Automotive Whimsy - In a world where car enthusiasts dream big but bank accounts whisper caution, the art of automotive transformation has become both an escape and a statement. Why settle for just one dream car when you can combine the essence of three into one head-turning, conversation-starting masterpiece? It’s not about owning a supercar anymore—it’s about creating one that defies categories, logos, and even logic. That’s exactly what happened in the streets of Marrakesh, where a humble Toyota Celica decided to stop being just a Celica—and started identifying as a Bugatti, a Ford, and a Nissan.
The Veyron GT²R is a wild custom creation by a Moroccan workshop that transformed a sixth-generation 1998 Toyota Celica hatchback into a blend of three automotive icons—the Bugatti Veyron, the Ford GT, and the Nissan GT-R.. (Picture from: Carscoops)
Back in 2017, a custom car builder in Morocco took on what might be one of the most hilariously ambitious replica projects we’ve ever seen. They started with a sixth-generation 1998 Toyota Celica hatchback, a reliable, unassuming car that probably just wanted to live a quiet life of decent fuel economy and mild sporty flair. But fate had other plans. With a client apparently torn between three automotive icons—the Bugatti Veyron, the Ford GT, and the Nissan GT-R—the decision was simple: say yes to all of them.
Beneath the Veyron GT²R’s flamboyant fiberglass and identity mashup lies a humble sixth-gen Toyota Celica, likely powered by a 126-horsepower 2.0-liter 3S-FE engine, with a Bugatti-inspired horseshoe grille up front and a stretched, vented hood that matches the car’s over-the-top styling. (Picture from: Carscoops)
The result? A Frankensteinian creation unofficially dubbed the Veyron GT²R. Let that sink in for a moment. It's like someone mashed their favorite cars together in a racing video game mod and then made it real. At first glance, you’d be forgiven for not recognizing anything Toyota left behind.
The Veyron GT²R’s sides reveal even more creative flair, with widebody rear fenders flowing into aggressively reworked doors, complete with air vents that suggest a supercar influence—though it’s hard to say exactly which one.(Picture from: Carscoops)
The rear has been thoroughly Ford-ified with styling lifted straight from the GT playbook—twin-barrel taillights, a big diffuser, dual exhausts mounted high, and a small spoiler sitting proudly like it's about to do something dramatic. It doesn’t stop there, as the hatch and rear arches look like they took design notes from the original Acura NSX. Surprise, now it’s a four-car mashup.
The Veyron GT²R’s interior is decked out with two-tone quilted seat covers and oversized, likely imitation, Recaro logos stitched onto the headrests.(Picture from: Carscoops)
The sides show even more creative freedom, with widebody rear fenders blending into aggressively reworked doors, complete with air vents that again hint at something supercar-ish but hard to pin down. By the time you reach the front, your brain is probably ready to wave a white flag. There, a Bugatti-inspired horseshoe grille stares back at you, perched awkwardly on a nose that’s a little too sharp and angular to actually trick anyone into thinking this thing is French and worth millions. The hood has been stretched and vented to match the absurdity of the rest of the bodywork, and yet—credit where credit’s due—it’s impressively put together for a homegrown build.
The Veyron GT²R’s cabin features a steering wheel that has been reshaped into a yoke-style design, adding a touch of dramatic flair and giving the impression that you're sitting behind the controls of a fierce, track-ready supercar. (Picture from: Carscoops)
Peek inside, and things get even more playful. The cabin is fitted with two-tone quilted seat covers and oversized, likely imitation, Recaro logos embroidered onto the headrests. Adding to the theatrical flair, the steering wheel has been reshaped into a yoke-style design, giving the driver the feeling of being at the helm of a fierce, track-ready supercar.
The Veyron GT²R’s hatch and rear arches seem to borrow design cues from the original Acura NSX.(Picture from: Carscoops)
And underneath all that flamboyant fiberglass and identity confusion lies a very grounded reality: a Toyota. Specifically, a sixth-gen Celica with what’s most likely a 2.0-liter 3S-FE engine making about 126 horsepower. Not exactly hypercar territory, but hey—it’s a stick shift. So there’s some driving fun to be had, if you can get past all the puzzled stares.
The Veyron GT²R’s rear has been heavily inspired by Ford GT styling, featuring twin-barrel taillights, a bold diffuser, high-mounted dual exhausts, and a small spoiler that looks ready for action. (Picture from: Carscoops)
And just when you think this story couldn’t get more entertaining, the price tag seals the deal. This rolling identity crisis was listed for sale in Morocco at 110,000 Moroccan dirhams—roughly $12,000, not counting shipping or the inevitable double takes. For the cost of a modest used hatchback, you could be the proud owner of what might be the most gloriously confused car ever built. While the video below isn’t about the custom Veyron GT²R, it highlights another impressive example of Moroccan automotive creativity—the stunning and powerful Laraki Sahara supercar. | B3VrYWrMKUU |
This wild blend of ambition, creativity, and good old-fashioned "why not?" makes the Veyron GT²R one for the books. It’s not perfect, and it’s certainly not for everyone—but it’s proof that passion and imagination can take you places even Ferrari can’t. Or at least get you some pretty wild looks at your local gas station.
Ever seen a Toyota that thinks it’s a Bugatti? Now you have. And honestly, the world’s a little more fun because of it. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AVITO.MA | CARSCOOPS | CARBUZZ ]
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Electric Foreshadowing - In an era when tailfins and V8 engines dominated American roads, the idea of a small electric car seemed more like science fiction than an industry goal. Yet within the design studios of Ford in the early 1960s, there were hints—subtle, easily overlooked—that some minds were already drifting toward a different kind of future. Among those whispers of change stood the Astrion, a concept cloaked in mystery and layered intention.
The Ford Astrion Concept's proportions suggested performance; and its styling hinted at a sleeker evolution of the Thunderbird.(Picture from: Hemmings)
At first glance, the Ford Astrion didn’t scream “electric.” Its proportions suggested performance; its styling hinted at a sleeker evolution of the Thunderbird. The sharp haunches, formal roofline, and sculpted sides looked like they belonged to a grand touring coupe. But behind that stylish exterior, a second, lesser-known chapter adds new depth to the story.
The
Ford Astrion Concept features sharp haunches, formal roofline, and
sculpted sides looked like they belonged to a grand touring coupe.(Picture from: Hemmings)
After the completion of the 1961 Lincoln Continental project, Ford's Roy Lunn initiated a small, internal experiment. He approached the Styling department to develop a compact electric vehicle—an idea radically ahead of its time.
Behind the stylish exterior of the Ford Astrion Concept lies a lesser-known chapter that adds depth to Ford’s earliest visions of a personal, possibly electric future—shaped not by specs or features, but by form, emotion, and the freedom to dream.(Picture from: Hemmings)
Under the guidance of Elwood Engel, the project was assigned to designers Colin Neale and Alex Tremulis, with Gale Halderman supervising. What followed was an unusual and clever design exercise: the team sculpted a single clay model and split it down the middle. Neale designed one half, calling it the Firefly, while Tremulis and Halderman shaped the other. | 9r7wy1k97oo |
Both sides were compelling enough to move forward. The designs were cast in fiberglass, and a prototype was created—outfitted with a small electric motor and battery. Initially called the Astrion, the tiny car was later renamed the Hummingbird. Despite its top speed of just five miles per hour, the Hummingbird served a memorable role: ferrying Bill Ford across the cobblestone courtyard at Ford’s facilities.
This might have been the Hummingbird, a compact vehicle—possibly envisioned as an EV—initiated by Roy Lunn after the 1961 Lincoln Continental project as a quiet internal experiment within Ford’s Styling department. (Picture from: Concept Cars & More on Facebook)
What makes this especially interesting is the name “Astrion” itself. While the sleek coupe and the electric Hummingbird appear unrelated in form, they may share something deeper—an origin rooted in imagination rather than production intent. The name might not have been model-specific, but rather an internal label passed around to represent bold, experimental thinking. In this light, the Astrion becomes more than a mystery car; it becomes a symbol of Ford’s willingness to explore what came next.
Roy Lunn’s team crafted a single clay model, splitting it down the middle—Neale designed one side, naming it the Firefly, while Tremulis and Halderman shaped the other. (Picture from: Concept Cars & More on Facebook)
Looking back, the Astrion’s story straddles two very different interpretations. One is sculptural and expressive—a design vision that may have flirted with Thunderbird lineage. The other is technical and humble—a quiet electric prototype made not for showrooms, but for curiosity’s sake. Both are valuable. And the coincidence of them sharing a name may not be a coincidence at all.
Furthermore, the designs were cast in fiberglass, and a prototype was built—equipped with a small electric motor and battery.
(Picture from: Hemmings)
So while the automotive world looks back at the Astrion and wonders whether it was a sporty Thunderbird offshoot or just another unused design, maybe it’s worth looking at it differently. Maybe the Astrion was one of Ford’s earliest visualizations of what a personal, possibly electric vehicle of the future might look like—not through the lens of specs or features, but through form, feeling, and the freedom to dream.
The
electric Hummingbird, though seemingly unrelated in form to the sleek
Astrion coupe, may share a deeper origin rooted in imagination over
intent. (Picture from: Hemmings)
And if that's the case, then the Astrion was never "just a concept car." It was the start of a conversation Ford designers would keep having—quietly at first, then loudly, decades later—about how we move forward, and what it means to drive tomorrow. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HEMMINGS | EN.WHEELAGE.ORG | CONCEPT CARS & MORE ON FACEBOOK ]
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Mechanical Madness - When talking about motorcycles that blur the line between art, engineering, and insanity, it's impossible not to bring up creations that push every known limit of design and performance. In a world where customization often leans into subtlety and refinement, some builders choose instead to throw caution to the wind—and fuel on the fire. That’s exactly what French customizer Ludovic Lazareth did when he unveiled a machine that looked more like a concept from a dystopian sci-fi film than a street-legal motorcycle. Welcome to the world of the Lazareth LM 847, a vehicle that still turns heads nearly a decade after its jaw-dropping debut in 2016.
The Lazareth LM 847, created by Ludovic Lazareth, made its debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. (Picture from: Autoblog)
Built around the heart of a Maserati Quattroporte, the LM 847 is a monument to mechanical audacity. Lazareth didn't just borrow the spirit of a sports car—he transplanted its very soul. At the center of this beast roars a naturally aspirated 4.7-liter V8 engine, a 32-valve powerhouse capable of unleashing 470 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 620 Nm of torque at 4,750 rpm. Originally designed for a luxury sedan, this massive engine now sits exposed, right beneath the rider, in a layout that defies conventional logic and aesthetics. It’s raw, it’s aggressive, and it doesn’t pretend to be anything less than outrageous.
Front view of Lazareth LM 847.(Picture from: Motorcycle)
With a build that stretches 2.6 meters in length and tips the scale at around 400 kg, the LM 847 is no lightweight. But despite its heft, it doesn’t sacrifice performance. Instead of opting for a traditional multi-gear transmission, Lazareth chose a single-speed gearbox paired with a hydraulic clutch, simplifying the drivetrain and focusing all that monstrous power through a chain to the twin rear wheels. Yes—twin. Because if one tire wasn’t enough to keep this machine grounded, two certainly make a bold statement.
Left side view of Lazareth LM 847. (Picture from: Autoblog)
From an engineering standpoint, the use of dual wheels both front and rear isn’t just for show. Stability and balance are essential when dealing with this level of power and weight. The front end features massive 420 mm Brembo discs with eight-piston Nissin calipers, while the rear relies on a 255 mm disc setup with four-piston Brembos. Suspension is handled by TFX at the back, ensuring the LM 847 can tame even the most uneven roads—should anyone be brave enough to ride it that far.
Lazareth LM 847 packs a Maserati V8 into a leaning quad frame. (Picture from: Motorcycle)
What truly sets the LM 847 apart isn’t just the numbers or its bold appearance, but the philosophy behind it. Ludovic Lazareth isn’t new to the world of wild builds. The French designer has built a reputation on his ability to merge automotive components with two-wheeled platforms in ways most wouldn’t dare. From flying motorcycles to military-inspired concepts, his workshop is a laboratory of bold experimentation. But the LM 847 was something else entirely. Revealed at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, the bike quickly became a centerpiece—not just because of its specs, but because of its sheer presence.
Rear side view of Lazareth LM847. (Picture from: Autoblog)
And while questions remain about its roadworthiness, production plans, or even its test results, that was never really the point. The LM 847 wasn’t created to dominate racetracks or fill showroom floors. It was built to show what happens when imagination is allowed to run free, when performance is measured not just in horsepower but in sheer spectacle. It’s a rolling work of art, an engineering challenge brought to life, and a statement on the limitless possibilities of custom motorcycle culture.
Even today, long after its first appearance, the Lazareth LM 847 continues to inspire and provoke conversation. It’s proof that in a world full of safe, sensible choices, there’s still room for something truly wild.
Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops..... *** *** [EKA [10062016] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOBLOG | MOTORCYCLE ]
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Retro Revolution - As we move into 2024, the world of electric vehicles (EVs) is buzzing with new innovations, futuristic designs, and cutting-edge technologies. Most people are used to seeing electric cars that boast sleek, modern designs with all sorts of high-tech screens, buttons, and flashy dashboards. However, there's a new player in the market that takes a completely different approach, blending the best of both worlds: the Olympian Model O1. This electric vehicle offers a unique twist by combining a classic car aesthetic with minimalist technology, making it stand out from the growing competition.
The New York-based startup Olympian Motors uses an innovative "modular" vehicle and drivetrain system to build its two electric vehicles, the Model O1 and Model 84. (Picture from: AutoEvolution)
Manufactured by Olympian Motors, headquartered in New York, the Olympian Model O1 is designed to captivate those who appreciate the charm and elegance of vintage cars, while still embracing the power and performance of electric propulsion. The vehicle features a classic sedan look with a modern twist. It has four doors and comfortably seats up to four passengers, all on a rear-wheel drive chassis. Built with military-grade carbon fiber and titanium, the Model O1 is incredibly strong and lightweight, ensuring durability and strength on the road.
Olympian Motors' Model O1 electric vehicle offers a unique twist by combining a classic car aesthetic with minimalist technology, making it stand out from the growing competition. (Picture from: AutoMoto.id)
The design of the Olympian Model O1 is not only focused on strength but also efficiency. Its Super Board "skateboard chassis," developed by the Chinese electric car company U Power Tech, serves as the foundation for the vehicle. The electric motor in the Olympian Model O1 generates an impressive 310 horsepower (228 kW), paired with 305 lb-ft (414 Nm) of torque.
Olympian Motors' Model O1 electric vehicle is designed to captivate those who appreciate the charm and elegance of vintage cars, while still embracing the power and performance of electric propulsion. (Picture from: AutoMoto.id)
This powerful combination allows the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) in just 5.7 seconds, offering a thrilling driving experience while maintaining a smooth, quiet ride. The car’s top speed is a respectable 160 mph (257 km/h), though you’re more likely to experience its impressive range, thanks to its 400V/82 kWh lithium-ion battery. This battery delivers a claimed range of around 305 miles (491 km) on a single charge, making it suitable for longer road trips as well as daily commuting.
Olympian Motors' Model O1 electric vehicle's cabin is adorned with exotic wood finishes and luxurious silk fabric decorations, creating a sophisticated atmosphere. (Picture from: AutoMoto.id)
What truly sets the Olympian Model O1 apart from other electric cars is its interior design. Unlike many modern cars that are cluttered with screens and buttons, this sedan boasts a refined and classic aesthetic. The cabin is adorned with exotic wood finishes and luxurious silk fabric decorations, creating a sophisticated atmosphere. There are no traditional buttons or switches to be found, as 80% of the car’s controls are replaced with cutting-edge technology. A combination of heads-up displays (HUD) on the windshield and a voice command system allows the driver to control the infotainment system, climate control, seat adjustments, lighting, and various other functions, making for a more intuitive, hands-free experience.
The Olympian Model O1 features nine airbags and laminated glass for all windows and the roof canopy, ensuring enhanced safety and durability. (Picture from: AutoMoto.id)
Safety features have not been overlooked in the design of the Olympian Model O1. The car comes equipped with nine airbags, providing an added layer of protection for all passengers. Additionally, all windows and the roof canopy are made from laminated glass, ensuring greater strength and durability in the event of an impact. This emphasis on safety, combined with the car’s performance capabilities, creates an overall driving experience that is both enjoyable and secure.
Olympian Motors' Model 84 electric vehicle is an electric open-top SUV with a boxy exterior and an asymmetrical front-end design. (Picture from: OlympianMotors)
For those interested in experiencing this groundbreaking vehicle, Olimpian Motors is accepting refundable down payments of $500 for buyers in the United States, Canada, and China. The price for the Olympian Model O1 starts at $80,000, which is competitive given the blend of classic design and modern electric technology. Test drives for the Model O1 already done in various cities across the U.S. in April 2024, with the first deliveries expected to start in May 2024.
Both the Olympian Model O1 and Model 84 EVs are based on Super Board "skateboard chassis" made by Chinese electric mobility company U Power, with their bodies forged in military-grade carbon fiber and titanium. (Picture from: OlympianMotors)
Looking ahead, Olimpian Motors is also working on a futuristic limited-edition electric vehicle, the Model 84, which promises even more advanced features and cutting-edge technology. But for now, the Olympian Model O1 is turning heads with its mix of vintage charm, modern performance, and groundbreaking tech. | zOK1BF1mVuA |
In a world where electric vehicles are increasingly dominating the automotive industry, the Olympian Model O1 stands as a reminder that innovation doesn’t always have to mean futuristic designs and screens. With its blend of classic styling and modern electric power, it’s a car that appeals to those who appreciate timeless elegance while still wanting the benefits of cutting-edge technology. As the year progresses, it will be exciting to see how the Model O1 performs on the road and how it resonates with drivers who crave something different in the ever-evolving world of electric vehicles. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | OLYMPIAN MOTORS | AUTOEVOLUTION ]
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Immortal Engineering - In the world of high-performance cars, where speed, design, and emotion blend into mechanical poetry, some machines refuse to fade into the background. Just when we thought we had seen the last of a legend, it makes an unexpected return. The automotive community is once again buzzing, not because of something entirely new, but because a familiar masterpiece has been reborn in a form never seen before. Say hello—again—to the Zonda, now resurrected as the stunningly exclusive Pagani Zonda Unico.
The Pagani Zonda Unico is the latest masterpiece brought to life by Pagani Automobili, crafted for a discerning client and inspired by the majestic Mount Kunlun in China. (Picture from: duPontRegestry)
When Pagani Automobili first unleashed the Zonda in 1999, the automotive world was forever changed. Crafted with an obsession for detail, performance, and artistic beauty, the Zonda became a symbol of what happens when technology and passion collide. Many believed the story of the Zonda had ended when Pagani shifted its focus to newer creations like the Huayra and more recently, the Utopia.
The Pagani Zonda Unico's body is entirely carbon fiber, tinted with a mesmerizing blue hue that glows with energy. (Picture from: Motor1)
But time and again, the Zonda has defied the odds. Somehow, it keeps returning—not as a recycled idea, but as a reimagined marvel. With the debut of the one-of-a-kind Zonda Unico, the phrase "Zonda never dies" has never rung more true. This latest iteration is more than just a throwback; it’s a tribute to enduring excellence and tailored craftsmanship. Commissioned by an exclusive client with a distinct vision inspired by Mount Kunlun—one of China’s most majestic mountain ranges—the Zonda Unico stands as a uniquely personalized expression of automotive artistry.
The Pagani Zonda Unico features exposed carbon elements—from the windshield frame to the mirror caps, and from the headlight surrounds to the intricate vents—that elevate both its aesthetics and performance. (Picture from: Motor1)
Unlike a completely new model, the Unico is a transformation of an existing Zonda chassis, yet the level of customization makes it feel entirely unique. It features aggressive aerodynamic enhancements, including a towering rear wing with its own smaller wing, a central fin that slices through the air, and a dominant roof scoop that amplifies its already commanding presence.
The Pagani Zonda Unico powered by the same AMG-sourced 7.3-liter naturally aspirated V-12 engine found in the Zonda 760 Roadster. (Picture from: duPontRegestry)
Although Pagani has remained quiet about exact performance figures, visual cues speak volumes. The body is entirely carbon fiber, tinted with a mesmerizing blue hue that glows with energy. From the windshield frame to the mirror caps, from the headlight surrounds to the intricate venting, exposed carbon elements enhance both aesthetics and performance. The attention to detail extends to the blue-accented wheels, brake calipers, quad exhausts, and taillight surrounds—every inch a reflection of bespoke excellence.
The Pagani Zonda Unico is a remarkable one-off creation derived from the iconic Zonda lineage, crafted as a single, exclusive unit for a discerning client.(Picture from: duPontRegestry)
Power is expected to come from the same AMG-sourced 7.3-liter naturally aspirated V-12 engine found in the Zonda 760 Roadster, offering up to 760 horsepower. Though interior photos haven’t surfaced, fans can only hope for the inclusion of a classic gated shifter—an homage to old-school driving pleasure. That kind of mechanical rawness is what has always set the Zonda apart from its competitors and even its own successors.
The Pagani Zonda Unico also features an aggressive aerodynamic package, which includes a towering center fin, a prominent roof scoop, and other race-inspired elements that emphasize both form and function. (Picture from: duPontRegestry)
It’s fascinating to observe how the Zonda, despite its age, continues to capture imaginations far more than newer Pagani models. The Huayra, while a technological marvel in its own right, never stirred the same emotional resonance. Perhaps it’s the soulful character of the Zonda, its analog purity in an increasingly digital world, or simply the rarity of each hand-built version that fuels its legacy.
The Pagani Zonda Unico features aggressive aerodynamic enhancements, including a towering rear wing with its own smaller wing. (Picture from: Motor1)
The Zonda Unico isn’t just a car—it’s a declaration that legends don’t retire. They evolve. They adapt. And sometimes, they return in even more extraordinary form. For those who thought they had seen the last chapter of the Zonda saga, this breathtaking creation is a beautiful reminder that some icons are simply timeless. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | PAGANIAUTOMOBILI ON INSTAGRAM | MOTOR1 | TOPGEAR | DUPONTREGESTRY ]
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Heritage Reclaimed - In the golden age of motorsports during the 1960s, the sound of roaring engines and the scent of burning rubber were unmistakably linked to Ferrari. The Italian marque dominated world racing circuits with undeniable flair, and it wasn’t just their wins that turned heads—it was the passion and innovation behind each car. From that era of relentless experimentation and bold design came one particularly fascinating chapter: the birth of the Ferrari 275 P2 Speciale, a unique fusion of American vision, Italian craftsmanship, and cinematic inspiration.
1968 Ferrari 275 P2 Speciale designed by Michelotti and was built on the chassis of the 1963 275 P2 race car. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
It all began with the groundbreaking Ferrari 250 P, a car that marked Ferrari’s daring shift to mid-engine architecture for its 12-cylinder racing machines. Debuting in 1963, the 250 P didn't take long to make an impression, clinching victories at Sebring, Le Mans, and Nürburgring. This success laid the foundation for its spiritual successor, the Ferrari 275 P2, which carried the legacy forward with its own share of triumphs. Yet from the bones of these champions, another creation would rise—one that stood apart from Ferrari’s usual track-bred machines.
1968 Ferrari 275 P2 Speciale designed by Michelotti based off Bob Peak's sketches on the initiative of Coco Chinetti Jr. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
The story of the Ferrari 275 P2 Speciale began with a man named Luigi 'Coco' Chinetti Jr., the son of famed Ferrari importer and ex-racer Luigi Chinetti Sr., who was a longtime associate of Enzo Ferrari. Chinetti Jr. envisioned something different—a Ferrari not only engineered for performance but designed to dazzle American tastes with futuristic elegance. In an era where television and pop culture were shaping consumer dreams, he saw potential in combining racing pedigree with cinematic flair. To bring this vision to life, he reached out to his friend, Robert Peak, a celebrated illustrator known for his iconic movie posters.
The AMT Piranha appeared in several episodes of the 1960s TV series The Man from U.N.C.L.E., serving as the inspiration for the Ferrari 275 P2 Speciale. (Picture from: Cars4Starters)
Inspired by the sleek AMT Piranha Spy Car from the hit TV show The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Peak drafted the concept of a car that would blend fantasy and performance. With a potential buyer already interested—a young woman enamored by futuristic designs—Chinetti Jr. was ready to turn sketches into steel. He and Peak traveled to Milan to pitch the idea to esteemed designer Giovanni Michelotti. But things didn’t go as planned. Michelotti initially refused the project, leaving Chinetti Jr. deeply disappointed. (Please note that the following video features the Ferrari 275 P2, not the Ferrari 275 P2 Speciale.)
Refusing to give up, Chinetti Jr. turned to the one person with enough influence to shift the tide—Enzo Ferrari himself. Through his father’s connections, Chinetti Jr. laid out the vision and the commercial potential of the project. Enzo, ever the patron of bold ideas, lent his support. With Ferrari’s backing, Michelotti agreed to design and build the car, using a damaged 1963 Ferrari 275 P2 (chassis #0812) as the donor. The car had suffered a crash and fire in 1965 but had already made a name for itself with appearances at Le Mans, Nürburgring, and Sebring.
1968 Ferrari 275 P2 Speciale designed by Michelotti was inspired by the design of the AMT Piranha Spy Car. (Picture from: Allcarindex)
From there, a dramatic transformation took place. The chassis was restored, a new engine was installed, and Michelotti sculpted an entirely new body that oozed style and sophistication. Gone were the raw, aggressive lines of a pure race car—replaced instead by a smooth, curvaceous design reminiscent of a high-end grand tourer. Its interior followed suit, offering comfort without compromising Ferrari’s performance DNA. One of its most striking features was a pair of gullwing-style doors, adding to its almost sci-fi appeal.
The authenticity of the Ferrari 275 P2 Speciale was doubted so that Coco Chinetty Jr. was sued in court by Ferrari in 1999. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
Beneath the beauty beat the heart of a thoroughbred: a 4.0-liter V12 engine capable of generating 410 horsepower at 8,000 rpm, launching the car to a theoretical top speed of 300 kilometers per hour. This was no mere showpiece—it was a machine that could run with the best of them, with the added charisma of Hollywood imagination.
Only one such car was built at the time, which is part of what makes the Ferrari 275 P2 Speciale so revered today. It stood as a bold concept—a cross-continental collaboration that fused American creativity, Italian engineering, and cinematic glamour into one unforgettable automobile.
1968 Ferrari 275 P2 Speciale designed by Michelotti is powered by a 4-liter V12 engine capable of producing up to 410 hp at 8,000 rpm, theoretically can make the car accelarates up to 300 kph. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
Years later, in 1999, the story of this rare creation took another twist. Luigi Chinetti Jr. oversaw the reconstruction of two additional units bearing chassis numbers #0812 and #0814, entrusted to Marco Baldi of Protauto in Italy. However, these efforts sparked controversy as Ferrari themselves questioned the authenticity of the builds, leading to a legal battle.
After a lengthy three-year court process, the verdict came in favor of Chinetti Jr., and the cars were legally recognized as genuine Ferrari vehicles. Eventually, even a third car (chassis #0818) received official recognition from Ferrari, bringing the count of authentic 275 P2 Speciale models to three.
This wild blend of ambition, creativity, and good old-fashioned "why not?" makes the Veyron GT²R one for the books. It’s not perfect, and it’s certainly not for everyone—but it’s proof that passion and imagination can take you places even Ferrari can’t. Or at least get you some pretty wild looks at your local gas station.
