A beautiful Moray built based on the Corvette by ItalDesign

This gorgeous Moray project result presented for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show on March 4, 2003, embodies the homage that Giorgetto and Fabrizio Giugiaro wish to pay to the fifty-year era of the Chevrolet Corvette, the supreme symbol of the American sports car under the name of Italdesign Chevrolet Corvette Moray.

2003 Italdesign Chevrolet Corvette Moray built by Italdesign to pay homage to the 50-years of the Chevrolet Corvette era in 2003. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2Wt3zTJ)

Realized without hesitation on Corvette mechanics and chassis, the outcome of seeking out a sports car designed as an elegant extreme leap into the limelight carrying a pure profile, designed as though touched by drifting tides with long and slender front lights, bringing immediately to the mind the Moray, the English term for the eel-type fish, which found in Mediterranean waters.

2003 Italdesign Chevrolet Corvette Moray is presented for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show on March 4, 2003. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3cBCl3e)

Also resembling a moray rippling through sea waters is the sinuous contour line, whilst shaping the elongated front section (an unmistakable look of the Corvette grille) to a far stronger, more accentuated curvature is the serpentine bonnet (which projects frontward) forming a contrast with the upraised cut-off tail.

2003 Italdesign Chevrolet Corvette Moray is fitted with a powerful front-mounted six-liter Chevrolet Corvette V8 engine to spew abundant power of more than 400 hp. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2X7Tmvp)

"We vowed to honor the rhetorical principles that dictated the American muscle-car of excellence era: simplicity and pragmatism, hand lasting with the hedonist concept of sportiness evolving beyond the restraints of time," explain Giorgetto and Fabrizio Giugiaro.

The dashboard of the 2003 Italdesign Chevrolet Corvette Moray is fitted with various instruments and a steady steering wheel. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2X7Tmvp)

Hinged to the rear door frame, thereby assuring freedom of access to the inside of the car, the clear crystal semi-dome of the doors (by which the side window and roof merge into one complete unit) swings open like seagull wings. 

Quick and simple to remove, these door wings ease the way to transforming the Moray from a coupé, with its unmistakable roof panel under the unique, clear crystal dome, into a quasi roadster. The direct, immediate feeling of fresh-air motoring is enhanced by removing the B door frame. 

Look this cozy, elegant, and ergonomic seat also fitted inside the cabin of the 2003 Italdesign Chevrolet Corvette Moray. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2X7Tmvp)

This is replaced by a central arch-shaped steel structure to which the two wings are hinged. In perfect symbiosis with the fresh and free extreme of the car, there are no side-mirrors, which have been replaced by some kind of CCTV system with dashboard-integrated viewers.

The bodyshell and paintwork color blends into the capsule, becoming one and the same. Only those surfaces inside the car touched by the driver or passenger are warmed by soft leather upholstery made with the cooperation of Dräxlmaier Group.

The 2003 Italdesign Chevrolet Corvette Moray has the bodyshell and paintwork color blends into the capsule, becoming one and the same. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2X7Tmvp)

Essential to catering the needs and preferences of the dynamic driver are its dashboards fitted with various instruments. Underlined by the same dashboard layout, assigned to the passenger are precise co-pilot functions.

Cool, sleek and supremely agile, of exceptional beauty and legerdemain like the sea creature from which it takes its name, the Moray is fitted with a powerful Chevrolet Corvette V8 engine, the longitude front-mounted six-liter, which reaches command of more than 400 horsepower, combined with a perfect balance ensured from the ground up by Michelin Pilot sport 335/30 ZR20 rear tires. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ITALDESIGN] | TOP SPEED | SUPERCARS.NET]

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Nissan's wedge-shaped car design of the 1970s

The wedge-shaped designs of concept cars seem to have become a trend in the 1960s to the 1970s. This we can see in many concept car designs that were present at that time. And one of them is the Nissan 126X concept.

1970 Nissan 126X concept has to be one of the all-time classic concept cars. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2LqdOBY)

This concept car made of 1970 has to be one of the all-time classic concept cars. It's first displayed in public at the 1970 Tokyo Motorshow, the 126X had striking styling and many novel features. One such feature was a series of colored lights that were fitted into the louvered center rib on the front of the car. 

1970 Nissan 126X Concept has a series of colored lights that were fitted into the louvered center rib on the front of the car. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2LqdOBY)

The red, amber and green lights illuminated in series depending on whether the car was accelerating, cruising or braking in order to allow other road users, especially pedestrians, to gauge the vehicles approach.

1970 Nissan 126X concept featured a rear-mounted 3-litre 6 cylinder power plant and 4-wheel drive. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3cuQ7of)

The 126X had a wedge-shaped design with a forward-tilting cockpit canopy. The slots along the hood's center housed red, yellow, and green lights which lit up in accordance with what the vehicle was doing (accelerating, braking, or constant speed). The vehicle featured a rear-mounted 3-litre 6 cylinder power plant and 4-wheel drive.

The car's styling was as dramatic from the rear as it is from the front. The 126X was modeled by Lesney Products in their Superfast range as it was by Aguti Toy of Argentina and SZE of China. The original 126X concept still exists and was recently used in a Nissan Design exhibition in Japan. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSTYLING]

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Lambo Bravo concept never ever been built

During the 1970s, the Lamborghini was looking for a car design that would replace its old-model, Lamborghini Urraco (which means 'little bull'). The aim is to produce cars that have competitive prices and can be produced in larger quantities.

1974 Lamborghini Bertone Bravo with chassis no. #46.01 which is fully functional has been test-driven for over 270,000 km (168,000 miles). (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2zU9Vmh)

One of the car designs made for this purpose is the Lamborghini Bravo. It was a concept car designed by Marcello Gandini at Bertone for Lamborghini. It was presented for the first time at the 1974 Turin Motor Show, the Lamborghini Bravo was intended to be a two-seater V8 engined companion to the Urraco 2+2.

1974 Lamborghini Bertone Bravo with chassis no. #46.01 prior "refreshment," on its last day while displayed at the Bertone Museum. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2zU9Vmh)

The car was never put into the Lambo's production lines because of the raging bull-logoed company's financial problems at that time. The car which was only made 2 units has many styling features inspired by the Countach model, including the angle and window arrangement features, but the interior is never more than what is hardly needed to operate a vehicle.

These prototypes were made fully functional like a car in general by sitting atop a shortened P300 Urraco chassis and carrying a mid-mounted 3.08-liter V8 DOHC engine that is capable of producing power of 300 hp (224 kW) mated with a 5-speed gearbox to drive the rear wheels. Noted, those cars have run nearly 168,000 miles (270,000 km) of various testings before being placed in the Bertone museum.

1974 Lamborghini Bertone Bravo with chassis no. #46.01 after "refreshment" as presented at the auction. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2zU9Vmh)

The Lamborghini Bravo with the chassis number of "#46.01" (originally painted in gold, then repainted in white) was sold at an auction at the Villa d'Este (Italy) on May 21, 2011, with the highest bid price of €588,000 (approx the US. $825,400) which was part of Bertone Museum asset liquidation ordered by Italian Bankruptcy court.

Before being offered and sold at the auction, the car was the only "fresh" Bravo of the Bertone Museum has, because another unit, the car with the chassis number "#46.02" (painted in green) was not intact due to been used for the crash test in 1976.

1974 Lamborghini Bertone Bravo with chassis no. #46.02 had been used for the crash test in 1976. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2zU9Vmh)

The refreshment of the Bravo with chassis no. "#46.01" consisted of new upholstery of the Alcantara interior and new paint of white pearl color with several coats of clear. While the original Stewart-Warner Gauges were also replaced with new units.

1974 Lamborghini Bravo with chassis no. #46.01 shown with 1987 X1/9s at Bertone Design Studio after "measurement session". (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2zU9Vmh)

In December 1987 at the insistence of Miro Kefurt of M.I.K Automotive, Inc. of North Hollywood, California USA, who at that time was the Number One dealer for Bertone in the USA, the Bravo almost saw a production as a companion version to the Bertone X1/9, utilizing the same powertrain, but with mechanical supercharger.
But unfortunately "Project 1" had to stop when Fiat announced that the power unit (engine and transmission system) which was planned to be installed in the US version of Bertone X1/9 will be discontinued in 1988. Once again the Bravo failed to see the daylight. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SYNLUBE]

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Unique Ford Thunderbird 'Italien' concept

Even the Americans seemed enamored by Italian design of the 60s, with all of the Big Three at the time flirting with lines penned from storied Italian design-houses like Ghia and Pininfarina.

While Chrysler enlisted Ghia for a number of limited-edition models, Ford decided to have a go at penning an Italian-inspired swoopy coupe themselves. The notion of a fastback Thunderbird had been floating around for some time, with a number of sketches being penned before the final design and construction.

1963 Ford Thunderbird 'Italien Concept Car' heavily inspired by Italian design and done by its own team. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2SzPvFI)

Initially, the Ford Thunderbird 'Italien Concept Car' was a styling study from Ford's Thunderbird styling department who actually built of the plywood bucked over which they sculpted the clay model of the roof in their own studios. Construction was done at Ford outsourcing contractor DTS where many other concept cars were built.

1963 Ford Thunderbird 'Italien Concept Car' appeared with a unique fastback roof and made of fiberglass and then chrome plated. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2SzPvFI)

The result was this gorgeous ’63 Thunderbird ‘Italien’ concept car with a unique fastback roof. Heavily inspired by Italian design, through a concertedly American lens; the car featured the much-loved 390FE V8 with the unique M code T-Bird tri-power carburetor setup.

1963 Ford Thunderbird 'Italien Concept Car' beautified with an interior that is entirely covered with red genuine-leather to matches the exterior appearance which is painted in the same color. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2SzPvFI)

According to documents from 1965, the space-age fastback should be scrapped, like many other show cars in the time. However, the car was sold then quickly sold again to movie and TV actor Dale Robertson. An he kept the car in Southern California for a short time before he gifted it to his gardener, William Warner, who owned it for several years before selling it to an Insurance Salesman named Joe Navaro in 1974.

Navaro repainted it metallic blue and drove it around LA for work. A noted Ford Collector, Don Chambers, recognized the car and tried to buy it for years. Navaro was steadfast but Chambers eventually acquired the vehicle, registering it in 1989. By this time, the car had degraded after years in the sun. Chambers held on to the car until 2005 when he sold it due to health reasons.

1963 Ford Thunderbird 'Italien Concept Car' featured the 390FE V8 with the unique M code T-Bird tri-power carburetor setup. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2SzPvFI)

The car’s savior came in the form of Tom Maruska, a noted ‘Bullet Bird’ specialist who had already had 15 restorations under his belt. Maruska is also a noted restorer of rare concept cars; with the Mercury XM-800 concept already under his belt, and the Mercury Turnpike concept still in the works.

Maruska traveled to LA from his home in Duluth Minnesota; struck a deal and shipped the car back to his shop in February 2006. The body was largely undamaged and rust-free thanks to a life in Southern California. It was mostly complete save for some of the molding which Maruska tracks down to a Los Angeles body shop.

1963 Ford Thunderbird 'Italien Concept Car' had 72 coats of paint that required six applications of aircraft stripper to get down to the metal and fiberglass; all trim was restored. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2SzPvFI)

Maruska stated that: "the story goes that somewhere in the past, the piece was removed by a repairman and kept as collateral because the owner at the time, most likely Dale Robertson’s gardener, didn’t have the funds available to pay for the repairs".

The rare and unique piece of molding was made of fiberglass and then chrome plated; the owner of the LA shop wanted US$10,000 for it, so Marsuka passed and instead recreated his own exacting piece by hand-turning one single piece of metal.

The car had 72 coats of paint that required six applications of aircraft stripper to get down to the metal and fiberglass; all trim was restored, with Maruska reupholstering the vehicle by hand. The Plexiglass rear and quarter windows were restored by a specialist and every nut and bolt was returned to better-than-factory condition. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MECUM | TRADEUNIQUECARS]

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An unconventional styling experiment of Bertone on the Ferrari 308 GT4

At that time, after more than 15 years of designing and developing the cars from other brands, and through the Ferrari 308 GT Rainbow was a sign of the return of Bertone, a famous Italian coachbuilder to design the Ferrari's.

1976 Ferrari 308 GT Rainbow concept built on the Ferrari 308 GT4 chassis by Bertone. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/35Megnu)

While previously the design of the Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 car has been known to represent a mixture of calmness and tradition from the Maranello-based premium car manufacturer, the design of the Ferrari Rainbow seemed to imply an experimental styling that was far from conventional.

1976 Ferrari 308 GT Rainbow concept is known is the first Ferrari's mid-engined sports car with a retractable hard-top. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/35Megnu)

In fact, this model is reportedly not intended to be produced in general, therefore Bertone is able to interpret its design themes without obstacles but still adhere to the vehicle's functionality.

In construction, Rainbow uses the same chassis as the Ferrari 308 GT4 combined with a 3.0-liter V8 engine that is believed to be capable of producing power of 250 horsepower. And by the chassis cutting as long as a 10 cm, giving a compact and aggressive look to the Rainbow figure.

Intrerior view of 1976 Ferrari 308 GT Rainbow concept. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/35Megnu)

The Ferrari 308 GT Rainbow prototype was introduced for the first time at the 1976 Turin Motor Show, which immediately highlighted the uniqueness of its design with for the first time the Ferrari's engine mechanism mounted in the middle, precisely behind the driver's seat.

1976 Ferrari 308 GT Rainbow concept could be said to represent a form of the Italian automotive industry's self-confidence. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/35Megnu)

In addition, Rainbow also displays a distinctive exterior design with a boxy shape, which unfortunately is not commonly seen in 1976 (but later became a kind of trend starting in the early 1980s).

However, the design of the Ferrari Rainbow could be said to represent a form of the Italian automotive industry's self-confidence, in the period of automotive history, as it is known that Italy is favored by its experimental style on a variety of new 'bold' design concepts.

Currently, the existence of the Ferrari Rainbow prototype is believed in the Bertone museum in Italy, after it was almost auctioned by the RM Auctions at the Villa d'Este event held in March 2011 ago. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSTYLING]

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Calà, a Lambo that has never saw the light of day

In the late 1980s and towards the 1990s, Lamborghini was incessantly looking for designs that would replace their old model Jalpa. The aim is to produce cars that have competitive prices and can be produced in larger quantities.

Lamborghini Calà concept was built on the previous Gandini-styled P140 prototype by Italdesign. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2WrtCJZ)

Then in 1989, the design of the car was given the code name Lamborghini P140 was born. A few years later, Bertone's concept car inspired another Italian coachbuilder named ItalDesign to build a new body for the model but with a softer design called the Lamborghini Calà. Yes, Calà was built on the previous Gandini-styled P140 prototype.

Interior view of Lamborghini Calà prototype by Italdesign. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2KVDDcX)

Cal Lamborghini (also known as Cal Italdesign) is a concept car designed for Lamborghini by Italdesign. It was first shown at the Geneva Motor Show 1995. It was a fully functional prototype that was never successfully produced. The name comes from the Piedmont dialect in northern Italy and means "look, there!"

Calà was imagined by Italdesign to meet Lamborghini's needs for Jalpa's replacement, which stopped production in 1988 at the request of the then owner of the company, Chrysler. When Chrysler sold Lamborghini to an Indonesian firm, Megatech in 1994😯, Cala's design began to take shape, but when Megatech sold Lamborghini to the Volkswagen Group in 1998, the concept was canceled. Finally, Jalpa is replaced in 2003 by Gallardo that said to use the principles of Calà as inspiration.

Lamborghini Calà concept is powered by a mid-mounted V10 engine, which produces a maximum power output of 400 PS and mated to a 6-speed manual transmission that drives the rear wheels. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2WrtCJZ)

Calà is powered by a mid-mounted V10 engine, which produces a maximum power output of 400 PS (294 kW; 395 hp). It is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission that drives the rear wheels, with an aluminum chassis and a handmade carbon-fiber body. Just one Calà was ever made and shown as a concept car at the 1995 Geneva International Motor Show😭, and it’s long since been forgotten by just about everyone.

Its exterior appearance is seen borrowing elements from several other Lamborghini iconic production vehicles, such as the headlamps from Miura and the Countach's widescreen. The highest speed is estimated at 291 kph (181 mph), while the acceleration time of 0–97 kph (0–60 mph) is under 5 seconds. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOTRADER]
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A gorgeous Diva concept of Alfa Romeo

It is undeniable that many beautiful cars are produced by Alfa Romeo, one of the leading Italian automotive manufacturers that attracts the attention of the world's automotive enthusiasts. You could be remembered the most beautiful car ever made by this manufacturer named Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale is known also the most sought classic cars in the world.

2006 Alfa Romeo Diva Concept displayed at the 2006 Geneva International Motor Show. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2yrsI89)

And a beautiful car species was re-born by this manufacturer and named Alfa Romeo Diva Concept which was revealed at the 2006 Geneva International Motor Show. This beautiful car was developed in a joint effort between the Fiat Auto’s R&D arm Elasis, the Alfa Romeo’s Centro Stile, and Franco Sbarro’s famous Espera automotive design. It was also built to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Espera design school.

2006 Alfa Romeo Diva Concept used a 3.6-liter 'Busso' V6 engine mated with a semi-automatic Selespeed gearbox, which features six forward speeds and a paddle-shift feature mounted on the steering column. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2yrsI89)

The Diva Concept was built on an Alfa Romeo 159 chassis, and beneath that curvaceous body, panels were a heavily modified 159 chassis reinforced with carbon-fiber, suspension, and brake systems that were electronically adjustable and a 3.6-liter 'Busso' V6 engine. 

2006 Alfa Romeo Diva Concept had a minimalist interior and good power to weight ratio actually puts it somewhere in the Lotus Elise category. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2yrsI89)

And thanks to a clever new exhaust system and a semi-automatic Selespeed gearbox, which features six forward speeds and a paddle-shift feature mounted on the steering column made the engine developed the power of 290 horsepower and propelled the car from 0–60 mph in five seconds, which said is more than enough for a 1,100 kg weighted car.

2006 Alfa Romeo Diva Concept also featured a clever new exhaust system and made the engine developed a power of 290 horsepower and propelled the car from 0–60 mph in five seconds. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2yrsI89)

While its exterior appearance is brought the typical Alfa Romeo front grille for the nose. The car’s overall look and feel were influenced by the iconic Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale which can be said as the modern presentation of the legendary car.

The car looks nice and purposeful squat, those small but voluminous proportions and the butterfly doors whose windows fold into the roof. Described as having a ‘Formula 1 edge’ when new, the chiseled double-decker front diffuser looks to us a bit like the snout of the Boano-designed Alfa Romeo 750 Competizione of the 1955.

The Alfa Romeo Diva Concept’s lightweight, minimalist interior and good power to weight ratio actually puts it somewhere in the Lotus Elise category. But the boys from Lotus should not worry as the Diva never went into the production line. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ALFA ROMEO | PAULTAN | CLASSICDRIVER]

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The 1950s space age car prototype of Packard

Unique ONES - Indeed, if we talk about the beautiful cars that have been made by world car manufacturers, it will never end. Especially if the car bears the big name of an American automotive manufacturer and is supported by a beautiful touch of Italian automotive designers It seems like it has become a guarantee, that the car will succeed in attracting the world's automotive enthusiasts.

1956 Packard Predictor concept was known as a collaboration result between Packard Motor Car Company with Carrozzeria Ghia. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)

This can be seen in the figure of the Packard Predictor concept car which is a four-seat concept car was known as a collaboration result between Packard Motor Car Company, an American automotive manufacturer with Carrozzeria Ghia, a well-known Italian coachbuilder. This concept car was designed by designer Richard Teague and built by the Turin-based coachbuilder, under the supervision of Packard design chief Bill Schmidt in mid-1956.

1956 Packard Predictor concept debuted at the 1956 Chicago Auto Show. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

The Predictor concept car is built on a Clipper chassis that is extended to 222 inches, with a width of 85 inches, height 54.125 inches, and weighs 2,721 kg. It has an exterior appearance inspired by the spacecraft that was popular at that time and has also inspired many other four-wheeled vehicles. Then this futuristic concept car is also powered by a 352 cubic inch OHV V8 engine, which is capable of producing 260 hp of power and 380 lbs.ft of torque.

1956 Packard Predictor concept sat on display at the Studebaker National Museum in South Bend, Indiana, United States. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

And the Packard Predictor also has various advanced features of its time, including curved-designed windshields that cover the front to the sides, recessed headlights, terraced fenders with hood and rear deck, with a curved, box body. In addition, Predictor also featured retractable panels for its roofs and rear windows.

The wheel steering and dashboard view of the 1956 Packard Predictor concept. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)

Whereas in the interior, the Predictor offers all the technological comfort and luxury, by pinning the Packard's push-button Ultramatic transmission, then there's the button panel to open-close the roof, to adjusted and rotated as desired the seat with changeable materials (one side of the leather, while the other made from fabric).

1956 Packard Predictor concept is powered by a 352 cubic inch OHV V8 engine, which is capable of producing 260 hp of power and 380 lbs.ft of torque. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)

Ghia completed the project in an amazing 90 days, just in time for the Predictor to debut at the 1956 Chicago Auto Show. As a result, a perfect and awesome concept car that appeared in a blend of typical styles of an American muscle with Italian elegance.

Although it looked very futuristic and invited the enthusiasm of many people at that time, Packard was unable to bring the Predictor concept into its production line, due to the financial problem befell the Studebaker-merged company a few months before the concept car completed.

Fortunately, the Packard Predictor prototype had been built in advance, so that the real shape can be seen today. Today, this concept car is still in good condition and You can see it on display at the Studebaker National Museum in South Bend, Indiana, United States. *** [EKA [10052020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DEZO'S GARAGE | CONCEPTCARZ ]

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