In the realm of automotive history, a unique chapter unfolds with the tale of the Thomassima series, a collection of cars that etched their mark not through the famed Maranello-based Ferrari factory but through the creative genius of a young American automotive designer named Tom Meade. The spotlight of this narrative falls on two iconic models – the 1967 Thomassima II and 1969 Thomassima III.
It could be an image of 'Thomassima I' that made by Tom Meade in 1962 based on Ferrari 250 GT. (Picture from: WheelsAge)
Tom Meade, born into the whirlwind of creativity and chaos in Hollywood on January 19, 1939, embarked on an unconventional journey. His quest for coach-built automobiles led him to the picturesque town of Modena, Italy. The fruits of Meade's imagination materialized in the form of the Thomassima series, a name derived from the Italian "massima," meaning "the maximum from Thomas." These cars, born from an American designer's dreams, stand today as some of the rarest automotive gems globally.
The genesis of this extraordinary series dates back to 1962 with the Thomassima I. This maiden creation, based on the Ferrari 250 GT, showcased Meade's dramatic personal flair. The car, propelled by an early inboard-plug Ferrari 250 GT engine boasting 240 horsepower, weighed just under 2,000 lbs. The power seamlessly integrated with a 4-speed ZF commercial vehicle front-wheel-drive unit, ingeniously adapted for mid-engine use.
Tom Meade (left) shakes hands with Enzo Ferrari (right) at the Modena Autodrome.(Picture from: Motor1)
Meade's aspirations took a hopeful turn when he was invited to display his Thomassima I at a classic car show in Florence in 1966. However, fate had a different plan. In a cruel twist, during the wet season, the Arno river overflowed, inundating the facility where Thomassima I awaited its public debut. The dream turned nightmare as the car suffered irreparable damage, vanishing forever from the automotive landscape.
It could be an image of 'Thomassima I' that made by Tom Meade in 1962 based on Ferrari 250 GT. (Picture from: LienhardRacing on Twitter/X)
Tragically, details and representative images of Thomassima I are scarce, compounding the loss of what could have been an automotive masterpiece. The tale of Thomassima I serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate intersection between dreams and the unpredictable forces of nature, leaving enthusiasts to ponder the what-ifs of an alternate automotive history.
Here's what remains of 'Thomassima I,' after being swept away by a great flood of Arno River in Florence in 1966 until it unrepairable anymore. (Picture from: Patrizio Cantù on Facebook)
In the legacy of Tom Meade's design prowess, the Thomassima II and Thomassima III endure as testaments to the creative spirit that transcends traditional manufacturing boundaries. These cars, with their unique American imprint in the heart of Italian automotive craftsmanship, continue to captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike, weaving a narrative that goes beyond the confines of conventional automotive storytelling.
In conclusion, the Thomassima series stands as a testament to the pursuit of automotive excellence, reminding us that even in the face of setbacks, the spirit of innovation can persevere. The story of Thomassima I, though shrouded in tragedy, contributes to the mystique surrounding these rare automotive creations, inviting contemplation on the fragile yet resilient nature of automotive dreams.*** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTOR1 | THOMASSIMA | CARADISIAC.COM | CHAD GLASS ]
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A true gem for collectors seeking high-value and rare items inevitably leads them to the captivating world of classic automobiles. Among these prized possessions, none shine brighter than the 1967 Ferrari Thomassima II, a legendary sports car that stands as a testament to the rich history and exclusivity of the famed Italian prancing horse brand.
1967 Ferrari Thomassima II. (Picture from: WorldCarFans)
Tom Meade, the visionary designer behind the Thomassima series, crafted only three of these extraordinary cars worldwide. The journey begins with Thomassima I in 1962, tragically lost during the Florence floods in 1966, mysteriously vanishing from public knowledge since 1971.
Front view of 1967 Ferrari Thomassima II. (Picture from: HyperBeast)
However,
it's Thomassima II, born in 1967 and making its debut at the
prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 1968, that steals the
spotlight. Enduring
almost seven years of meticulous restoration, the 1967 Ferrari
Thomassima stands today as a magnificent resurrection, faithfully
restoring its former glory.
Engine view of 1967 Ferrari Thomassima II. (Picture from: WorldCarFans)
The Piere Drogo-designed full-body exudes a seductive classic charm, drawing inspiration from the iconic 1967 330 P4 race car. Under the hood, this masterpiece boasts the power of a V12 engine from the legendary Ferrari 250 GTO.
Rearview of 1967 Ferrari Thomassima II. (Picture from: WorldCarFans)
For the elite billionaires and antique car collectors intrigued by the allure of the Thomassima II, be prepared to part with a staggering sum – a minimum of US $9 million or approximately Rp.121.2 billion. Indeed, the price tag reflects the rarity and historical significance of this automotive masterpiece, making it a coveted acquisition for those with a passion for automotive excellence.
To catch a glimpse of the Thomassima II in all its glory, check out the captivating video showcasing this rare marvel (see above). If that's not enough to satiate your curiosity, there's also the intriguing Thomassima III, another creation by the ingenious mind of Tom Meade, adding yet another layer to the mystique surrounding these remarkable automobiles. With their scarcity and historical allure, the Thomassima series remains a testament to the enduring fascination with classic cars, capturing the hearts of collectors worldwide. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WORLDCARFANS | HYPERBEAST ]
In the midst of the vibrant world of the automotive world today, certainly can not be separated from the story of the past. As is the case with the success story of the Porsche 962 racing car that managed to make itself as the most successful of the Group C racing prototype ever built.
The Porsche Schuppan 962CR was the brainchild of Vern Schuppan, was one of the drivers behind the 24 Hours of LeMans-winning Rothmans Porsche 956 in 1983. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2tJuNdr)
Departing from the success story on the racing circuit, it is not surprising that some automotive companies have an idea to realize this car as a vehicle that is suitable for use on the highway. As quoted from Yahoo News, shortly afterwards some road-legal supercars were born inspired by this car, including the Switec-Porsche 962C in 1986, and the most famous of all was the Dauer 962 LM.
But it would be rude to forget about the existence of six road-legal 962 supercars built by Vern Schuppan, an Australian racer. Due to the car that's later known as the Porsche Schuppan 962CR was also inspired by the big name of the original legend of Group C.
Dashboard, instrument panel and steering wheel view of the Porsche Schuppan 962CR. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2SaGNhk)
Vern Schuppan created this car to celebrate his victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1983 by driving a Porsche 956. While still enjoying Porsche's support a few years later, he started a business converting 962Rs for road use.
With the backing of some Japanese investors, the project soon entered its next phase, with Schuppan developing a road-going 962 from the ground up. This car was designed by fellow Australian named Michael Simcoe, with initial plans to make the car in limited number, ie only 50 units.
But unfortunately in 1992 the Japanese economy collapsed, making Schuppan have no money to maintain its production further, and forcing the company into bankruptcy after just 6 units of cars had been built.
Initially this car was less in demand in the market, but now it has even become the attention of the world's classic racing car enthusiasts. Yes, now the Schuppan 962CR is a rare item that is highly sought after by many world's supercar collectors.
And reportedly in 2018, the yellow-colored Schuppan 962CR supercar known as one of the three models at the time in Japan was offered at an auction at the Bingo Sport site with the prices starting at US $ 1.9 million or around Rp.26 billion. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | YAHOO NEWS | THE DRIVE]
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Even though it has been passed, but seems that the excitement can still be witnessed in a unique automotive work that has been exhibited at the LA Auto Show that was held last year. Yes, it might be at that time Dodge did not have a new product to display at one of the largest automotive shows in the United States. But that does not mean there are no interesting works from those well-known American car manufacturers.
This unique snow sleigh's power certainly does not come from the herd of deers but rather from the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye's engine. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2OnG61R)
Whatever it means, at this exhibition the American car manufacturer brought a unique red-colored Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye that doesn't have car-shaped at all, but it was displayed as a snow sleigh usually used by Santa Claus when Christmas comes (uniquely, this one isn't pulled by a herd of deers as usually).
This unique vehicle concept is made by cutting off the Challenger front roof and leaving a little roof and C pillars, as well as the height of the windshield cut off and leave it half. Then, at the back, it looks like it was given an empty space that was used as a place to store your Christmas presents.
The wheels were replaced with slide pads like the Santa's snow sled. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2GOlj3t)
Not to forget also the American automotive manufacturers have also pinned also special emblems made for this car that was given a black color. But, the Hellcat's logo of the Challenger looks different by added the deer antler on its head.
As you can see, the roof and door of the car are removed and the windshield is cut in half. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/37Tb3CP)
Then for the legs that previously should be installed are 20-inch rims wrapped in Pirelli P Zero 275/40ZR20 tires but then replaced by pair of slide pads as that installed on a snow sleigh in general. Furthermore, this Santa Claus vehicle looks increasingly fierce, with chrome exhaust pipes coming out directly from its left-right fenders.
Normally, the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye is able to bear a fierce power of up to 797 horsepower because it uses a 6.2-liter V8 supercharged Hemi engine.
There's no further information, whether the red-colored Dodge Challenger snow sleigh can run normally, then how the motion mechanism of its pair of slide pads which is the replacement for its four wheels?
But certainly, this Santa's snow sleigh from Dodge became one of the stars while on display at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show. Even Dodge took its time to make a video where a former professional wrestler, Bill Goldberg acted as Santa Claus. Yes, it might be one of the Dodge's ways to enliven Christmas eve which is celebrated annually in December. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ]
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There's some kind of pleasure feeling burst inside when we're surfing in cyberspace and finding something that can provide inspiration. This happened this time, where our amazement eyes shone when we saw the pictures on one of the Pinterest pages that featured the modern version of the classic 1960s car named the Porsche P/904 Carrera which was rebuilt by Gullwing America.
GWA brought back the classic Porsche Carrera 904 GTS into the modern-day called Porsche P/904 Carrera. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2H4aL04)
Then we directly remembered, some time ago we ever had presented several articles about the work of Gullwing America, known as an American coachbuilder based in San Antonio, Texas. One of its best works is when in 2011 the company succeeded bringing back the figure of the Ferrari 340 Mexican Berlinetta into modern-day under the new form that completely could be seen in the supercar bear a new name as the Ferrari F-340 Competizione.
Left side view of Porsche P/904 Carrera by Gullwing America. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2H4aL04)
Like other cars that have been brought back to life by this American coachbuilder, so the figure of the Porsche P/904 Carrera is inspired by the Porsche Carrera 904 GTS, which first appeared in the mid-1960s and is mentioned as a modern reinterpretation of the Porsche mid-engine racing car.
As quoted of Motor1, the first prototype will utilize the platform from a Porsche 987 Boxster and will provide all the necessary modern amenities and controls such as the instrument panel, air conditioning, LED lights, iPod docking station, a navigation system, steering wheel, and seats but with the retro look of the original.
Rear right side view of Porsche P/904 Carrera by Gullwing America. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2H4aL04)
The prototype will also retain the 6-speed manual transmission and 3.4-liter boxer engine with 295 horsepower as well as power steering and ABS among other modern basics. A sport-tuned exhaust will give it that racecar sound and the adjustable suspension will provide the dynamic handling and ride height.
The exterior body of the P/904 will be constructed of composite materials and will be complemented by GWA's custom-designed 5 spoke wheels in 18x8 size at the front and 18x10 in the rear. And the estimated cost of the conversion is approximately €70,000 or approx Rp. 1.05 billion. This does not include any additional customization or the donor Boxster, which can be purchased in RHD if required. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTOR1]
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Bertone is one of the famous Italian coachbuilders who work around the fast sports cars that have exotic designs but unfortunately has been declared bankrupt in June 2014. Some of their best work, among these Alfa Romeo Carabo, Lancia Stratos Zero, and the Lamborghini LP500 prototype.
On this occasion, we tried to present an article to know one of Bertone's best sports cars named Bertone Mantide which built based on the Corvette ZR1.
Reportedly, there were 10 units ever built, and also have the price slightly more expensive than the ZR1, where each sold at $2 million.
Left side view of the Bertone Mantide concept. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1B1Dqel)
The debut of this car took place in the 2009 Shanghai Auto Show. This car looks gorgeous in red-metallic color, and all the principles that should be owned by sports car have been pinned on it.
Initially, the Mantide design inspired by the basic concept of aircraft and Formula One (F1). Its radical design clearly reflected on the front face by the massive size of the engine hood and directly integrates with the bumpers.
Right side view of the Bertone Mantide concept. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1B1Dqel)
When moving straight from the front wheels dome to the rear, we will be faced with a design that is more assertive and aggressive include the patches that resemble the fighter jet air intakes.
The passenger cabin itself appears as a unique canopy. Overall all the body design is able to provide great aerodynamics factors with improved downforce aerodynamic reaches 30%. It is not directly supported by the use of carbon fiber body panels and black wheels are made of lightweight materials.
While for the interior, its panel instruments found in the cabin has brought a futuristic feel. Including the usage of racing seats, four-point seat belts and FIA standards roll cage.
This car uses a supercharged LS9 engine and claimed to be capable of spraying power off up to 638 hp. The car performance while accelerating from a standstill to 100 kph (62 mph) in just 3.2 seconds, so it is not surprising that the car is able to move up to a maximum speed of 351 kph (217 mph). Wanna see the Nuccio (other Bertone supercar)? *** [EKA [30112014] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | JALOPNIK]
Tom Meade, born into the whirlwind of creativity and chaos in Hollywood on January 19, 1939, embarked on an unconventional journey. His quest for coach-built automobiles led him to the picturesque town of Modena, Italy. The fruits of Meade's imagination materialized in the form of the Thomassima series, a name derived from the Italian "massima," meaning "the maximum from Thomas." These cars, born from an American designer's dreams, stand today as some of the rarest automotive gems globally. 
The genesis of this extraordinary series dates back to 1962 with the Thomassima I. This maiden creation, based on the Ferrari 250 GT, showcased Meade's dramatic personal flair. The car, propelled by an early inboard-plug Ferrari 250 GT engine boasting 240 horsepower, weighed just under 2,000 lbs. The power seamlessly integrated with a 4-speed ZF commercial vehicle front-wheel-drive unit, ingeniously adapted for mid-engine use.
The genesis of this extraordinary series dates back to 1962 with the Thomassima I. This maiden creation, based on the Ferrari 250 GT, showcased Meade's dramatic personal flair. The car, propelled by an early inboard-plug Ferrari 250 GT engine boasting 240 horsepower, weighed just under 2,000 lbs. The power seamlessly integrated with a 4-speed ZF commercial vehicle front-wheel-drive unit, ingeniously adapted for mid-engine use.
