The 1950s world champion motorcycle

Classic Champion For contemporary motorcycle enthusiasts, it is definitely not so familiar with the NSU brand, or simply called NSU. This German automotive manufacturer has formally name NSU 'Motorenwerke AG,' that produces cars, motorbikes and bicycles. This company has existed in the automotive industry since 1873 ago. 

1955 NSU Max series. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/33dgfyp)

Before being taken over by the Volkswagen Group in 1969 (later combined with the Auto Union which is now known as Audi), NSU was noted to have launched a number of motorcycle products that were quite popular in its time. The manufacturer itself began making motorcycles in 1901, followed by car production four years later.

Left side view of 1955 NSU Max series. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/339CRzK)

Of the many motorcycle products that have been born by NSU, one of the models that will not be timeless is the NSU Max model. This motorbike was first built in 1951. Until the end of production in 1956, NSU recorded successfully producing Max models of 96,373 units. Sufficient evidence shows how the best-selling motorcycle at this time.

Right side view of 1955 NSU Max series. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/33cQMVJ)

Like the old motorbike in the 1950s, the NSU Max carries a very unique and very retro design. This motorbike comes with a round headlamp, a medium-sized fuel tank, a separate seat model with a "swinging" front seat, bamboo exhaust, and artificial front and rear suspension which both apply the concept of outside hydro shock absorber.

While for the drivetrain, the German company equipped the motorbike with an air/oil cooled 4-stroke OHC, single cylinder engine, with a capacity of 247cc. With this engine, the NSU Max is said to be capable of spitting out power of 11 kW at 6,500 rpm and a top speed of 126 km per hour. With exceptional performance, this motorbike even won the MotoGP event in 1955 when it was ridden by Paul Herman Muller.

Because it includes an old vintage motorcycle, it's no surprise that the NSU Max product is now offered at a high enough price. How much the price of this vintage motorcycle? Today its value around US. $3,850 or approx Rp.54 millions. Pretty much expensive motorcycle, isn't it?

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA [25112019] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ]

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Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé

Rare ONES - This beautiful Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing classic car made by the German manufacturer is indeed well known for one of its unique features, namely the gull-wing-style door. So it's not surprising that after that so many cars came to apply the door model like that.

The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR 'Uhlenhaut Coupé' sat on display at the Mercedes-Benz museum in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

Not long after that Mercedes-Benz is launched a car looks similar to the legendary car figure. However, when compared to its sibling, the unique car which later bears the name of Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Coupé is made by the German car manufacturer in such a way with an aerodynamic racing car design and very exclusive only 2 units.

The road legal version of the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR race car posed along with Rudolf Uhlenhaut. (Picture from: Carlassic)

Indeed this classic car is very rare and valuable, and was made specifically for racing track purposed only. Besides applying the phenomenal gullwing-styled doors, its aerodynamic design also looks extraordinary. Unfortunately, the Mercedes 300 SLR Coupé with all-buttons and  its manual transmission never hit any the race tracks when it was completed to build in the 1950s.

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR 'Uhlenhaut Coupé' powered by Mercedes-Benz M 196 S 2,982 cc straight 8 naturally aspirated front mid capable of approaching 290 kph (180 mph). (Picture from: Carlassic)

And if that happens, the car is predicted to easily continue its predecessor winning streaks and become an unrivaled roadster. Because the Mercedes 300 SLR Coupé never went to official races, Mercedes-Benz's motorsports chief, Rudolf Uhlenhaut keeping it as his daily personal commuter vehicle. So no wonder the car has another name of the Mercedes-Benz Uhlenhaut Coupé.

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR (W 196 S) was a 2-seat sports racer that took part in the 1955 World Sportscar Championship. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

Well previously the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR was best known as a roadster (not a coupe model) and had dominated racing in the 1950s era. The most famous Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR won the 1955 Mille Miglia with Sir Stirling Moss behind the wheel. At the 900-mile (1,448-kilometer) racing event of the Italian Peninsula, Moss and his Mercedes 300 SLR set a new average speed record for the race, namely, averaging 97.96 mph (157.6 kph).

Unfortunately all the racing success of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR was overshadowed by the tragedy of the 24-Hours of Le Mans 1955. At that time, there's a Mercedes 300 SLR driven by a private team driver was competing for the lead. But then hit Austin-Healey in the pits straight which was slowed by a Jaguar trying to pit. Debris flew into the stands, killing 83 spectators and injuring more than 180 others.

The Gull-wing doors were a signature feature of the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

The Mercedes 300 SLR's high magnesium content in the bodywork caused the fire to spiral out of control. This accident also prompted other members of the Mercedes 300 SLR team to withdraw from the race. The horrific incident coincided with Mercedes-Benz's decision to withdraw from motor sports arena. This means also the Mercedes 300 SLR Coupé project was dead with only two test vehicles ever built.

At that time one unit was driven daily by Rudolf Uhlenhaut as his private commuter and the others were kept. Today Mercedes-Benz keeps this incredible engine inside the museum in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim as one of their priceless car collection which some experts say has a price ranging from $100 to $300 millions. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | IDMOTOR1 | CARLASSIC ]

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Bandini Dora electric-powered modern barchetta concept

Dora on the Wheels - Bandini's name is closely related to Bandini Automobili is an Italian auto workshop that was founded in 1946. Its founder is Ilario Bandini, a multi-talented man who in addition to designing cars, he also builds and drives his own cars while racing. Because of his expertise, Bandini is also known as a reliable sports car maker. In addition to winning the race in Italy, Bandini also made achievements in the United States racing arena.

The GFG Style Bandini Dora Concept posed along with one of Ilario Bandini's car named the Bandini Sports International 'Saponeta' of 1957. (Picture from: Flickr)

When Ilario Bandini passed away in 1992, his-Bandini Automobili also ceased its activities. In 2002, the city of Forli built a monument in the town square to make a tribute to his achievements in the Italian automotive world. Until now there are 46 cars that have been saved from the 75 units that Bandini had made, 10 of which are in the museum.

The GFG Style Bandini Dora Concept has a touch of exterior design inspired by the Bandini car creation as well as modern sports cars. (Picture from: Flickr)

As quoted of Autocar, under Ilario Bandini's family permition, GFG Style is launched a 2-door sports concept car without a roof, with the name of Bandini Dora in March 2020 to mark the return of the Bandini brand to the world's automotive. This electric car itself was inspired by previous Bandini car models from 1946-1992 and designed by the famous designer, namely Giorgetto Giugiaro with his son Fabrizio whose also known as the founder and owner of the GFG Style auto design firm.

The GFG Style Bandini Dora Concept is a fully electric car, and powered by 2 electric motors to drive its 4-wheels with a total of 400 Kw on its two axles. (Picture from: Flickr)

Previously, Giorgetto Giugiaro was very well known in the automotive design world who had a myriad of works such as the design of the BMW M1, 1972 Lotus Esprit, DMC DeLorean, Alfa Romeo Brera, and many more. And he has also ever been worked at Fiat, Bertone and Ghia, before founded his own design house under the name Italdesign Giugiaro in 1967. In 2010, a 90.1% stake was bought by Lamborghini, a subsidiary of Audi. In 2015, Giorgetto sold the remaining stake to Audi and together with his son Fabrizio left Italdesign. In the same year, they also founded GFG Style.

The GFG Style Bandini Dora Concept manages to envelop the concept of a classic Barchetta in a modern package that doesn’t compromise on safety. (Picture from: Flickr)

And for the Bandini Dora, GFG Style has a touch of exterior design inspired by the cars that Bandini has made as well as modern sports cars. This can be seen in the curved windshield that does not stick to the structure, like sports cars in the 50s. As for passenger safety, the GFG Style is inspired by the “Halo”, a driver protection device for formula cars. This “halo” extends from the front fender of the car, floating above the windshield, to the rear wing of the car. The structure serves as a protection for passengers while happened of an accident.

The GFG Style Bandini Dora Concept has two fully automated scissor doors provide access to the completely 'switchless' cockpit, which is defined by a structural bridge that divides the driver’s area from the passenger's. (Picture from: Flickr)

Like the first Bandini car made in 1946, the Dora also deliberately not having a roof, so that the driver can feel the sensation of driving a classic 50s sports car. But Dora has an unusual door, which is not just a scissor door, but also operates automatically.

In addition to style, the Bandini Dora has specifications that are quite capable as a sports car. Armed with 2 motors with a total power of 400 kW and 680 Nm of torque, this car is able to accelerate from 0-100 kph in 3.3 seconds. The maximum speed is limited at 250 kph. Both motors are placed on the front and rear axles, so the Dora has an All Wheel Drive (AWD) drive system. With a battery capacity of 90 kWh, the Dora can cover a distance of 450 km on a single charge. Unfortunately, there is no information for charging speed yet.

The interior of the Dora's driver's and passenger's sections, split by a structural crossbar that connects the front and rear of the car. Driving positions, such as the location of the steering wheel and pedals, can be adjusted via controls located under the bars of the structure.

This car also has a touch screen on the steering wheel, which allows the driver to easily adjust the infotainment and navigation system. Through the screen, the driver can see the back and sides of the car through the rearview mirror replacement camera. Because the Bandini Dora is still in the concept stage, so there is no certainty about whether its production version will be made, as well as the price. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GFGSTYLE | WORLDLESSTECH | CARSCOOPS ]

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Abarth 1000 Monoposto: The Record-Breaking Speed Icon

Monoposto Stilo - For true connoisseurs of automotive, when traveling in cyberspace and encounter unique figures of motorized vehicles that are not yet well known to the public, always invites an interest to find out more deeply. 

The Abarth 1000 Monoposto da Record "La Principessa" was first debuted at the 42nd Turin Motor Show of 1960. (Picture from: BlackXperience)

And the result of our surfing in cyberspace this time is a unique car composed by Fiat-Abarth known as the Abarth 1000 Monoposto da Record "La Principessa," and the car first debuted at the 42nd Turin Motor Show in 1960. As the name suggests, this Fiat-Abarth car was created for speed and breaking records. In the process of the car building also conducted a series of tests on the wind tunnel owned by Turin Polytechnic. 

The Abarth 1000 Monoposto da Record "La Principessa" was used 4-cylinder Bialbero engine with a capacity of 1.0 liter that is capable of producing power up to 100 bhp. (Picture from: BlackXperience)

This uniquely shaped car has dimensions of 4.56 meters long, 1.55 meters wide and 1.2 meters high with the state-of-the-art aerodynamic body made by Pinin Farina. With its very unique shape that makes it has a drag coefficient of 0.20. That is a pretty impressive number for a car made in the 1960s.

The Abarth 1000 Monoposto da Record "La Principessa" has dimensions of 4.56 meters long, 1.55 meters wide and 1.2 meters high with the state-of-the-art of aerodynamic body made by Pinin Farin. (Picture from: BlackXperience)

While this car able to run fast uses a 4-cylinder Bialbero engine with a capacity of 1.0 liter that is capable of producing power up to 100 bhp. As reported by MoneyInc, this car has successfully recorded eight world records. Two of them are the car managed to cover a distance of 10,000 km with an average speed of 189.92 kph and run continuously for 72 hours with a speed of 185.6 kph.

Now, this car has been resting in peace and sitting relaxed in the Autoclassic Italy showroom. And the latest news is that the unique car was again offered to the public through Gooding & Company without any restoration at all in 2016. Although there is no official price, this car is expected to be more than £1,000,000, or above Rp19 billion. *** [EKA [06032020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MONEYINC | GOODING&COMPANY ]

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The Catamaran Racer: The Story of the OSI Silver Fox

Design Odyssey - In the world of design, inspiration often comes from the most unexpected places. From the curve of a seashell to the wings of a bird, engineers and artists alike have long borrowed ideas from nature to craft something extraordinary. But among all those moments when imagination met mechanics, few stories are as daring—or as visually striking—as that of a racing car that looked more like a sleek catamaran slicing through the ocean than a machine meant to conquer the racetrack. Its name was the OSI Silver Fox, a creation that turned heads, challenged conventions, and remains one of the most fascinating experiments in automotive history.

The 1967 OSI Silver Fox racing car prototype built by Officina Stampaggio Industriale SpA. (OSI) in 1967 to compete the 24 Hours of Le Mans. (Picture from: OldConceptCars)

Born in Italy during the restless 1960s—a decade when speed, style, and innovation were all running at full throttle—the OSI Silver Fox was the brainchild of Officina Stampaggio Industriale SpA, better known simply as OSI. The company, known for its bold spirit and willingness to venture beyond the familiar, decided to bring to life a radical idea proposed by one of Italy’s most inventive minds: Piero Taruffi. Taruffi, a seasoned racer and engineer, had long been obsessed with aerodynamics and had previously toyed with the concept of twin-hulled cars. His earlier experiments, such as the 1953 Pegaso Z-102 “Bisiluro” and the 1955 Bisiluro Damolnar, hinted at his belief that car design could borrow principles from the nautical world.

The OSI Silver Fox, a 1967 racing car prototype built by Officina Stampaggio Industriale SpA (OSI), features a narrow central cabin positioned between its twin slender hulls, giving the driver a cockpit-like view that emphasizes the car’s unique catamaran-inspired layout. (Picture from: Carscoops)

By 1967, Taruffi’s dream took on a tangible form through OSI’s talented designer Sergio Sartorelli, who translated the catamaran-inspired vision into sketches that looked like something out of science fiction. The Silver Fox made its first public appearance at the Turin Motor Show that same year, leaving the crowd both puzzled and mesmerized. Its split-body design—essentially two slim fuselages connected by a central cockpit—was unlike anything else on four wheels. The layout wasn’t just about looks; it was a calculated experiment in airflow management, intended to minimize drag and boost stability at high speeds.

The 1967 OSI Silver Fox inspired by Tarf Bisiluro racing car is designed, built and piloted by Piero Taruffi, the Italian driver who won the Mille Miglia in 1957. (Picture from: OldConceptCars)

At its core, the Silver Fox was a technical curiosity. Beneath its unconventional silhouette sat a modest but efficient 1,000cc Renault-Alpine four-cylinder engine, positioned behind the left seat. Across from it, in the right hull, was space for the spare wheel and supporting mechanical components. The central void between the two halves wasn’t wasted space either—it housed a trio of aerodynamic wings, each serving a different purpose. The front wing helped keep the car planted on the track, the middle wing stabilized airflow during motion, and the rear one incorporated braking mechanisms. Together, they formed a symphony of balance, precision, and creativity, proving that beauty in engineering often lies in the details unseen by the casual observer.

The OSI Silver Fox racing car prototype has a strange body-shaped that resembled more to a nautical vehicle was introduced to the 1967 Turin Motorshow. (Picture from: Carscoops)

What made the OSI Silver Fox so intriguing wasn’t only its design, but also the boldness of its ambition. The car wasn’t built as a showpiece; it was intended to compete in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans, one of the most grueling and prestigious endurance races in the world. OSI envisioned it as their statement to the automotive world—a symbol of Italian ingenuity and a potential game-changer on the international racing stage.  

The 1967 OSI Silver Fox racing car prototype has a strange body-shaped that resemble more to a nautical vehicle and featured three wing-shaped to furnish an aerodynamic support. (Picture from: OldConceptCars)

To prepare for this challenge, a prototype was tested in the wind tunnel of the Polytechnic University of Turin in mid-1966, where engineers fine-tuned its shape for optimal aerodynamic performance. Everything pointed toward a future where the Silver Fox might rewrite racing norms. Yet, fate had other plans. Just as momentum was building, OSI faced financial troubles that cut the project short. By the end of 1968, the company was bankrupt, and the Silver Fox—this daring embodiment of creativity and courage—never got the chance to roar down the Le Mans circuit. 

The 1967 OSI Silver Fox racing car prototype was equipped by a Renault Alpine engine to four cylinders of 1000 cc., positioned behind the seats on the left side. (Picture from: Mad4Wheels)

What remained was a single, haunting question whispered among enthusiasts and historians: where did the Silver Fox go? According one credible source, the car is in private ownership (it had been noted in earlier accounts as belonging to French racing driver Paul‑Émile Bessade) and was brought out for display and even demonstration runs. Currently, it appeared at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on Lake Como, Italy in May 2025.

Today, the OSI Silver Fox is remembered less as a failed racer and more as a timeless symbol of visionary thinking. In an era obsessed with uniformity and mass production, it reminds us that true innovation often lives at the edges of imagination—where cars can look like boats, and where function dares to flirt with art. It’s a story that continues to resonate, not just because of what the Silver Fox achieved, but because of what it tried to be: a fearless experiment born from the belief that speed could take on any shape, even that of a catamaran on wheels. *** [EKA [08092020][07032022] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSTYLING.RU | THEPETROLSHOP.COM | OLDCONCEPTCARS | MAD4WHEELS | CARSCOOPS | AUTOEVOLUTION ]

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Alfa Romeo Sprint Zagato

Weird ONES During the 90s, the Alfa Romeo Sprint Zagato (SZ) was only known by connoisseurs and people from the industry. It didn't get much attention and people that knew it was very critical. Mainly because of the looks. 

The Alfa Romeo Sprint Zagato (SZ) was renowned for three things: exotic design, superb handling, and remarkable drivability. These qualities made its owners proud and satisfied. Being a limited edition with only 1,036 units ever built also helped to raise its classic car status today.

1990 Alfa Romeo Sprint Zagato (SZ) is a collaboration result of Alfa Romeo Centro Stile and Zagato. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3gummGn)

But also because the performance wasn't very impressive compared to its competition. However, with time passing by and taste and opinions evolving, more and more people have caught themselves liking the design for different reasons which has caused a significant rise in the model's value. 

1990 Alfa Romeo Sprint Zagato (SZ) is a rear-wheel-drive motor vehicle, with its motor placed in the front, and a 2 door coupé. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3gummGn)

It was the last real crazy design, except some very rare models such as the 8C or the Disco Volante. It had one of the best sounding V6s ever produced by Alfa Romeo and a very good weight distribution combined with the use of modern materials back then. The interior just was the cherry on top.The car presented here has an excellent and complete history, has been generously maintained, and just got a fresh service and interior/exterior detail to give the Rosso Alfa paint the glow it deserves.

1990 Alfa Romeo Sprint Zagato (SZ) is used a single overhead camshaft, 3 liters naturally aspirated 6 cylinder Busso engine. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3gummGn)

The Alfa Romeo SZ is a rear-wheel-drive motor vehicle, with its motor placed in the front, and a 2 door coupé body designed by Alfa Centro Stile. Power is supplied by a single overhead camshaft, 3 liters naturally aspirated 6 cylinder Busso engine, with 2 valves per cylinder that develop power and torque figures of 207 bhp at 6,200 rpm and 245 N·m at 4,500 rpm respectively.

The engine delivers its power through to the wheels by means of a 5-speed manual transmission. Quoted weight of 1,256 kg only. It is said to be able to achieve a top speed of 245 kph. *** [EKA[29052020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ZAGATO CARS | CARFOLIO | CLASSIC DRIVER | AUTOZINE]

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