WeirdONES Once upon a time, if you looked in amazement at the unusual Ogle Aston Martin while it launched and sat on display at the Montreal Motor Show in January 1972. Maybe you would wrinkled your forehead and thought how could Aston Martin have such an odd-shaped car. Then who came up with the idea to make a car like this?
The Aston Martin DBS V8 'Sotheby Special' by Ogle Design was designed and built during 1971 under the guidance of Tom Karen with financial support from the tobacco company, W.D. & H.O. Wills Ltd. (Picture from: AstonMartins)
Well, the person behind the idea of this unique car development is David Ogle in the 1960's but it wasn't until after his death that the project really evolved to a finished car. It is known that Ogle Design built three units of this unique car during 1972 to 1973.
The 2nd road car of 1972 Aston Martin DBS V8 'Sotheby Special' by Ogle Design with plate number of GHU120K. (Picture from: AstonMartins)
As quoted from Aston Martins, the first car was the finished rolling show car under chassis number of DBSV8/10380/R got the finishing of resplendent in dark blue with exquisite gold pin striping was unveiled as one of the visitor's centrepiece of the Montreal Motor Show 1972, then a couple of months later it also appeared at the 1972 Geneva Salon. Due to the unique shape that had impressed Motor Magazine as they chose it to be the cover of their January 15th, 1972 issue.
The 2nd road car of 1972 Aston Martin DBS V8 'Sotheby Special' by Ogle Design in the Imperial Tobacco ‘Embassy’ cigarette brand colours of white with a logo of red triangles. (Picture from: Paul Rice on Flickr)
The car built based on a DBS V8
chassis, the bodywork was constructed from glass-fibre and above the
waistline is totally formed from glass supported on a tubular frame of Reynolds 531 (as also used on the very best bicycle frames at the time). The
rear panel was made of a single sheet of brushed stainless steel with
22 holes cut into it for the rear lamps. The harder the driver braked,
the more lights were illuminated. The headlights are hidden by panels
that drop down when the lamps are in use.
The Aston Martin DBS V8 'Sotheby Special' by Ogle Design has a single sideways rear seat which must make this the only post war Aston Martin models with three seater. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)
Still from the same quote as above, unfortunately, the original Sotheby Special motor show car was partially stripped for parts and put into store; never road-registered, it has been hidden from view for over 40 years. Currently the condition is not intact, as can be seen here, it roten and rusted lying on the lawn under the sunlight.
Here's the original Sotheby Special motor show car was partially stripped for parts and put into store; never road-registered, it has been hidden from view for over 40 years. (Picture from: MotorTrend)
Aston Martin known also provided Ogle Design a second chassis, DBSV8/10381/RC, which did became a fully finished road car in May 1972. This unique Aston Martin car was designed and built in 1971 by under the guidance of Tom Karen as Ogle's successor with financial support from the tobacco company, W.D. & H.O. Wills Ltd. The car became known as The Sotheby's Special and finished in dark blue with gold pinstripes in order to promote their premium cigarette brand.
The original Sotheby Special motor show car got the finishing of resplendent in dark blue with exquisite gold pin striping. (Picture from: MotorTrend)
As the brand failed, the car with plate number of GHU120K, was repainted in the Imperial Tobacco ‘Embassy’ cigarette brand colours of white with a logo of red triangles. During this time, it was not unusual to see the car at top race meetings as Imperial Tobacco were a major sponsor of the ill fated Embassy Hill Formula 1 racing team. Also of note is that the car has a single sideways rear seat which must make this the only post war Aston Martin models with three seater.
The rear panel of the original Sotheby Special motor show car was made of a single sheet of satin stainless steel with 22 holes cut into it for the rear lamps. (Picture from: AstonMartins)
Besides that it has proved very elusive to us to this day, the road car has many detail differences to the show car, and the most
noticeably is that it has its windscreen, side and rear windows are
Triplex glass with it’s special lined coating to reduce glare from the
sun. It was lastly seen in public at the Aston Martin Centenary Celebration at Kensington Palace in July 2013, and known is held in a private collection somewhere in the UK.
The 3rd road car of the Aston Martin DBS V8 'Sotheby Special' by Ogle Design based on a slightly later AM V8 automatic chassis, was also built as the result of a request of a private customer in 1973. (Picture from: AstonMartins)
Following an appearance on the BBC TV programme, Tomorrows World, an anonimous wealthy lady was determined to own an Aston Martin Ogle of her own and, after much persuasion, she was able to obtain an AM V8 rolling chassis from AML and convinced Ogle to build the third car with plate number of GRA679.
The 3rd road car of 1973 Aston Martin DBS V8 'Sotheby Special' by Ogle Design with plate number of GRA679. (Picture from: ClassicMobilia)
Reportedly, the car's price was very high indeed of £28,750 when the standard car was only £8,749. The last time this car appeared in public was when it was included in the list of cars sold in the Christies auction at Retromobile 2005, and is now part of a private collection overseas.
The problem with a car such as the Ogle
that so closely follows fashion, is that it can start to look outdated very quickly, due to its looks was very 70's' style. But despite it’s looks, the reduction in weight by having a fibreglass body made the Ogle significantly quicker than the standard DBS V8. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ASTONMARTINS | CARSTYLING.RU | CLASSICMOBILIA | MOTORTREND | STORY-CARS ]
New BEAST If we could choose, this should have been born more sooner, but what can we do if the situation and conditions don't allow it. Never mind, Volkswagen has confirmed that it will introduce the Golf R333 Limited Edition with a very aggressive appearance at the end of this month.
The Volkswagen Golf R333 Limited Edition would be released in the end of May, 2023. (Picture from: Carvaganza)
Reportedly, this hot hatch will be supported by an abundant aero kit and the use of parts with special racing specifications. Even its presence is predicted would be surpassed to the Golf R20 due to it has a maximum power of 333 PS or the equivalent of 331 hp.
The Wolfsburg-based manufacturer's plan for presenting the fiercest Golf is revealed in a video showing a yellow hot hatch with a sporty appearance. One of the highlights is the use of 19-inch black Estoril wheels and a set of cross-drilled brakes inside.
The Volkswagen Golf R333 Limited Edition will be supported by an abundant aero kit and the use of parts with special racing specifications. (Picture from: Carvaganza)
In addition, at the stern there are two Akrapovic exhaust tips which give the Golf R333 a thicker sporty impression. Meanwhile, the number 333 is affixed to the side of the vehicle and refers to the power generated by the 333 PS engine mounted into it.
The number 333 is affixed to the side of the vehicle and refers to the power generated by the 333 PS engine mounted into it. (Picture from: Carvaganza)
In appearance, the Golf R333 Limited is similar to the Golf R Performance model that was introduced back in 2017. The similarity lies in the use of a performance package on the exterior and an increase in engine performance that uses the base of the Golf Mk 7.5. Apart from that, the Golf R333 is also expected to make adjustments to the suspension performance so that it is more adapted to racing needs.
There are four Akrapovic exhaust tips at the stern which give the VW Golf R333 Limited Edition a thicker sporty impression. (Picture from: Autocar)
Meanwhile, officially this German manufacturer not released yet the mechanical heart specifications that will be used on the R333. But most likely it will return to use a 4-cylinder engine with a capacity of 2.0 liters with turbocharged injection. In addition, several sources also predict that the Golf R333 Limited will use an all-wheel drive system coupled with launch control.
The Volkswagen Golf R333 Limited is similar to this Golf R Performance model that was introduced back in 2017. (Picture from: Autocar)
Furthermore the package that is paired with the Golf R333 Limited is also expected to provide increased performance, one of which is the maximum speed which was previously at 250 kph which is even higher. In addition, thanks to engine improvements and the use of a massive aero kit, the Golf R333 can accelerate from 0-100 kph in less than 4.7 seconds. This performance figure is superior to a standard Golf R which has a maximum power of 315 hp which was prior released several years ago.
The similarity lies in the use of a performance package on the exterior and an increase in engine performance that uses the base of the Golf Mk 7.5. (Picture from: Autocar)
As quoted from Motor1, Volkswagen had stated that it will release a special variant based on existing models in 2024. This could be an indication that R333 Limited is what the manufacturer intended. However, there are also predictions that the Golf R333 Limited will be priced quite high. It could be reason is that last year's standard Golf R20 model was sold for around € 60,000 or almost Rp. 1 billions.
Apart from that, currently the German automotive giant had ensured that the Golf R333 Limited dubbed as the most fiercest VW Golf ever will be officially introduced to the public on May 31, 2023. So make sure you won't miss it. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | VOLKSWAGEN | AUTOCAR | AUTOBLOG | ID.MOTOR1 ]
UniqueONES At the annual automotive event the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2023 which is currently taking place in the beautiful resort area on the shores of Lake Como, Italy, Ken Okuyama, a world famous automotive designer from Japan who was previously known as the designer of the Ferrari Enzo, is again displaying automotive works the newest one is titled Kode61 Birdcage.
The Kode61 Birdcage by Ken Okayama Design has debuted at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2023. (Picture from: TopGear)
As quoted from Top Gear, this roadster made by Ken Okuyama to pay homage to the figure of the legendary racing car made by Maserati, one of the Italian automotive manufacturers in the 2000s named the Maserati MC12. Even Ken Okayama noted for the second time to get involve with the figure of a unique car that bears the name 'Birdcage'. Previously in 2005 he also took part as Pininfarina's team leader in designing the Maserati MC12 Birdcage 75th Pininfarina.
The Ken Okuyama Design's Kode61 Birdcage built to pay homage to the Maserati MC12 known as the fastest car ever made by Maserati during 2004-2005. (Picture from: Motor1)
As quoted from Supercar Nostalgia, it is a sports coupe with a unique concept that takes inspiration from the design of the legendary Maserati MC12 car, built based on the Ferrari Enzo to commemorate Pininfarina's 75th Anniversary at that time and made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2005.
Ken Okayama noted for the second time to get involve with the figure of a unique car that bears the name 'Birdcage,' as the first was the Maserati MC12 Birdcage 75th Pininfarina of 2005. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
Even though it bears the same name, the car that is currently ones made by Ken Okayama Design which carries a type of roofless roadster which at first glance looks like the Mach 5 racing car in an old cartoon tv-series titled Speed Racer and also the Maserati Tipo 61 racing car which was produced between 1959 until 1961.
The Kode61 Birdcage by Ken Okayama Design has a quite unique design because it looks like a bird's head with a small windshield to protect the driver and passengers. (Picture from: TopGear)
Reportedly, the Kode61 Birdcage of Ken Okayama Design will be produced in limited numbers. However, it is not stated how much will be distributed to lucky consumers. As you can see, this unique concept car has a quite unique design because it looks like a bird's head with a small windshield to protect the driver and passengers.
The Kode61 Birdcage by Ken Okayama Design also featured with a large grille under the beak blends nicely with the thin headlights in front. (Picture from: TopGear)
Furthermore, there is a large grille under the beak blends nicely with the thin headlights in front. The body is plated in three colors, where the dominant white color combined with dark blue divides the muzzle to the rear end in the form of a line. While the lower part, including the grille and wheels, is made black so that the two colors above stand out. Meanwhile the legs are wearing 3 spoke wheels with an aggressive design which immediately reminds us of the Maserati MC20 supercar.
The Kode 61 Birdcage's cabin area looks filled with aluminum material, which not only makes the car lighter, but is also able to give a retro feel that matches the feel of old racing cars. (Picture from: TopGear)
The stern also gets no less attractive touches, in which Ken Okayama seemed to plant another face behind. The use of a super thin stop lamp is an interesting accent. The eyes themselves didn't come from the lighting sector, but the opening above it as an outlet for air circulation. The middle part is installed dual exhaust, right on the blue screen line. Like the face, the buttocks area is made sharp with the addition of a diffuser.
The stern of the Kode61 Birdcage also gets no less attractive touches with a super thin stop lamp is an interesting accent. (Picture from: TopGear)
As for the cabin area, it looks filled with aluminum material, the use of which not only makes the car lighter, but is also able to give a retro feel that matches the feel of old racing cars. Not only that, the weight of this car is lighter because it uses bucket seats made of carbon fiber covered in leather and suede, then multi-point seat belts are attached. And the dashboard is filled with various feature buttons with the main focus on the analog-style instrument panel.
The middle part is installed dual exhaust, right on the blue screen line. (Picture from: TopGear)
Unfortunately, Ken Okayama hasn't revealed the mechanical heart that drives his unique roadster. As we can see from the appearance, we can be sure that this car uses a conventional combustion engine, because of its profile has the gas intake and exhaust channels. Because it is intended to be a tribute to a Maserati car, it is possible that Ken Okayama will used the engine including the chassis and transmission system also from the Italian manufacturer.
Later the car will be produced at the Yamagata factory in Japan. About the price until now is still in a big question mark. It is predicted that the price will reach millions of dollars, considering that the Kode 57, the previous supercar made by Ken Okayama, has now touched the numbers of $ 2.5 million. Moreover if you make it based on the Maserati MC12.💪 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KEN OKAYAMA DESIGN | TOPGEAR | SUPERCARNOSTALGIA | MOTOR1 ]
HOT Rumours It hasn't been long since it was unveiled to the public for the first time last year, but Hyundai is again rumored to be announcing its plans to launch a production version of the Hyundai N Vision 74 Concept later this month as a tribute to the historic Hyundai Pony Coupe. Is it possible happened?😲
Rumoured that Hyundai's bonkers N Vision 74 Concept would go into production Lines. (Picture from: Carscoops)
As quoted from the Hyundai official website, that the Hyundai N Vision 74, which debuted last December is considered to be a "rolling laboratory" and used to try out various features and technologies. The manufacturer even states that the N Vision 74 is its high-performance electric hybrid vehicle that spans Hyundai's past, present and future.
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: Id.Motor1)
This happened not only because of its epic appearance, but because the N Vision 74 seemed very promising to present a new era of EV performance that really had character and power. It's just that the Hyundai N Vision 74
is a complicated hybrid car that doesn't use a conventional combustion
engine. Instead, it uses an unusual combination of hydrogen fuel cells
and battery power.
The Hyundai N Vision 74 Concept is carrying forward the bold spirit of the Pony Coupe Concept into a futuristic design that realizes the dream of the company to create Korea’s first sports car. (Picture from: Id.Motor1)
The car has a pair of rear-mounted motors that produce 671 horsepower (500 kilowatts) and 664 lbs-ft (900 Newton-meters) of torque. With
a fully charged 62.4 kWh battery and only 4.2 kilograms of hydrogen,
the concept is capable of a range of more than 373 miles (600
kilometers). This highly intriguing concept promises to accelerate from a
standstill in four seconds to 60 mph (96 kph) and reach speeds in
excess of 155 mph (250 kph).
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: RobbReport)
However, it seems that automotive enthusiasts prefer a good combustion engine to be embedded in this Hyundai concept car if it go into production lines someday. And somehow this seems to follow by the manufacturer when the Hyundai N Vision 74 was unveiled, the South Korean automaker said its engineers were looking for ways to add a front motor for more power and better performance.
Turn out the Hyundai's bonkers N Vision 74 Concept had already exhibited at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2023 and not heading for production line. (Picture from: Carscoops)
Again the question is whether this would be possible happen. Instead, it could be this is just speculative guesses. But that's for sure, this N Vision 74 concept had already exhibited at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este this year and not heading for production lines, as we've cited from Carscoops.
The 1974 Pony Coupe Concept (in pictured the car posed along with the Hyundai's top brasses and Giorgetto Giugiaro) is recreated by its original designer Giorgetto Giugiaro and his son Fabrizio of GFG Style design house. (Picture from: Carscoops)
Even as reported by Money Today a South Korean media, Hyundai is planning a "Pony Day" event at its Seoul design studio on May 27, 2023 to celebrate Hyundai's first mass-produced legendary car, the Hyundai Pony back in the 1974. As we could be seen also on the South Korean manufacturer announcement via the Twitter timeline as follow.
Back in the 70s, an ambitious designer sketched out the most mesmerizing car you’ve never seen – the #Hyundai#PonyCoupeConcept. It paved the way for progress, influencing our own vision of the future and ultimately inspiring the famous #NVision74 concept.#HyundaiPONYpic.twitter.com/WeenU0anhW
At the said "Pony Day" event, Hyundai is expected to reveal a refurbished version of the original Pony Coupe Concept done by original designer Giorgetto Giugiaro and his son Fabrizio of GFG Style design house. At the time, the design sketches would drawn how the car might evolve from 1974 to making its debut at the 2022 Turin Auto Show.
However, everything doesn't necessarily stop here, Hyundai recently again released new news that the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Series is said to be one of its new EV performance is preparing for its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July 2023. Wow, this South Korean manufacturer must have been very busy this year.😎 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HYUNDAI | MONEY TODAY | CARSCOOPS | ROBBREPORT | ID.MOTOR1]
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RareONES Those of us who are always intrigued when we see uniquely shaped cars, this might be the one with the most jaw-dropping ones we've ever seen. How could it be, under normal circumstances shapes of the Citroën-made cars were already unique, let alone this one. To be honest, at first we also never thought that this unique car was wearing the French automaker' badge when started its lifes.
This is the rarest and unique variations ever built in 1959 based on the Citroën 2CV back named the Mismaque Squal. (Picture from: Citroenvie)
And what We presented here was the aferomentioned car above the Mismaque Squal, and known as one of the rarest and unique Citroën 2CV variations. This unique-shaped car was originally a design study car made by a young French engineer named Guy Mismaque.
The Mismaque Squal was originally a design study car made by a young French engineer named Guy Mismaque. (Picture from: Citroenvie)
As quoted from Citroenvie, Guy Mismaque previously worked for Buggati before deciding to create his own brand and cars in 1955, as did several of his French colleagues, Jean Rédélé (Alpine), René Bonnet (DB). At the time he was inspired to create an attractive and economical automobile that
could compete with other small-engined, popular automobiles such as the Citroën 2CV.
The Mismaque Squal prototype has fiberglass bodywork built on a tubular chassis, and powered by the Citroën 2CV drivetrain, while its creations taken over three years. (Picture from: Citroenvie)
At first glance the French-made low-slung and aerodynamic sports car had styling inspired by the Alfa Romeo Berlina Aerodinamica Tecnica (B.A.T.) concept vehicles, designed by Franco Scaglione and built by Alfa Romeo in collaboration with the Italian coachbuilder Bertone. There're three examples were built, with the first being the BAT 5 created in 1953, followed by the BAT 7 in 1954, and finally the BAT 9 in 1955.
This Mismaque Squal prototype has a weight only 350 kg (772 lbs) is quite small, much lower and shorter than its donor Citroën 2CV. (Picture from: Citroenvie)
It's no wonder many say that the Mismaque Squal prototype (Squal meaning 'Shark' in French) as the French BAT. This unique shaped car has fiberglass bodywork built on a tubular chassis, and powered by the Citroën 2CV drivetrain, while its creations taken over three years.
At rear, the Mismaque Squal prototype has a pair of unique tailfins that bear a resemblance to three Alfa Romeo BAT concepts. (Picture from: Citroenvie)
In appearance, the car weighing only 350 kg (772 lbs) is quite small, much lower and shorter than the 2CV, and is believed to be capable of running up to a top speed of 120 kph (80 mph). And the most distinctive shape of the Mismaque Squal prototype as seen at the rear where there is a pair of unique tailfins that bear a resemblance to three Alfa Romeo BATconcepts.
The car designer Guy Mismaque posed along with his son in front of his-designed car back in the 2021. (Picture from: Citroenvie)
The first Mismaque Squal prototype completed in 1959 and made its debut at the Paris Motor Show 1960 wearing the same orange paint scheme as the 1959 Citroën DS. As quoted from Citroenvie, there're 9 chassis were completed, while at least 3 cars were assembled, and 2 of the cars were based on Citroën 2CV drivetrains.
The Mismaque Squal prototype while sat on display at the 2022 edition of The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering. (Picture from: ConceptCarrz)
Still from the same source, designer Guy Mismaque, who was around 85 years old in 2021 (by now he is 87 years old), still looks fit and actively assists in the restoration process of a unique survivor of this model built based on the chassis 9C in his workshop. After completion, the car has been sold to a collector in New York City. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CITROENVIE | CONCEPTCARZ ]
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ONE-OFFPorsche AG is an automotive company from Germany which is known to have built many prototypes since it was first founded by Dr. Ferdinand Porsche in 1931. While most of them did not go into production they eventually became the basis for future models.
The Porsche 984 is developed between 1984 and 1987 by the Porsche Development Center in Weissach, and was intended as a study for future vehicle concepts. (Picture from: Pinterest)
And this car called Porsche 984 is one of those developed between 1984 and 1987 by the Porsche Development Center in Weissach, and was intended as a study for future vehicle concepts. As quoted from Porsche, the car was actually continued by the sports car development work previously done for SEAT a Spanish car maker (which wasn't owned by Volkswagen at the time), to fill the market niche previously occupied by the Porsche 924.
The Porsche 984 rear-engined roadster featured with a low front end wore round headlights and horizontal turn signals. (Picture from: StuttCars)
Furthermore, the Porsche 984 two-seater sports concept car was also intended to be produced as a compact and affordable sports car to appeal to a a young, sporty clientele with a starting price range of 40,000 German marks or the equivalent of $14,000 at that time.
The Porsche 984's interior taken clues from many other Porsche models such the seats are 928-style and door openers are from 911. (Picture from: Rennlist)
Tehnically, the development objective is primarily focused on dynamic driving characteristics, which will be achieved through low driving resistance rather than high engine power, while low fuel consumption is also set as one of its development goals.
The Porsche 984 prototype used a rear-mounted 4-cylinder air-cooled Volkswagen unit although a new Porsche flat-4 was to be created for the Junior and for aircraft use. (Picture from: Rennlist)
The concept car was powered by an air-cooled two-liter four-cylinder rear boxer engine rated at around 88–110 kW (120–150 hp) to emphasize the model's technological uniqueness. As you can see this convertible sports car with an innovative folding hard-top had previously been envisioned, such as an all-wheel-drive model for motor racing.
Unfortunately the development project for the Porsche 984 had to come to a halt early without ever hitting the production line, when the dollar plummeted in 1987, sending the stock market crashing and resulting in poor Porsche sales. However, the Porsche 984 was not completely abandoned, in the 1990s its ideas had revisited when Porsche created its famous Boxster models. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | PORSCHE | AUTOBLOG | RENNLIST | STUTTCARS | ANDONISCARS ]
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Well, the person behind the idea of this unique car development is David Ogle in the 1960's but it wasn't until after his death that the project really evolved to a finished car. It is known that Ogle Design built three units of this unique car during 1972 to 1973.
The problem with a car such as the Ogle
that so closely follows fashion, is that it can start to look outdated very quickly, due to its looks was very 70's' style. But despite it’s looks, the reduction in weight by having a fibreglass body made the Ogle significantly quicker than the standard DBS V8. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ASTONMARTINS | CARSTYLING.RU | CLASSICMOBILIA | MOTORTREND | STORY-CARS ]
