A Peugeot classic bodied three-wheeled custom vehicle

In the 2018, when Peugeot Motorcycle celebrated 120 years of existence by displaying a special model. And the model dedicated to celebrating those special event is the newest French company's three-wheeled vehicle product that is customized in such a way as to have the appearance of a classic product.

Peugeot Metropolis 120th Anniversary Custom was built to commemorate the company 120th anniversary in the 2018. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2oIbjn7)

As a reminder, Peugeot first made a three-wheeled vehicle in 1889 to be shown off at the Paris Exhibition at the time, although then those vehicle was not manufactured. But later, the vehicle was made and tried to be marketed in 1900.

The Serpollet-Peugeot or Peugeot 1 was the company's first motor vehicle made in the 1889. This is a steam-driven three-wheeler produced in collaboration with steam specialist Léon Serpollet. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2IYYcEY)

In order to celebrate the event, Peugeot Motorcycle then presented the figure of the Peugeot Metropolis 120th Anniversary Custom, which was first appeared at the Paris Motor Show 2018.

Unique front grille of Peugeot Metropolis 120th Anniversary Custom three-wheeled vehicle. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2oIbjn7)

At the time, the Peugeot Metropolis 120th Anniversary Custom comes with a shiny aluminum body cover with classic and unique front grille designs so that it looks like an old Spanish microcar Biscúter.

Right side view of Peugeot Metropolis 120th Anniversary Custom three-wheeled vehicle. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2oIbjn7)

Uniquely, the aluminum body is made by hand and takes about 500 hours to work on! Those customization work was carried out by a modification workshop named HH Service, known also as the car custom specialist.

Rear three quarter of Peugeot Metropolis 120th Anniversary Custom three-wheeled vehicle. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2oIbjn7)

Reportedly now, the Peugeot Metropolis 120th Anniversary Custom has been auctioned by the Artcurial auction house.. As quoted from Artcurial, this unique vehicle sold at a price of €24,700 (or approx Rp.389 million).

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 | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ARTCURIAL | NEW ATLAS]

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Bizarre self-balancing Gyro-X vehicle back on the roads

Back in 1967, when a unique two-wheeled vehicle called the Gyro-X was built. At that time the prototype was built by a California-based company named Gyro Transport Systems. Physically the vehicle only has two wheels, one in front and one behind which at first glance looks more like a motorcycle than a car. The vehicle utilized a built-in gyroscope able to make it remain upright while on stationary condition or not moving.

Bizarre two-wheeled self-balancing Gyro-X vehicle gave an impressive demonstration at the 2019 Concorso d’Eleganza of Villa d’Este near Cernobbio, Italy. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/31RNWWd)

Even though the car developers initially hoped to take Gyro-X into production, it all faded when the company went bankrupt in the 1970 before the two-wheeled vehicle entered into production lines, and the only one of prototype was orphaned and neglected. Over the past 40 years, the vehicle has moved from one owner to another, which has made its conditions being more worse along the time.

Designer Alex Tremulis with the Gyro-X. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2OmoxAh)

The Gyro-X single-seat vehicle was created by a renowned industrial designer named Alex Tremulis. He had previously designed vehicles (the four-wheeled variety) for another big names of American automotives manufacturers such as Cord Automobile, Duesenberg, General Motors, Tucker Car Corporation and Ford, where he worked as Chief of Advanced Styling.

Bizarre self-balancing Gyro-X vehicle takes to the stage (on its two wheels) after winning the Dean Batchelor Trophy at the 2017 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/338dHSl)

According to an article in the September 1967 issue of Science & Mechanics, a ready-made two-wheeled Gyro-X can drive up to a top speed of 125 mph (201 kph), and could swoop through 40-degree banked turns without tipping. It weighs only 1,850 pounds (839 kg), measured 47 inches (119 cm) in height, only 42 inches (107 cm) in width, and 15 feet,5 inches (4,7 meters) in length. It rolls on two 15-inches wheels, and uses a small engine with power of 80-horsepower.

Its single 20-inch hydraulically-driven gyroscope – developed by noted “gyrodynamist” Thomas O. Summers Jr. – spun at up to 6,000 rpm, creating 1,300 foot pounds (1,763 Nm) of torque. It did take approximately three minutes to build up to that speed, however, meaning that drivers couldn’t just get in and go. A set of training wheel-like retractable outriggers held the vehicle up in the meantime.

Bizarre self-balancing Gyro-X vehicle able to drive up to a top speed of 125 mph (201 kph), and could swoop through 40-degree banked turns without tipping. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2okogmJ)

Now, this bizzare two-wheeled vehicle has been owned by the Lane Motor Museum in Nashville, Tennessee, United States since 2011 after it had passed hands several times and many modifications had been done. And finally the museum has successfully carried out a restoration project so that the vehicle condition has been recovered as it was in its hey days in the late 1960s.

Part of the restoration project was involved rebuilding the rear, replacing the two rear wheels with one, according to the original configuration. The missing gyroscope must also be rebuilt from scratch. To handle this, the museum has registered the service of Thrustcycle Enterprises - a company that is currently developing a gyroscopically-stable two-wheeled vehicle, known as SRT. Thrustcycle will also be tasked with rebuilding control and outriggers.

"The gyro people, their thing was that the cars were going to be narrower, they were going to take up half as much room - they will be more fuel efficient, they will be safer because it will be very difficult to flip them over," explained Jeff Lane, director of Lane Motor Museum. "The ideas are good, but I think in reality the gyroscopic part is very complicated and quite expensive... it always works on paper, but it doesn't always work in the workshop. This is a very obscure and strange part of history, but also is a very interesting part of history." he said further.

An impressive demonstration of a fully restored two-wheeled self-balancing 1967 Gyro-X vehicle at the 2019 Concorso d’Eleganza of Villa d’Este. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/31RNWWd)

And finally in 2017 the vehicle was fully restored and exhibited to the public at the the 2017 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. And again on this year, the bizarre 1967 Gyro-X two-wheeled vehicle was shown off in front of the world's automotive lovers at the 2019 Concorso d’Eleganza of Villa d’Este near Cernobbio, Italy.

See it for yourself on display at the Lane Motor Museum on a normal day. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LANE MOTOR MUSEUM | BUZZ ANYTHING | AUTOWEEK | WIRED | NEW ATLAS]
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An eccentric-shaped prototype car from Toyota

The world's sports car enthusiasts were recently surprised by the presence of a new Toyota car design. Although the car has a slightly unique shape, so there are those who consider it as a substitute for the legendary Toyota MR2.

An eccentric-shaped prototype car called Toyota La Coupe on displat at a ferry terminal in Nishima, Japan. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/35xEkSZ)

Apparently it's not just design. This new Toyota model which is called unattractive actually has a prototype version. The photo was shared by members of the SupraMKV forum, via Carscoops recently.

The car model was given the name Toyota La Coupe and was displayed at a ferry terminal in Naoshima, Japan, some time ago. But the car looks older than the picture spread via Twitter. Previously the photos distributed on Twitter showed that the car was at the Ginza Sony Park in October last year.

Previously the Toyota La Coupe picture was shared by members of the SupraMKV forum. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2IPgp7N)

This car is more interesting because it is considered never appeared before and is quite mysterious. Toyota La Coupe itself is known as a 2-door coupe concept car that has a pair of oval shaped headlamps with a slightly tapered tip and a DRL unique design.

Toyota La Coupe itself is known as a 2-door coupe concept car and powered by a hybrid system. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2OTyvZV)

The Toyota La Coupe also has a front spoiler embedded with a blue-colored Toyota logo. It reminds us, those blue-colored logo is usually used by Toyota for their hybrid cars. So, indirectly the car has been known to use environmentally friendly powertrain.

Toyota La Coupe on displat at the Ginza Sony Park back in October last year. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/32o6VIk)

Then on the back is more unique than the front. The car's rear section looks like a reflection from the front. It's just with the use of different forms of rear lights. There are very few interior photos, and of the few that exist, they only show small sections of the interior such as the instrument cluster and centre stack.

Toyota La Coupe features a rarely seen styling feature with the front and rear lights being virtually identical. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/32o6VIk)

Judging off these pictures, the interior is very basic, with two circular digital displays showing only essential information such as speed, fuel level, current gear and battery level. This also indicates that the La Coupe is a hybrid.

The interior is very basic, with two circular digital displays showing only essential information such as speed, fuel level, current gear and battery level. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2OTyvZV)

But until now everything is still in a mystery. But that's not the end of the story. What's interesting is the fact that Toyota made this design proposal in the first place.

Toyota La Coupe is very futuristic with many smooth, flowing lines creating a rounded, aerodynamic shape. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/32o6VIk)

So while the design of the La Coupe will not be seen in the showroom, it still opens the possibility that Toyota, indeed, contemplates a middle-engined coupe at least.
There has been talks of a new Celica or MR2 in the past. In fact, Toyota Gazoo Racing chief Tetsuya Tada said that he is keen on bringing in a third Toyota sports car. But as to what it will be, it will be a long wait for the answer, if ever it comes at all. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SUPRAMKV | CARSCOOPS | AUTOINDUSTRIYA | DRIVETRIBE]
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A unique three-wheeled vehicle built of the car named Krakatoa

Various unique customized motorcycles and cars on display at the Kustomfest 2019, one of the largest annual automotive events in Indonesia, held on October 5-6, at the Jogja Expo Center, Jogjakarta. And seen many visitors who came to see the event which was held just for two days, ie on Saturday to Sunday.

A three-wheeled vehicle named Krakatoa by a Bandar Lampung-based workshop, Satan Soul Custom on display at the Kustomfest 2019. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2AN07Yq)

The strict selection system created by the organizers is intended there're no old works ever come back on display at the following year event. This seems to make the public always curious, what kind of custom vehicles will be presented by the Automotive builders who come from various regions in Indonesia.

Of the many cars and motorbikes appeared at the event, one that made the visitor astonished was the work of a Bandar Lampung-based automotive custom workshop, named Satan Soul Custom. On this year event, Wuriyanto thus the name of the workshop owner brought a three-wheeled vehicle named 'Krakatoa' in a hot rod styled fierce looks. Those vehicle creator said that the vehicle was built from a 1982 Toyota Mark II with 2,000 cc engined.

This unique three-wheeled vehicle 'Krakatoa' built of the 1982 Toyota Mark II. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2LRClAX)

As quoted from Tempo, the builder also claimed that the three-wheeled vehicle was made in a relatively short time, which is four months and was specifically built to appear at this annual automotive event. Although it was done in a short time, the results were practically good and neat.

The Satan Soul owner whose its works have passed several times during the 2014 and 2017 events, also explained not only once they were built a motorcycle based of a car. Yes, at the Kustomfest 2017 event, the Soul Satan ever displayed a motorcycle based of the Mazda B600 and managed to sold on Rp.60 million after the event end. 

The Krakatoa three-wheeled vehicle intended to sell at a price of more than Rp.100millions. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/33b5yNb)

And now what about for the Krakatoa three-wheeled vehicle. According to Yanto, thus the owner of Satan Soul is usually called, he intended to sell the Krakatoa at a price of more than Rp.100 million due to the complicated level of workmanship.

The Krakatoa three-wheeled vehicle was built from the front to the rear. Although the gas lever remains in the hand while the clutch and gear are placed on the foot. For the front, this vehicle applies an independent drive taken from the Datsun 3S.

Meanwhile, the connecting handlebar and rear wheels are also given an intermediary. Furthermore, the front shock absorbers use components taken from the Harley Davidson Softtail while for the back of the Daihatsu Hijet 1000.

Then the radiator of the three-wheeled vehicle is placed at the rear while the whole body is remade by using the 1.2 millimeter thick iron plates. Furthermore, the Satan Soul owner said that the three-wheeled vehicle 'Krakatoa' able to run more than 100 km per hour. Do you want to try it?
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 | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SATAN SOUL CUSTOM | TEMPO]
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The most incredible custom motorcycle ever in the 2019

This motorcycle does look a lot different from the custom motorbikes built by motorcycle builders in the world. Yes, the unique-shaped custom motorcycle is called 'The Killer,' which was built by an Australian expatriate who lives in the US named Craig Rodsmith of Rodsmith Motorcycle. The difference can be significantly seen ranging from the motorcycle shaped to its engine.

Rodsmith Motorcycle 'The Killer' by Craig Rodsmith for Haas Moto Museum and Sculpture Gallery at The Handbuilt Motorcycle Show 2019. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/31OnxIQ)

The making of this unique motorcycle began when Booby Haas of the Dallas-based Haas Moto Museum surfed the internet and found some grainy photos of an art deco-style motorcycle made by a group of German engineers in Munich back in the 1930s.

Then he was inspired to make it, and immediately thought of Craig Rodsmith and contacted him right away. Soon they met to talk about the possibility of making the motorcycle.

The Killer features the integrated amber headlight, bars, and the thin seat are all similarly crafted from aluminum. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/30M21mW)

As mentioned above, The Killer shape heavily inspired by the 1935 Killinger und Freund Motorrad. You might still remember the figure of the German art-deco styled motorcycle found by US soldiers during the 2nd World War. If forget or not know yet, you can see it in here. 

Front view of Rodsmith Motorcycle 'The Killer.' (Picture from: http://bit.ly/30M21mW)

Just like the inspiration source, The Killer was also driven by its front wheel. So it uses 3 identical units of 60cc 2-stroke engines which are arranged in radial configuration and then installed on its 19-inches front wheel. Those engines were built by Rodsmith, himself.

The Killer completed without a central motor, chain, or driveshaft keeps it minimalist and utterly stunning to behold. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/30M21mW)

Also, the chassis is handbuilt without the modern benefits of 3D design or CNC machines. And could be said it was 'super insane' level of craftsmanship to make it closely similar to the source of its inspiration. The bike features an integrated amber headlight on the handlebars, and the thin seat also crafted from aluminum materials.

To ensure the front-wheel-drive works, he used a centrifugal clutch that fitted to a sprocket, which in turn connected an axle to which the wheel was bolted. The result is a beautiful fluidity that’s unmatched by another bike ever.

Rodsmith Motorcycle 'The Killer' was heavily inspired by this German's art-deco styled front-wheeled drive motorcycle called 'Friedenstaube' (Peace Dove) or Killinger und Freund Motorrad. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/30OLYow)

This bike has been fitted with an electric starter, but there are technically three engines which have to be cranked all at once. Hence, Craig built a Bendix drive so the starter would disengage once the engine was running.

The Killer has three 60 cc 2-stroke identical engines, in a radial configuration, on its 19-inch front wheel. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/30M21mW)

According to its creators, it is a very easy-to-drive motorcycle, though with very different sensations than conventional rear-wheel-drive bikes. Craig Rodsmith said, "It’s a weird sensation of being pulled by an engine rather than pushed."

The Killer is a fully functional bike but the project was commissioned mostly as an artwork to be shown off at the museum. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2MdGjmr)

Bobby Haas is happy. "I know from personal experience that success is all the sweeter when you accept a challenge to do something you think you’re destined to fail at. My role is to enable genius artisans to create a masterpiece that might otherwise escape reality, and just drift away as a pipe dream."

Indeed, We've been heard the Killer motorcycle is a fully functional bike but the project was commissioned mostly as an artwork to be shown off at the museum. See it for yourself on display in the Haas Moto Museum. But imagine, once upon a time when you look at The Killer speeding on the streets - won't that be a sight!

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 | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | RODSMITH MOTORCYCLE | HAAS MOTO MUSEUM | BIKEEXIF | ULTIMATE MOTORCYCLING | ENRG.IO]Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone.

A unique giant-sized SUV named Dhabiyan

In Dubai, United Arab Emirates, everything is amazing. After some time ago being a viral news with a row of well-known supercars that were used as the Dubai Police patrol fleets, and then there was a shuttle service for passengers by using the helicopters and many others.

A unique giant-sized SUV called Dhabiyan built and owned by Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2n8undq)

Now one of the members of the United Arab Emirates ruling family named Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan brings another amazement by showing off one of his unique cars. As quoted from the Autoevolution page, on Friday, February 22, 2019, recently his Highness Sheikh Hamad uploaded several pictures of a giant sized vehicle crossing in the middle of the desert on his Instagram account. 

This unique vehicle appeared unusual with 10 main wheels and four spare wheels. At first glance, you would think that this vehicle is one of the robot characters that appear in the Hollywood 's sequel movies 'Transformer.' Especially with its large shaped and sized. No, it's not Transformer robot. Even though the vehicle described as a 'desert ship,' has no equivalent or rival.

The Sheikh, who is based in Abu Dhabi of the UAE, combined a Oshkosh M1075 military truck and a Jeep Wrangler to build this Dhabiyan. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2n8undq)

He was not kidding to give a parable the one-of-a-kind vehicle his owned, considering that those Dhabiyan named desert ship, was the result of a combination of Oshkosh M1075 military trucks and Jeep Wrangler. For information, that the Oshkosh M1075 is a kind of big-sized truck commonly used by the American troops to transport ballistic missiles.

Given its unusual dimensions, the Sheikh Hamad's desert ship has a length of 10.8 meters, a height of 3.2 meters, a width of 2.5 meters and a weight of approximately 24 tons. Judging from its dimensions, so this vehicle might be worthy to be crowned the biggest SUV in the world.

Furthermore the Dhabiyan uses a six-cylinders 15.2 litres (specifically created for military trucks) water-cooled diesel engine of Caterpillar which capable of producing quite a large amount of power, ie 600 horsepower.

With a bad appearance due to a very long body, and bad suspension. Presumably the track that can be passed by this vehicle was only on the desert. Not to mention fuel consumption which might be a problem for most people. 

But once again, that is not a big problem for a super wealthy guys like Sheikh Hamad. And this vehicle is just one of the many expensive vehicles owned by Sheikh Hamad. There are many more luxury and unique vehicles that he has. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DAILYMAIL | AUTOEVOLUTION]

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Unusual eight-wheeled amphibious vehicle of the Soviet era

Russia, with its past as a part of the Soviet Union, always keeps many exciting things and stories. For example, the discovery of an old car with eight tires might be one of them. Yes, there's an unusual shaped classic vehicle was found in somewhere of Russia. How not, physically those vehicle has eight wheels.

Unusual eight-wheeled Amphibious All-Terrain Vehicle (AATV) created in the 1950s by the Design Bureau of the Chelyabinsk tractor hydraulics plant. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2mOqeuL)

As quoted from Carscoops, this vehicle was first known through photos uploaded by a user of Russian social media, VK, and reported by Russia Beyond.

From all of those photos we can see the figure of an eight-wheeled vehicle with a worn faded metal body as if it originated from the post apocalyptic era like depicted in the 'Bethesda: Fallout 76' fiction game. But actually this vehicle created at the Soviet era back in the 1950s in Chelyabinsk.

The vehicle weighing in at 600 kg and has compact dimensions with a length of 4,530 mm, a width of 1,900 mm and a height of 1,490 mm. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2mOqeuL)

Although it has eight wheels, but surprisingly its weight is only 600 kg. The secret of the light weight is thank to use of aluminum panels that is applied to the body and and (they say) the chassis too.

Beside that the vehicle has dimensions were no bigger than a sedan in general. Just imagine, the vehicle has a length of only 4,530 mm, width of 1,900 mm and height of 1,490 mm with four wheels each on the left and right.

Its light weight secret is thank to use of aluminum panels that is applied to the body and and (they say) the chassis too. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2mOqeuL)

It was further reported that the vehicle had capability of an Amphibious All-Terrain Vehicle (AATV) driven by all-wheel-drive (8x8), which means it is capable of operating on lands or waters. It was also mentioned that the vehicle was built in the 1950s by the Design Bureau of the Chelyabinsk tractor hydraulics plant of Russia.

It said the vehicle had capability of an Amphibious All-Terrain Vehicle (AATV) with all-wheel-drive (8x8). (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2mOqeuL)

Unfortunately, not much information is known about this amphibious vehicle apart from its all-wheels-drive system plus components taken from the GAZ-M20 'Pobeda.' Furthermore, the report did not mention whether the vehicle was in good condition or vice versa.. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSCOOPS | DESIGN YOU TRUST | RUSSIA BEYOND]
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No need to the Mad Max realm, this Lamborghini Gallardo 'Off-Road' can be yours

We may often see in cyberspace where many automotive designer creations on various supercars fitted with off-road kits. And most of these creations may never be realized in real form.

2004 Lamborghini Gallardo 'Off-Road' ready to be your ride to conquer the world’s most unlikely surfaces. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2kUazcl)

Although it looks strange and uncommon, but the strange automotive creations like this actually attract the interest of several world's automotive enthusiasts, especially those who have a lot of money and also has a hobby to collect unique vehicles willing to make it happen in real form.

2004 Lamborghini Gallardo 'Off-Road' ready to be yours immediately with €115,000. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2kUazcl)

Now, You don't need detour your steering wheel to the Mad Max realm to find strange automotive creations that are worthy for sale. Because there is the Netherlands-based online car dealership named Classic Youngtimers Consultancy recently listed a Lamborghini Gallardo 'Off-Road,' which is clearly not an official offer from the Italian marque.

2004 Lamborghini Gallardo 'Off-Road' has been complemented by a number of off-road adventure ride elements. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2kUazcl)

The strange 2004 Lamborghini Gallado 'Off-Road' with matte gray paint job, Lambo's "E-gear" semi-automatic manual transmission, assuming that its 5.0-liter V10 engine has not been swapped or modified, so that can burst the power up to 493-horsepower. With that much power, these car promises the drivers an exceptionally immersive experience on some of the world’s most unlikely surfaces.

Interior and dashboard view of 2004 Lamborghini Gallardo 'Off-Road.' (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2kUazcl)

The extreme appearance of the Gallardo in question has been complemented by a number of off-road adventure rides elements, including substantial modifications to the ride height, helping it to clear high-set obstacles, and an enhanced light-bar plus roof rack, which is able to illuminate even the darkest byways. 

2004 Lamborghini Gallardo 'Off-Road' also has one spare tires in the back to support your off-road adventure. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2kUazcl)

On this off-road supercar's exterior, you also able to find 4 jet-black wheels, and a pair of front-facing bulbs to keep impending rocks, roots, or boulders in view.

If you are interested in acquiring the car for your own testing purposes, visit the Classic Youngtimers site, where these Lamborghini Gallardo 'Off-Road' is available to be yours immediately with €115,000 or $127,000 (approx Rp.1.8 billion). *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CLASSIC YOUNGTIMERS | HICONSUMPTION | MAXIM]
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When a flap of classic gullwings becomes rarity

One of the world's iconic classic cars named the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL which has a hallmark that is the door was open upward like a flutter of seagull wings, familiarly called Gullwing.

The car was first introduced in February 1954 at the New York International Motor Sport Show. This car was made by carrying a futuristic shaped that was aerodynamic in its time and based on the W198-coded chassis platform.

The late Mr. BJ Habibie posed with his special Mercedes-Benz 300 SL 'Gullwing.' (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2mfJWiw)

According to data from the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany, this Mercedes Gullwing uses an 6-cylinder inline Mercedes-Benz M198 engine with a capacity of 2,996 cc which is capable of producing a maximum power of 221 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm.

Then those engine power channeled to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission system.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupe with its iconic gullwing door type is displayed at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2lNrP3a)

The amounts of power above is able to make it run to the top speed numbers reaches of 250 kph. And also made the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL 'Gullwing' has acceleration capability from 0 to 100 kph in 7.4 seconds.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL uses a very lightweight a tubular pipe chassis, which is only 50 kg. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2kvtfPH)

This engine is also really special because it has used a mechanical direct injection fuel supply system which is the result of cooperation with Bosch. Then the oil circulation system also uses dry sump model. The goal is that the oil supply continues to work optimally when the car is doing an extremely cornering.

The cabin of Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupe decorated by an elegant bright-red color. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2kvtfPH)

Yes, for the car made in the 1950s of course the performance is quite impressive. Moreover, this Mercedes Gullwing uses a very lightweight chassis, which is only 50 kg. The chassis are made of tubular pipes and assembled like a cage. These chassis-shaped is makes the sides doesn't have door hinge holders as usually found in the cars in general. And that's why its door is open upward like a flutter of seagull wings.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupe is one of the most sought after cars by the world's antique car collectors. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2kvtfPH)

At present the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL 'Gullwing,' is one of the most sought after cars by the world's antique car collectors. Reportedly, the car in good condition might be able to has a price ranges between 1 to 2.5 million US. dollar or around Rp.14 to 35 billion. Even it's very difficult to find, when there's a collector who willing to sell it.

Rear view of Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupe with its iconic gullwing door type is displayed at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2lMqY2Q)

At the time, this car was only produced as many as 1,400 units and about 1,100 of them were sold in the United States while the rest were spread throughout the world. 

Although classified as the super rare cars, but in Indonesia these Mercedes Gullwing are owned by several automotive collectors and one of them is owned by a former of the 3rd President of the Republic of Indonesia, the late Mr. BJ Habibie with a special plate number 'B 300 SL'.

(We deliberately wrote this article as a homage for the late. Mr. Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie who has passed away on Wednesday, September 11, 2019, 18:05 at the Central Hospital of Army 'Gatot Subroto,' Jakarta.

The automotive passions of the late Mr. BJ Habibie on the German cars can be seen of the Mercedes-Benz car rows that lined up neatly in his garage, including the Mercedes Gullwing. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2kdjwNC)

Our deepest condolences to his family and to the all of Indonesian nation. May You rest in peace, Sir. And may Almighty Allah grant You the best places by His side. We will always remember all your services to Indonesia and the worlds.) *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ]

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