Nissan re-imagined Silvia in today's electrified vehicle trends

Concept ONLY Recently, to commemorate the legendary Nissan Silvia, the Japanese car manufacturer had released several rendering images of the car which are re-imagined in a modern design interpretation featured with electric drive. What does the original Nissan Silvia look like? Let's get a look.😎

The Nissan Silvia EV concept re-imagined the first generation of the Nissan Silvia CSP311 in a modern interpretation featured with electric drive. (Picture from: MotorTrend)

Of course, for true automotive fans like You who always follow the stories of world-renowned iconic car models, surely are no stranger to this Japanese-made legendary car. Well, the mentioned car is a rear-wheel-drive compact sports car made by Nissan Motors, Japan.

As quoted of Wikipedia, this car began with the Japanese company's collaboration with Albrecht Graf von Goertz on the A550X project from 1962 to 1964. The first Silvia model was internally known as the CSP311, which debuted in 1965. It was a special semi-handbuilt construction that used the same chassis as the Datsun Fairlady 1600 SP311.

The Nissan Silvia CSP311 is debuted at the 1965 Tokyo Motor Show. (Picture from: MotorTrend)

Uniquely, the Japanese car was produced in two different production periods, namely the first production period from 1964 to 1968 in a limited number of productions due to its cost double of the next model in the lineup. Then the second production period was worked on from 1974 to 2002, and it was during this production period that could be said the Silvia to be mass-produced.

As quoted of Wikipedia, during this second production period the Nissan Silvia was produced in 7 generations. In the early 1970s the Silvia was built on the S10 chassis, and was further built on the S14 chassis for the American market started in 1980s and the S15 for the Japanese market until the end of production in 2002.

The Nissan Silvia EV concept is appeared with the fenders slightly dipped into the top of the wheel arches. (Picture from: MotorTrend)

And this model sits below the Nissan Z for those of you who are looking for a specific performance vehicle but want something more affordable. Beside that for you who are in America might be not know it under the name of Silvia, because Nissan never used the name for the American market, instead is known as the Nissan 200SX and then the 240SX.

Back to the Silvia EV, who's the man behind the future car does? Unmitigated the designer figure who made the design of the modern Nissan Silvia electric powered car is Matthew Weaver, the Vice President of Design of Nissan Europe. Reportedly, he did get a special assignment from the company of his to make the designs of the future Nissan Silvia electric-powered car.

As quoted of MotorTrend, that the Weaver's design specifically takes inspiration from the first generation Nissan Silvia, where he maintains a firm line that separates the top and bottom of the body from the original. Furthermore, Weaver only made minor changes by making the fenders slightly dipped into the top of the wheel arches.

The Nissan Silvia EV concept is designed by Matthew Weaver, the Vice President of Design of Nissan Europe. (Picture from: MotorTrend)

While, at the front, there are small round headlights without the grill, due to the EVs have different cooling requirements than conventional-engined cars, so the grille was removed. At the back, there is a small strip for the taillights that follows the line that runs along the side of the body. 

"Silvia was ahead of its time, in a very calm and understated way. We are very pleased that Nissan is bringing back the name of the Silvia which was once a famous model in Japan, and also in several countries," said Matthew Weaver.

"It has aged very well and will still have its place. It is also a great example of what is expected of a global product: high quality and universally appealing," he continued. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTORTREND | MOTOR1 | WIKIPEDIA ]

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The car result of the Zagato's collaboration with Lamborghini of the 1960s

Stand ground In the global automotive industry, if the collaboration between brand owners and coachbuilder companies is commonplace and frequently happened. As we all know, the Italian car manufacturer Automobili Lamborghini Spa. launched its first production car called the Lamborghini 350 GT whose bodywork was done by Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera di Milano in 1964.

1965 Lamborghini 3500 GTZ was a solution which originated from the philosophy at that time for racing cars with a Zagato body and transferred with success to a more comfortable and well refined GranTurismo (GT) car. (Picture from: LamboCars)

In order to show its existence as an automotive company in an atmosphere of intense competition with its compatriot rival Ferrari, Lamborghini then tried out another Milan based coachbulder company designs namely Carrozzeria Zagato. And in 1965, known as the beginning of the collaboration between the coachbuilder company Zagato and Lamborghini to design and build the new cars based on the Lamborghini 350 GT, later named the Lamborghini 3500 GTZ.

1965 Lamborghini 3500 GTZ is made on a 10 cm shortened chassis of the 350 GT and debuted at the 1965 London Auto Show. (Picture from: Zagato-Cars)

In an official meeting between the two companies in the Lamborghini HQ in Sant’Agata Bolognese which was attended by Paolo Stanzani (body division), Gian Paolo Dallara (technical division), and Elio Zagato, the first son of the coachbuilder company's founder Ugo Zagato. Well, both companies were finally agreed that the mentioned new car was built with a special 350 GT-based bodywork.

1965 Lamborghini 3500 GTZ has a lightweight aluminum-made bodywork with the surfaces and volumes is adopting the Zagato's typical cut-tail design of the era designed by Ercole Spada. (Picture from: LamboCars)

Shortly thereafter, the Milanese Carrozzeria Zagato received a 10 cm shortened 350 GT chassis from Lamborghini, and then 'dressed' it in a lightweight aluminum-made body with the surfaces and volumes is adopting the Zagato's typical cut-tail design of the era designed by Ercole Spada. 

And it was also mentioned that the design was a solution which originated from the philosophy at that time for racing cars with a Zagato body and transferred with success to a more comfortable and well refined GranTurismo (GT) car.

The Lamborghini 3500 GTZ is powered by a V12 engine with a capacity of 3,939 cc, which is capable of producing the power of 320 bhp (238 kW) at 6,500 rpm, with a peak torque of 375 Nm (276-ft.lbs) at 4,500 rpm. The engine is mated to a five-speed ZF manual transmission, and capable of making the 3500 GTZ racing up to a top speed of 161 mph or 260 kph.

1965 Lamborghini 3500 GTZ has an interior somewhat resembles an evolution of the 350 GT is featured with the quintessentially Italian bespoke dials, steering wheel and switchgear remained stock, the dashboard was fitted with a wooden panel framing a 3500 GTZ badge in front of the passenger. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

As quoted of Lambocars, the finished car looked rather awkward with the front lacked personality (showed some resemblance with a Ferrari 25O GTO, and the structure line of the car’s was shared with the Alfa Romeo TZ2), noted only two cars were ever built, a white over black one (nr. 0310) and a silver over black one (nr. 0322). 

1965 Lamborghini 3500 GTZ has the structure line was shared with the Alfa Romeo TZ2. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

Then the Zagato bodied Lamborghini 3500 GTZ (finished in white exterior with a black plastic vinyl interior) made its official debut at the 1965 London Motor Show. Unfortunately, this car was built only as the prototype, and was never got into the production lines of the Italian raging bull plants in San'tAgata Bolognese.

1965 Lamborghini 3500 GTZ is powered by a V12 engine with a capacity of 3,939 cc, which is capable of producing the power of 320 bhp at 6,500 rpm, with a peak torque of 375 Nm at 4,500 rpm. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

After the London's auto expo is over, the first car (nr. 0310) sold to Marchese Gerino Gerini, a former F1 driver who was also Lamborghini’s official agent in Milan during that period, later he sold to car to a fortunate customer in Australia who had it converted to right-hand drive and repainted in red. Later, this scarce Lamborghini 3500 GTZ was bought by a German collector who shipped it to The Netherlands for a fully restoration, which converted back to left hand drive and repainted in a fresh red paint.

1965 Lamborghini 3500 GTZ has also some resemblance with a Ferrari 25O GTO as you can see it at rear. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

Meanwhile, the second one did really exist with the chassis number 0320 and had engine number 0228 installed, it was driven by Paolo Stanzani himself at first, later this one was sold to an American enthusiast, unfortunately its current whereabouts are unknown. Rumours were this car was later destroyed in a rather big accident and was damaged beyond repair (but this statement was never officially confirmed).😭

And that was the end of the collaboration between the two companies in the 1960s, reportedly at that time Ferrucio Lamborghini as the founder and owner of the company preferred to the designs made by other coachbuilders such Bertone and almost all Lamborghini designs that were born after the 350/400 GT were done by Nuccio Bertone and his designing team.

But in the 1996, Zagato was seen came back to make some designs for the Lamborghinis through the Lamborghini Zagato Raptor and continued with the Lamborghini 5-95 Zagato in the 2014. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOSU SOURCES | LAMBOCARS | ZAGATO-CARS | CARIOS | CARSTYLING.RU | ]

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Here's a cool American car with a very un-American design and styles

What..? When you take a look back at the history of the most iconic American automobiles, the Chevrolet Corvair models would be near the top of that list. Although in its development, the production and sales figures of the Corvair had affected by the "Unsafe at any Speed" controversial writings of a consumer advocate named Ralph Nader who included a chapter on the danger of the rear-engined car in it.

The Chevrolet Corvair introduced to the automotive market as a compact car featuring many new innovations including a 6 cylinder rear air cooled engine coupled with a transmission differential unit and all-wheel independent suspension. (Picture from: JuraganMobilBekas)

Despite all the drama, the Corvair is actually a cool American sports car with a very un-American design. Look at the Chevrolet Corvair concept car of 1954 was an early generation of Corvette and built as a fastback. Well, this Corvair model was made by Chevrolet from 1960 to 1969 and was introduced to the automotive market as a compact car featuring many new innovations including a 6 cylinder rear air cooled engine combined with a transmission differential unit and all-wheel independent suspension.

The American auto manufacturer produced the Corvair in many various styles and one of them was the Corvair 500 Lakewood Station Wagon of 1961. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

Infact, the Corvair is the product of a nine-year research and development program that aims to design a compact car at a low initial cost. Corvair models offer consumer stainless steel hub caps with a circular concave center area with the Chevrolet name on the hubcap which looks good for the consumer market. The horizontal inlet grille on the engine compartment cover will introduce cooling air into the engine and also add design interest to the customer as well.

The American auto manufacturer produced the Corvair in many various styles and one of them was the Corvair Convertible of 1964. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

The early Chevrolet Corvair built in between 1960 and 1964 which had a similar bodywork appearance and was intended as an economy sedan. However, it didn't stop the development of a sporty, coupe version that was introduced long before the Ford Mustang became popular. At that time, Chevrolet introduced the Corvair Monza 900 Club Coupe model which sold for $ 2,238.

The Chevrolet Corvair is powered by the rear-mounted innovative inline air-cooled engine in 6 options from 2,296 cc, 2,375 cc and 2,683 cc. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

Do You remembered to the Chevrolet Corvair Monza GT concept designed by Larry Shinoda and Tony Lapine in 1962? It could be said as the possible Corvair-based sports car. Meanwhile the Corvair sports is carried an innovative inline air-cooled engine in 6 options from 2,296 cc, 2,375 cc and 2,683 cc. The inline engine design allows room for a spare tire, more space in the front luggage compartment.

Interior of the Chevrolet Corvair Monza of 1964 shows the standard steering wheel coupled with the 140 MPH speedometer and trip odometer, fuel gauge and clock. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

This area provides over 15.6 cubic feet of shared space with an optional folding rear seat that can be used by both the passenger and the driver. However, after five years of production, Chevrolet stopped trying to sell the Corvair as an American 'Volkswagen,' and realized that with some adjustments as the anticipation of the consumer demands, slowly but sure then refigured it as a US 'Porsche.' 

The Chevrolet Corvair Monza Coupe of 1968. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

Well, the second-generation Corvair that started out in 1965 already has a decidedly European flair, by applying more than a few styling cues borrowed from the Pininfarina's two design studies. So at that time in general the American auto giant, General Motors wanted to offer a perfect style that could be enjoyed by many consumers as a whole. This can be seen from the model being longer, wider, and lower while offering increased engine power. 

The Chevrolet Corvair Monza Coupe of 1968. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

In these production periods, there's a new top-of-line series called the Corsa, became popular with consumers and was produced in both as the sports coupes and convertibles that replaced the Corvair Spyder. The newly designed Corvair models also provides a wider room and height entrance as well as more legroom in the rear seats for the sports sedan model. While, the convertible models of 1965 also offered a top all-electric mechanism. The Corvair Greenbrier sports car completed the 1965 model lines. 

The Chevrolet Corvair Monza Convertible of 1969. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

The model's popularity led to increased production and sales during the 1965, at that time Chevy dealers managed to sale 237,056 Corvairs.However, in 1967, the Corvair line did not perform well in sale with only over 27,000 cars were produced. Some say that it was influenced by the controversial writings of Ralph Nader which then affected to the consumers' reluctance to buy the Corvair.

Thus the American giant car manufacturer then carried out a gradual elimination of the Corvair until 1969. That was the last year Corvair models were assembled and produced and after that the Corvair nameplate was completely dropped off by General Motors of its production line for good.😭

As quoted of Wikipedia, the Corvair was manufactured and marketed in 4-door sedan, 2-door coupe, convertible, 4-door station wagon, passenger van, commercial van, and pickup truck body styles in its first generation (1960–1964) and as a 2-door coupe, convertible or 4-door hardtop in its second (1965–1969) with the total production of approximately 1.8 million from 1960-1969. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CORVAIR.ORG | MOTORCITIES.ORG | HAGERTY.COM | WIKIPEDIA ]

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This how it should be, if the Corvette C4 converted into a supercar

One, Two & Three We are back again talking about exotic cars that exist today, maybe some of them can be said as as the rare of a kind, and also rarely been seen by the public. In the automotive world there is an assumption that has already become a public opinion because it is supported by facts and conditions that have existed and developed from the past until now.

The Guldstrand Grand Sport 90 is built and upgraded everything it could be into an exotic supercar by Guldstrand Engineering back in 1995. (Picture from: Corvette Forum)

As all we know, most likely some of the world's automotive fans have the notion that beautiful and exotic cars are always attached to the European car brands, while the American ones are always identified with stocky and powerful cars. That's okay, this assumption is not 100 percent wrong or absolutely true. Why is that? Because among the European brands there are always powerful cars and the same is true with the American ones, there are always beautiful, and exotic cars.

The late Dick Guldstrand (right) posed with Charlie Budenz (left), the owner of the Guldstrand GS90 #2. (Picture from: Corvette Forum)

There are many exceptions against the assumption above. One of them is an American muscle car modified in such a way becomes into an exotic supercar by Dick Guldstrand. Who is he? Aside from being an American entrepreneur or a former racing car driver, Dick Guldstrand is a legendary figure in the world's automotive who is closely associated with the American muscle car, the Chevrolet Corvette and later earned the nickname of 'Mr. Corvette'.

The Guldstrand Grand Sport 90 comes in style out of the box, although retains the general proportions of the C4 while inserting a decent amount of exotic feel into it. (Picture from: Corvette Forum)

Specifically regarding the car we are discussing this time, which is started its life as the Corvette C4 ZR-1, one of the famous American muscle cars of the 1990s (and might be you remembered with another car came from the same era such the Bertone-designed Corvette Nivola). In 1995 through his company called Guldstrand Engineering, the car was modified in such a way that its status is converted to an exotic supercar named Guldstrand Grand Sport 90.

Besides the coupe, turn out the Guldstrand Grand Sport 90 also built in the such spyder style. (Picture from: Coachbuild)

In the project, he designed the car based on his experience and personal relationship with the Corvette brand and the extraordinary Grand Sport C2 Corvette's formula, which continued to take on the foundations laid by the Corvette C4 ZR-1 to seek improvement in every possible aspect. Stylistically, the GS90 comes in style out of the box, although retains the general proportions of the C4 while inserting a decent amount of exotic feel into it.

The Guldstrand Grand Sport 90 is powered by the ZR-1's LT5 V8 engine which has been engineered by Guldstrand to produce more power and efficiency. (Picture from: Corvette Forum)

As for the drivetrain, the GS90 car is powered by the ZR-1's LT5 V8 engine which has been engineered by Guldstrand to produce more power and efficiency. So the GS90's engine is capable of producing power up to 475 horsepower, which is 70 hp more than the original LT5 engine. 

The Guldstrand GS90's suspension, brakes and almost every performance component received upgrades as well, thus turning it into a beast on the track. (Picture from: Corvette Forum)

Then the suspension, brakes and almost every performance component received upgrades as well, thus turning the Guldstrand GS90 into a beast on the track, without compromising comfort and ride quality. After finished, the Guldstrand's car debuted on the Chevrolet stand at the 1994 Los Angeles Auto Show. 

The Corvette C4 ZR-1 was the donor car of the Guldstrand Grand Sport 90, no wonder if both of the cars look almost the same in posture. (Picture from: Barret-Jackson)

The plan, the car will be produced by Gulstrand Engineering around 100 to 150 units only (both in coupe and spyder models) and sold with a price tag of around $135,000 through Chevrolet dealers, but GM cancelled the deal.💢 By considering the price tag is twice as high as the ZR-1's price, and it is known that only 6 units were completed.

As quoted of Corvette Forum, 5 of the 6 GS90 cars became a display in the museum (2 units in Europe, and one unit each was in Japan, Detroit and LA) while the only car on the streets at this time owned by Charlie Budenz (GS90 #2). In deep sorrow while we've heard, Dick Guldstrand passed away at the age of 87 back in 2015.😇 But his great work will always be remembered and appreciated by the Corvette community in all over the world. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CORVETTE FORUM | 2ND WIKI | COACHBUILD ]

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The last supercar of Peter Monteverdi

As it turned out, the feud momment of him with the Enzo Ferrari owned company was the beginning of a success story for Peter Monteverdi along with his own brand. In 1963, he was only 29 years old, he decided to leave the the prancing horse's prestige in search of his personal glory. The feud was prompted when the Maranello-based company requested to prepay for the supply of 100 cars he ordered.

Monteverdi Hai 650 F1 is a supercar built based of an updated Monteverdi-ONYX chassis and is powered by an Ford DFR V8 engine. (Picture from: Box26)

As is well known, that the Monteverdi, a Swiss automotive brand that can grow to be big, certainly cannot be separated from the figure of Peter Monteverdi, a Binningen businessman who continued the Ferrari, BMW, Lancia and Roll-Royce dealership business started by his father.

According to some unconfirmed rumors, among the 100 cars ordered by Monteverdi there are several models of the Ferrari 250 GTO, which is included as the most iconic car ever produced by the Maranello-based manufacturer. There is also a mention of 100 cars also including some examples of the 250 GTO models, even someone said that's all orders for that year.

Monteverdi Hai 650 F1 while sat on display at the 2017 Geneva International Motor Show. (Picture from: Box26)

Peter Monteverdi did not pay for his order in advance as Ferrari wanted, so the partnership with the famous Italian brand was broken off. Monteverdi was not discouraged and took advantage of the experience he had accumulated since the late 1950s, when he started selling the kit cars under the brand of MBM (Monteverdi Binningen Motors), it made in small series by buying the components in the UK.

Monteverdi Hai 650 F1 is built as many as 3 unit which is consisted 2 running prototypes and rest non running show car. (Picture from: Box26)

Since then Monteverdi decided to make and produce cars under his own brand. Several sports car models such as the Monteverdi Hai 450SS and others have been produced at his plant in Binningen, Switzerland. As is well known, that Peter Monteverdi really loves the world of racing, because he himself is a former racer who has raced up to the Formula 1. Years after years, in 1992 to be exact, by his Formula 1 racing experiences then inspired him to create the supercar called the Monteverdi Hai 650 F1.

This Monteverdi's Formula 1 racing DNA supercar is built on an updated Monteverdi-ONYX chassis and is powered by a Ford DFR V8 engine which is also mounted on the Formula 1 racing car, and that's supercar whose owes its name to the engine power of 650 ponies with 390 Nm of torque.

Monteverdi Hai 650 F1 used  Ford DFR V8 engine capable burst power of 650 hp and 390 Nm of torque. (Picture from: Box26)

The Binningen-based car manufacturer considered the development of its supercar at the time as the closest to the Formula 1 racing cars, and the Monteverdi plans to build it as the limited edition. But in reality only two prototypes were actually completed between 1992 and 1995, currently both of them is sat on display at the Monteverdi Museum in Lucerne and also seen frequently fill in the great world's expo halls such the Geneva Motor Show, etc.

Then for its performance, the bright red colored supercar is theoretically said to have the ability to run up to a top speed of 335 kph, while its sprint 0-100 kph capability done in 3.0 seconds and 0-200 kph in 8.0 seconds. This Swiss-made supercar has a length of 4.55 meters, 1.96 meters wide, and heigh only 1.05 meters. Then there is one advantage that the Monteverdi Hai 650 F1 has, namely its low weight which is only about 850 kg, which is a very low numbers if compared to rival supercars at that time, which were much heavier, and less powerful.

Monteverdi Hai 650 F1 non-running model, due to it doesn't have an engine. (Picture from: Box26)

When the Monteverdi Hai 650 F1 was finished being developed, it was already milling around on the European major cities streets its glamourious potential rivals such as the Ferrari F40 (478 hp for 1,235 kg) and Lamborghini Diablo (492 hp for 1,500 kg). However, if the Hai 650 F1 were really to enter the production line, certainly it would become a serious market protagonist, given that the F40 pony of the Maranello-based breeder and the Diablo of the Sant'Agata Bolognese based bull's cage are the most iconic supercars of the time.

Monteverdi Hai 650 F1 non-running model, due to it doesn't have an engine. (Picture from: Box26)

In addition to the two red colored bodywork prototypes, actually there is the third one with a gray-purple colored body, known as non-running model, due to it doesn't have an engine. So, it's said that the third one was built by Monteverdi to be the show car for promotional purposed only.

Peter Monteverdi passed away in 1998 as well as closing the entire of his adventure series in the automotive world and left the great legacy through his auto brand to bring the Monteverdi Hai 650 F1 as the last high performance car that he made. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BOX26.CH | WIKIPEDIA ]

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