RARE ONES It's weird, there's an ultra-rare Ferrari with the driver sits in the middle of three seats did not sell for $22,500,000 at the 2014 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Company. Why is it so expensive? Due to only two 'Ferrari 365P Berlinetta Speciale' aka 'Tre Posti' were built by the famous Italian coachbuilder Pininfarina in 1966. This rare sports car known also as the first prancing horse bred used a mid-mounted V12 engine.
1966 Ferrari 365P Berlinetta Speciale or 'Tre Posti'. (Picture from: DailyMail)
The Tre Posti was Sergio Pininfarina’s pet project to be enjoyed a yearlong world tour to major auto shows right as the prancing horse' eternal rival, Lamborghiniunveiled its V12 mid-engined supercar, the Lamborghini Miura. It's clearly, that the Ferrarithree-seater sports car predates the McLaren F1.
Right side view of 1966 Ferrari 365P Berlinetta Speciale or 'Tre Posti'. (Picture from: Car&Driver)
Furthermore, Enzo Ferrari considered that the 380-hp mid-mounted V12 engine would be "too dangerous" for the road-use. And Il Commendatore never greenlighted the Ferrari 365P even as a two-seater, (that's in one of his few mistakes). And the car remained only as prototype. 😢
Interior view of 1966 Ferrari 365P Berlinetta Speciale or 'Tre Posti'. (Picture from: Car&Driver)
Along with the time, Ferrari introduced its first V12 mid-engined sportscar, the Ferrari 365 GT4 Berlinetta Boxer in 1973. Meanwhile, Lamborghini had built hundreds of Miuras (no doubt more prettier than the Tre Posti), and forged its own reputation for world-beating supercars.
The engine developed around 380 bhp in a car weighing just 1,020 kg - a staggering amount for the 1960s. (Picture from: DailyMail)
At the time, one of these models was owned by Luigi Chinetti Sr, an Italian-born racer who along with his son, Chinetti Jr. have a big hand in marketing the Ferrari marque to America.
Rear side view of 1966 Ferrari 365P Berlinetta Speciale or 'Tre Posti'. (Picture from: DailyMail)
The engine developed power around 380 hp in a car weighing just 1,020 kg (a staggering amount for the 1960s). It rumoured, that the car was returned to Pininfarina following complaints the car was unstable around its top speed of 186 mph.
The Ferarri 365Pmentioned above has been driven less than 5,000 miles in 49 years, and sold by the Chinetti family at the 2014 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Company auction house. At the time Luigi Chinetti, Jr. said to auction house, if only Ferrari were to produce the car, nobody would ever have given a second thought to the Miura. *** [EKA [21072015] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DAILYMAIL | CAR AND DRIVER | SUPERCARS.NET ]
Concept ONLY As we know that the Lotus Esprit S1, a legendary sports car was produced by the British manufacturer Lotus once tasted popularity when one of them was modified in such a way as to become a car capable of being used to dive in water, dubbed 'Wet Nellie' and had been used by James Bond, the British renowned spy agent when acting in one of his movies in 1977 titled, 'The Spy Who Loved Me'.
Here's the digitally modernized Lotus Esprit racer 'The ESP' aka M.H.C. 07 designed by Ashley 'Ash' Thorp. (Picture from: HiConsumption)
Latter in 2021, one of the many Lotus Esprit S1 sports cars ever produced had tried to back on the surface back with a look that is no less cool than before with the nickname 'The ESP', worked by Ashley 'Ash' Thorp who is undoubtedly known as one of the most talented and prolific freelance designers working today, with a deep body of concept art for films like Ender’s Game and Prometheus, as well as an even larger portfolio of legitimately world-class vehicular renders.
The
digitally modernized Lotus Esprit racer 'The ESP' features also with an
Ferrari F40-like nose paired with a square widened body kit. (Picture from: AutoEvolution)
As quoted of HiConsumption, The ESP (MHC 07) designed by multitalented designer and Southern California native is said to be inspired by the James Bond'sEsprit S1 amphibious specimen (which is currently owned by Elon Musk).
The digitally modernized Lotus Esprit racer 'The ESP' features with dramatic and aggressive bodywork crafted in carbon fiber. (Picture from: HiConsumption)
Actually this car is not designed for use on the highway, instead, it remains perfectly beast to join the ranks of the circuit-exclusive motorsport racers. But that’s not all, because the designer has taken inspiration from several sources for this one, with the entire design process was carried out in approximately six months..
The digitally modernized Lotus Esprit racer 'The ESP' features also with an Ferrari F40-like nose paired with a square widened body kit, and deep-dish wheels shod in beefy Michelin's racing slicks tires. (Picture from: HiConsumption)
As has become Thorp's typical design styles, the Lotus features dramatic and aggressive bodywork crafted in carbon fiber and an Ferrari F40-like nose paired with a square widened body kit and a louvered rear deck lid that feeds into a low-profile spoiler that sits directly above its drivetrain.
The digitally modernized Lotus Esprit racer 'The ESP' has a louvered rear deck lid that feeds into a low-profile spoiler that sits directly above its drivetrain. (Picture from: AutoEvolution)
Uniquely, as you can see at rear, the placement of the Esprit’s 160hp 2.0-liter Lotus 907 four-cylinder engine is left partially visible, as followed by side-exit exhausts, blacked-out lighting, a massive rear diffuser, and deep-dish gold-plated BBS wheels shod in beefy Michelin's racing slicks tires to complete this sinister-looks kit car package.
As you can see at rear, the placement of its Lotus 907 four-cylinder engine is left partially visible, as followed by side-exit exhausts, blacked-out lighting, a massive rear diffuser, and deep-dish gold-plated BBS wheels shod in beefy Michelin's racing slicks tires. (Picture from: HiConsumption)
By the way, as previously stated that this is only just a work of digital design, however, it is possible if anyone is interested it can be turned into a real car, because all the designs have been completed. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ASH THORP } MAKEHASTECORP | HICONSUMPTION | AUTOEVOLUTION ]
Special ONES One model made by BMW which has a relatively short circulation in the automotive world is the BMW Z8 which was launched by those German manufacturer in the early year of 2000s. Due to its fairly short time existencies, so that some of its devotees do not have time to enjoy its unique physical form.
The SVE Oletha Coupe built by Smit Vehicle Engineering to accommodate some of enthusiasts wishes to make coupe-styled of BMW Z8. (Picture from: id.Motor1)
That's why then a third party called Smit Vehicle Engineering built the modified SVE Oletha Coupe to accommodate some its enthusiasts wishes. Actually, this car isn't really a fitting copy of the BMW Z8, but the impact is evident, and the creation is stunning and sleek to look at.
The SVE Oletha Coupe produced by Smit Vehicle Engineering as a modern interpretation of the BMW Z8 in coupe style. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
Unfortunately, the automaker doesn't reveal what the Oletha is based on. Although, we can expect the modified car to be based on the BMW E86 Z4. Although there’s no mention of the Z8, the Oletha’s carbon fibre composite body quite clearly takes inspiration from the short-lived Chris Bangle-designed roadster, itself an homage to the old 507. In addition, according to car maker, the SVE Oletha Coupe weighing about 3,090 lbs (1,401 kg).
The SVE Oletha Coupe built by Smit Vehicle Engineering based on the BMW E86 Z4. (Picture from: AutoEvolution)
Judging from its appearance, it can be seen from the shape of the rear window and the greenhouse that it looks identical, and the location of the fuel filler cap is the same, right behind the passenger door. However, Oletha removed almost every reference to the BMW E86 Z4 with the stunning bodywork that turned this coupe model into a unique car.
The SVE Oletha Coupe is powered by a 450 horsepower V8 engine hiding under the hood. (Picture from: CarThrottle)
This modified car is powered by a 450 horsepower V8 engine hiding under the hood. The engine features custom carbon fiber and stainless steel intake manifolds and Inconel exhaust components, with the engine pairing to an H-pattern six-speed manual gearbox. Power is sent to the wheels through a limited slip differential mechanism.
The SVE Oletha Coupe removed almost every reference to the BMW E86 Z4 with the stunning bodywork that turned this coupe model into a unique car. (Picture from: id.Motor1)
Furthermore its stopping power provided from AP Racing brakes system with lightly forged Radi-CAL calipers and fully floated rotors. While the legs use 4 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires to wrap the monoblock forged five-spoke wheels.
The SVE Oletha Coupe built no more than 100 units, beside that customers can also request a bespoke build, which includes a choice of materials, colors and textures. (Picture from: id.Motor1)
Furthermore, regarding the interior, the automaker said that this car will have a driver-focused cockpit and be decorated with the best materials. Regarding the seats, customers can choose between an adjustable eight-way touring seat or a carbon fiber composite sport seat.
SVE will make no more than 100 units, beside that customers can also request a bespoke build, which includes a choice of materials, colors and textures. The starting price for the car is $450,000, although presumably, the later inline-six version will be a bit less. In addition, the company accepts any special requests apart from additional engineering and design work. Oletha looks like a modern intepretation of the BMW Z8 in coupe style. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SVE | IDMOTOR1CARTHROTTLE ]
Unique ONES Perhaps some of us now rarely hear this sports car brand. TVR. Yes, it is a brand that is owned by an automotive manufacturer from England that once had a hey day in the past in the 1960s until the late 1970s and is still active until today.
1964 TVR Griffith 200 racing version (white colored) on the left and 1965 TVR Griffith 200 on the right. (Picture from:ClassicDriver)
Among the many cars that have ever been made there is a sports car that is quite inviting admiration from automotive enthusiasts in the world.
The car is known as TVR Griffith 200, a lightweight fiberglass sports car. In the United States, this car is known as the Griffith Series 200.
1964 TVR Griffith 200 racing version (white colored) on the left and 1965 TVR Griffith 200 on the right. (Picture from: ClassicDriver)
This car can be said to be 'tiny but powerful' with the TVR Grantura Mk III chassis. This car was recorded only made as many as 192 units at the TVR factory near Blackpool, England, before being sent to New York and modified by an American famous auto modificator, Jack Griffith.
Rear view of 1965 TVR Griffith 200 and 'white colored' 1964 TVR Griffith 200 racing version in distance. (Picture from: ClassicDriver)
In the United States, TVR Griffith 200 is equipped with a 4.7-liter Ford V8 engine, that's the same engine used by the famous AC Cobra 289. Those machine is capable of producing up to 200 hp of power.
By using those bold combination between its great power (200 horsepower), a light weight and a short wheelbase (only 3.6 meters), makes the TVR Griffith 200 to be a 'feared' figures and respected as well in its class. *** [EKA [25112018] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CLASSIC DRIVER | PETROLICIOUS]
Unique ONES As a matter of course, if currently the world's automotive is filled with various unique forms of vehicles, due to We're living in the free world. So there're plenty creatives minds whose made them. They were not limited coming from big-named manufacturers, but also small businesses and even individuals.
The Marcotte Vision 3 appeared in style of a striking unique two-seater sports coupe, known designed and built by Kenneth Marcotte back in 1988. (Picture from: RareComponentCars)
Well, usually a unique automotive work will be something very special if it is produced by small businesses or individuals. It's because the maker usually only have and purely rely on their minds to be creative, but are limited in terms of facilities and finances. So to realize this work, they are required to try even more harder to overcome these limitations.
The Marcotte Vision 3 featured with a durable moulded fiberglass symmetrical body, that mounted on a 1969-1977 Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle or Karmann Ghia chassis. (Picture from: AutoPuzzles)
The following is the Marcotte Vision 3, one example of such many unique automotive works. The car mentioned above is appeared in style of a striking unique two-seater sports coupe, and it's known produced by a small kit car maker workshop based in Lemont, Illinois owned by Kenneth Marcotte. While some other sources said, it built by American Coachcraft Corp. (meanwhile we have no valid info said that is the name of Kenneth Marcotte's workshop).
The Marcotte Vision 3 is clearly seen has some kind of a unique crease that runs from the middle of its nose to the top of the roof. (Picture from: FiberClassic)
As you can see from its appearance, this unique American-made kit car is thick with 1970s wedge style influenced by several 1970s General Motors show cars to ones built by Italian coachbuilder such as Frua and Fissore. There's even a bit of Citroen in its aesthetic, to this author's eye.
The Marcotte Vision 3 also equipped with front and rear molded contoured bumpers, hidden pop-up headlights and blinkers, a safety glass windshield, and tempered glass side and rear window. (Picture from: RareComponentCars)
Although carrying the distinctive style of the 1970s, this unique car from the Lemont-based kit car maker was started to build in 1988 based on the humble VW Beetle like many other custom-built cars of the period. Its large semi-monocoque body added considerable width and length to the car, at least visually. As quoted from RareComponentCars, this uniquely shaped car was built in a very limited number, namely as many as 3 units in coupe style only.
The
Marcotte Vision 3 featured with a spacious, ultra-quiet interior with
textured interior panel appointments, a custom instrument panel, and
support consoles. (Picture from: RareComponentCars)
The Marcotte Vision 3 featured with a durable moulded fiberglass symmetrical body, that mounted on a 1969-1977 Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle or Karmann Ghia chassis. While its engine compartment is enlarged to accommodate a variety size of engines (the car model in the picture is thought to have a Porsche 914 1.7-liter engine).
The
Marcotte Vision 3 provided 2 spacious storage areas on the front and rear. (Picture from: RareComponentCars)
Uniquely, it's also equipped with front and rear molded contoured bumpers, hidden pop-up headlights and blinkers, a safety glass windshield, and tempered glass side and rear windows, no wonder if this kit more than met the Vehicle Safety Commission regulations of its day.
The
Marcotte Vision 3 has enlarged engine compartment to accommodate a variety size of engines (the car model in the picture is thought to have a Porsche 914 1.7-liter engine). (Picture from: RareComponentCars)
Other features included a spacious, ultra-quiet interior with textured interior panel appointments, a custom instrument panel, and support consoles. Not only that, this car also provides large doors that makes it easy to access into the interior, a functional air scoop on both sides, and 2 large storage areas on the front and rear.
The Marcotte Vision 3 has a large semi-monocoque body added considerable width and length to the car, at least visually. (Picture from: RareComponentCars)
At the time, the Lemont-based kit car maker offered the Marcotte Vision 3 regular kit for around $4,995, with options bringing the price up to $5,250. Besides, a fully assembled version is reportedly also ever offered by the maker. Now, it is estimated that the price may have twice or tripled than before, due to the rare existence of the unit. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | RARECOMPONENTCARS | FIBERCLASSICS ]
Rare ONESMaybe you are wondering, why did we make the title of the article like that? This is intentional because to show how rare the following BMWcar models are. So it's likely that very few people know about it or see it passing by on the streets today.
If you've never heard or knew of them, that's not surprising, because those models might be produced in limited numbers, or even made only one unit, and you can imagine that the chance to actually drive one is pretty rare.
1. BMW 507
As we all knew, BMW
is a name that is known throughout the globe and stands for Bayerische
Motoren Werke, also known as Bavarian Motor Works in English. And the BMW 507 was a special roadster built between 1956 and 1960. The 507 was conceived by an American engineer, who urged BMW to make a roadster to compete against the likes of not only the Mercedes-Benz 300SL but also the less expensive Triumph and MG roadsters of the era.
BMW complied and used the 501 and 502’s platform to build one of the most gorgeous cars out there, fitted with a 3.2-liter V8. Well, only 252 units were ever made, even one of these roadsters was owned by Elvis Presley while he was serving his mandatory military service in Germany. No wonder if the 507 left a legacy that has lasted to this day in the form of the Z3, Z4, and Z8.
2. BMW 700 RS
Here is another rare BMW models in the speedster-style called BMW 700 RS. This historical model is the vehicle that pulled out the company from the brink of financial ruin and set it back on solid footing to continue in the building of its legacy. The car featured a rear engine placement which was a little on the underpowered side, but it was constructed with a light weight, coming in at just 1,350 lbs.
And reportedly that, the 1960 RS is among the most valuable and rare of these 700-line. It featured a chassis of tubular steel framing with a hand built aluminum body that was more aerodynamic than earlier models. This is the hand built racing version that came without seat belts and weighted in at just 830 lbs versus the already light 1,350 of the regular 700s. This is including the 40-liter fuel tank filled to capacity. Production of the BMW 700s ran from 1959 through November of 1965 with a total of 188,000 sold prior to the end of the production run, with the RS version being the fully cherried racing example.
3. BMW 700 (Colani)
In 1963, Luigi Colani, a renowned German-born Swiss designer made a breakthrough by designing the world's first road sports car with a self-supporting plastic bodywork on the chassis of the BMW 700 subcompact car and introducing it at the Lotus racing team launching event of the 1963 championship. In addition to the car's bodywork architecture, the Colani prototype features a slim body with a drag coefficient of Cx = 0.22.
The BMW 700 Colani weighs 440 kilograms, so despite the mini 700 cc 32 horsepower engine, this sports car can accelerate to 200 kilometers per hour. The project caught the attention of the public, even at the time surprising the Bavarian automaker. Unfortunately, the innovative concept car did not managed to get into production line, as the car is made one unit only.
4. BMW Hurrican
The main thing we could be seen on the BMW Hurrican concept car of 1964 was the absence of BMW's typical twin kidney grilles, and made this car looks different from other BMW's models. The Hurrican prototype was conceptualized by a group of students at Palatine Master School for body and vehicle in Kaiserslautern. This model could be said the best models in its era, although adopted many famous car styles of the 1960s.
As you can see, the windshield was taken from the Ferrari 250 LM, taillights inspired by the Fiat sport spider, sign lights taken from Jaguar, and over all the car is similar to the Mazda Cosmo. The car is powered by a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine, and last exhibited at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2007.
5. BMW 2800 Spicup (Bertone)
The BMW 2800 Spicup was a daring prototype that built as both a spider and a coupe and designed by Stilo Bertone and Marcello Gandini for BMW. The car completed with several unique features such true of the motorized flaps on the semi-hidden headlights, and also preserved BMW’s ‘double kidney’ pattern in the front, but with subtle cushioned inserts with two-tone green on green upholstery on the dashboard, seats, and carpet to match the exterior finishing under similar matched green color as well.
The BMW 2800 Spicup is powered by 2.8-liter six-cylinder engine produced 170 horsepower and was mated to a 4-speed manual transmission that drove the rear wheels, and was debuted at the Geneva Motor Show 1969, but it never reached into production version.
Those are five BMW car models that you may not have known before. If there are other BMW cars that also included into this category, don't hesitate to let us know...😀 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSTYLINGRU | MONEYINC | VEIKL ]
The Tre Posti was Sergio Pininfarina’s pet project to be enjoyed a yearlong world tour to major auto shows right as the prancing horse' eternal rival, Lamborghini unveiled its V12 mid-engined supercar, the Lamborghini Miura. It's clearly, that the Ferrari three-seater sports car predates the McLaren F1.
The Ferarri 365P mentioned above has been driven less than 5,000 miles in 49 years, and sold by the Chinetti family at the 2014 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Company auction house. At the time Luigi Chinetti, Jr. said to auction house, if only Ferrari were to produce the car, nobody would ever have given a second thought to the Miura. *** [EKA [21072015] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DAILYMAIL | CAR AND DRIVER | SUPERCARS.NET ]
