,000). Wow ...!

The final appearence of 1961 Pontiac Tempest Monte Carlo Concept Car. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2KceI8j)

The car had a unique design all of which were part of experimental concepts at the time. Well, the car has a custom made stainless steel cove moldings, specially designed instrumentation including a tachometer, custom racing-inspired bucket seats and a three-spoke wood trimmed sports steering wheel.

Besides that the the concept car figure has a striking and quite unique sight that distinguishes it from other cars available at the time, namely a half-sized windshield and Halibrand Knock Off Wheels, and also equipped with other advanced features, such as fitted with an optional soft top, full windshield, roll up windows, included wiper motor and everything else needed for daily use.

The final appearence of 1961 Pontiac Tempest Monte Carlo Concept Car. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2KceI8j)

And it's known that the concept car is powered by a modified slant-four Tempest powerplant with a supercharger and loads of chrome goodies, coupled to the four-speed manual Tempest transaxle and a specially designed heavy duty suspension for all four corners. Then, the inner headlamps are specially designed for long distance driving (a predecessor of the Xenon lamp).

In 1962, the two-seat Tempest Monte Carlo experienced a complete makeover. The half-sized plexiglass windshield is replaced by a production-style full-height windshield assembly and an engineered all-weather convertible top. Chrome wires with whitewalls were mounted up in place of the magnesium racing wheels, and the full-race slant-four Tempest powerplant was swapped out in favor of a 215 cubic-inch BOP aluminum V8 engine.

The final appearence of 1961 Pontiac Tempest Monte Carlo Concept Car. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2KceQ7N)

So far it is not known why these changes were made, but it appears those comprehensive fixes was designed to transform the racy but impractical speedster into regular roadworthy transportation means.

The show car's final touches are painted it with a pearlescent white plus dual blue racing stripes, then a custom dark blue leather interior, custom seat belts, full floor length brushed aluminum center console, custom designed drop top that completely hides away when in the down position and much more.

Initially this car was owned by Edward Cole, Vice President of General Motors who later gave it to his son to take to college. After that the Monte Carlo concept car spent years in a museum in San Antonio Texas where it is prominently displayed. 

Eventually Monte Carlo passed into private ownership, changed hands at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction in 2007, and is currently listed for sale by Hunting Ridge Motors on Mt. Kisco, New York. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HUNTINGRIDGEMOTORS.COM | OLDCONCEPTCARS.COM | MACSMOTORCITYGARAGE.COM | HEMMINGS.COM | CARGUYCHRONICLES ]

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This is the XK120 Supersonic, not like the Jaguar you know before

We continue the discussion about cars that carry the Supersonic coachwork design made by Ghia, after we previously discussed several car models from world-renowned automotive manufacturers such as Aston Martin, Fiat, and Chrysler who had the opportunity to wear this coachwork design. And on this occasion it was the turn of the Jaguar XK120 'Supersonic' figure that we discussed.

This is the 1952 Jaguar XK120 Supersonic by Ghia, not like the Jaguar you know before. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2Kv4xeY)

As we all know, the 'Supersonic' coachwork design was first proposed by Virgilio Conrero who's commissioned by a wealthy Swiss racing enthusiast named Robert Fehlmann to a well-known auto designer Giovanni Savonuzzi to be applied to the one-off racing car model named Conrero-tuned Alfa Romeo 1900 which later took part in racing on the Mille Miglia 1953 classic racing event.

The long nose and rounded rump are characteristic of the Supersonic style. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2Kv4xeY)

The 'Supersonic' coachwork design can simply be described as a car with a long, sharp windshield; a curved nose that forms a straight belt line, ending with a small flaming tail fin intended to resemble an afterburner jet; and the cockpit is low as glass.

Since then, many of the best car models from world-renowned manufacturers have been sent to Ghia's headquarters in Turin to get a touch of the 'Supersonic' coachwork design, that also includes Jaguar. The first Jaguar car to apply this coachwork design was the Jaguar XK120 coupé owned by Joseph Malpelli, a wealthy Lyon-based millinery and lingerie businessman.

There’s a Nardi steering wheel inside the XK120 interior was retrimmed in beige leather by Ghia, rather than replaced. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2Kv4xeY)

Since the Jaguar manufacturer would not supply the XK in the form of a chassis for coachbuilding, and then this particular project had to be built on the basis of a complete car. So Malpelli decided to turn his XK into Supersonic and even returned to depositing a second car conversion order with Ghia (some said that Charles Delecroix, a French Jaguar dealer at Royal Elysées, Paris also shipped the third and even the fourth conversion cars).

This is the 1954 Jaguar XK120 Supersonic powered by the sublime and much-loved XK straight-six engine. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2Kv4xeY)

As well as reworking the body, the engine was also tuned by the Conrero to fit the triple Weber used in place of the standard SU carburetor. The first car was entirety completed in 1954. Then the Jaguar XK120 'Supersonic' was shown in Paris and London, as well as at several major concours d'élégance competitions including Montreux and Cannes.

Shortly thereafter the second car was finished, but appeared in a different style from the first car. Yes, the 2nd car comes in stylish details with a Ferrari-type eggcrate styled grille, prominent hood ridges and a silver roof two-tone paint scheme over a metallic blue main body without side vents.

On the 1954 Jaguar XK120 Supersonic by Ghia, where the Jaguar's typical wheels remain in the deep arches and has stylish, slender quad exhausts. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2Kv4xeY)

Then a third car was built and upon completion, it was reportedly sold to Switzerland, but has since disappeared. Many automotive observers and historians believe that over the years there have been four Jaguar-based Supersonics built by Ghia. Yes, this is the XK120, but nothing like the Jaguar you know before.

So far, this beautiful car, besides having appeared in many exhibition events in the world, has also experienced many changes in ownership and the process of restoration. And its last remarkable appearance in public was at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2019 event. 

Yes, when the others started to look old and out of date, the 1953 Savonuzzi design still looked beautiful when it was installed on the Cobra 427 ten years later. Indeed, none matched the spectacular Supersonic. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CLASSIC AND SPORTS CAR ]

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One of the last beauty creations of Stabilimenti Farina

As in the article on classic cars that we discussed earlier, almost everything starts with surfing in cyberspace. Likewise with the following classic car named Siata 208 CS Stabilimenti Farina Berlinetta which was produced in a limited number of 15 units by Siata at the end of 1952 to 1954.

1952 Siata 208 CS Stabilimenti Farina Berlinetta. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2KiabRo)

As we all know, for many years SIATA (Società Italiana Applicazioni Trasformazioni Automobilistiche) has been specializing in after-sale products for Fiat. So it is not surprising that the Siata 208 CS Stabilimenti Farina Berlinetta is a sporty coupe model that is closely related to the car models made by Fiat at that time.

1952 Siata 208 CS Stabilimenti Farina Berlinetta. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2KiabRo)

Yes, it all started when the Italian giant car manufacturer introduced the Fiat 8V model in 1952, this has led to the development of the first Siata chassis constructed by tubular members. Basically the new chassis is not designed exclusively for the Fiat 'Otto Vu' engine, but can also use other V8s (preferably Chrysler's engine). Although in the end only one example was actually installed with the American machine. While the rest of the chassis, mostly using the running gear was retrieved from the Fiat parts bin.

1952 Siata 208 CS Stabilimenti Farina Berlinetta. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2KiabRo)

Then the Siata 208 model also has an all-round independent suspension by unequal length arms; at the front of the upper arm operates the shock absorber. This setup was directly derived from the Fiat 1100's front suspension, then there are the large aluminum drum brakes to provide braking power.

With the exception of a Chrysler-engined example, the new Siata uses Fiat's somewhat unusual 70-degree V8 engine. In the trim stock, the Fiat's two-liter OHV engine usually generates 100 bhp of power, but with the application of Siata's hotter camshaft and three Weber carburetors, the burst of power can be increased to 140 bhp and some have even mentioned that it reached 160 bhp.

1952 Siata 208 CS Stabilimenti Farina Spyder. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2JRwAFt)

In the sales brochure, the new Siata for the base model's engine is able to spew up to 110 bhp of power with only two Weber carburetors. Sporting a big ram-air duct the light-alloy engine was bolted onto the chassis together with a four speed gearbox also sourced at Fiat.

1952 Siata 208 CS Stabilimenti Farina Spyder. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2JRwAFt)

Although only about sixty chassis were produced during 1953 and 1954, the Siata recently received at least half a dozen different types. The most common were the 208 S for open-tops and the 208 CS for the slightly larger coupe. It then goes on to mention that the Motto Spiders were the most popular body choice in the 1950s as they fitted the lightweight and fine-handling chassis perfectly.

1952 Siata 208 S Motto Spider. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3oO50HN)

Unfortunately, it is not known who actually designed it with a classy outline. Most likely it is the work of Franco Scaglione or Giovanni Michelotti. The builder of choice for the 15-unit coupe bodies is the Stabilimenti Farina. But the company went bankrupt after finished only six samples and the remaining nine were constructed along the same lines by the successor coachbuilder, Balbo.

1952 Siata 208 S Motto Spider. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3oO50HN)

In late 1952, the Siata 208 was launched to much critical acclaim, with journalists having nothing but praise for the good handling and good performance of the Italian thoroughbred. It is known that a California car dealer owned by former street racer named Ernie McAfee then placed an order for a large number of Spiders and it is quite possible that all Motto Spiders went to the United States.

However everyone likes the little Siata, its high price drove customers turn to the much cheaper MG, Jaguar or Porsche. It made McAfee struggled to find buyers for these cars and some were sold as late as 1956. Like the Fiat 8V, the agile Siata 208 is still very much loved today and have a very high price tag, due to the good examples are rare to find. *** [FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ULTIMATECARPAGE ]

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Look how gorgeous the Ferrari 330 GTO coupe!

The world's automotive enthusiasts should be known about the Ferrari 250 GTO. Off course, it is not only the most sought after, desirable and very valuable classic sports car figure now, besides that it is also a rare and one of the most successful racing cars in its era.

1962 Ferrari 330 GTO is could be said to be the last incarnation of the Ferrari 250 GTO. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3qMRc26)

Behind the wheel of those prancing horse racing car, many of the world's famous racers managed to grab historic victories and then helped to place it consistently among the most valuable cars ever sold at auction events. However, did you ever know? There is actually a special variant of the 250 coupe that is even rarer; which is could be said to be the last incarnation named the Ferrari 330 GTO.

1962 Ferrari 330 GTO is uses the Le Mans winning 330LM's 4.0 liter V12 engine and built based on the chassis of the Ferrari 250 GTO. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/37ccjmP)

As we already know that the Ferrari 250 GTO is basically a Testa Rossa with a closed cockpit specially made to meet the requirements of the world's GT racing championship. The 250 GTO retained to use the Le Mans-winning Tipo 168/62 V12 3.0 liter engine from the Testa Rossa, which is capable of producing around 296bhp of power. Amazingly, the car was an unqualified success, but progress marches on.

At that time, it seemed that Ferrari was not satisfied with all the achievements made by its 250 GTO variants. The Maranello-based premium car manufacturer then began to develop a 4.0 liter GTO based on the chassis of those 250 GTO. The new car's appearance looked almost identical, except for the hood ridges that were needed to accommodate the new, larger engine. 

1962 Ferrari 330 GTO is uses the Le Mans winning 330LM's 4.0 liter V12 engine and built based on the chassis of the Ferrari 250 GTO. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/37ccjmP)

By given that the 4.0 liter unit installed on the car was the same engine unit used in the Ferrari 330LM racing cars that has proven to make the Italian prancing horse logoed auto manufacturer as the nine-times consecutive winner of the 24-Hours of Le Mans racing at that time. And no wonder then high expectations are also pinned on the new Ferrari 330 GTO which now has an engine capable of producing nearly 400bhp of power.

1962 Ferrari 330 GTO is qualified in seventh place at the 24 Hours of Le Mans of 1962. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3qMRc26)

The Ferrari 330 GTO's first appearance was race in the prototype class at the 1000 km Nürburgring in the 1962, where it managed to finish in a respectable second place. Hereafter the 330 GTO does not have a brilliant career like its sibling 250 GTO, there are so many obstacles like a moment before reaching the Le Mans, the car damaged, and later it was replaced with a regular 3.0 liter engine. And the chassis 3673SA was replaced with a 330 GTO built on chassis 3765LM, but the car eventually should be out of the race earlier due to overheating during the 24 Hour of Le Mans of 1962 race.

1962 Ferrari 330 GTO should be out of the race earlier due to overheating during the 24 Hours of Le Mans of 1962. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3qMRc26)

There is much debate about how many 330 GTOs were ever produced. The answer is three, but now only two Ferrari 330 GTOs are left. As previously mentioned, the original was damaged and a replacement unit was built to race in its place. 

The third and final unit of the Ferrari 330 GTO is a special custom car on chassis 4561SA and commissioned by Michael Paul-Cavalier. At his request, the Maranello-based auto-manufacturer modified it for road legal use, by increasing the wheelbase, stronger brakes and closed headlights, but it retains its 4.0 liter V12 racing engine.

Today, some of the 250 GTOs have been converted into 4.0 liter engines so that their appearance is similar to that of the 330 GTO, but the two original cars are very rarely seen in public. Possibly, this is what makes its prestige fade a bit and gradually becomes a kind of myth.

Lastly someone brought a Ferrari 330 GTO to attend the 2018 Goodwood Revival in a grid worth over £200 million. Look how gorgeous she is! What do You think? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOSU SOURCES | YAHOO | CONCEPTCARZ.COM | SUPERCARS.NET | SPORTSCARDIGEST.COM | AUTOCLASSICS.COM ]

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