ForgottenONES When talking about the automotive industry, of course we will be dealing
with so many names.... Indeed, in this world it is something that is
commonplace, when many come and not a few to leave. Ç'est la vie...
Here's an Alfa Romeo's gorgeous convertible couple posed along together, from the left to right the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider Pinin Farina and the Giulietta Spider Bertone (with chassis number #0004). (Picture from: hexmoor_69 on Twitter)
And this following classic car is one of the proofs of the intense competition between coachbuilder companies in Italy back in the 1950s, Even though it has a promising design, it must be step aside after not chosen by automaker to get on the production lines, due to limited production technology at the time.😢
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider Bertone (with chassis number #0004)'s design is clearly influenced by contemporary American luxury barges and wild BAT concept cars. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)
The story begins when Alfa Romeo began planning a convertible aimed primarily at the American market in the 1950s after receiving input from Max Hoffman, the biggest importer of Alfa Romeos into the United States at the time. For this such reason then the Italian car manufacturer commissioned two compatriot coachbuilders Bertone and Pinin Farina to design and built the prototypes of the new series model which would later be named the Giulietta Spider.
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider Bertone (with chassis number #0004) has a very radical appearance under a rounded design line pull as you can see at the front. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)
It was 1955 there four different prototypes for the Spider variant were completed by those two Italian coachbuilders (each with two prototypes). This became a kind of competition for both of them which now we had known the result of where Alfa Romeo preferred Pinin Farina's designs to enter the production line and rejected Bertone ones. Well, it should be admitted that Pinin Farina's design is clearly more formal with its round headlights, compared to the two more radical looking prototypes of Bertone according to the time.
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider Bertone (with chassis number #0004) was deemed too modern and difficult to manufacture, mainly because of the aerodynamically inspired tail fin. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)
However the Bertone-designed prototypes would go on to influence many of Alfa Romeo's sports convertible in the latter half of the 20th century. How did it happen? This could not be separated from the genius figure of the designer who handled those two Berteno's prototypes. Who is he? He was Franco Scaglione whose in charge of design at Bertone at the time.
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider Bertone (with chassis number #0004) has also two tone color covered its two-seats and door trims. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)
As quoted from ClassicDriver, Bertone's Giuletta Spider design is clearly influenced by contemporary American luxury barges and wild BAT concept cars. The first prototype (with chassis number #0002) was finished in red and differed from the car you see here with its narrower, more pointed headlights, as well as rear fins without integrated tail-lights. It was a stunning design, but arguably the two-tone, gold-and-white car (with chassis number #0004) as you can see here is the real showstopper.
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider Bertone (with chassis number #0004) has an aluminium body with a wheelbase of just 2.2 meters, no wonder if it’s incredibly light. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)
Both car is powered by an 1.3-liter, four-cylinder 80 hp engine, and has an aluminium body with a wheelbase of just 2.2 meters, no wonder if it’s incredibly light. After completion both were shown to Alfa Romeo's top brasses including Hoffman, the result was unexpected, both were deemed too modern and difficult to manufacture, mainly because of the aerodynamically inspired tail fin.
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider Bertone (with chassis number #0004) is powered by an 1.3-liter, four-cylinder 80 hp engine. (Picture from: Coachbuild)
Having failed to get the green light for production, the two prototypes were separated; the red car (with chassis number #0002) headed to Switzerland (unknown until now), while this car (with chassis number #0004) was sold to Hoffman, but remained in Italy. This car had also disappeared from public attention for almost two decades before being rediscovered in the 1990s.
After being unheard of for a long time and missing from the public's attention, it was only in the 1990s that this car (with chassis number #0004) was rediscovered by a young Corrado Lopresto in an apprehensive condition. In short, he did a thorough restoration of this car to return to original conditions in its hey-day. Today, the car remains in the Lopresto Collection to this day as an integral part of Lopresto history and a formative influence on their current restoration process and philosophy. *** [EKA | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | HEXMOR_65 | COACHBUILD | CLASSICDRIVER | WIKIPEDIA ]
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Wait&See In the midst of the endless hubbub of the electric car trend that is currently echoing in the automotive world, coupled with there's circulated word about the presence of the Polestar AB. newest car, which is said to be the real elaboration of its vision of a new era of electric vehicles which has been awaited by many car fans around the globe.
The Polestar O2 is a sleek electric convertible style to show how the Swedish company's design language could adapt to a variety of body styles, while still maintaining the comfort of a family car. (Picture from: AutoCar)
Although, Polestar as a brand may be a new-kid-on-the-block to the automotive world, otherwise its newly car concept has a lot of hopes by showing something impressive. Well, the latest creation that will be discussed is the Polestar O2 shown under a sleek convertible style, and also carrying the company's vision about a top-down motor vehicle with maximum electrification performance due to built with the Precept Concept design.
The Polestar O2 described as "the meeting point between technology and artistry, between precision and sculpturing, with a firm but non-aggressive feel". (Picture from: BlackXperience)
As it built around the aforementioned Precept Concept design, this sleek roadster is described by Head of Design of Polestar, Maximilian Missoni as "the meeting point between technology and artistry, between precision and sculpturing, with a firm but non-aggressive feel". The brand says the O2 shown how the Swedish company's design language could adapt to a variety of body styles, while still maintaining the comfort of a family car.
Through its short front and rear overhangs give the Polestar O2 concept plenty of visual drama and aggressiveness, while the low ride height and wide body give it a bold stance. (Picture from: BlackXperience)
Regardless of what people think of electric cars, there's no denying that these are truly beautiful cars. Through its short front and rear overhangs give the concept plenty of visual drama and aggressiveness, while the low ride height and wide body give it a bold stance.
The Polestar O2 embodied "classic sports car proportions, under a decidedly modern, electric feel". But there's a lot of substance under the body of this beautiful car. (Picture from: KabarOto)
Polestar noted the O2 embodied "classic sports car proportions, under a decidedly modern, electric feel". But there's a lot of substance under the body of this beautiful car. Hidden design features such as integrated ducts, increased airflow over the wheels and body, allow for maximum travel range. What's more, the intelligent taillights act as air blades to reduce rear turbulence.
The Polestar O2 has hidden design features such as integrated ducts, increased airflow over the wheels and body, allow for maximum travel range. (Picture from: KabarOto)
While Polestar hasn't provided any performance statistics so far, the brand still promises an exhilarating driving experience, as it designed to look fun with the bespoke bonded aluminum platform (adapted from the Polestar 5), reportedly also offers high levels of rigidity, tight body control and confidence-inducing dynamics. In other word, the extremely rigid aluminum platform is geared to provide exceptional handling along with direct steering feeling and overall car agility.
The Polestar O2's interior uses recycled polyester for all soft-touch materials, including foam, 3D knitted fibers, and even non-woven laminates. (Picture from: BlackXperience)
Furthermore Missoni added that the Polestar O2 is the Swedish company's vision of a new era for sports cars. By combining the joy of open-top driving with the purity of electric mobility, it opens up a new mix of emotions in the car. "But like all our cars, we are much more than straight-line sprints. When you turn the wheel, the real fun begins," he concluded.
The Polestar O2 electric convertible has something special located behind the back seat ie an autonomous cinematic drone that can be used while on driving. (Picture from: BlackXperience)
Being an electricity only brand, Polestar has created the O2 with sustainable energy in mind. While on the interior side, this brand has applied a new thermoplastic mono material, in which the interior uses recycled polyester for all soft-touch materials, including foam, 3D knitted fibers, and even non-woven laminates. This not only reduces waste but also made an impact to the overall weight of the car.
The Polestar O2 electric
roadster offers an environmentally friendly chassis as well, which is
designed to increase the circularity of metal components. (Picture from: KabarOto)
Not only that, this electric roadster offers an environmentally friendly chassis as well, which is designed to increase the circularity of metal components. The automaker futher says various grades of aluminum are used throughout the chassis to help provide a thrilling driving experience. At the end of Polestar O2's life after used, as cars made from graded aluminum so then it can be properly recycled, also ensuring superior material efficiency and lower requirements for pure aluminum.
The Polestar O2 promises an exhilarating driving experience, as it designed to look fun with the bespoke bonded aluminum platform (adapted from the Polestar 5). (Picture from: AutoCar)
While as technology lovers, you would probably much appreciate this automotive work, especially if you find something special is located behind the back seat ie an autonomous cinematic drone that can be used while on driving. There is a special kind of aerofoil that allows the drone to take off while the car is moving, up to speeds of 56 mph. Once the driver has finished recording, the drone can return to the car by itself, and videos can be edited and shared from the 15-inches mid-screen.
Although Polestar has never confirmed before whether the O2 would be produced or not, only say that they will be releasing three new cars over the next three years starting in 2022. Lately there is good news related to the O2's production version. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | POLESTAR | ROBBREPORT | MOTOR1 | AUTOCAR | HOTCARS ]
UniqueONES Maybe not many people know the Porsche-built sports car in the late 1980s. In appearance, this sports car at a glance reminds us of the Porsche 911 made by the German automaker from the same era, but has an unusual appearance like a sand-buggy.
The
mentioned car was Porsche Panamericana Concept, is built on the basis of the all-wheel-drive 911 Carrera 4, and its bodywork was built with plastic and carbon fiber panels. This 2-passenger, 2-door sports coupe concept produced by Porsche AG.and presented to Ferry Porsche on his
80th birthday at the time. It designed by Harm Lagaay (designer) and Ulrich Bez (technical director) to renew the design of the Porsche 911.
Interior and dashboard view of 1989 Porsche Panamericana Concept. (Picture from: FabWheelsDigest)
The Porsche Panamericana Concept is powered
by a horizontally-opposed six-cylinder engine driving all four wheels
and combined with 5-speed manual transmition system,
that translated to a top speed in the 160 mph or beyond, and
acceleration to 60 mph in under 6 seconds.
Left side view of 1989 Porsche Panamericana Concept. (Picture from: FabWheelsDigest)
There's an outstanding characteristic
of the car were its wide wheel covers with the objective to have enough
room for various sizes of rims and tires, so if necessary it could be
transformed in an off-road car. FYI, the three part Speedline rims were made exclusively for this model.
Rear side view of 1989 Porsche Panamericana Concept. (Picture from: FabWheelsDigest)
The
roof line was homogeneously streamlined and sloped gently towards the
rear engine deck. It could be covered with a waterproof fabric with a
pink zipper. Various roof configurations were possible be applied on the car, which implies as the car could be an hybrid of a targa, convertible, coupe and off-roader.
Whether Ferry Porsche ever used to car to blast across sand dunes or pretend he was in a Group B rally race is unknown. With the growing financial crisis at Porsche at the end of 1980s put an end to the possibility of actual production. Today, the unique concept sits in Porsche's museum in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. *** [EKA [24072015] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FABWHEELSDIGEST | HOWSTUFFWORKS]
RareONES Every time we exploring the cyberspace up to corners, we always find a unique figure of automotive creations is rarely seen and known by people. So, this time, again we've found the unique GTM Libra sportscar that we've never known and seen before, it made by a British manufacturer named GTM (Grand Touring Mini) Cars Ltd.
The GTM Libra is debuted at 1998, and was targeting a niche market for more affordable compact sports cars as similar size to the Lotus Elise. (Picture from: AutoBild.de)
Actually Libra is not the only kitcar model from the British automotive company that has been established since 1967, there have been several other models ever made such as the Cox GTM Coupé, GTM Coupé, GTM Rossa, and others. In fact, Libra is the most famous and successful in terms of sales among the models that have been produced by GTM ever.
The GTM Libra has old-fashioned nose similar to a 70s sports car, round headlights and fog lights, an air intake that looks like the mouth of a catfish. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
Even though it was developed as a kitcar, Libra has an appearance that is no less beautiful than the similar-sized intact sports car made by a well-known manufacturer. It can be described visually, this compact-sized British sports car has a length of about 3.56 m, width of 1.65 m, height none less of 1.15 m and a wheelbase of about 2.32 m.
The GTM Libra has an appearance that is no less unique and beautiful than the similar-sized intact sports car made by a well-known manufacturer. (Picture from: BradleyJamesClassics)
Before launched, the car was developed for about three years by GTM Cars directors Peter Beck and Paddy Fitch, in collaboration with designer Richard Oakes and suspension designer Bryn Davies. As quoted from Wikipedia, the Libra was launched on the UK kitcar market back in 1998, and it seems that the automaker was targeting a niche market for more affordable compact sports cars as similar size to the Lotus Elise.
At first launched, the GTM Libra was initially powered by an 1.4 liter Rover 'K'-Series engine. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
Though the GTM Libra was conceived as a compact-sized sports car, but the auto maker still maintain to strive for the lightest possible weight, for that why the car does not use subframes for its suspension system, instead all the mounts are bolted directly to its GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) monocoque body.
It uses unequal length wishbones of GTM design at the front occupying uprights from the Rover Metro/100 range and a forward mounted steering rack for extra legroom. While the rear suspension is an unusual double trailing arm design, bolted to the rear bulkhead and using the same uprights as the front.
The GTM Spyder launched in 2000 as the Libra' convertible version, no wonder if it carried detail components used on the Libra, plus many more that have been made specifically for the mid-engined convertible. (Picture from: Diseno-Art)
At first launched, the GTM Libra was initially powered by an 1.4 liter Rover 'K'-Series engine, later also it has been fitted successfully with 1.6, 1.8, 1.8 VVC and KV6 2.5 liter Rover engines as well as the Toyota 2ZZ-GE, some Honda units and the Audi 1.8T turbo engine.
The GTM Spyder was completely styled by Richard Oakes in further two years development to create it to be a such true British open top sports car. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
Then the GTM Libra's engine or transmission unit is held in a frame hanging off the rear bulkhead, a frame which also locates the rear hinging engine cover which incorporates a sizeable boot which can accommodate a full size set of golf clubs.
There is nothing special about the interior of the GTM Spyder where the dashboard is filled with only a steering wheel and a simple instrument panel with three main car's gauges. (Picture from: CarEnthusiast)
The front 'clamshell' conceals the radiator, battery, master cylinders etc. and also manages to stow a full size spare wheel (either 16" or 17"). Meanwhile its removable roof panel can be stowed behind the seats for an open top driving experience.
The GTM Spyder is the most dramatically changed moulding requiring major modifications to the closed box sections within the tub to replace the rigidity lost from removing the roof section. (Picture from: CarEnthusiast)
Not only that, by benefiting from the engineering which had been developed during the creation of the Libra, the manufacturer launched its convertible version called GTM Spyder in 2000. Many of the detail components used on the Libra are carried through into the Spyder, plus many more that have been made specifically for the mid-engined convertible.
Just like Libra, the GTM Spyder was completely styled by Richard Oakes in further two years development to create it to be a such true British open top sports car. The central monocoque of the GTM Spyder is the most dramatically changed moulding requiring major modifications to the closed box sections within the tub to replace the rigidity lost from removing the roof section.
Further strengthening to the floor pan was added along with a redesigned rear bulkhead. In all about 30 kilos have been added to the weight of the central tub, unfortunately the additional strengthening and modifications to the rear bulkhead have removed the option of fitting the most powerful 2.5 litre V6 engine.
RareONES In the end everything will disappear for good, although many of them try to deny it by creeping to the surface to show their existence again and again. That's all natural, even so no one can resist it, all that can be done is survive as much as possible before it's really lost in time.
The Marcos Mantula shows the distinctive styling that’s been a hallmark of Marcos since the 1960s. (Picture from: Silodrome)
Of the many British car manufacturers that have appeared and success in the world's automotive during the 1960s, of course you still remember Marcos Engineering Ltd. As quoted from Wikipedia, the name of Marcos was created in 1959 by combining the last names of its founders, Jem MARsh and Frank COStin.
The Marcos Mantula's body is lightweight fiberglass based on a steel chassis, with a total curb weight of just 900 kgs (1,984 lbs). (Picture from: Silodrome)
As we all know, Frank Costin is a well-known British automotive designer, who was also known as the designer of the legendary Mosquito fighter plane made by the De Havilland aircraft company. And after shifting in the automotive world he applied his know-how of wood monocoques led to the first plywood-based Marcos sportscars.
The Marcos Mantula's interior featured with seating for two, there’s a high center console and this car has a blue leather interior with wood veneer, and a blue leather trimmed steering wheel. (Picture from: Silodrome)
This British company started its venture in the world's automotive by launching the Marcos Xylon GT, followed later by the iconic Marcos 1800 GT and then the Mini Marcos, the Marcos Mantis XP. It turned out that the production activities of the British manufacturer did not last long, and should be ceased when the company experienced serious financial problems in 1971.
The Marcos Mantula is powered by a 3.5-litre Rover V8 with a 5-speed gearbox. (Picture from: Silodrome)
Although many efforts have been made to revitalize, one of them through the acquisition of its shares and assets by the Rob Walker Group of Companies, continued to reorganize and change its name to Marcos Ltd.
The Marcos Mantula are now collectible in the more eccentric British classic car circles, the performance of the model makes it a genuine weapon in the right hands. (Picture from: Silodrome)
Unfortunately, all these effort was not very helpful. It seems, during this period there were no new models, and until 1972 it was also reported that Marcos had a stock of 35 unsold cars in the United States had to be "liquidated".
The Marcos Mantula Spyder which sell after the coupés in later production began in 1986. (Picture from: Handh.co.uk)
Well, what happened at that time was Marcos had to do the best to downsizing the company in order to overcome its financial problems with what was described as "a cash jumble sale of Marcos bits, ranging from prototype and shop soiled components, benches, tools, etc," where took place at the "old Marcos Cars factory" at Westbury.
The Marcos Mantula Spyder version was introduced which went on to become the most popular variant. (Picture from: Handh.co.uk)
At that time in 1976, one of the company' founders, Jem Marsh, who was still active in the automotive world, then bought back the rights to the Marcos name, and in 1981 this brand offering the previous GT cars as kits with multiple engine options.The Marcos Mantula Spyder Up to 1989 about 130 kits were sold.
The Marcos Mantula Spyder's interior featured with seating for two, there’s a high center console. (Picture from: Handh.co.uk)
As quoted from Wikipedia, the British automaker was introduced the Marcos Mantula in 1983, externally very similar to the old GT, but now powered by a 3.5-litre Rover V8 with a 5-speed gearbox.
The Marcos Mantula Spyder version is powered by the same drivetrain as the coupe variant. (Picture from: Handh.co.uk)
This alloy engine weighed less than the previous six-cylinder cast-iron units, reducing overall weight to about 900 kg and making the car competitive against other Rover-powered sports cars such as TVR and Morgan. The engine evolved into the Rover Vitesse EFi engine, and later Mantulas were fitted with the 3.9 EFi units.
The Marcos Martina was externally very similar to the Mantula, but with flared front wheel arches. (Picture from: Handh.co.uk)
In 1986 the model was made available as a convertible, the Marcos Spyder, which would outsell the coupés in later production. In 1989, the automaker introduced the model featured with an independent rear suspension, together with the Ford Sierra's 7" differential and rear disc brakes.
The Marcos Martina used the Ford Cortina's 2-litre four-cylinder engine, steering and suspension, and approximately 80 were produced. (Picture from: Jigidi)
The independent suspension allowed a full-width boot and the relocation of the battery and heater/air conditioning. There's a total of 170 Coupés and 119 Spyders were ever produced by the automaker during its production periods.
Furthermore Marcos in 1991 also had time to produce the Marcos Martina was externally very similar to the Mantula, but with flared front wheel arches. It used the Ford Cortina's 2-litre four-cylinder engine, steering and suspension. And approximately 80 were produced. Originally, Martina available as kits or factory-built, before the cars were all factory-built from 1992.
Shortly after the production of the Mantula and Martina ceased in 1993, soon Marcos retired from the kit car business to concentrate on all-factory built offerings until the British automaker shutted down for good in 2007.😢 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MARCOS | SPEEDHUNTERS | SILODROME | HANDH.CO.UK | WIKIPEDIA ]
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After being unheard of for a long time and missing from the public's attention, it was only in the 1990s that this car (with chassis number #0004) was rediscovered by a young Corrado Lopresto in an apprehensive condition. In short, he did a thorough restoration of this car to return to original conditions in its hey-day. Today, the car remains in the Lopresto Collection to this day as an integral part of Lopresto history and a formative influence on their current restoration process and philosophy. *** [EKA | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | HEXMOR_65 | COACHBUILD | CLASSICDRIVER | WIKIPEDIA ]
