Unique ONES It should be acknowledged that thanks to abundant experiences from a number Italian manufacturers whose had been tested in producing exotic, fast cars since the early development of the world's automotive, it is not surprising then a number of Italian manufacturers such as Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Ferrari were succeeded in establishing themselves as a kind of ruler in world of racing for years.
1959 Scaglietti Corvette (in pictured is the car no. 1) is built by Scaglietti in a such way to combine a beautiful Italian design with a monstrous burst of American-made engine power. (Picture from: CorvetteBlogger)
This has also led to a fierce rivalry situation with other manufacturers espescially the American auto companies whose also have ability to produce similar great cars. Despite of the such fierce competition atmosphere, turn out many also dreaming even speculating about a car is built in a such way to combine a beautiful Italian design with a monstrous burst of American-made engine power.
1959 Scaglietti Corvette (in pictured is the car no. 1) retained its Corvette grille, while inside the interior had Stewart Warner gauges and Corvette knobs. (Picture from: CollierAutomedia)
Well this time we would like to discuss one example of such car made by an Italian coachbuilt company was based on the American muscle car, and dubbed as the Corvette Italia. So it could be said that the vehicle that is the result of a harmonious blend of the two poles of the automotive world always able to present an extraordinary sensation that is able to bring its own excitement among automotive lovers.
1959 Scaglietti Corvette (in pictured is the car no. 1) along with its 2 other siblings have resemblance shapes as the Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France. (Picture from: CollierAutomedia)
As quoted of Collier Automedia, the story begins with Gary Laughlin of Fort Worth, Texas, an oil well drilling contractor and Chevy dealership owner, always raced behind the wheel of Ferraris. Once upon a time, one of his Ferrari Monzas suffered a crankshaft failure that led to not only a useless engine, should a long and ever-pricier wait for its replacement.
This immediately sparked Laughlin's curiosity to know what it would became if an Italian bodywork built based on a Corvette chassis. When all this occurred, back in 1959, the Chevrolet Corvette's developing progress (one of the American muscle cars) under the direction of Zora Arkus-Duntov was in a positive trend that continued to increase from year to year, especially the engine.
1959 Scaglietti Corvette (in pictured is the car no. 2) has a European visage. (Picture from: CollierAutomedia)
Then, he started looking for information about the possibility to fulfil his curiosities, shortly after that he had the opportunity to talk about it with two of his Texan friends, Jim Hall and Carroll Shelby, who also have the same interest in the automotive world. It seem Laughlin’s bottomless pockets combined with Hall and Shelby’s engineering expertise were enough to make it happen. Eventually the three of them agreed to set each-one get his own Corvette Italia and then devised a plan to make it happen.
1959 Scaglietti Corvette (in pictured is the car no. 2) has reliable Chevy V-8 power under its sleek Italian skin. (Picture from: CollierAutomedia)
Firstly they contacted Chevrolet General Manager then, Ed Cole, in order to be able to take three Corvette chassis off the production line and sell them bodyless, that's not for long then they managed to get those three Vette' rolling chassis. Soon Carrol Shelby contacted his fellow American in Italy named Pete Coltrin (Road & Track's correspondent) to find a coachbuilder company willing to build a such car for him, and later arranged the delivery of all of those chassis to the country.
Perhaps the most impressive angle of 1959 Scaglietti Corvette (in pictured is the car no. 2). (Picture from: CollierAutomedia)
As quoted of Autoevolution, the Italian coachbuilder that is willing to carry out the car development project is Carrozzeria Scaglietti located across the road from the Ferrari's headquarters, and known also as the place where the iconic sportscar such the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa gets its lightweight and elegantly stylized bodies.
After the three rolling chassis arrived in Italy, Sergio Scaglietti immediately worked on it and had promised to finish it in a few months. At that time Scaglietti was working on the Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France's body, then Laughlin made a deal with Scaglietti to build a such kind coupe on those three Corvette chassis.
1959 Scaglietti Corvette (in pictured is the car no. 3) is featured with custom grilles as well as reshaped rear ends. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
Besides that, Scaglietti also accommodated a number of requests from each of the prospective car owners such as: Laughlin requested the car retain its Corvette grille, while inside the interior had Stewart Warner gauges and Corvette knobs. Meanwhile the other two came with custom grilles as well as reshaped rear ends.
1959 Scaglietti Corvette (in pictured is the car no. 3) is currently part of the Petersen Automotive Museum collection. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
Not only limited to the shape, to the powertrain which is installed under the hood as well, for example, the Shelby’s car was powered by a 315-hp Ramjet fuel-injected version of the 283-ci (4.3-liter) small-block mated to a Borg-Warner T-10 four-speed manual, whereas the other two were initially fitted with four-barrel-carb variants linked to Powerglide automatics.
Meanwhile, to support the legs, all three bespoke rides dubbed Corvette Italia are equipped with drum brakes behind all four wheels, independent suspensions in the front, and a solid axle supported by leaf springs in the rear.
The Simplicity reigns on the dash of 1959 Scaglietti Corvette (in pictured is the car no. 3). (Picture from: Autoevolution)
Although initially it was promised by Scaglietti that the work on all these cars would be done within a few months, but in fact it took almost two years until they were shipped back to the US. This is understandable because from the start the car project was done secretly away from publicity, besides that Scaglietti should be kept the project away from the prying eyes of Enzo Ferrari as well.
1959 Scaglietti Corvette (in pictured is the car no. 3) is powered by a 315-hp Ramjet fuel-injected version of the 283-ci (4.3-liter) small-block mated to a Borg-Warner T-10 four-speed manual. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
Despite Shelby and Hall’s efforts, the cars never lived up to the expectations of outperforming the era’s Ferraris. Even if they were around 400 pounds (181 kg) lighter than any production C1, the chassis setup made them feel heavy and imprecise.
Unfortunately 1959 Scaglietti Corvette (in pictured is the car no. 3) never lived up to the expectations of outperforming the era’s Ferraris. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
As quoted of Autoevolution, to make matters worse, the Texans were pressured by GM to cease any further development of the clandestine exotics, while across the Atlantic, an infuriated Enzo Ferrari threatened to end the partnership with Sergio Scaglietti if he continued to work with the Americans. In the years that followed, the two carbureted small-block cars were upgraded with the same powertrain setups as Shelby’s variant, as well as a series of scoops.
All of them have survived after exchanging owners multiple times.The one built for the Le Mans-winning driver and engineer has become the most coveted, even though he never actually owned it. Shortly after it was shipped back from Italy, Shelby claimed it was too expensive for what it could do and ended up pulling out of the deal. And now, the car no.3 is currently part of the Petersen Automotive Museum collection. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOEVOLUTION | COLLIERAUTOMEDIA | SUPERCARS.NET | CORVETTEBLOGGER ]
Stunning BEAUTY Well, almost sixty-three years ago, Maserati introduced a unique appearance 2+2 coupé at the Salone del'automobile di Torino (Turin Motor Show) 1959. No doubt, the Maserati 5000 GT, that's the car's name later immediately became expo' star at that time, and emerged to be the most in demand vehicle by many famous people, because its beauty elegante designs.
The Maserati 5000GT 'Scia di Persia' is built by Carrozzeria Touring, and based on the Maserati 3500GT is developed the superleggera tubing and aluminum body of the two-seater coupe. (Picture from: SecretClassics)
It all started with the fulfillment of the wishes of the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, when His-Majesty had a chance to try driving the Maserati 3500 GT in late 1958, then fallen in love to the car. However, His-Majesty wanted something more.
The
Maserati 5000GT 'Scia di Persia' is powered by a V8 engine derived from the Maserati 450S race car after the capacity was increased to 5.0 liters. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)
Shortly after the Modena-based automaker accommodated His-Majesty Shah of Iran' desire through the company's Technical Director then, Giulio Alfieri. This is understandable, because Maserati wants to give the best to its potential, loyal customers, which is then directly carried out those car project under code name of AM103.
As many as 22 of 34 units of the Maserati 5000GT (in pictured the 1960 model) were built by Carrozzeria Allemano. (Picture from: Pinterest)
Unmitigated, the Italian company then installed a V8 engine derived from the Maserati 450S race car after the capacity was increased to 5.0 liters. For your info, the Maserati 450S is a racing car that successfully led the legendary racer Juan Manuel Fangio and Jean Behra to be winners at one of the world's famous endurance races, the 12-Hours of Sebring 1957.
The Maserati 5000GT (in pictured the 1960 model) is bodied by Carrozzeria Monterosa. (Picture from: SportsCarDigest)
The Shah of Iran's sports car lightweight bodywork was built based on the strengthened Maserati 3500 GT chassis, and done by Carrozzeria Touring to give an elegant touches to its appearances. In short, it was born a very beautiful and elegant 2+2 coupé as a tribute to the Maserati's special customer, the Shah of Iran, called the Maserati 5000 GranTurismo 'Scià di Persia', and shown to public for the first time at the Salone dell'automobile di Torino 1959.
The Maserati 5000GT (in pictured the 1961 model) is built by Pininfarina, and once owned by Fiat boss, Gianni Agnelli. (Picture from: Pinterest)
Initially the Modena-based car manufacturer only planned to make only 3 units of the Maserati 5000 GT. However then the company's production plans had been changed, after the Maserati's beautiful car creation appeared again at the 1960 Geneva Motor Show with a number of revisions to the engine.
The Maserati 5000GT (in pictured the 1961 model) was a special one-off car designed by Sergio Sartorelli of Ghia on behalf of Fernandino Innocenti. (Picture from: Secret-Classics)
At the time, the car turned out managed to enchant the expo visitors, due to beside it has high-performance, the car considered has prestigious, exclusive looks, comfortable as well.
The Maserati 5000GT (in pictured the 1962 model) was a
special one-off car by Bertone. (Picture from: Secret-Classics)
As a consequence of the car's super special character so then making its production cost high and should be sold at an exorbitant price tags. And no wonder then Maserati only made 34 units of the 5000 GT worldwide.
The Maserati 5000GT (in pictured the 1962 model) was a
special one-off car by Frua. (Picture from: Flickr)
In addition, the Maserati 5000 GT available in a variety of bodywork
options done by well-known coachbuilder companies, namely Allemano,
Pininfarina, Monterosa, Ghia, Bertone, Frua, and Michelotti.
The Maserati 5000GT (in pictured the 1962 model) was coachbuilt by Michelotti on behalf of an American rich racing mogul Briggs Cunningham. (Picture from: Flickr)
Many of the world's top figures, celebrities and millionaires at that time, such as Karim Aga Khan, Gianni Agnelli (the leader of Italian autogiant company, Fiat), Ferdinando Innocenti (the founder and owner of an Italian scooter brand, Lambretta), Stewart Granger (famous film actor), to Adolfo López Mateos (President of Mexico) were noted as the owner of Maserati 5000 GT.
And even Carrozzeria Touring in 2018 had ever launched all-new hyper-exclusive coupé called Touring Superleggera Sciadipersia at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. The car was touted as a modern interpretation of the Maserati 5000 GT 'Scià di Persia', and is built based on the Maserati Granturismo two-door coupé. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MASERATI | CARROZZERIA-ITALIANI | SECRET-CLASSICS ]
Rare ONES As on several occasions ago, we have discussed in the previous article about several car models made by Bizzarrini S.p.A. the Italian automotive company, and one of them, the legendary Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada. Coincedentally while surfing in the internet, we got pictures of such a unique GT prototype with a 2+2 configuration made by those Livorno-based automaker, which is said related to the brand's legendary model.
Bizzarrini GT America 2+2 is a grand tourer style and designed specifically for the American market without compromising any quality of the 5300 GT Strada. (Picture from: BringATrailer)
Well, on this occasion we would like to discuss about mentioned 2+2 prototype called the Bizzarrini GT America 2+2. As quoted of Bizzarrini's official sites, as the name suggests this unique car is carried a grand tourer style and designed specifically for the American market without compromising any quality of the 5300 GT Strada.
Bizzarrina GT America 2+2 exhibits many hallmarks of Bizzarrini 5300 road cars as well as Iso Rivolta and Grifo models, but with a more modern (though no less interesting) body. (Picture from: StuartParrClassics)
From what it looks, the one-off built prototype exhibits many hallmarks of Bizzarrini 5300 road cars as well as Iso Rivolta and Grifo models. This is not surprising because this car is based on the Strada, but with a more modern (though no less interesting) body. Unfortunately, its designer goes unmentioned, but something about it suggests Frua may have been involved.
Bizzarrini GT America 2+2 features such modified lightweight aluminum bodywork to accommodate the rear seats. (Picture from: StuartParrClassics)
So the prototype features such modified lightweight aluminum bodywork to accommodate the rear seats.
In true 2+2 fashion, the rear seats seem as if they’d be pretty cramped
and are probably best treated as occasional-use for smaller adults,
children, or simply as an extended parcel shelf.
Bizzarrini GT America 2+2's interior flourished with brown genuine leather and carpet of the same colors. (Picture from: BringATrailer)
The exterior appearance of the Bizzarrini GT America 2+2 prototype got painted in an elegant champagne metallic touches, and matches with its interior flourished with brown genuine leather and carpet of the same colors.
Bizzarrini GT America 2+2 is powered by an 5,354 cc Chevrolet Corvette V8 engine, coupled with a single four-barrel carburetor, and Borg Warner four-speed manual gearbox. (Picture from: BringATrailer)
While
to support its legs, the car with a wheelbase of 2,450 mm is equipped
with independent front suspensions, de Dion rear axles, and also
four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. Furthermore, the car is powered by an 5,354 cc Chevrolet Corvette V8 engine as utilized in most Bizzarrini made cars, coupled with a single four-barrel carburetor, Borg Warner four-speed manual gearbox chanelled a power of 355 hp to drive its rear wheels, and providing a claimed top speed that approached of 180 mph.
Bizzarrini GT America 2+2 made its first public appearance at the Turin Auto Show 1968, never entered the company's production lines after that. (Picture from: StuartParrClassics)
After being completed, this car made its first public appearance at the Turin Auto Show 1968. As quoted of Stuart Parr Classics, the unique one-off prototype has had just two owners, one being Giotto Bizzarrini himself.
We're sorry, the video above about the Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada is not a prototype under discussion. Unfortunately the car has never entered the company's production lines, and seems the automaker content with just making it ended as its show car that the boss occasionally uses for sightseeing.😄 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BIZZARRINI | STUARTPARRCLASSICS | BRINGATRAILER | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | MYCARREQUEST ]
Rare ONES If we look back at the Ferrari's sportscar lineups, what we mostly know is two-seater sports models and very rarely do we know there is the four-seater models. But that does not mean the Maranello based automaker has never produced a sports car with a four-seater configuration. In fact, in the near future, the prancing horse logoed automaker will launch its flagship SUV candidate, the Ferrari Purosangue, which incidentally is SUV has a configuration of more than two seats.
The first generation of the 1960s Ferrari 2+2 model is known as the Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2 was produced from the early 1960s to 1964. (Picture from: RobbReport)
Well, specifically for the four-seater sports cars, it turns out that the prancing horse logoed automaker had ever produced them. Well, in the 1960s, Ferrari had a number of four-seater GT models with a 2+2 seat configuration intended for daily use, albeit with smaller rear seats and limited legroom as well.
The Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2 is powered by an 3.0-liter V12 engine and produced 950 units. (Picture from: Supercars.net)
The first 2+2 GT sports car production version presented by the Maranello-based automaker was the Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2 which was launched in 1960. This car is powered by an 3.0-liter V12 engine and produced 950 units. At the time, it's quickly became the best-selling GT car, and even one of the cars was later used as a favorite daily rides of Enzo Ferrari, the owner and founder of the prancing horse logoed automaker.
The second generation of the 1960s Ferrari 2+2 model is known as the Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 was produced from the 1964 to 1967. (Picture from: Ferrari)
Likewise, when the second generation was produced shortly after in 1964, "Il Commendatore" immediately used one of them as his daily car. Well, this second generation four-seater model is known as the Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 which is powered by a larger drivetrain, namely a 4.0-liter V12 engine.
The Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 is powered by a larger drivetrain, namely a 4.0-liter V12 engine. (Picture from: Barret-Jackson)
Finally in 1967, Ferrari launched the third generation coupled with a more powerful engine and a much larger body size as well. The car later was known as the Ferrari 365 GT 2+2 which was powered by a Colombo's 'Tipo 245' V12 SOHC engine with a capacity of 4.4-liter equipped with 6 Weber carburetors, so it can produce power of 333 hp and torque of 364 Nm. Then those engine power is channeled through a 5-speed manual transmission system to the rear wheels, so the car can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 7.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 245 km/h.
The third generation of the 1960s Ferrari 2+2 model is known as the Ferrari 365 GT 2+2was produced from the 1967 to 1971. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
As quoted of Wikipedia, this Ferrari sportscar bodywork was designed by Aldo Brovarone with body curves that flow from the front to the stern which is inspired by the Ferrari 500 Superfast and Dino 206 GT which is also the result of his design. This car has the same wheelbase as the previous generation model 330 GT, which is 2,647 mm but with longer overhangs.
The Ferrari 365 GT 2+2 has the same wheelbase as the previous generation model 330 GT, which is 2,647 mm but with longer overhangs. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
Then the spaceframe chassis that supports the car's body made of steel plate with a cabin floor deck and a fiberglass engine room divider firewall. Uniquely, this Ferarri sports car' length was reach five meters, so makes it the longest Ferrari model until this day.
The Ferrari 365 GT 2+2 has a spacious and very comfortable cabin with the interior is packed with genuine leather and luxurious wooden ornaments. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
No wonder then this car was the most sophisticated and luxurious Grand Touring at that time because it already equipped with air conditioning and power steering. Even its rear wheels have been featured with independent suspension and an automatic height adjustment hydraulic system to increase driving comfort.
The Ferrari 365 GT 2+2 is powered by a Tipo 245 V12 SOHC engine with a capacity of 4.4-liter equipped with 6 Weber carburetors, so it can produce power of 333 hp and torque of 364 Nm. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
Unlike its predecessor 2+2 models, the 365 GT has a spacious and very comfortable cabin with the interior is packed with genuine leather and luxurious wooden ornaments. Not only on the center console and steering wheel, the Veglia instrument panel frame on the dashboard is also made of wood. Furthermore, the legs are equipped with classic-style Borrani spokes rims which are then wrapped with Pirelli Cinturato 205VR15 (CN72) favorite choice tires.
The Ferrari 365 GT 2+2 was meet with the latest emission regulations and driving safety applied in the
US at that time, thus making this car very in demand in that country. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
The Ferrari 365 GT 2+2 with the left steering wheel was produced as many as 801 units and 52 units for the right-hand drive during its production period in between 1967-1971. Well, because the specifications are in accordance with the latest emission regulations and driving safety applied in the US at that time, thus making this car very in demand in that country.
It is estimated that the current market price of a left-steering Ferrari 365 GT 2+2 with moderate conditions is in the range of $200,000. As for the right-steering variant, it can be ascertained that it has a higher market price, considering that the population is currently less than 50 units. Wow!! *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FERRARI | WIKIPEDIA ]
New EVMaserati, as one of the world's leading car marques, has always followed the prevailing trends in the automotive world, and recently the Italian marque has proven that again by giving a teaser video of its electric-powered sports coupé called the Maserati GranTurismo Folgore Full-Electric during the 2022 Monterey Car Week.
A teaser video of the upcoming Maserati GranTurismo Folgore Full-Electric while on driven by a stand-up comedian Sebastian Maniscalco in California during the 2022 Monterey Car Week. (Picture from: HarianNews)
The Italian company claimed, that the GrandTurismo Folgore is not just an ordinary electric car. For the reason it has extraordinary power reaching up to 1,200 horsepower, that's twice the power of previous Maserati cars. It could be said that the Italian trident-logoed automaker is seriously working on an electric vehicle (EV) model to be launched in the near future, which reportedly its global premiere soon in the next 2023.
Although the Maserati GranTurismo Folgore Full-Electric's powertrain is unrevealed yet, the automaker said that it has extraordinary power reaching up to 1,200 horsepower, that's twice the power of previous Maserati cars. (Picture from: DCNewsNow)
From its appearance, as we can see in general that Maserati's first EV carries a coupé typical design such as another GranTurismo cars of their-owned featured with some details inspired by the previous Maserati MC20, ranging from the more upright look headlights, thin brakelights, to the three-spoke rims that adorn the legs.
The Maserati GranTurismo Folgore Full-Electric has some design cues taken from the Maserati MC20 such as more upright look headlights. (Picture from: Carscoops)
In addition, the most prominent right at the door is the Maserati emblem livery with each end of the trident accented in accordance with the colors of the Italian flag (green, white and red) as well as on the front hood but with a larger size. If the design still tends to be the same as the previous cars of their-owned, another
main attraction presented by Maserati on the GranTurismo Folgore is its powertrain.
The Folgore badge above the three holes on the side gills betrays the electric nature of the underpinnings, as with the lack of exhaust pipes at the back. (Picture from: Carscoops)
But until now the Italian automaker is still coy to provide details of the powertrain which is said to be capable of producing up to 1,200 horsepower. Well, as the company confirmed, by using such power the GrandTurismo Folgore able to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) in 2.6 seconds, the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 2.7 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 200 mph (320 km/h).
The Maserati GranTurismo Folgore Full-Electric uses three spoke rims to support its legs similar to one used on the MC20. (Picture from: Carscoops)
Besides that, so far the trident logoed automaker has also mentioned that the batteries are located in the central tunnel for lower ground clearance. When plugged to a fast charger, the battery will replenish enough juice for 100 miles (161 km) of range in 10 minutes. Although there has been no explanation regarding the other specifications of the powertrain in detail, the GranTurismo Folgore is also rumored to be using the inverter technology developed by Maserati for Formula E racing cars.
The Maserati GranTurismo Folgore has similar proportions to its predecessor, combined with even sexier curves, and modern styling touches. (Picture from: Carscoops)
Meanwhile for the interior, as we can see clearly from the video, the cabin in 2+2 configuration with seats that are given a touch of a combination of white and blue. The Italian car manufacturer said that the materials used for this car's interior arrangement used a special fabric made of recycled nylon. As for the headroom, it looks quite adequate even though it looks narrow at the back. Unfortunately, Maserati is still reluctant to reveal the dashboard, they will likely reveal it at the official premiere later.
Apart from the planned presence of its first EV, Maserati also confirmed in its official release at the same time, that promised to offer electric versions of all its production car models by 2025. So after the GrandTurismo Folgore launches in the next 2023, in the same year followed by the electric versions of Grecale crossover and Grancabrio, then the electric variants of the MC20, Quattroporte and Levante in 2025. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MASERATI | ROADANDTRACK | CARSCOOPS | AUTOBLOG ]
All of them have survived after exchanging owners multiple times.The one built for the Le Mans-winning driver and engineer has become the most coveted, even though he never actually owned it. Shortly after it was shipped back from Italy, Shelby claimed it was too expensive for what it could do and ended up pulling out of the deal. And now, the car no.3 is currently part of the Petersen Automotive Museum collection. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOEVOLUTION | COLLIERAUTOMEDIA | SUPERCARS.NET | CORVETTEBLOGGER ]
