Rare ONES Some time ago we discussed a car that was used by Enzo Ferrari, but it is incomplete if we do not discuss the car used by his rival Ferrucio Lamborghini, who is known as the founder of another Italian premium car brand Lamborghini.
The Lamborghini Jarama was built based on the design of Marcello Gandini in between 1970 to 1976 only as many as 328 units. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3aV68pf)
Alhough his name sticks forever to all the supercars made by the raging-bull logoed manufacturer. For Ferruccio Lamborghini, the founder of the Italian premium car company that bears his name, the mid-engine legendary models at that time such the Miura, which started launching in 1966, and the Countach, which followed in 1973, were not his style.
Ferruccio Lamborghini posed along with his favorite's Jarama (left) and a Lamborghini built tractor (right). (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2JB2O7I)
In fact, the Ferrucio Lamborghini's favorite is probably the most obscure car to come from the Sant'Agata Bolognese and was the Lamborghini You forgot about as well. How can?
The Lamborghini Jarama's dashboard and interior view. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2KSax1A)
As quoted from Road and Track, Ferrucio Lamborghini once said in an interview with Thoroughbred & Classic Car in 1991 that his favorite car was the Lamborghini Jarama, due to it was the perfect blend of Miura's slick performance and the comfort of the Espada.
The instrument panel and steering wheel of an early Lamborghini Jarama model. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2KSax1A)
There is no special reason that makes Ferrucio Lamborghini likes Jarama, it's just because he wants a high performance sports vehicle like the Miura and can comfortably accommodate four seats in the cabin like the Espada, and he thinks all of that is only in Jarama.
The Lamborghini Jarama's second row seats view. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2KSax1A)
Then what is the Jarama's appearance, which is said the Ferrucio Lamborghini's favorite car? The Lamborghini Jarama is a sports car model made only as many as 328 units by the raging bull logoed auto factory, and was produced from 1970 to 1976 based on the design of Marcello Gandini, one of the famous Bertone designers. Besides, the Jarama is also intended as a replacement model for the Islero Grand Tourer.
Early Jarama model rear view, showing Miura-style knock off magnesium wheels. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2JB2O7I)
The sports car with a front-mounted engine with a 2 + 2 composition inside its cabin was produced in 2 variants, namely the standard Jarama with 176 units and the Jarama S as many as 152 units. Early Jarama models featured center-locking magnesium alloy wheels, as used on the Miura and S1/S2 Espadas.
Then what about the performance? The Jarama is powered by a Lamborghini's V12 3.929 cc engine coupled with six Weber 40 DCOE carburetors capable of producing 350 bhp (260 kW) of power in the standard Jarama (365 bhp in the next-model Jarama S) which is then channeled to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox. So it is not an exaggeration to say that the Jarama might be the best front-engined Lamborghini ever.
It's funny to think that the Lamborghini models known for its raucous mid-engine supercar, turn out that's the opposite of the car that Ferruccio himself wanted. Anything can happen when it comes to taste, that's it.... So even though the Countach is Lamborghini defined, the Jarama was the one that had Ferruccio's heart. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ROADANDTRACK | THEEXTREMEXPERIENCE | MOTORTREND | WIKIPEDIA ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
Legendary ONES The Jaguar XK120 was undoubtedly one of the finest sports cars of its time, known for its superb handling and an engine that produced record top speeds. And according to the Concours of Elegance website in Britain, that car has a Perspex roof bubble to protect the driver and cheat the wind.
1952 Jaguar XK120 Record Car 'MDU 524' on display at the 2013 Quail Motorsports Gathering. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2L68k2A)
That particular Jaguar XK120 is registered as MDU 524 and originally was a Jaguar Works Competition car that competed in the Rallye International des Alpes its first time out. Furthermore, in 1953 Sir William Lyons proved that the Jaguar XK120 was one of the most capable cars by reaching 172,412 mph on the Jabbeke straight track in Belgium.
1952 Jaguar XK120 Record Car 'MDU 524' is featured with the unique Perspex roof bubble to protect the driver and cheat the wind. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2L68k2A)
Behind the wheel, Norman Dewis drives a modified XK120 with a small perspective bubble windshield and wins the land speed record for a production car. The XK120 actually held the land speed record twice. Dewis took the honours in April of 1953 at 140 mph, but then a V8 powered Pegaso went faster of 150 mph a few months later. MDU was further refined and hit 170.412 in October of that same year.
1952 Jaguar XK120 Record Car 'MDU 524' uses a natural aspirated inline-6 DOHC engine with the power of 160 bhp at 5,000 rpm and 195 ft.lbs at 2,500 rpm of torque. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2L68k2A)
Dewis driving the 'MDU524' registered 660986 chassis. It was a factory race car that had competed in the 1952 Alpine Trial before being fitted with the sleek bodywork. Once the record was running, it was maintained by the factory and used at Goodwood, Mallory Park, Silverstone, Crystal Palace and Brands Hatch without an efficient configuration.
It is the only Jaguar to hold the land speed record. As a result of this
accomplishment, a small brass plate is included on the dashboard of the
XK120 which represents a running record.
In 2013 extensive restoration was carried out on the MDU524 by JD Classics for Jaguar collector Jeff Lotman. When the 18 months recovery was completed in 18 months, shortly after that the MDU had been reunited with Norman Dewis at the 2013 Quail Motorsports Gathering. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SUPERCARS.NET | AUGUSTACHRONOCLE.COM | CONCOURSOFELEGANCE.CO.UK ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
Speed DEMON The automotive industry in the Soviet Union spanned the history of the state from 1929 to 1991. It started with the establishment of large car manufacturing plants and reorganisation of the AMO Factory in Moscow in the late 1920s and early 1930s.
1934 GAZ A-Aero. a unique streamline-bodied concept car built by GAZ (Gorkovsky Avtomobilny Zavod), a Russian automotive manufacturer located in Nizhny Novgorod. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/37XU2de)
And during the first five-year plan, and continued until the Soviet Union’s dissolution in 1991, there were many cars had been built. Below are ten coolest, weirdest and fastest racing, experimental and concept cars which ever built while under the Soviet Union regime.
1. 1934 GAZ A-Aero
This Russian classic fast car designed by Aleksei Osipovich and built only one unit in 1934 by GAZ (Gorkovsky Avtomobilny Zavod), a Russian automotive manufacturer located in Nizhny Novgorod.
1934 GAZ A-Aero uses a standard GAZ-A 4-cylinder 3,285 liters petrol engine with an increased compression ratio and aluminum head. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3hqJWoi)
The car built based of GAZ-A with wooden bodywork and metal plates covered. Its powertrain uses a standard GAZ-A 4-cylinder 3,285 liters petrol engine with an increased compression ratio and aluminum head.
1934 GAZ A-Aero run up to a top speed of 106 kph with the acceleration 0 - 100 kph in 36 second. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/34VJPfn)
The engine able to spew power of 48 hp at 2,300 rpm, that's enough to bring it run up to a top speed of 106 kph with the acceleration 0 - 100 kph in 36 second.
2. 1938 GAZ GL-1
The car is produced in 1938 based of the GAZ-M1. As result, this racing car is touted as the fastest Soviet race car before the war. In order to find the right engine for this car, the GAZ engineers conducted several experiments using different engines such the original GAZ-M1 engine was boosted to 65 hp instead of 50 hp, and while using the GAZ 11's 6 cylinder engine was boasted of 100 hp.
1938 GAZ GL-1 is touted as the fastest Soviet race car before the war with the top speed of speed of 148 kph. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3pA3XMc)
In October 1938, Arkady Nikolaev finally managed to reach a speed of 148 kph with the GAZ GL-1, thus setting a new Soviet Union record.
1940 GAZ GL-1 had a six-cylinder engine that allowed the car to reach a speed of 140 kph. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3pA3XMc)
Just a couple of years later, GAZ unveiled its new 11 model, which had a six-cylinder engine that allowed the car to reach a speed of 140 kph. The only thing that was clear was that the GAZ GL-1 needed a lot of work.
3. 1950 GAZ M-20 'Pobeda' Sport
The unique car is built in the Soviet Union in 1950 and there aren't many pics of this prototype around. When it using the original GAZ-M1 65 hp engine, the car able to run up to a top speed of 148 kph.
1950 GAZ M-20 'Pobeda' Sport uses an inline 6 quoted at 105 hp with some details were redesigned (new wheel caps, dome abouve driver’s head, rounded grill plating) and top speed of 193 kph can be achieved. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3pzOQCa)
But if the car uses an inline 6 quoted at 105 hp with some details were redesigned (new wheel caps, dome abouve driver’s head, rounded grill plating) and top speed 120 mph/193 kph can be achieved. It looks like it might have gone a bit faster if it wasn't a tin can on wheels.
4. 1951 GAZ 'Torpedo'
The
SG-2 racing car better known on public as GAZ 'Torpedo' and it was
created after 'Victory sports' by designer A.A.Smolin. He refused the
'Victory' body even if remade, then created a bearing aluminum body of a
tear-shaped form of completely new design and inspired of aviation
technologies.
1951 GAZ 'Torpedo' created a bearing aluminum body of a tear-shaped form of completely new design and inspired of aviation technologies. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2WTq2cj)
Designers
of GAZ understood that the created sports cars of SG-1 and SG-2, only
transitional stage to more perfect designs with higher dynamic
parameters. The idea of construction of superfast model which would
become over time a basis for creation of the car, capable to establish
new world records of speed was offered.
By using the 1951 GAZ 'Torpedo,' there were two all-Soviet Union records of speed are established. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3huEcd2)
The
GAZ 'Torpedo' uses an four-cylinder 2.4-liter engine that delivers 105
hp of power at 4,000 rpm and could be make the machine run up to the top
speed of 191 kph. Its framework with a set from dural profiles, a
covering made of aluminum sheet. By using the SG-2 or GAZ 'Torpedo'
there were two all-Soviet Union records of speed are established.
5. 1951 Kharkov-3, Kharkov-L1 and Avangard
In
1951 three more speed record cars from the Ukrainian city of Kharkov
were announced and devoted exclusively to break speed records. Members
of a local car club created these three interesting cars, the Kharkov-3,
the Kharkov-L1, and the Avangard independently.
1951 Kharkov-3, the Kharkov-L1, and the Avangard. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2WWT4aI)
Ukraine
was a part of the Soviet Union, and Kharkov was one of the largest
engineering centers in the entire country. The local school of casting
and metalworking made it possible to create highly complex metal parts
of the highest quality, including, completely non-standard automobile
engines. The local aviation industry helped enthusiasts with aerodynamic
solutions for the bodywork.
1951
Avangard had a mid-engine layout, instead of a front-mounted engine, a
platform frame chassis and elongated, streamlined bodies. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/38M22NB)
These
three cars were in stark contrast to all Soviet record-breaking racing
cars created earlier. They all had a mid-engine layout, instead of a
front-mounted engine, a platform frame chassis and elongated,
streamlined bodies.
UniqueONES After many car models were made in Ghia's Supersonic bodywork, on this occasion we will discuss one car model ever built wearing those bodyworks, namely the Shelby Cobra 427. This car made by this American manufacturer had outstanding performance and was very popular in the world's racing circuits of the 1960s.
This is the 1965 Cobra 427 under the Ghia's Supersonic bodywork made by John Willment. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2L02hN1)
If you hear Cobra fans talking about the Cobra coupe and they mostly mean the Cobra Daytona coupe (CSX9000) designed by Pete Brock. The car was first bodied in the US by California Metal Shaping and the remaining five in Italy.
These cars are known to have played a key role in Shelby American's quest to win the world's manufacturing championship in 1965. But this is not about the Cobra Daytona coupe mentioned above.
This is one of the six of the famous 1965 Shelby Brock Cobra Daytona coupe.(Picture from: http://bit.ly/2L02hN1)
It turns out that there is another Cobra coupe bodied in Italy prowling the earth and has a much scarier engine than the Daytona Shelby coupe, the FE 427-inch series. Yes, this model is wearing a big block engine! How did it come about?
The way the car came about was very unique, it happened when a British Ford dealer and racing team sponsor John Willment found something extraordinary in the junkyard, namely an aluminum bodywork of the Ghia Supersonic designed by Giovanni Savonuzzi. As we all know, it was originally mounted on the Fiat 8V chassis. At the same time they also had some of the Cobra 427's chassis from earlier racing efforts.
This gorgeous creation built of the Ghia's Supersonic aluminum bodywork put on the top of 1965 Cobra 427 chassis by John Willment. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3mXcnvk)
Maybe at that time John Willment imagined how beautiful the Cobra 427 would appear in Ghia's Supersonic bodywork. Then he's decided to marry the rest of the Ghia Supersonic aluminum bodywork with the Cobra 427 chassis.
The hodgepodge car was powered by an engine (not the original 427 engine) but was suitable for that which was prepared by Holman Moody, then combined with twin four barrel carbs and depending on compression and tune conditions capable of producing up to 485 hp.
One of the most recent appearances of 1965 John Willment Cobra 427 under the Ghia's Supersonic suit, according to Classic and Sports Car magazine was at a British concours in 2014. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2L02hN1)
Some theorize that the 427's chassis tube was extended 5" at the front. And the Supersonic body had to be modified to fit the new chassis. It's rumoured that John Willment lost interest in the project before it was fully completed, but based on the modern looking photos, the car was recently finished.
1965 John Willment
Cobra 427 under the Ghia's Supersonic suit uses an engine (not the original 427 engine) but was suitable for that which was prepared by Holman Moody, then coupled with twin four barrel carbs capable of producing up to 485 hp. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2L02hN1)
This car has been around for about five decades. At one point, it belonged to a London policeman who's bought it when the price was still under $10,000. Maybe now it has an exorbitant price (estimated could be reach 6-7 digits) if it sold through one of the world's famous auction houses.
We're sorry if the following video contains about the Fiat Supersonic 8V not the Cobra 427.
It would be nice to have one of the beautiful Ghia Supersonic-bodied cars. As we all know, they also build it with Fiat, Jaguar, AstonMartin, and De Soto (Chrysler) mechanics, but this one based on the Cobra 427 has got to be the best-performing version of all. ***[EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GTPLANET FORUM | MYCARREQUEST | DELESSENCEDANSMESVEINES ]
Back to vintage cars built with today's technology. As was done by a Modena-based automotive company called Ares Design through its design program called 'Legends Reborn' which was launched in 2018.
Ares Design Wami Lalique Spyder is inspired by 1950s famous roadster such Maserati A6G/2000 Spyder by Frua. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/34zqfFC)
As a result, the first is a beautiful car called the Panther ProgettoUno whose design is inspired by the De Tomaso Pantera of the 1970s and has been exhibited at the 2019 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. Then the second one was born of the Ares Design's Legends Reborn series, ie Wami Lalique Spyder, an elegant classic-style roadster.
Ares Design Wami Lalique Spyder is inspired by 1950s famous roadster such Maserati A6G/2000 Spyder by Frua. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/34zqfFC)
The classic-style roadster is the result of a collaboration between Ares Design and Lalique, a French luxury crystal manufacturer and can be seen since 2018. In general, the appearance of this car is inspired by the design of the roadster that was popular in the 1950s, namely the Maserati A6G/2000 Spyder by Frua.
Ares Design Wami Lalique Spyder is inspired by 1950s famous roadster such Maserati A6G/2000 Spyder by Frua. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/34zqfFC)
But what can be seen then there are a lot of designs at play here, starting from the long hood that successfully presents the essence of classics, such as the Jaguar E-Type and C1 Corvette. Meanwhile, the wire wheels and fender vents remind us of the Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder.
So far Ares Design has been reluctant to mention what Wami was built based on (if the Panther ProgettoUno was built based of the Lamborghini Huracan), while the body appears to be made of aluminum and carbon fiber, and there is a chromed muffler, bumper and wheels.
Ares Design Wami Lalique Spyder is inspired by 1950s famous roadster such Maserati A6G/2000 Spyder by Frua. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/34zqfFC)
For the engine, Ares Design also does not want to reveal the engine used in its roadster. From the circulating images, it will most likely use a manual gearbox and long hood indicating suitable for large-sized engine.
Then there was some speculation circulating on the internet, starting with the use of the V8 engine which was mentioned as fair enough choice. However, we'll also find it hard to say no to the inline-six high performance or the powerful V12.
Ares Design Wami Lalique Spyder is inspired by 1950s famous roadster such Maserati A6G/2000 Spyder by Frua. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/34zqfFC)
Meanwhile for the interior will be decorated with a distinctive two-tone touch with beautiful crystal sprinkles supplied by Lalique, ranging from the center console to the doors. The interior appearence looks more elegant with genuine leather layered, wood accents, and a black and white measuring system complementing the vintage-themed interior. However, Wami still gives off a modern scent with a large touch screen emerging from the dashboard.
"Over time, we started to really appreciate how beautiful and unique the car we co-created with our partner, Lalique," said Dany Bahar, co-founder of Ares Design. "This model is unlike anything we've produced before. The Wami Lalique Spyder would be a pleasure to have." He continued.
Ares Design plans to build only 12 units of Wami Lalique Spyder, but the availability and price are not yet known until today, which obviously won't be cheap. Happy New Year 2021, hopes the prosperity and succses may always upon You next year. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TOPGEAR ]
Missing Link - Long before Chevrolet earned its legendary status among American muscle cars, the brand experimented with various car models, some of which have faded into obscurity. One such forgotten gem is the Chevrolet XP-700 Corvette concept car, sandwiched between the 1959 Stingray Racer XP-87 and the 1961 Mako Shark XP-755.
The looks of the Chevrolet XP-700 Corvette in the first year of its existence and used as Bill Mitchell's personal car. (Picture from: ChevyHardcore)
The tale of the XP-700 dates back to 1958 when Bill Mitchell, then Vice President of General Motors Styling, collaborated with the Chevrolet design studio to birth a groundbreaking concept car, the XP-700. According to internal documents, Chevrolet envisioned the XP-700 Corvette as a cutting-edge experimental vehicle that not only showcased novel ideas but also promised to steal the show.
The Chevrolet XP-700 Corvette is featured with a special bubble top roof that was said to eliminate glare, a ventilating system built into the bubble, and a periscope-type rear view mirror to provide a completely unobstructed view of the road behind. (Picture from: ChevyHardcore)
Originally based on the 1958 Corvette, the XP-700 underwent substantial modifications to sport a race car-inspired look. The low hood overhang, broad frontal air scoops, transparent passenger canopy, and snubbed rear quarters transformed it into a futuristic marvel reminiscent of advanced race cars from its era. Initially, the car sported a striking red hue, serving as Bill Mitchell's personal ride for its first year.
The Chevrolet XP-700 Corvette's rear-styling also states is credited with influencing the second-generation Corvette. (Picture from: ChevyHardcore)
One of the XP-700's standout features was its special bubble top roof, installed in October 1959. Crafted from laminated plastic coated with vaporized aluminum, the bubble top aimed to eliminate glare, creating an interior resembling a high-tech terrarium. This transparent canopy, acting as a one-way mirror, also featured a unique rear-styling, influencing the design of the second-generation Corvette.
The Chevrolet XP-700 Corvette uses a small 283 cubic-inch block engine with 230 horsepower under the hood, and is paired with a four-speed manual transmission system. (Picture from: ChevyHardcore)
Inside, passengers faced a metal strut in the center of the canopy with louvered vents, ensuring a comfortable bubble-covered interior through a ventilation system. Despite its avant-garde design, the XP-700 retained its roots with a 283 cubic-inch block engine boasting 230 horsepower under the hood, coupled with a four-speed manual transmission.
The Chevrolet XP-700 Corvette concept car was revealed to the public for the first time at the 4th International Automobile Show in New York before it's gone. (Picture from: ChevyHardcore)
In 1959, the concept car underwent a striking transformation, donning a futuristic metallic silver coat. Finally, the public got a glimpse of this dream car in April 1960 at the 4th International Automobile Show in New York. However, after this grand reveal, the XP-700 seemingly vanished.
According to internal sources, around 1961 and 1962, the XP-700 evolved into the XP-755 Corvette (Mako Shark). There's a peculiar similarity in shape, leading enthusiasts to ponder whether the XP-755 is merely a refined version of the XP-700, with the primary difference lying in the front fascia.😕
The XP-700 Corvette, though largely forgotten, remains a testament to Chevrolet's innovative spirit during an era of automotive experimentation. As automotive enthusiasts delve into the archives, the mystery of the XP-700's disappearance and its connection to the XP-755 Corvette adds an intriguing chapter to the evolution of Chevrolet's iconic lineup. What do you think? ***[EKA [30122020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CHEVYHARDCORE ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
