UniqueONES We are still in the era of the 1960s to 1970s, as we all know that's a time span that has been noted for giving birth to many sportscars, muscle cars even supercars which were specially built in a unique and beautiful form by the automaker companies, included the other world's automotive players such many independent institutes and even individuals who loves the cars at the time.
1970 AMC AMX/3 or AMC AMX III concept car built by Bizzarrini SPa. based on the design made by the AMC's in-house designer under Dick Teague. (Picture from: Eideiblog)
And the concept car that we are going to talk about this time is a gorgeous car that was made by Bizzarrini Spa, an Italian coachbuilder company in 1970 for an American automotive company AMC called AMC AMX/3 (alternate spelling: AMX III) concept. The AMX name originates from the "American Motors experimental"
code used on a concept vehicle and then on two prototypes shown on the
company's "Project IV" automobile show tour in 1966. One was a fiberglass two-seat "AMX", and the other was a four-seat "AMX
II". Both of these radically styled offerings reflected the company's
strategy to shed its "economy car" image and appeal to a more youthful,
performance-oriented market.
Most of the AMC AMX/3 or AMC AMX III concept car is powered a mid-mounted AMC 390 V8 engine, which produced 340 horsepower and sent its power to the ground via an Italian-made 4-speed transaxle and others received AMC's lesser 360 V8. (Picture from: CarThrottle)
As discussed in the previous article, that the AMX's
starting point came when American Motors hired Dick Teague as assistant
design director in 1959. Three years later he became vice president of
Automotive Styling and since then a new era has begun at the company. At
the time Teague's job is to transform American Motors from being a
small economy car builder to more broad-scale one, so that it could
compete with the Detroit's Big Three (Ford, GM, and Chrysler).
1970 AMC AMX/3 or AMC AMX III is intended to be competed against some of Europe's finest exotics, packing a massive American V-8 and stunning looks. (Picture from: CarThrottle)
And the AMX/3 concept car was built shortly after the AMC's in-house designer team mid-engined mockup called AMC AMX/2 was completed and proposed it to convince the AMC's top management of the idea to actually build a mid-engined sports car. In the process, they insisted on asking for another design that could be used as a comparison. At the same time, Giorgetto Giugiaro was the hottest automotive designer at the time, and AMC's top management asked Dick Teague to make some kind of a design competition between the AMC's in-house designer team under Teague and Giorgetto Giugiaro.
The result test on the 2nd prototype of the AMC AMX/3 or AMC AMX III is concluded that the car had a 50 percent higher stiffness compared to one of the Mercedes-Benz models. (Picture from: CarThrottle)
In short, in March 1968 Dick Teague and team went to the Geneva Auto Show to meet Giorgetto Giugiaro and to ask him for a car's design proposal. For this important competition, Dick Teague's designer team (consisting Bob Nixon, Jack Kenitz, Eric Kugler, Dick Jones and Gary Guichard plus clay modelers Chuck Hosper, Keith Goodnough, and Howard Clark) decided to present the AMX/2's improved design, later called the AMX/3.
The first AMC AMX/3 Prototype shown at the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals in Rosemont, Illinois, and bound for restoration after sitting for nearly 50 years back in the 2019. (Picture from: TheDrive)
Meanwhile, in November 1968 the Italian automotive designer arrived at the AMC headquarter and presented a rather crude Styrofoam proposal. Seeing this we can understand why Giorgetto Giugiaro only brought that, maybe because of time constraints or he also realized right away that for Dick Teague he was never supposed to be more than a token contender. And for sure, the Giugiaro’s design proposal lost spectacularly against a fully developed fiberglass mock up of the AMC's in-house designer team.
The
AMC AMX/3 prototype number 4 shown at the at the 2016 Pebble Beach Concours and took top honors in the Bizzarrini class. (Picture from: GJLTronMedia)
As quoted of Hemmings, this is where the Italian designer's involvement ends, but his company ItalDesign remains involved in the AMX/3 engineering. At almost the same time as the design competition, turns out that AMC also was looking for ways to outsource for the engineering and production of its new car. Actually the prime candidate for the engineering and production work is Wilhelm Karmann GmbH, a Osnabrück, Germany based coachbuilder company who since 1968 had been assembling CKD (completely knock down) kits of the AMC Javelins for European distribution.
The
AMC AMX/3 mid-engine concept car was created by one of the best automotive design and engineering teams ever. (Picture from: GJLTronMedia)
However, this was declined by BMW, who was the AMC's partner in the other development projects due to they considered the mentioned company lack of sources and estimated need about 30 to 32 engineers for one year (some sources said, the AMX/3 concept even given an internal BMW's code as the E18). Instead, upon recommendation of Renzo Carli (managing director and son-in-law of Pininfarina), Giotto Bizzarrini was commissioned by AMC to do the basic engineering in late November/early December 1968 (later the prototype known also Bizzarrini Sciabola).
The
AMC AMX/3 mid-engine design used a steel body powered by a 390 cubic inch 340-horsepower V8 engine mated to an Italian-made OTO Melara five-speed transaxle. (Picture from: GJLTronMedia)
The first prototype finished and sent to BMW for test on June 1969. BMW engineers initially found the frame (of the tested prototype No. 1) much too weak and flexible. After improvements were made and incorporated in the next prototype, a final test report, dated December 5, 1969, on the torsional rigidity “of prototype No. 2” noted that the AMX/3 had a 50 percent higher stiffness compared to one of the Mercedes-Benz models.
Most of the AMX/3s were powered by a mid-mounted AMC 390 V8 engine, which produced 340 horsepower and sent its power to the ground via OTO Melara, an Italian-made five-speed transaxle and others received AMC's lesser 360 V8. The AMC AMX/3 concept car has a weighing of 3,000 lbs, that stiffness didn't come at a cost. The car was deemed to be good enough if we only look at its appearence. But to enter the company's production line, it seems that AMC should be thought twice and rack their brains hardly, because the AMX/3 will be too expensive to compete with the DeTomaso Pantera that is already rolling on the streets. Therefore, the project was canned in 1970 due to the financial difficulties.
Today, the few prototypes made are extremely desirable, and only five of the seven are in private owner hands. Two of the other cars (nine actual frames/chassis were built) do not have original AMX/3 bodywork. As qouted of The Drive, the AMC enthusiasts still keep track of all of the cars and it's likely one of them who bought this car for the massive six-figure sum previously mentioned. After all, $400,000 is a tremendous amount of money, but for some, it's a small price to pay for a piece of American automotive history.*** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | EIDEIBLOG | THE DRIVE | HEMMINGS.COM | BANGSHIFTS | GEARPATROL | MOTORTREND | AUTO YAHOO | CARTHROTTLE | ROADANDTRACK ]
Rare ONES When talking about Monteverdi, a Binningen, Swiss based automotive company, of course it cannot be separated from the figure of its founder Peter Monteverdi. According to BDMClassiccars, this Switzerland gentlemen is constructed his first car when he was 17 years old. While still in his early twenties, he also formed his own racing team, MBM (Monteverdi Binningen Motors), and successfully competed in many international events, by piloting his own cars as well. But his racing career ended after he experienced a near fatal crash in the Formula 1 racing event, while drove his Porsche engined MBM's racing car.
1970 Monteverdi Hai 450SS is the second car with the bodywork designed by Trevor Fiore. (Picture from: Coachbuild)
In the early sixties, Monteverdi developed a very successful automotive dealership business by distributing Ferraris, Lancia, BMW and Rolls Royce. However, following a disagreement with Enzo Ferrari, at age 33, he decided to design and build his own Gran Turismo. The Hai (mid-mounted supercar) is one of several Monteverdi models owned by the world's automotive enthusiast over the years including the first GT car, the 2 seater 375S, the second series 2 seater, the 375SS, 375L (2+2), and the 4 door sedans, the 375/4 and Sierra. Peter Monteverdi died in 1998 at age 65 years.
1970
Monteverdi Hai 375S is the first 2-seater GT car is designed and bodied
by Carrozzeria Fissore for Monteverdi, it also known as the first car
used the unique name of Hai. (Picture from: Coachbuild)
As the Hai known as one of the most renowned sportscar produced by Monteverdi back in the 1970s. The first model is shown at at the 1970 Geneva Auto Show and managed to grab a great success. This particular prototype car is built intended to be a show car with the bodywork designed by Trevor Fiore, an automotive designer who worked for an Italian coachbuilder called Carrozzeria Fissore, and initially only 2 cars were ever made.
Peter Monteverdi is posed along with 1970
Monteverdi Hai 450SS while attending at at the
1970 Geneva Auto Show. (Picture from: Monteverdi)
Regarding to its Hai unique name attached on these sportscars intended to be some kind of greeting (halo or hi) to draw people attention on the mentioned car. The name used on the first car #101 known as the Monteverdi 375 S.😀 While the second car #102 called the Monteverdi 450 SS had a slightly longer wheelbase. Today known there are a total of 4 Hai’s.
1970 Monteverdi Hai 450SS is shown for the first time to public at at the 1970 Geneva Auto Show and managed to grab a great success. (Picture from: BDMClassicCars)
Although Monteverdi received many requests for Hai’s, he refused to build them, believing them to be too powerful for the inexperienced driver. The Hai had a claimed top speed of 180 mph, meanwhile Automobile Quarterly magazine noted the Hai could be achieved 176 mph before running out of road, while Road Test magazine recorded its acceleration performance of 0-60 in 4.7 secs.
Inside of the 1970 Monteverdi Hai 450SS has the dashboard and center console featured with the original Behr A/C vents, Blaupunkt Koln radio, original gearshift knob, steering wheel and horn button. (Picture from: BDMClassicCars)
The original two plus two more built by Monteverdi in the early 1990’s from left over parts. Of the 4 cars, this is the only example outside the Monteverdi museum where the other 3 are housed. It is also the only example with the "Hemi" engine.
1970 Monteverdi Hai 450SS is powered by a mid-mounted 7 liter V8 Hemi engine couple with 4-speed manual gearbox, which claimed able to be driven up to a top speed of 180 mph. (Picture from: BDMClassicCars)
The Hai was restored in 2006 back to its original 1970 Geneva Auto Show exterior color scheme of "Purple Smoke" (as originally described by Peter Monteverdi and also found underneath more recent resprays) and chrome windshield and side glass moldings.
1970 Monteverdi Hai 450SS is wore its original 1970 Geneva Auto Show exterior color scheme of "Purple Smoke" (as originally described by Peter Monteverdi and also found underneath more recent resprays) and chrome windshield and side glass moldings. (Picture from: Coachbuild)
The interior was returned to off-white door panels with chrome embellishment strips and black armrests, black engine cover (and surrounding panels) and black carpets. The dash and center console were returned to their original configuration with the installation of the original Behr A/C vents, Blaupunkt Koln radio, original gearshift knob, steering wheel and horn button.
The Hai sportscar has been shown at Pebble Beach twice: 1989 and again in 2006 placing 3rd in the "Mid Engined Show Cars, Prototypes & Concept Cars" class. Both Pebble Beach color schemes are shown here: copper metallic with tan interior in 1989 and "purple smoke" with white and black interior in 2006" *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MONTEVERDI | BDMCLASSICCARS | COACHBUILD ]
Rare ONES Many Ferrari products have succeeded in becoming part of the world's high-performance sports cars history, one of which is the Ferrari 275 GTB/4, but it only lasted from 1966 to 1968. Ferrari felt need to maintain the momentum at the time, then the company to create a new sportscar has a similar DNA to the 275 GTB/4 is powered by a V12 front-mounted engine later named the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 aka 'Daytona'.
1968 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 aka 'Daytona' is a two-seater gran tourer to continue the legacy of its predecessor Ferrari 275 GTB/4. (Picture from: Motoris)
In short, then the prancing horse logoed auto manufacturer colaborated with Pininfarina to develop a new V12-engined sportscar model. Then the coachbuilder based in Turin appointed one of its designers named Leonardo Fioravanti to design the new car. As time goes by, some early prototypes apply the front of the 275 GTB/4 that has been modified to make the car look tapered and angled.
Not to forget the Plexiglass panel behind which there are headlights, its position connects to the side and blends with the indicator light. But according to the new US safety regulations prohibiting headlights behind covers so then in 1971, Ferrari replaced it by pinning the twin retractable pop-up headlights.
1968 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 aka 'Daytona' is designed by Pininfarina and has a physique such a muscle car. (Picture from: Motoris)
As the result, this car has a more aggressive appearance than the 275 GTB/4, through a physical form that is long, wide, and has sharp angles. Especially the front which resembles the snout of a shark. The long and wide front hood is also equipped with a pair of large air holes that function to channel hot air from the engine cabin.
Furthermore in design, Pininfarina deliberately does not want to 'contaminate' its body by pinning too many air holes, due to they think that if the body is too 'crowded' it will have an impact on its age which will look worn out quickly. The body shape flows down to the rear is applied the Kamm-tail-style complemented by Ferrari's typical circular taillights.
The cabin of the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 aka 'Daytona' looks very nice with a quite simple design and also has a dashboard covered by special layer called mousehair. (Picture from: Motoris)
After the Pininfarina's design work was done and got an approval of 'Il Commendatore' Enzo Ferrari, then to build the car bodywork was handed over to Carrozzeria Scaglietti in Modena. Most of the car's body components are made of ferrous metal, while certain parts such as doors, hood, and trunk hood are made of aluminum.
Then the body is placed on a chassis with a wheelbase sized of 2,400 mm with the construction uses a sub-structure, cross-bracing, and a large oval main tube. All of this is intended to support the body and various other components. Then the car's legs use a five-spoke designed rim model featured with a Rudge knock-off spinner lock.
1968 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 aka 'Daytona' is powered by a dual overhead camshaft V12 Tipo 251/C engine with maximum power of 352 hp, and could be upgraded to spew of 380 hp. (Picture from: OtoBlirz)
The interior looks very nice, although the design is quite simple. However, this simplicity is harmoniously combined with the level of luxury presented through the Connolly leather material on the seats and door trim, as well as a special wooden steering wheel. On the dashboard, there's a layer called mousehair is deliberately used that does not dazzle the eyes of the driver and passengers.
Then the car's engine is proved to be able to compensate for its physical beauty. If the Ferrari 275 GTB/4 carries a V12 engine designed by Gioacchino Colombo with a capacity of 3.3 liters, then the 365 GTB/4 uses a dual overhead camshaft V12 Tipo 251/C engine that has been refined and has a capacity of 4.4 liters.
Ferrari 'Daytona' had won an unofficial racing event called the Cannonball Baker Sea-To-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash of 1971 by traveled as far as 4,628 km from New York to Los Angeles. (Picture from: Motoris)
While the car lubrication system applies dry-sump technology like one on the racing car. By the fuel supply supported by 6 Weber 40 DCN carburetors to make the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 engine able to spew a maximum power of 352 hp. If the performance of the 365 GTB/4's standard engine is considered not suffice enough by the clients, so the Servizio Assistenza Clienti division will help them to upgrade the engine to be able to spew more ferocious power up to 380 hp.
The Ferrari 365 GTS/4 aka 'Daytona Spyder' is a convertible variant produced from 1971 to 1973. (Picture from: Hagerty)
This engine is coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission with a rear axle (transaxle), through the axle in the torque tube. This layout is similar to that applied on the Ferrari 275 GTB/4, its predecessor, and is capable of producing a good weight distribution. Meanwhile, the front suspension uses a wishbone and independent rear suspension, ensuring the 365 GTB/4 has steady control at high speeds.
With that much engine power, the 365 GTB/4 is able to accelerate from rest to 100 kph in just 5.3 seconds before reaching a top speed of 280 kph. So it is not surprising, if the car had become the fastest production car at that time. The
options offered by Ferrari for its 365 GTB/4 were 'minimal', namely: AC
devices, radios by Voxson and Blaupunkt, the Borrani's chrome-plated
rims are wider than standard ones, and front fascia protectors.
After being considered satisfactory in terms of design and the car's completeness, then the Maranello-based premium car manufacturer introduced its Ferrari 365 GTB/4 at the Paris Auto Salon, October 1968. At the event, Ferrari got was unexpected reactions, it turned out that many people who attended at the time really admired the car. The Ferrari 365 GTB/4 was produced by the Maranello-based manufacturer from 1968 to 1973 with a total production of 1,284 units, and from 1971 to 1973 the company also produced 122 unit of the Ferrari GTS/4 (spyder variant).
The Ferrari's phenomenal victory moment at the 1967 Daytona 24-Hour Race, by sweeping the 1st place, 2nd place, and 3rd place in the podium. (Picture from: SportsCarDigest)
Then what about its 'Daytona' nickname which is always synonymous with this 365 GTB/4? Actually, the nickname was given by a number of automotive media journalists, when this car was shown at the 1968 Paris Auto Salon. The reason for the nickname Daytona was related to the Ferrari's phenomenal victory at the 1967 Daytona 24-Hour Race, by sweeping the 1st place, 2nd place, and 3rd place winner. Although, Daytona is the unofficial name, but it seems the Italian automaker does not mind if its 365 GTB/4 wore the nickname.😐 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FERRARI | WIKIPEDIA | SPORTSCARDIGEST ]
Rare ONES Again, we will discuss about classic cars whose appearance is very rare and very little known by the world's automotive enthusiasts like us today. The following car name may strange to some of you. But after seeing the shape it will certainly make you raise your eyebrows and have many questions. Because indeed you have never known this car before.
1968 Serenissima Ghia GT is one-off two-seater concept gran tourer designed by Tom Tjaarda and bodied by Carrozzeria Ghia. (Picture from: Artcurial)
Well, the name of the following car is the Serenissima Ghia GT, a gran tourer of the end of 1960s which was built only one unit based on a design made by an Amertican designer named Tom Tjaarda, while the bodywork was done by Carrozzeria Ghia which at that time had been acquired by Alejandro de Tomaso for Count Giovanni Volpi di Misurata.
As quoted of Silodrome, Count Volpi had inherited a large estate and noble title from his father, but his hobby contrast from that of other nobles who preferred polo. Instead, Giovanni Volpi prefers motorcycle racing and lead him later to be founded his own racing team called Scuderia Serenissima. At the first, the Count Volpi's racing team garage filled by the line of Ferrari's race cars, as he had an excellent relationship with 'Il Commendatore' Enzo Ferrari.
1968 Serenissima Ghia GTmade under commissioned of Count Giovanni Volpi di Misurata and debuted at the Turin Auto Show 1968. (Picture from: Artcurial)
But things changed, when a group of top engineers left Ferrari after had disagreement with the big boss. Then some of these former Ferrari engineers established a new automotive company called Automobili Turismo e Sport (ATS), to make racing cars and Count Volpi supported them.
Apparently Enzo Ferrari learned of this, then he refused to sell any new race cars to him, this left the Count in a difficult position and it directly led to the creation of the car you see here and other Serenissima's cars such the Serenissima Jet of 1965, Serenissima Agena of 1967.
Inside of 1968 Serenissima Ghia GT has twin short
bucket seats, a centre console with an array of switches and buttons, a
plethora of gauges in the dashboard, a radio, a gated shifter, and what
appears to be air conditioning. (Picture from: Artcurial)
At first glance, the Serenissima's car has similarities with the previous by Alejandro de Tomaso's car made. This is not surprising because the car was developed by Ghia shortly after the De Tomaso Mangustadesigned by Giorgetto Giugiaro.
And Tom Tjaarda took some of the Ghia's design language of the Mangusta to implement onto this new coupe-styled gran tourer, and it's also gave him the inspiration while designing the DeTomaso Pantera a few years later. These three cars share a clear design resemblance, so it is not surprising if many assumed that the actually Serenissima Ghia GT was an unknown De Tomaso prototype.
1968 Serenissima Ghia GT was
initially powered by a Massimino 3.5 liter V8 engine but was later
quickly replaced with an Alf Francis M-167 V8 engine of the same
capacity. (Picture from: Artcurial)
This is also supported by a statement of Count Volpi di Misurata's as quoted of the Silodrome, ''I was friends with De Tomaso, who owned Ghia (…) De Tomaso was an amazing character, very dynamic and full of life. We built a really well designed coupé with him, which had incredible suspension. It went round corners completely flat."
While the interior of the Serenissima Ghia GT is rather well appointed for a concept car, it has twin bucket seats, a centre console with an array of switches and buttons, a plethora of gauges in the dashboard, a radio, a gated shifter, and what appears to be air conditioning.
1968 Serenissima Ghia GT's engine can shoot up to 320 hp at 7,500 rpm and chanelled to drive its rear-wheels via a five-speed Serenissima (Francis) gearbox and limited slip differential. (Picture from: Artcurial)
This Serenissima sports car was initially powered by a Massimino 3.5 liter V8 engine but was later quickly replaced with an Alf Francis M-167 V8 engine of the same capacity. The new engine is then combined with 4 Weber's carburetors so that it can shoot up to 320 hp at 7,500 rpm. Then, those engine power is sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed Serenissima (Francis) gearbox and limited slip differential.
This Serenissima concept gran tourer was built by Ghia which was then exhibited (under the initial color of green) at the coachbuilder's booth at the 1968 Turin Auto Show. Unfortunately this car was never produced at all, although it is known that the concept car is a fully functional car.
In 2019, the one-off car has been sold at a pretty fantastic price tag of around €452,960 or $513,883 (over of Rp.7 billions) while was auctioned at the Vente Rétromobile 2019 event by Artcurial (a French auction agency). Even though at that time the car was in 'not-well' condition and needed a fully comprehensive restoration for back into its original appearence. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SILODROME | ARTCURIAL ]
The MOST ONES Exactly 50 years since the debut of the last spyder of the Ferrari lineup to sport a front mounted V12 engine, the Ferrari 812 GTS marks the return to the prancing horse spyder model's glory that has played an important role in the Maranello-based company's history.
The Ferrari 812 GTS is the world's best high speed spyder supercar ever made by Ferrari. (Picture from: BlackXprerience)
As we all knew, that the story of the V12-engined Ferrari Spyder has managed to showcase many iconic models since the 1948, when the company launched the Ferrari 166 MM, a true GT model that won two of the world's most prestigious endurance races at the 1949 Mille Miglia and Le Mans 24 Hours.
The Ferrari 812 GTS is claimed to be the one of the 21st century supercars could be provided phenomenal performance. (Picture from: BlackXprerience)
And the last of the prancing horse spyder model's long lineage was the 1969 Ferrari 365 GTS4, also known as the Daytona Spider for comemmorated the Ferrari's phenomenal victory at the 1967 Daytona 24 Hours by two Ferrari 330 P4s of the factory team and the Ferrari 412 P of NART (North American Racing Team) whose won the podium to occupy the top three spots.
The Ferrari 812 GTS delivers crushing speed as just one component of the sensual experience . (Picture from: BlackXprerience)
This model applies the front-mounted V12 engine architecture that was last used in the Ferrari 365 GTS4 spyder. However, the next four limited editions were the Ferrari 550 Barchetta Pininfarina in the 2000, the Ferrari Superamerica of 2005, the Ferrari SA Aperta of 2010 and, most recently, the Ferrari F60 America which only produced 10 units to celebrate Ferrari's 60th anniversary in the American market back in 2014.
The Ferrari 812 GTS's cabin is described as a high-speed concert hall with two comfortable seats right in the center of the orchestra pit for moving. (Picture from: BlackXprerience)
Like its historical predecessors, the Ferrari 812 GTS sets new benchmarks in terms of performance and exclusivity. The car is known for carrying a powerful 6.5-liter V12 Ferrari's engine coupled with 7-speed transaxle dual clutch, and it is not only the most powerful spyder on the market, it is also the most versatile model thanks to its retractable roof, such a unique feature attached on the segment that also guarantees a larger boot capacity.
The Ferrari 812 GTS is powered a tremendous 6,500 cc V12 engine coupled with 7-speed transaxle dual clutch, so it could be delivers crushing speed ever. (Picture from: BlackXprerience)
The retractable hard top (RHT) which can be operated in just 14 seconds and also can be done while the car on the run at speeds of up to 45 kph so it does not interfere with the interior dimensions, thus making the cockpit remain spacious. The electric rear screen, which acts as a windbreak, makes the car truly top-down, while in top-up mode passengers can enjoy the unique roar of its V12 engine.
The
Ferrari 812 GTS marks the return to the prancing horse spyder model's glory that has played an important role in the Maranello-based company's history. (Picture from: BlackXprerience)
Besides that, there are also lots of interesting features that really help the driver when driving with this 812 GTS. One example is the Ferrari Peak Performance (FPP), which assists the driver when turning, so that the steering torque will give the driver an indication that the car is getting closer to the limit, as well as help him to control that dynamic state.
Furthermore, there is the Ferrari Power Oversteer (FPO) feature, which will assist the driver while in oversteer situations that are often induced when exiting corners, and steering torque will send a feedback to the driver and gives properly coherent steering wheel input so could be realigned the car onto the right track.
Not surprisingly, the 812 GTS records an overall level of performance very similar to its Berlinetta model, it could be accelerated from rest to 100 kph can be completed in under 3 seconds and 0-200 kph in just 8.3 seconds. Henceforth, the Ferrari 812 GTS can be driven up to a maximum speed of 340 kph. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TOPGEAR ]
And the concept car that we are going to talk about this time is a gorgeous car that was made by Bizzarrini Spa, an Italian coachbuilder company in 1970 for an American automotive company AMC called AMC AMX/3 (alternate spelling: AMX III) concept. The AMX name originates from the "American Motors experimental"
code used on a concept vehicle and then on two prototypes shown on the
company's "Project IV" automobile show tour in 1966. One was a fiberglass two-seat "AMX", and the other was a four-seat "AMX
II". Both of these radically styled offerings reflected the company's
strategy to shed its "economy car" image and appeal to a more youthful,
performance-oriented market.
Today, the few prototypes made are extremely desirable, and only five of the seven are in private owner hands. Two of the other cars (nine actual frames/chassis were built) do not have original AMX/3 bodywork. As qouted of The Drive, the AMC enthusiasts still keep track of all of the cars and it's likely one of them who bought this car for the massive six-figure sum previously mentioned. After all, $400,000 is a tremendous amount of money, but for some, it's a small price to pay for a piece of American automotive history. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | EIDEIBLOG | THE DRIVE | HEMMINGS.COM | BANGSHIFTS | GEARPATROL | MOTORTREND | AUTO YAHOO | CARTHROTTLE | ROADANDTRACK ] 
