Forgotten ONES - In the annals of automotive history, few cars capture the imagination quite like the Ford GT70. Born from an era of fierce competition and relentless innovation, the GT70 stands out not just for its performance but for its design. A unique and sometimes overlooked chapter in Ford's history, the GT70's transformation under the guidance of Filippo Sapino at the Ford Design Europe studio in Turin, realized by the newly acquired Carrozzeria Ghia (acquired by Ford in 1970), called Ford GT70 Torino Concept showcases a blend of engineering prowess and aesthetic brilliance.
The Ford GT70 Torino Concept, crafted as a showcase vehicle in 1971, utilizes the chassis from the 6th 1970 Ford GT70 racer. (Picture from: ArchivioPrototipi)
This remarkable car emerged from Ford's ambitious attempt to dominate the World Rally Championship, embodying the company's dedication to pushing boundaries in both function and form. As we all know, in 1970, Ford embarked on a mission to create a rally car that could compete with the best in the field, including formidable opponents like the Porsche 911 S Coupé and the Renault Alpine A110 1600.
The initial design of the GT70 featured a mid-engine layout and rear-wheel drive, crafted by Ercole Spada and developed by Len Bailey, a key figure behind the iconic Ford GT40. The car crafted only six units, initially powered by a 2.6-liter V6 Colonia engine from the Ford Capri RS2600, producing an impressive 240 horsepower.
Here is a press sketch of the Ford GT70 Torino Concept by Filippo Sapino. (Picture from: CarDesignArchive)
However, the journey of the GT70 was fraught with challenges. The car struggled with chassis rigidity, a high center of gravity, and a cramped cockpit, which hampered its performance in the grueling conditions of rally racing. Despite these issues, Ford remained committed to refining the GT70, experimenting with different configurations, including replacing the heavy V6 engine with a lighter Cosworth BDA inline-four engine. These modifications aimed to improve the car's balance and handling, crucial for success in rallying.
The Ford GT70 Torino Concept debuted a blend of performance and elegance at the 1971 Turin Motor Show.(Picture from: ArchivioPrototipi)
Amidst these developments, the design of the GT70 caught the eye of Filippo Sapino, a talented designer at Ford Design Europe. Sapino's vision for the GT70 was to transform it from a pure rally car into a concept that showcased both performance and elegance. This vision culminated in a one-off concept car that was unveiled at the 1971 Turin Motor Show. The Ford GT70 Torino Concept designed by Filippo Sapino was built based on the sixth 1970 Ford GT70 racer, making it a unique blend of rally heritage and innovative design.
Filippo Sapino, an adept designer at Ford Design Europe, envisioned transforming the GT70 from a rally car into a concept highlighting both performance and elegance. (Picture from: ArchivioPrototipi)
Sapino's design for the GT70 concept was nothing short of revolutionary. He envisioned an angular and sleek body that exuded a sense of modernity and sophistication. The car featured a distinctive flat decklid and faux fastback buttresses, creating a streamlined profile that was both aggressive and refined. Alloy wheels from the Ford RS2000 complemented the design, adding to its sporty and dynamic appearance.
The interior of the GT70 Torino Concept reflected the practical needs of rally drivers while incorporating elements of luxury and comfort. (Picture from: Carstylingru)
Underneath its stunning exterior, the GT70 Torino Concept retained the core elements that made it a formidable rally car. The chassis was designed to offer a balance between weight and rigidity, by using components from existing Ford models like the Taunus and Cortina. The brakes, sourced from the Mark IV Zephyr, ensured reliable stopping power, essential for high-speed racing.
The inclusion of alloy wheels from the Ford RS2000 enhanced the sporty and dynamic appearance of the Ford GT70 Torino Concept design. (Picture from: ArchivioPrototipi)
The interior of the GT70 Torino Concept reflected the practical needs of rally drivers while incorporating elements of luxury and comfort. The simple cockpit, developed with input from renowned rally drivers like Roger Clark, Hannu Mikkola, and Timo Makinen, was designed to provide maximum functionality. Despite the focus on practicality, Sapino infused the interior with touches of elegance, making it a pleasant space for both racing and regular driving.
The
Ford GT70 Torino Concept featured a distinctive flat decklid and faux
fastback buttresses, creating a streamlined profile that was both
aggressive and refined. (Picture from: ArchivioPrototipi)
The 1971 Turin Motor Show debut of the GT70 Concept was a moment of pride for Ford and a highlight of Sapino's career. The car drew significant attention for its bold design and innovative features, standing out in a sea of automotive marvels. It represented Ford's ability to push the boundaries of design and engineering, merging the worlds of high-performance rallying and stylish road cars.
The Ford GT70 Torino Concept's chassis was designed to offer a balance between weight and rigidity, by using components from existing Ford models like the Taunus and Cortina. (Picture from: Carstylingru)
While the GT70 project ultimately did not achieve the racing success Ford had hoped for, the concept designed by Filippo Sapino left a lasting legacy. It showcased the potential of combining advanced engineering with cutting-edge design, inspiring future generations of automotive designers and engineers.
The Ford GT70 Torino Concept, powered by a lighter Cosworth BDA inline-four engine and equipped with brakes sourced from the Mark IV Zephyr, ensured reliable stopping power crucial for high-speed racing.(Picture from: Carstylingru)
The story of the 1971 Ford GT70 Torino Concept designed by Filippo Sapino is a testament to the power of vision and creativity in the automotive industry. It highlights how a car, initially conceived for the rough and tumble world of rally racing, can be transformed into a design icon. Today, the GT70 Concept remains a cherished piece of Ford's history, a symbol of the company's innovative spirit and dedication to excellence. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOEVOLUTION | SECRET-CLASSICS | WIKIPEDIA | LOTUSESPRITTURBO | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | ARCHIVIOPROTOTIPI | CARSTYLING.RU | CARDESIGNARCHIVE | STORY-CARS ]
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Once UponA Time - It began with curiosity about the car pictured below, rumored to be a Puma kit car, but to this day, its exact identity remains unknown. Any idea, what car is this? Regardless, as we all know, Italy, renowned for its culinary delights, hospitality, and stunning landscapes, also boasts a rich history in the automotive industry, particularly known for its exotic cars.
It began with curiosity about this car, rumored to be a Puma kit car, but to this day, its exact identity remains unknown.(Picture from: Autopuzzles)
The LEGEND - Explore the iconic Chevrolet El Camino – a fusion of car and truck that left an indelible mark on automotive history. This comprehensive guide covers its evolution, innovative design, cultural impact, and enduring legacy. "El Camino," translating to "The Way" in Spanish, perfectly encapsulates its unique role in automotive history.
The first-generation Chevrolet El Camino, exemplified by the 1959 model, was produced from 1959 to 1960 and combined the style of a passenger car with the cargo capacity of a pickup.(Picture from: SportsCarMarket)
These vehicles, produced from 1959-60 and again from 1964-87, fused the practicality of a pickup truck with the comfort and style of a passenger car. This hybrid design, combined with the high-performance muscle offered by the Super Sport package, made the El Camino a beloved icon in the automotive world.
The 1959 Chevrolet El Camino stood out for its extravagant design, featuring elements from the Brookwood station wagon. (Picture from: TheClassicCarsJournal)
The concept of a car-based pickup truck dates back to the 1920s with the American roadster utility. The coupe utility with a fixed roof emerged in 1932, designed by Ford’s Lew Bandt for an Australian farmer. The idea was to merge comfort with utility, a trend that continued to evolve. By 1952, GM's Harley Earl had proposed a similar concept, eventually leading to the introduction of the Chevrolet Cameo Carrier in 1955, a precursor to the El Camino with its passenger car aesthetics and luxurious interior.
The second-generation Chevrolet El Camino, exemplified by the 1964 model, was produced from 1964 to 1967. It reemerged amidst the muscle car era after the first generation was discontinued in 1960, adapting to the Chevelle platform. (Picture from: BringATrailer)
Ford's 1957 Ranchero was the first true American car-based truck, selling over 21,000 units and establishing a new market segment. GM responded with the El Camino in 1958, launching it for the 1959 model year. This new vehicle combined the style of a passenger car with the cargo capacity of a pickup, featuring a sleek "slimline" design that quickly gained popularity, especially among suburbanites who needed a vehicle that was both stylish and functional. The first El Camino surpassed the Ranchero's initial sales, with 22,246 units sold in its debut year.
The 1964 Chevrolet El Camino introduced the high-performance Super Sport variant, which featured powerful engines, including the iconic 454 V8. (Picture from: GAAClassicCars)
Despite its initial success, the El Camino faced challenges due to economic downturns and a shift in consumer preferences towards smaller cars, leading to the discontinuation of the first generation in 1960. However, it was revived in 1964, amidst the muscle car era, and adapted to the Chevelle platform. This 2nd generation introduced the high-performance Super Sport variant, which featured powerful engines, including the iconic 454 V8.
The third-generation Chevrolet El Camino, exemplified by the 1970 SS model, was produced from 1968 to 1972 and saw the introduction of the Super Sport model, appealing to muscle car enthusiasts with its powerful engines and sporty design. (Picture from: MuscleCar.uk)
Throughout its production, the El Camino underwent several design changes, reflecting the trends and demands of each era. The 3rd generation (1968-1972) saw the introduction of the Super Sport model, appealing to muscle car enthusiasts with its powerful engines and sporty design. The energy crisis of the 1970s and subsequent regulations led to reduced performance in later models, but the El Camino continued to be a versatile and beloved vehicle.
The 1970 Chevrolet El Camino SS 454 LS6 equipped with a V8 engine which has a very large block, so it can produce up to 450 horsepower and makes this car the fastest car of all time. (Picture from: Money.id)
The fourth generation (1973-1977) saw the El Camino grow in size and weight, which affected its performance. The fifth generation (1978-1987) introduced V6 engines and various trim options, maintaining its appeal despite the changing automotive landscape. Models like the Black Knight and Royal Knight kept the El Camino relevant to its fanbase.
The fourth-generation Chevrolet El Camino, exemplified by the 1973 SS model,
was produced from 1973 to 1977 and grow in size and weight, which affected its performance. (Picture from: GRAutoGallery)
Performance-wise, the El Camino was a formidable contender. Hot Rod magazine's test of the 1959 El Camino with a 348cid V8 engine showcased its impressive capabilities, achieving 0-60 mph in just 7 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph. Despite criticism of its suspension, the El Camino's blend of utility and performance made it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
The 1973 Chevrolet El Camino SS was the largest El Camino generation, and featured with an energy-absorbing hydraulic front bumper systems on these vehicles added more weight. (Picture from: GRAutoGallery)
Owners of the El Camino often praised its versatility. Blair Blakeley, an auto restoration business owner, highlighted how the vehicle was ideal for hauling parts while providing a comfortable ride. On forums like Reddit, fans like SweetumsTheMuppet appreciated the El Camino's dual nature, combining muscle car power with the practicality of a truck.
The fifth-generation Chevrolet El Camino, exemplified by the 1978 model,
was produced from 1978 to 1987, adopting the new, more sharp-edged Malibu styling, and a one-inch longer wheelbase of 117.1 in (2,974 mm). (Picture from: Wikipedia)
Comparing the various models, the first-generation El Camino stood out for its extravagant design, featuring elements from the Brookwood station wagon. The second generation's transition to the midsize A-body platform made it more practical and versatile, with the Super Sport variant adding a sporty edge. The third generation's SS-396 model further solidified its place in muscle car history.
The 1978 Chevrolet El Camino, part of the fifth generation, introduced V6 engines and various trim options, maintaining its appeal despite the changing automotive landscape. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
In popular culture, the El Camino gained legendary status. It's not only appeared in the various American popular TV series for years. The vehicle also made appearances in music videos and films, further cementing its iconic status. Even celebrities like Lady Gaga have been known to own El Caminos, reflecting its broad appeal. The El Camino's unique blend of style, performance, and utility has made it a cult classic.
Rare ONES - Among the many classic sportscars ever made, have you ever come across the Marcos Gullwing? While Mercedes' Gullwing may steal the spotlight, Marcos cars possess a distinctive allure in automotive lore. The British company estabilished in 1959 in Dolgellau, North Wales, by Jem Marsh and Frank Costin, Marcos resonates with aficionados of classic cars' artistry and inventive spirit.
The Marcos Luton Gullwing is a roadworthy iteration of the Xylon model, symbolizing exclusivity and automotive excellence.(Picture from: Film-Autos)
The Marcos Luton Gullwing, unveiled in 1961, epitomized the craftsmanship and foresight of its makers. Post-Frank Costin's exit, Dennis and Peter Adams sculpted the iconic Luton Gullwing, a roadworthy iteration of the Xylon model. A mere 13 units rolled out, each tagged at £830 at the time, marking the Luton Gullwing as an emblem of exclusivity and automotive brilliance.
The 1961 Marcos Luton Gullwing boasts sleek contours, a wider stance, and a unified windscreen.(Picture from: Marcos-OC)
The sleek contours, wider stance, and unified windscreen of the Luton Gullwing marked a pivotal moment for Marcos' Grand Touring cars in 1961. This design evolution thrust Marcos into the limelight of the sports car realm, enchanting car enthusiasts globally with its distinct aesthetic.
The 1962 Marcos Luton Gullwing with Berry Webb behind the wheel at the Harewood Acres 1964. (Picture from: BarnFinds)
The Luton Gullwing carried forward Marcos' legacy of innovation. Employing the Costin chassis from the Xylon, this model, crafted until 1962, housed a Ford push-rod 116 E engine, showcasing Marcos' commitment to performance and engineering finesse. Despite its racing-centric origins, the 1962 GT embodied Marcos' adventurous ethos and speed-oriented design.
It's Peter Bremner's 1962 Marcos Luton Gullwing GT, with a 1,198 cc Ford engine. (Picture from: Hyde1841)
The apex of Marcos' triumph arrived with the Marcos Gullwing, a culmination of years of refinement and daring experimentation. Its unique glassfibre body epitomized Marcos' relentless pursuit of perfection in road cars. The futuristic design received widespread acclaim, cementing Marcos' status as a trailblazer in the automotive landscape.
The Marcos Luton Gullwing's unique glassfibre body epitomized Marcos' relentless pursuit of perfection in road cars. (Picture from: GoMotors)
In retrospect, the Marcos Gullwing series stands as a testament to the ardor, ingenuity, and unwavering dedication of its creators. From its nascent days in Dolgellau to its global acclaim, Marcos' odyssey mirrors the timeless appeal of classic cars and the enduring legacy of automotive craftsmanship.
Whether one admires the Luton Gullwing's grace or the GT's futuristic allure, Marcos vehicles persist in captivating and inspiring enthusiasts, securing an indelible mark in automotive history. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MARCOS-OC | BARNFINDS | GOMOTORS | FIERROSCLASSICOS | FILM-AUTOS | FORZA FORUM | HYDE1841 ]
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Rare GEMS - For those of you, game fans from the late 1980s to early 1990s, do you remember the arcade game titled OutRun which was first released in 1986 on the Sega platform? Well, the game invites us to compete with dexterity to pass many obstacles while driving a drop-top Testarossa – which in fact the model had not been made by this Italian prancing horse automaker at the time.
Ferrari Testarossa Spider OutRun is built by Pininfarina in 1990 and inspired with similar car existed on the 1986 arcade game titled OutRun. (Picture from: RM Sothebys)
Who would have thought that as Yu Suzuki and AM2's classic arcade OutRun grew famous at that time, it turned out that there was a rich fan who was interested in the roadster's design, which at first glance resembled the Ferrari sports car, and then commissioned Pininfarina to make it into real in 1990. They called it the Ferrari Testarossa Spider OutRun.
The similar car appeared on the 1986 arcade game titled OutRun, then inspired someone to turn it into the Ferrari Testarossa Spider OutRun through Pininfarina in 1990. (Picture from: Autogids.be)
As is well known, during that era, Pininfarina was known to handle a lot of work on building special models of prancing horses for special clients such as the Sultan of Brunei or his younger brother, Jefri Bolkiah. As far as we know, details are sketchy, but as many as seven units of the Testarossa Spiders were built by Pininfarina and went to the Sultan and his royal family.
Ferrari Testarossa Spider OutRun was commissioned by one of Pininfarina's 'important clients', who rewarded the coachbuilder's hard work by never registering the car for road use or driving it. (Picture from: RM Sothebys)
The car we are discussing today is not actually one of the ex-Bruneian Ferraris. Instead, it was commissioned by another of Pininfarina's 'important clients', who rewarded the coachbuilder's hard work by never registering the car for road use or driving it, really.
Ferrari Testarossa Spider OutRun has a unique convertible top, and is still in very good condition, from the exterior to the engine with the odometer only 400 km. (Picture from: TopGear)
Who actually commissioned this Testarossa Spider OutRun? No one knows. As quoted by Top Gear, the only spider ever made with the prancing horse emblem was made specifically for Gianni Agnelli, the boss of the Italian automotive giant, Fiat, once they acquired Ferrari back then. It was a silver one with a blue roof.
Ferrari Testarossa Spider OutRun is powered by a 5-liter 12-cylinder inline engine which is said to be capable of providing an output of 375 horsepower with 470 Nm of torque. (Picture from: TopGear)
The unique car with a convertible roof is equipped with a 5-liter 12-cylinder inline engine, which is said to be capable of providing an output of 375 horsepower with 470 Nm of torque. With that much engine power, the Ferrari Testarossa Spider OutRun accelerates from rest to 100 kph in 5.7 seconds and can reach a top speed of 290 kph.
Ferrari Testarossa Spider OutRun accelerates from rest to 100 kph in 5.7 seconds, and is driven up to a top speed of 290 kph. (Picture from: TopGear)
Some of you might be curious about the price. In early November 2022, this one-of-a-kind car was auctioned off by RM Sothebys in London. At the time, the car was still in very good condition, from the exterior to the engine, with a travel record on the odometer of only about 400 kilometers.
Not surprisingly, this prancing horse iconic roadster is highly coveted by automotive collectors. The Testarossa Spider OutRun was restored by Pininfarina and Ferrari in Maranello. After a fierce auction process, the red roadster was sold for £1.4 million or around Rp.26 billion. WOW!! It's a kind of precious four-wheeled gem.
This story not only brings nostalgia to those who grew up playing OutRun but also highlights the fascinating intersection of video game fantasy and real-world automotive excellence. The Ferrari Testarossa Spider OutRun stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic arcade games and the timeless allure of Ferrari's design and engineering. It reminds us that dreams, no matter how far-fetched, can sometimes become a reality in the most unexpected and magnificent ways. 😉 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | PCGAMER | TOPGEAR | RM SOTHEBYS | WIKIPEDIA | AUTOGIDS | RED-HEADED ]
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ONE-OFF - The golden age of American dream cars, infused with the futuristic charm of jets and spaceships, marked an era of innovation and creativity in automotive design during the 1950s. One of the pivotal figures in this captivating narrative was the Italian coachbuilder Boano Torino, a name synonymous with elegance and originality.
The Chrysler Special Corsaire (sometimes referred to as Corvair II) features a sleek design, functional air ducts, and a powerful Chrysler V8 engine, solidifying its status as an instant icon. (Picture from: Coachbuild)
Founded in 1954 in Turin by Mario Boano and his son Gianpaolo, Boano Torino quickly rose to prominence through its unique approach to car design. Mario Boano, with his rich background in collaborating with renowned coachbuilders like Pininfarina and leading Ghia, laid the foundation for Boano's exceptional craftsmanship.
The Chrysler Special Corsaire designed by Gianpaolo Boano, and unveiled at the 1955 Paris Motor Show was a testament to Boano's innovative spirit. (Picture from: OldClassicCars)
The turning point for Boano came with the Alfa Romeo 6C 3000 CM in 1954 commissioned by Juan Perón, showcasing Boano's prowess by achieving remarkable speeds and setting new standards in design. This success was followed by the creation of the Indianapolis for Henry Ford Jr., a masterpiece that captured the automotive world's imagination.
The Chrysler Special Corsaire is adorned with truly innovative design features, including functional air ducts. (Picture from: Coachbuild)
Furthrmore Boano's collaboration with Chrysler further solidified its reputation as an industry leader. The Chrysler Special Corsaire (sometimes referred to as Corvair II) unveiled at the 1955 Paris Motor Show was a testament to Boano's innovative spirit. With its sleek design, functional air ducts, and powerful Chrysler V8 engine, the Corsaire became an instant icon.
The most striking feature of the Chrysler Special Corsaire is its cantilevered roof, supported solely at the rear pillars. (Picture from: Coachbuild)
Gianpaolo Boano's design genius shone through in the Corsaire, captivating audiences and setting new trends in automotive aesthetics. The cantilevered roof, a striking feature of the Corsaire, highlighted Boano's ability to marry form and function seamlessly. | Yz_8Ap_IugI |
Despite Boano's dissolution in 1958, its legacy endured through Gianpaolo Boano's continued contributions to automotive design at Fiat. Today, Boano's creations remain timeless symbols of artistic ingenuity, captivating enthusiasts and historians with their elegance and innovation.
Besides the Chrysler Special Corsaire's rear pillar, its roof simply rests on the frameless curved windshield. (Picture from: Coachbuild)
As we celebrate Boano's legacy, we are reminded of the enduring impact of visionary designers in shaping the automotive landscape. Boano's story serves as an inspiration, urging us to push boundaries and redefine the artistry of automotive design for generations to come. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | COACHBUILD | CARSTYLING.RU | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | OLDCLASSICCAR | VWVORTEX ]
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The story of the 1971 Ford GT70 Torino Concept designed by Filippo Sapino is a testament to the power of vision and creativity in the automotive industry. It highlights how a car, initially conceived for the rough and tumble world of rally racing, can be transformed into a design icon. Today, the GT70 Concept remains a cherished piece of Ford's history, a symbol of the company's innovative spirit and dedication to excellence. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOEVOLUTION | SECRET-CLASSICS | WIKIPEDIA | LOTUSESPRITTURBO | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | ARCHIVIOPROTOTIPI | CARSTYLING.RU | CARDESIGNARCHIVE | STORY-CARS ]
