Iconic Craft - In the golden age of automotive design, the 1960s delivered more than just powerful machines—it was an era where artistry met engineering. With European coachbuilders at the peak of their creativity, some of the most breathtaking cars ever made were born out of collaboration between manufacturers and Italy’s finest design houses. Among the most captivating results of this period is a singular creation that marries British performance with Italian flair: the Aston Martin DB4 GT Bertone Jet.
The Aston Martin DB4 GT Bertone Jet was a reinterpretation of the Gran Turismo concept, a rolling sculpture penned by a young designer who would soon become a legend: Giorgetto Giugiaro. (Picture from: Bonham)
This remarkable machine came to life through a unique confluence of vision, talent, and timing. While Aston Martin had long relied on the elegant touches of Carrozzeria Touring of Milan for its DB series, there were moments when the marque allowed for more personalized expressions. In rare instances, well-heeled clients could purchase a bare chassis and commission bespoke bodywork. This freedom gave rise to creations that stand today as irreplaceable automotive artifacts.
Celica Chronicle - If you’ve ever caught yourself daydreaming about the golden era of Japanese sports cars, chances are the Toyota Celica raced through your mind like a turbocharged ballerina. Long before TikTok trends and electric scooters took over the streets, owning a Celica meant you had style, speed, and maybe even a poster of Carlos Sainz proudly pinned in your garage. Buckle up—mullets optional—as we cruise through the legacy of one of Toyota’s most iconic, high-revving machines: the Celica. Born from the visionary 1969 Toyota EX-1 concept, it evolved into a fierce rally contender that captured the hearts of automotive enthusiasts around the globe.
The first-generation Toyota Celica, bearing the A20 body code, made its debut at the 1970 Tokyo Motor Show. (Picture from: JapaneseNostalgicCar)
It's been a great pleasure being with you on this journey.
Thank you.
Racing Revolution - Racing cars have always been a fascinating topic for enthusiasts and casual fans alike. The sleek designs, roaring engines, and incredible speeds captivate audiences worldwide. But sometimes, a vehicle’s story is just as interesting as its performance on the track. One such story is that of the Gebhardt JC83, a car that broke norms and pushed boundaries in the world of motorsport during the 1980s. With its unique design and fascinating origins, this car stands as a testament to ingenuity and ambition. Let’s dive into the history of this remarkable creation and the people behind it.
The Gebhardt JC83, a racer that broke norms and pushed boundaries in the world of motorsport during the 1980s. (Picture from: RSF Motorsport on X)
It's been a great pleasure being with you on this journey.
Thank you.
Little Monster - The allure of high-performance sports cars often transcends borders, turning heads and capturing imaginations worldwide. Among the pantheon of these automotive marvels, one car stands out for its rarity, engineering brilliance, and the emotional response it evokes from enthusiasts: the Caral V8XS. Born from a foundation as unconventional as the GM Opel Speedster/Vauxhall VX220, this bespoke creation is a testament to the art of reinvention and innovation.
The Caral V8XS, born from a foundation as unconventional as the GM Opel Speedster/Vauxhall VX220. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)
Maestro Works - The world of classic cars is filled with hidden gems, and sometimes, the most intriguing stories come from vehicles that have been reimagined by visionary designers. One such example is the AC 428 Convertible, a rare British grand tourer that found itself in the hands of Luigi Colani, a designer known for his futuristic and aerodynamic concepts. This car’s journey—from its origins as an AC Frua to its transformation under Colani’s vision—makes it an exciting topic to explore.
The AC 428 Convertible, a rare British grand tourer, came into the hands of Luigi Colani and is regarded as one of his most refined works—some even consider it more beautiful than the original design. (Picture from: WeirdWheels on Reddit)
The AC 428 was born from AC Cars' ambition to create a high-performance luxury grand tourer that could rival Ferrari and Maserati. To achieve this, AC collaborated with renowned Italian coachbuilder Pietro Frua, who designed a sleek and elegant body to fit onto a stretched AC Cobra 427 Mark III chassis. First unveiled at the 1965 Turin Auto Show, the AC Frua 428 combined smooth Italian styling with raw American power, thanks to its massive 7.0-liter Ford FE V8 engine. Capable of reaching 141 mph with a 0-60 mph time of just over six seconds, it was a serious contender in the GT segment. However, high production costs meant that only 81 units were ever built, making it an exceptionally rare collector’s item.
The AC Frua 428 Convertible (pictured is a 1967 model) served as the foundation for Luigi Colani’s vision of his dream car. (Picture from: MyCarQuest)
Among these, one car stands out—not just because of its rarity, but because it was later modified by Luigi Colani, a designer known for his organic, flowing automotive designs. Unlike many AC 428s that were unfortunately repurposed into Cobra replicas, Colani had no interest in dismantling it for profit. Instead, he aimed to refine and optimize its design, blending his unique stylistic vision with the car’s original grand touring essence.
Luigi Colani’s AC 428 Convertible, chassis number CFX32, was originally delivered in March 1969 as one of just 26 Frua convertibles, initially registered in Britain under the plate DRJ 497T before he acquired it. (Picture from: WeirdWheels on Reddit)
The car in question, bearing chassis number CFX32, was first delivered in March 1969 as one of only 26 Frua convertibles. It was a left-hand drive model and, before Colani acquired it, was registered in Britain under the plate DRJ 497T. Luigi Colani reportedly purchased the car in 1986 and transformed it into a distinctive spider, though details of the exact modifications remain scarce. However, from available photos, one notable feature is evident: the cabin is covered in red genuine leather, enhancing its luxurious appeal. This striking interior choice adds to the car’s mystique, making it not just a rare automobile but one with a truly bespoke character.
Luigi Colani’s AC 428 Convertible features a cabin wrapped in red genuine leather, adding a touch of luxury and mystique that enhances its exclusivity and bespoke character. (Picture from: WeirdWheels on Reddit)
For years, Colani’s AC 428 remained largely unknown, hidden away from the spotlight until classic car enthusiasts recently rediscovered its story. A series of images found on the Reddit page WeirdWheels show the vehicle parked alongside other Colani-designed creations, such as the Colani Lada Gorby Offroader, Carisma Spider, and L'Aiglon Coupé. These rare glimpses provide valuable confirmation that the designer had indeed reworked the AC 428, further solidifying its status as a unique and fascinating piece of automotive history.
Luigi Colani’s AC 428 Convertible is neatly parked alongside his other creations, including (from left to right) the Colani Lada Gorby Offroader, Carisma Spider, and on the far right, the L'Aiglon Coupé. (Picture from: WeirdWheels on Reddit)
Whether Colani’s modifications improved upon Frua’s original design is open to interpretation, but one thing is certain: this AC 428 is a truly one-of-a-kind automobile. With its blend of British engineering, Italian styling, American muscle, and a visionary designer’s touch, it remains an unforgettable example of automotive artistry—one that continues to capture the imagination of enthusiasts around the world. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FORUM.ACOWNERSCLUB.CO.UK | COACHBUILD | WEIRDWHEELS ON REDDIT | MYCARQUEST | WIKIPEDIA | SUPERCARS.NET ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
French Resurgence - In the world of endurance racing, where legends are forged and engineering meets the limits of human determination, the French motorsport scene has often struggled to shine against its Italian, British, and German counterparts. By the mid-1960s, France had not tasted victory in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans for over a decade, leaving many to wonder if the glory days were gone. However, the entry of Matra, an aerospace company with a newfound ambition in automotive engineering, reignited hope for French racing enthusiasts.
The bold announcement in 1967 of their intent to win the Formula 1 World Championship by 1969 and conquer Le Mans by 1970 sent ripples through the racing world. For a company so new to the automotive scene, it was a daunting challenge, but Matra's vision resonated deeply with the spirit of innovation and national pride.
1968 Matra Simca MS630 V12, driven by Henri Pescarolo and Johnny Servoz-Gavin, reached as high as second place before retiring after 283 laps in the 1968 24 Hours of Le Mans. (Picture from: RSF Motorsport on X)
Matra’s strategy was built upon a significant regulatory shift in the late 1960s that limited sports car prototypes to a 3-liter engine capacity, aligning them with Formula 1 regulations. This opened the door for dual-purpose engineering and allowed Matra to develop a versatile engine that could compete across disciplines. Their initial racing endeavors relied on foreign engines, with the MS620 and MS630 prototypeshousing BRM and Ford V8 powerplants.
The 1968 Matra Simca MS630 #24 posed along with the team during the 1968 24 Hours of Le Mans.. (Picture from: RSF Motorsport on X)
These early efforts laid the groundwork, but the heart of their mission was the creation of a fully French machine. To this end, Matra enlisted the expertise of Moteur Moderne and engineer Georges Martin to design a bespoke 3-liter V12 engine. With twin overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder, the engine promised robust performance, even if its design was not revolutionary.
The 1968 Le Mans marked the debut of the V12 engine in the MS630 chassis, showcasing competitive speed and reliability. Although a late-race puncture dashed hopes of a podium finish, the team's second-place run before the mishap proved they were on the right track. Encouraged by this progress, Matraintroduced two new models for 1969: the MS640 and the MS650.
While the MS640was designed for high-speed circuits, an accident during testing led to its abandonment. The MS650, however, built upon the MS630's foundation and delivered consistent performance, finishing fourth at Le Mans and securing a significant win at Montlhéry later that year.
As Matra's sports car program gained momentum, their Formula 1 efforts also flourished. In 1969, Jackie Stewart clinched the F1 World Championship driving a Matra chassis, albeit powered by a Cosworth engine. This achievement validated their engineering prowess and set the stage for the ultimate challenge—Le Mans.
However, the emergence of powerful 5-liter prototypes like the Porsche 917 and Ferrari 512 posed formidable obstacles. Undeterred, Matra developed the MS660, featuring a monocoque chassis and further refined the V12 engine. Yet, the 1970 Le Mans proved challenging, with none of their entries completing the race.
The turning point came in 1972, following the ban on 5-liter prototypes. This regulatory change shifted the focus back to 3-liter machines, and Matra seized the opportunity. Their MS670, a refined evolution of the MS660, was equipped with a 450-horsepower engine and aerodynamic improvements. With Ferrari opting out of Le Mans that year, Matra faced reduced competition and achieved a historic one-two finish, solidifying their place in racing history.
The success at Le Mans marked the beginning of a golden era for Matra. In 1973, they expanded their efforts to the World Championship, competing against Ferrari in a high-stakes rivalry. Matra's dominance was evident with victories across multiple circuits and a second consecutive Le Mans triumph. The following year, Matra continued their winning streak, culminating in a third straight Le Mans victory and another World Championship title. With little left to prove, Matra withdrew from motorsport at the end of 1974 to focus on road car production, leaving behind a legacy of French engineering excellence.
The Shell-sponsored Matra-Simca team had won the great Le Mans race with drivers Henri Pescarolo/ Graham Hil using this 1972 prototype MS670. (Picture from: Supercars.net)
Matra's journey from an aerospace manufacturer to a motorsport powerhouse is a testament to the power of ambition and innovation. Their victories brought pride to France and showcased the potential of homegrown engineering on the global stage. Even after their exit from endurance racing, their V12 engine found success in Formula 1, proving that their contributions to motorsport extended far beyond the confines of Le Mans.*** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ULTIMATCARPAGE | RSF MOTORSPORT ON X | WIKIPEDIA | REVSINSTITUTE.ORG | FASTESTLAPS | SUPERCARS.NET ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone
