Compact&Nimble Some time ago we've discussed about the Toroidion 1MW electric-powered supercar made by an automotive company from Finland. Unfortunately the car project's ending was unknown, because the company having financial problem and went into bankruptcy. So, on this occasion, we will discuss again a small series sports car which was also developed by another Finnish automotive company.
Valmet Automotive's new roadster-design named the RaceAbout while sat on display at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. (Picture from: Madle.org)
The car in question is the Valmet Raceabout made by Valmet Automotive (formerly known as Saab-Valmet). The car is produced in small numbers, and intended for even more narrowly limited target groups. Before discussing this sports car further, let's first look at the auto company whose made it. As quoted of Wikipedia, that Valmet Automotive (formerly known as Saab-Valmet) is a Finnish vehicle contract manufacturer and major supplier for the development and production of battery systems as well as for roof and kinematic systems.
This Valmet Raceabout sports car is built for an example of what should it be a modern small series sports car. (Picture from: SuperCars.net)
The company has excellent operational readiness to serve the OEMs on this growing market segment, also with smaller volumes the OEM customer can profit from the volume production benefits, like cost efficiency and constant high quality. In addition, Valmet Automotive is also collaborated with several research and educational institutions in those country to lay nicely foundation for future innovation and promotes the development of local automotive industry knowledge. At the same time for ensuring the availability of skilled engineering manpower in the future as well.
The Valmet Raceabout has bodywork consisted of detachable body panels made of carbon composite material combined with an all-aluminum monocoque, honeycomb floor pan, and built on stainless steel sub-frames. (Picture from: SuperCars.net)
So it is not surprising if the Valmet Raceabout sports car designed and assembled by Finnish automotive engineering and design students at the Helsinki Polytechnic Stadia and at the University of Art and Design Helsinki, due to both educational institutions have become main partners of Valmet Automotive in the project.
The Valmet Raceabout light-weight (approx 795 kg) body structure was a distinctive target in the engineering of the car. (Picture from: SuperCars.net)
The RaceAbout sports car is presented for the first time to public at the Valmet Automotive's booth in the 2005 Geneva Motor Show as an example of what it should be a modern small series sports car. It is a sporty roadster has bodywork consisted of detachable body panels made of carbon composite material combined with an all-aluminum monocoque, honeycomb floor pan, and built on stainless steel sub-frames. Its light-weight (approx 795 kg) body structure was a distinctive target in the engineering of the car.
The Valmet Raceabout light-weight sports car is powered by an inline-four, 1,998 cc mid-mounted turbocharged engine of Saab coupled with 5-speed manual gearbox, and Torsen-type differential lock. (Picture from: SuperCars.net)
Besides that the car equiped by double wishbones in the front and rear, custom-made Koni shock
absorbers, adjustable bump and rebound, blade-type adjustable balance
bar in the front, possible to adjust roll, pitch and yaw centers.
Furthermore, for the interior panel section is made using a carbon
composite then layered with all genuine-leather, which is equipped with two
Sparco's racing-style seats with 4-point safety belts.
Meanwhile for its drivetrain, it's used an all-aluminum, inline-four, 1,998 cc mid-mounted turbocharged engine of Saab coupled with 5-speed manual gearbox, and Torsen-type differential lock. Those engine could be spew out maximum power of 200 kW @ 5,200 rpm and torque of 420 Nm @ 3,600 rpm, and able to make the car running up to limited top speed of 235 kph with an acceleration from 0 to 100 kph less than 5 seconds.
After the Geneva auto exhibition is over, it's not known whether the production of this Valmet roadster model would be continued or not? However, in 2010 this Finnish car manufacturer revealed the 4WD electric version of Roadster is called Valmet Electric RaceAbout (ERA). Todays, after more than a decade, those two roadster models made by Valmet Autmotive are no longer heard of.😞 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA | SUPERCARSNET | TOPSPEED ]
Racing Legend As we all know that the Plymouth Superbird was one of legendary NASCAR racing cars along with its similar brother Dodge Charger Daytona. Both are distinguished than other cars by their elongated "nose cone" and huge decklid-mounted wing.
1970 Plymouth Road Runner HEMI Superbird has a typical appearance such the elongated "nose cone" and huge decklid-mounted wing. (Picture from: MoparInsiders)
Recently, in the classic car auction in Las Vegas held by Barret-Jackson auction house in June 30 to July 2, 2022 had been stirred at momment caused by there was 1970 Plymouth Road Runner HEMI Superbird sold at the figure of $ 1.65 millions (approx Rp. 24.7 billions). Wow!😲
1970 Plymouth Road Runner HEMI Superbird's interior looks very authentic garnished with the (TX9) interior paint matching its high-grade trimmed black vinyl seating with silver accents. (Picture from: MoparInsiders)
As quoted of AutoEvolution, those selling numbers directly broke the previous record held by another HEMI car sometime ago perched at $990 thousand (approx to Rp. 14.87 billion). So what's made those cars so special that can be sold at such fantastic price numbers?
1970 Plymouth Road Runner HEMI Superbird is powered by a 426 HEMI engine coupled with a 727 Torque Flite gearbox and 8.75-inch Chrysler differential. (Picture from: MoparInsiders)
The specialty of this car is not only in its prime condition with real authentic and original equipments. As quoted of the AutoEvolution, this Superbirds was specially ordered in red and once homologated for NASCAR racing in 1969 as one of 135 Plymouth Superbird beasts powered by a 426 HEMI engine coupled with a 727 Torque Flite gearbox and Chrysler 8.75-inch with a 3.55 ratio sure grip axle differential.
1970 Plymouth Road Runner HEMI Superbird is one of 135 unit cars were specially ordered in red and homologated for NASCAR racing in 1969. (Picture from: MoparInsiders)
While in the Superbird's interior looks very authentic and also in perfect condition. Inside its interior garnished with the (TX9) interior paint matching its high-grade trimmed black vinyl seating with silver accents. The dash features the factory tachometer, correct pushbutton AM radio, heater/defroster, and three-spoke steering wheel with the Road Runner center cap.
The exterior features a set of hood pins (J45), Superbird graphics package, and its original aero nose and rear wing, fender-mounted air scoops, and front spoiler. As the result, could be said that all the authentic accessories both in the car's interior and exterior are originally maintained.
Being a HEMI car, it features power steering, power brakes with front discs, a max cooling package with a 7-blade fan, HEMI suspension with firm ride shocks as well as dual exhaust with chrome exhaust tips. Meanwhile for the legs still using the original Plymouth Superbird Rallye 15-inch alloy wheels, and wrapped in Goodyear Polyglas tires are fitted to the era when the car was made. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOEVOLUTION | MOPARINSIDERS ]
Weird ONES Most of the concept cars were so ridiculous and too futuristic that they never reach the production line. But that's what makes them extraordinary, where they are able to catapult our dreams and made us to forget at a moment about car insurance, mileage, gas and car repairs instead think about other things that are considered more important such an autonomous driving inside vehicles like hovercraft on the streets.
The IAD Alien Concept was a highly futuristic proposal for an advanced mid-engine supercar, and intended to be an attempt to out-Lamborghini Countach. (Picture from: Diseno-Art)
It was done by IAD (International Automotive Design), a design consultancy based in West Sussex, the UK and it is known that one of the design works of this company was the Mazda MX5 (Miata) in 1989. According to Wikipedia, the company developing not only the exterior and interior style for the vehicle in the UK/US (California) but also building prototypes locally prior to volume production in 1989. Unfortunately the company should ceased all its activity in January 8, 2013.😢
The IAD Alien Concept was a non-running prototype and is launched for the first time at the 1986 Turin Motor Show. (Picture from: Diseno-Art)
1. IAD Alien Concept
Before that, the company introduced a unique car concept named the IAD Alien at the 1986 Turin Motor Show. According to the designer, the IAD Alien was a highly futuristic proposal for an advanced mid-engine supercar, and intended to be an attempt to out-Countach.
The IAD Alien Concept offered unique futuristic design steering including advanced dashboard appearance inside its cabin. (Picture from: Diseno-Art)
How come? It could be happened because at that time the Lamborghini Countach
design was considered very futuristic and sophisticated so it was not
surprising that many designers tried to outperform the design, and one
of them was this concept made by this UK-based design consultancy.
The IAD Alien Concept has modular construction which meant that the rear mounted engine could be swapped out quickly and easily for upgrades, maintenance or just to suit the driver or different occasions. (Picture from: Diseno-Art)
This car has a design that is fairly unique although not as radical as the provocation design made by Luigi Colani based on the Lamborghini Miura in the 1970 called the Miura Le Mans Concept, where the such car design consists of 'two-part hybrid car' with a Lamborghini Miura rear chassis section and front passenger cabin designed 'like a glider cockpit'.
The IAD Venus Concept is launched for the first time at the 1989 Turin Motor Show and powered by an inline 4, 16-valves engine which was taken from the Lotus Elite Type 83. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)
Furthermore its design not only highlighted the IAD's typical styling ideas, it also showcased innovative and unusual engineering solutions. One of those interesting ideas, if perhaps a bit over complicated, was the modular construction method which meant that the rear mounted engine of the car could be swapped out quickly and easily for upgrades, maintenance or just to suit the driver or different occasions, besides the IAD Alien’s wheels were enclosed for aerodynamic efficiency reasons.
The IAD Venus Concept has unique wheel coverings which almost entirely encased the wheels. (Picture from: Diseno-Art)
To access the interior traditional doors were dropped in favor of a one-piece canopy which tilted forward and provided almost unhindered entry and exit. The passenger compartment was well protected thanks to an integrated roll cage and sturdy side-impact bars. Unfortunately the car was a non-running prototype so many of these ideas were purely theoretical.
The IAD Venus Concept offered futuristic design steering wheel including advanced dashboard appearance inside its cabin. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)
2. IAD Venus Concept
It seems that the efforts of IAD to exploit the Alien design idea has not stopped here. Three years later, at the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show, this UK based company founded in the 1970's has launched another concept vehicle that has a similar design to the Alien, called the IAD Venus.
The IAD Venus Concept also applied unique scissor-type doors that allows two passengers access its cabin. (Picture from: Diseno-Art)
Unlike the previous Alien concept which was not installed with a propulsion engine, the Venus concept adopted the Lotus 912's inline 4, 16-valves engine with a capacity of 2,174 cc which was taken from the Lotus Elite Type 83.
And another unusual features embeded on the IAD Venus, apart from its shape, were the wheel coverings which almost entirely encased the wheels and also applied unique scissor-type doors. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DISENO-ART | SUPERCARS.NET | CARSTYLING.RU | DISCOVER.HUBPAGES | WIKIPEDIA ]
Unique ONESRünge Cars is a boutique American auto-building operation, headed up by Christopher Rünge and headquartered out of a small workshop in Minnesota. Despite being a one-man operation, Rünge has completed an extensive number of builds.
The Rünge RS010 bespoke car is inspired by Le Mans-style endurance racers of the 1950s and built over 2,000 man-hours to complete. (Picture from: HiConsumption)
And the most celebrated work is almost certainly such one in pictured called the Rünge RS010 built between 2017 and 2019 and requiring over 2,000 man-hours to complete. The unique RS010 is constructed around a full steel tube chassis that’s been adorned in thoroughly-polished aluminum bodywork.
The Rünge RS010 bespoke car is constructed around a full steel tube chassis that’s been adorned in thoroughly-polished aluminum bodywork. (Picture from: HiConsumption)
The car’s outward appearance takes ample inspiration from Le Mans-style endurance racers of the 1950s while the interior is loosely modeled after that of an aircraft, with a domed windshield, an array of aviation toggle switches, and a genuine clock from a Soviet-era MiG jet.
The Rünge RS010 bespoke car's interior is loosely modeled after that of an aircraft, with a domed windshield, an array of aviation toggle switches, and a genuine clock from a Soviet-era MiG jet. (Picture from: HiConsumption)
The one-off Rünge's car weighing in at only 1,350lbs (about a third the weight of the latest Porsche 911) and is powered by a mid-mounted hand-built 200hp Rünge 2.3L flat-four engine that’s mated to a four-speed “Longbox” manual transmission.
The Rünge RS010 bespoke car is powered by a mid-mounted hand-built 200hp Rünge 2.3L flat-four engine that’s mated to a four-speed “Longbox” manual transmission. (Picture from: HiConsumption)
Then, the one-off Rünge's car uses 15" Tecnomagnesio wheels shod in modern Pirelli rubber tires, the car also boasts Koni adjustable shock-equipped front and rear independent suspension and hydraulic drum brakes throughout.
It had once featured previously on Jay Leno’s Garage, the Rünge RS010 had crossed the auction block at Bonhams’ upcoming Scottsdale Auction in the 2021 where it’s expected to fetch between $225,000 and $250,000. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | RÜNGE CARS | HICONSUPMTION ]
New Cars After successfully launching the Hyundai Ioniq 6 recently, the South Korean manufacturer has hit the automotive world again by launching its two new future concept cars that carries retro and futuristic styling for its sports car lineup.
Hyundai revealed its latest sports car concepts, RN22e and N Vision 74 at the N 2022 World Premiere event held on July 15, 2022. (Picture from: id.Motor1)
It has been a long time since Hyundai has not offered a new-breakthrough for sedan models, but this time the South Korean manufacturer can be proud after introducing its two charming sports car concepts named of the Hyundai N Vision 74 and the Hyundai RN22e by carrying a futuristic style typical of Hyundai's latest design language.
The Hyundai RN22e Concept is said to carry the chassis and body of the recently released Hyundai Ioniq 6. (Picture from: OtomotifKompas)
When viewed from their looks, these two electric car concepts mentioned above look 'different but similar' because both of them made to bring the South Korean automaker into the realm of high-performance cars of the future.
1. Hyundai RN22e Concept
The first concept car named Hyundai RN22e which is said to carry the chassis and body of the recently released Hyundai Ioniq 6. The sleek design is made sportier than the Ioniq 6. Interestingly, Hyundai does not refer to this sports car concept as the Ioniq 6 N, as an actually initial code should be pinned for a performance model taken from the standard variant. Instead, they refer to the RN22e as "the design of the upcoming EV N car".
The Hyundai RN22e Concept is capable of producing a maximum power of 577 hp, a performance figure equivalent to the KIA EV6 GT. (Picture from: OtomotifKompas)
The Hyundai RN22e sports car concept is capable of producing a maximum power of 577 hp, a performance figure equivalent to the KIA EV6 GT. In addition, Hyundai also confirmed that the RN22e is the first high-performance car built on the E-GMP platform which is said to be the chassis of the new Hyundai electric car.
The Hyundai RN22e Concept became the first car that can rightfully be called a high-performance test bed for the E-GMP platform. (Picture from: DailyCarNews)
As You could be seen that this Hyundai concept car using four-piston calipers and an aerodynamic design, technological improvements include a large rear wing. So it's clear the RN22e explores torque vectoring and power distribution as well as reducing vehicle weight.
2. Hyundai N Vision 74 Concept
The next sports car concept is the Hyundai N Vision 74 which offers a combination of retro style with a futuristic Cyberpunk look. According to the maker, this car concept got its design inspiration from an old-school Hyundai concept car called the Hyundai Pony which was launched for the first time to the public in the 1974, and designed by the legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro.
The Hyundai N Vision 74 Concept offers a combination of retro style with a futuristic Cyberpunk look and is fueled by combining of the battery power with hydrogen fuel cells. (Picture from: OtomotifKompas)
Hyundai claims that the concept car is an advanced hybrid vehicle. But instead of using the powers of a petrol engine, Hyundai combines battery power with hydrogen fuel cells previously used in the Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo which was introduced earlier in 2015.
The
Hyundai N Vision 74 Concept design's inspirated by an old-school Hyundai concept car called the Hyundai Pony which was launched for the first time to the public in the 1974. (Picture from: MotorTrend)
The combination of the two is said to be able to provide better cooling efficiency and also allows shorter recharging times than standard electric cars. Like its sibling RN22e concept car, this N Vision 74 also uses precise torque vectoring to help for better cornering.
The
Hyundai N Vision 74 Concept's drive system delivers over 671 horsepower and 900 Nm of peak torque to the rear wheels. (Picture from: OtomotifKompas)
For performance, the Hyundai N Vision 74 sports car concept's drive system delivers over 671 horsepower and 900 Nm of peak torque to the rear wheels, without mentioning other performance details. It's just that the South Korean manufacturer claims that N Vision 74 has a range of more than 600 kilometers in a single charge.
Regarding the launch of its two future concept vehicles, Hyundai said through Thomas Schemera, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai's Customer Experience Division that the Hyundai RN22e and Hyundai N Vision 74 played an important role in the company's strategic development of their entire product range, especially high-performance electric vehicles. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HYUNDAI N | CAREXPERT.COM.AU | ID.MOTOR1 | HYPERBEAST ]
Rare ONES The journey of a well-known brand such as Porsche cannot be separated from the brilliance of the company founder to set strong company foundation which continues to be passed down and continued by his successors who are very astute and cold-handed in managing an automaker company, therefore it is always able to produce various classy-reliable cars, so it is not surprising that the brand's prestige is maintained until now.
The Strosek Auto's program for the Porsche 928 (in pictured the Porsche Strosek 928S Version I) consisted of a series of spoilers, bumpers and other cosmetics divided into three stages, the Version I, II and III. (Picture from: Carscoops)
Despite the historical facts as mentioned above, and how famous this Stuttgart-based car manufacturer often produces the best cars that are tough on the streets and on the racetrack, such as the famous Porsche 911 model with all its derivatives or many other models. And many of these famous models, it turns out that there are also unique models that are specially made by third parties and maybe not too many people know about their existence like the following;
The Porsche Strosek 928 is adorned by a shade of blue paint, it looks like it has a number of distinctive Strosek parts including widened front and rear wheel arches, as well as reshaped doors with three locks on either side. (Picture from: Carscoops)
The model in question is a unique Porsche 928 Strosek, as we all know, if the Porsche 928 model is arguably one of the lesser-known iconic cars made by the German manufacturer, was launched in 1977, and ever voted as the car of the year of 1978. However, things are different regarding a third-party company that modifies this lesser-known Porsche 928 model.
The Porsche Strosek 928S Version I wears a set of BBS wheels that fit cars from this era perfectly. (Picture from: Carscoops)
For those that don’t know, previuosly We have also discussed Strosek Auto Design regarding to the controversial Lamborghini Diablo VT/R model sometime ago. The German coachbuilder company has made a name for itself modifying 911 models over the decades and back in the day, also tried its hand at customizing the 928. It is unclear just how many 928s received the Strosek treatment, though it is known that the German coachbuilder also made a number of kits for the Porsche 928 in both Coupe and Roadster styles from 1984 to the early 1990s.
The interior of Porsche Strosek 928 Version I looks quite striking which is mostly clad in brown colored
genuine-leather that spreads throughout the dashboard, door panels,
center console, pillars, headliner, and seat bolsters, while the center
of the seats and door panels have a checkered finish. (Picture from: Carscoops)
As qouted of 1000Sel, the German coachbuilder company's program for the Porsche 928 consisted of a series of spoilers, bumpers and other cosmetics divided into three stages, the Version I, II and III. And this particular example in pictured is thought to be the only one with this specification known as the Porsche Strosek 928S Version I marked with absence additional large spoiler at rear.
The Porsche Strosek 928 is powered by V8 engine, but it's unknown whether the mentioned engine gets a performance upgrade from the coachbuilder. (Picture from: Carscoops)
Well, when we've looked at the exterior appearance of the modified Porsche 928 Strosek, which adorned by a shade of blue paint, it looks like it has a number of distinctive Strosek parts. These include widened front and rear wheel arches, as well as reshaped doors with three locks on either side. Meanwhile on the legs, this modified Porsche 928 Strosek wears a set of BBS wheels that fit cars from this era perfectly. This makes the car look even more aggressive than the standard 928 model which in our opinion is very well deserved, but probably for some Porsche fanatics wouldn't like it.
The Porsche Strosek 928S Version I marked with absence additional large spoiler at rear. (Picture from: Carscoops)
The Porsche Strosek 928 is powered by a large, state-of-the-art V8 engine, but it's unknown whether the mentioned engine gets a performance upgrade from the coachbuilder. Under standard conditions the 928's engine is capable of spewing power around 240 break horsepower. While the interior of the 928 looks quite striking which is mostly clad in brown colored genuine-leather that spreads throughout the dashboard, door panels, center console, pillars, headliner, and seat bolsters, while the center of the seats and door panels have a checkered finish.
As quoted of ClassicDriver, the Porsche Strosek 928 could be said as a controversial car, especially for those German brand fanatic fans, but it does tell a compelling story of 1970’s and 1980’s car tuning. It is becoming a sign of the times and although it may be deemed tacky by some, its value as a rarity styled by a legendary Porsche tuner is likely to grow as time goes by. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSCOOPS | CLASSICDRIVER | 1000SEL ]
Man with a Great TALENT As we already have discussed to this day in many articles of unique classic cars that have ever circulated in the world's automotive. Well this time we will discuss about one brand of kit cars that was quite famous in the 1950s to 1960s, and lots of cars applying the brand's outfits were appeared in various styles in cyberspace to this day.
All historical evidence indicates that the Kellison GT cars (in pictured Kellison J-5 Coupe), which first appeared in 1957, is an original design, in as much as anything is. (Picture from: Kellison Cars)
At the time, many kit car companies have been making incredible fiberglass bodyworks over the years, only a minority of them built more than a handful of cars before leaving into oblivion. Well one of the few companies to leave a mark on the industry was Kellison Engineering. The Folsom, California based company was founded in 1958 by Jim Kellison, a former US Air Force pilot who fought in the Korean War. It is well known that he also was a fanatic sports car fan and even thought of designing and building his own sports car body.
The Kellison J-1 is a small coupe designed to fit on Austin-Healey Sprite and Crosley chassis realesed first in 1957, and also featured with a Zagato's typical double-bubble roof line. (Picture from: KellisonCars)
It could be said that this Jim Kellison-owned company may had produced the greatest number of fiberglass bodies than any other company, and estimated to date its list consisting 1,000 Kellison and about 1,000 other bodies by Kellison. Then are those purely Kellison's design? Mostly not, because every design is influenced by vehicles and designers respectily of their time and years in the past. The real Kellison's works are known always started with a 'J' prefix followed by a number indicating the order of production.
A beautifully detailed and refurbished J car roadster (in pictured Kellison J-2 Roadster). (Picture from: KellisonClassicCars)
And if judging from Kellison's early works, clearly seems those applied Zagato's double bubble. The Zagato's
trademark style refers to the two bulges in the car's roof to give the
driver and passenger more headroom, and today many modern exotic cars
use such roof style. How's could it be? As quoted of Undiscovered Classic that Jim Kellisson known greatly admired the Zagato works, since seen personally 1957 Ferrari 250 Zagato and 1958 Fiat-Abarth 750.
Here's the Kellison J-2 Coupe, one of 15 to 20 units ever made featured with a 'double-bubble' top like some Fiat-Abarth models and Zagato-bodied Ferrari's. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)
As we all knew that the famous Italian design firm which specializes in car designing for various world's top brands such Ferrari, Fiat, Abarth, and others. It's just that in our opinion, Kellison's double bubble style seems better than the original ones. Not only that, Kellison's designs have also been adapted by many other automotive companies such Pininfarina, another major Italian auto design company that does a lot of design work for Ferrari, and others has used a bit of Kellison design in their cars.
Kellison
J-3 is roadster is visually similar to the J-2 roadster sibling, but shorter with 98-inches of wheelbase. (Picture from: KellisonCars)
During the production period, Kellison Engineering produced many car kits. Its first fiberglass bodies
known as Kellison J-1 were offered to the public in 1957. It's a small coupe designed to fit on Austin-Healey Sprite and Crosley chassis, and featured with Zagato's typical double-bubble top like some Fiat-Abarth models and Zagato-bodied Ferrari's. Unfortunately there is no information on how many J-1s has ever made by this company.
Never assembled Kellison J3 competition body roadster on a TR6 chassis with a 5.0 Ford and five speed. (Picture from: ClassicMotorsports)
The next model is Kellison J-2 was an attractive 1950s roadster released in 1959 with 102 inches wheelbase, and 169 inches long, there's no information related to number for the roadster style made by the company. As quoted of KellisonCars, in addition the company also made the coupe styles as many as 15 to 20 units.
This Kellison
J-4 Coupe which is the Kellison Engineering's first production launched in the end of 1950s and was sold in kit and turnkey form. (Picture from: PistoNudos)
Then the company produced its next model of Kellison J-3 roadster is visually similar to the J-2 roadster sibling, but shorter with 98-inches of wheelbase. These bodies were also used on a small number of racing cars in the '50s. Same to its sibling J-2, as quoted of KellisonCars, this bodies also made in coupe style as many as 10 to 15 units, meanwhile roadster kits produced as many as 50 to 60 units.
This Kellison J-4 Coupe certainly has such a dramatic and low slung, completed with its very low stance and small frontal area made it appealing to both road-legal and racer versions. (Picture from: CurbsideClassic)
The next model is the Kellison J-4 Gran Turismo which is the Kellison Engineering's first production kit and was launched in the end of 1950s. There are 300 units of the J-4 Coupe made by the company and 20 to 25 units for the roadster version. As you see, this model carries a handsome coupe style with a 98 inch wheelbase and was sold in kit and turnkey form.
This Kellison
J-4 Experimental Car was one of four cars that was built by Kellison for the 1959 Motorama Fair in Detroit. (Picture from: KellisonClassicCars)
At the time in 1960s, the J-4 kits was sold start at $365, while the completed car was $6,700, and is built over a tubular steel frame and was powered by a Chevy 283 cubic-inches V-8 with a four-speed transmission system. Besides that it has a fully decked-out interior, and also came with a three-piece set of fitted luggage. Meanwhile the J-4 body was also used on many road racers, dragsters, show cars, and special-purposed Bonneville cars.
This Frank Collingwood's J-4 'ASTRA' show car known as the most successful show car competing in the 1966 International Show Car Association (ISCA) against some 4000 entries. (Picture from: John's Rod&Custom)
And the most famous of them is a customized version was used on a show car built by Frank Collingwood, which won the International Show Car Association Championship in 1966. Although J-4 normal car had inner panels, firewalls and extra reinforcement. It turns out Kellison Engineering also made its lightweight competition bodies with no inner structure. It can be said that these models (included both coupe and roadster versions) are the most common Kellisons found today.
As you can see, this Kellison
J-5 Coupe was a version of the J-4 with quad headlights (built in coupe and roadster styles). (Picture from: KellisonClassicCars)
After that was born the next model known as the Kellison J-5 which is a version of the J-4 with quad headlights (built in coupe style only as many as just 350 to 400 units). The car featured wheelbase of 102 inches, (for coupe version) its roof was raised 1 inch to provide more space coupled with extended doors. Then the Kellison J-6 Panther was launched as the latest version of the J-4 with angular grille, a more pointed tail, trunk lid, higher roofline, and other detailed differences. It could easily be mounted onto 1953-1962 Corvette chassis, and made by the company over 500 units in coupe style only.
The Kellison
J-5 Coupe featured wheelbase of 102 inches, (for coupe version) its roof was raised 1 inch to provide more space coupled with extended doors. (Picture from: RoadandTrack)
Besides all the 'J' series models mentioned above, during Jim Kellison-owned company production period also made bodywork for other company. And the most noticed were being sold by Allied Fiberglass under the name of Astra X-300GT. In fact the car was a J-4 variant featuring a higher roof line to gain head room in the interior and also had an oval grille, while many J-series bodies had squared-off grilles and produced over 500 units.
This Kellison J-6 Panther (in pictured was 1968 model) based off the J-4 design, which was more or less a full-size custom GT car designed for V8 engines. (Picture from: RareCarNetwork)
Not only the road-legal sports car models, Jim Kellison-owned company also makes many cars for racing purposes, even the replica of famous Cobras and Ford GT-40s during its production periods. The ups and downs in this industrial world have led the company to
produce a wide range of car kit products until its closing in 1969.
The Astra X-300GT (in pictured was 1967 model) was a Kellison J-4 variant sold by Allied Fiberglass featuring a higher roof line to gain head room in the interior and also had an oval grille. (Picture from: CurbsideClassic)
After he shut down his auto company, and opened a successful book store. But he couldn't stay away from the aroma of curing fiberglass, so in 1976 he started building the Stallion, one of the first-generation of Cobra replicas, before trading in the kit car industry for the jewelry business in 1980.
Jim Kellison passed away in 2004, leaving behind hundreds maybe thousands of wonderful kit cars to carry on his name.😢 Over the years, the cars were sold by Kellison Engineering, Kellison Inc., Allied Fiberglass (under the Astra name), and Lincoln Industries. Keep your eyes open and check out the excellent Kellison's web site. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KELLISON CARS | PISTONUDOS | MOTORTREND | ROADANDTRACK | UNDISCOVEREDCLASSIC ]
After the Geneva auto exhibition is over, it's not known whether the production of this Valmet roadster model would be continued or not? However, in 2010 this Finnish car manufacturer revealed the 4WD electric version of Roadster is called Valmet Electric RaceAbout (ERA). Todays, after more than a decade, those two roadster models made by Valmet Autmotive are no longer heard of.😞 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA | SUPERCARSNET | TOPSPEED ]
