Ghosted Glory - Sometimes, the most fascinating automotive stories are the ones that never fully unfolded. The world of cars is filled with legends that almost made it to our streets—concepts born from the ambition of dreamers and shaped by the hands of engineering giants. One of those elusive legends is the Bizzarrini Sciabola, a name that might not immediately ring a bell, but for enthusiasts who appreciate rare, almost-forgotten supercars, it's a machine that sparks curiosity, admiration, and just a little bit of heartbreak.
The Bizzarrini Sciabola emerged from the ashes of the AMX/3 as an even rarer creation, pieced together by Giotto Bizzarrini and his associate Salvatore Diomante using leftover parts and the body originally designed for the sixth AMX/3 prototype. (Picture from: Perico001 on Flickr)
Back in the early 1970s, American Motors Corporation (AMC) found itself in a tight spot. As one of the smaller players going head-to-head with the likes of GM, Ford, and Chrysler, AMC was always looking for that one big idea that could redefine its image. After years of modest success with models like the Rambler and the sportier Javelin, AMC decided to swing for the fences. That swing came in the form of the AMX series—compact, muscular cars designed to showcase American performance. But it was the AMX/3 that truly stood apart. Bold, exotic, and dripping with European style, this car had the potential to be a game-changer.
The
Bizzarrini Sciabola emerged as a sleek, mid-engined supercar poised to
rival the finest performance machines Europe had to offer. (Picture from: CarThatNeverMadeItEtc)
To bring their vision to life, AMC turned to one of Italy’s most brilliant engineers—Giotto Bizzarrini. Known for his work with Ferrari and Lamborghini, Bizzarrini was no stranger to building fast, beautiful machines. Tasked with turning the radical AMX/2 concept into a road-ready sports car, he got to work and created something truly special. The result was the AMX/3, a sleek, mid-engined supercar that looked ready to go toe-to-toe with anything from Europe. With a new gearbox from Italian firm Melara and final road testing by BMW, this wasn’t just another flashy prototype. It was the real deal.
The Bizzarrini Sciabola, now owned by Simon Vels in the Netherlands, has resurfaced as a beautifully preserved time capsule from a world of what-could-have-beens, with only one other name on its ownership record—Salvatore Diomante himself. (Picture from: CarThatNeverMadeItEtc)
Despite the promise it held, the timing just wasn’t right. AMC pulled the plug on the project shortly after Ford launched the DeTomaso Pantera—a car with similar styling, released just one day after the AMX/3. The Pantera’s competitive price and stronger backing made it an easier choice for buyers, and AMC couldn’t justify going forward. Only five AMX/3s were built before the project was shut down. But Bizzarrini wasn’t ready to let his creation vanish into obscurity.
The Bizzarrini Sciabola featured a steel body and was powered by a 390-cubic-inch, 340-horsepower V8 engine paired with an Italian-made OTO Melara five-speed transaxle. (Picture from: CarThatNeverMadeItEtc)
From the ashes of the AMX/3 rose something even rarer—the Bizzarrini Sciabola. Using leftover parts and a body designed for the sixth AMX/3 prototype, Bizzarrini, along with his associate Salvatore Diomante, pieced together one last example. Diomante, who had been plant manager at Automobili Bizzarrini, had just started his own company, Autofficina SD, and it was there the final car was born. With rear lights borrowed from a Fiat 850 Spiderand various other modifications, the prototype was rebranded as the Sciabola and proudly exhibited at the 1976 Turin Motor Show.
The
Bizzarrini Sciabola blended sharp, muscular lines with a mechanical
soul built for speed, and although it mistakenly wore an AMX badge, its
true identity as a Bizzarrini creation was unmistakable. (Picture from: CarThatNeverMadeItEtc)
It never made it to full production, but that didn’t make it any less remarkable. The lone Sciabola stood as a symbol of persistence and passion—a one-off supercar carrying the DNA of both American ambition and Italian craftsmanship. It blended sharp, muscular lines with a mechanical soul built for speed, and although it wore an AMX badge by mistake, its true identity as a Bizzarrini creation could never be denied.
The
Bizzarrini Sciabola featured rear lights borrowed from a Fiat 850
Spider and various other modifications before being rebranded and
proudly exhibited as a prototype at the 1976 Turin Motor Show. (Picture from: HistoricCarAutoPro)
Today, the sixth and final AMX/3, originally intended as the first of the Sciabola line, lives on. Owned by Simon Vels in the Netherlands, it has resurfaced as a beautifully preserved time capsule from a world of what-could-have-beens. With just one other name on its ownership record—Salvatore Diomante himself—this car tells a unique story that can’t be replicated. | 5ctbJjQLrlU |
The Bizzarrini Sciabola might never have roared down highways in the numbers it deserved, but its legacy is sealed. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most unforgettable cars aren’t the ones that sold millions—but the ones that dared to be different, even if only once. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HISTORICARAUTOPRO | FASTESTLAP | DEVIANTART | PERICO001 ON FLICKR | CARSTHATNEVERMADEITETC | WEIRDWHEELS ON REDDIT | MYCARREQUEST ]
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Elegant Provocation - On the shores of Lake Como, where elegance meets horsepower and tradition intertwines with innovation, automotive enthusiasts gathered to witness a spectacle that only Italy could deliver. Amid vintage marvels and modern masterpieces at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, one particular creation quietly stole the spotlight—a strikingly reimagined Alfa Romeo 8C that bore the unmistakable signature of Zagato.
The Alfa Romeo 8C DoppiaCoda is a striking reimagining of the 8C, bearing Zagato’s unmistakable signature, which made its debut at the 2025 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. (Picture from: ObscureSupercar on X)
Zagato, the legendary Milanese coachbuilder known for blending design flair with aerodynamic brilliance, unveiled its latest work of art: the Alfa Romeo 8C DoppiaCoda by Zagato. This wasn’t just another restyling exercise. It was a bold reinterpretation of one of the most beloved supercars of the modern era, tailored with such finesse that even the most purist fans had to stop and stare.
Zagato’s Alfa Romeo 8C DoppiaCoda is based on the iconic 2006 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
The Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, originally sculpted by Alfa Romeo’s Centro Stile and brought to life in the late 2000s, has always been a beacon of Italian performance wrapped in curvaceous beauty. With its Ferrari-derived V8 and jaw-dropping silhouette, it carved a special place in automotive history. Zagato, however, has never shied away from challenging beauty with its own vision—and with the DoppiaCoda, it dared to do so again.
The Alfa Romeo 8C DoppiaCoda (Double Tail) was a Zagato's special project commissioned by a wealthy Italian collector. Its name refers to the fusion of a Kammback design with rounded rear wings. (Picture from: TopGear)
Named after its distinctive “Double Tail,” the DoppiaCoda brings a dramatic twist to the familiar 8C form. Drawing on the aerodynamic principles of the Kammback design—developed by German engineer Wunibald Kamm in the 1930s—Zagato introduced a rear end that merges a cut-off tail with rounded wings, creating a profile that’s both functional and sculptural. This thoughtful design not only pays homage to motorsport heritage but also adds an unmistakable Zagato identity to the car.
The Alfa Romeo 8C DoppiaCoda features Zagato’s signature double-bubble roof and showcases refined proportions inspired by past projects like the Alpine A110-based long-tail, especially evident in the sculpted tail section. (Picture from: TopGear)
The rear isn’t the only area to receive a makeover. In true Zagato fashion, the DoppiaCoda sports the iconic double-bubble roof—a visual hallmark that also subtly enhances aerodynamics. Lessons learned from past projects, like the Alpine A110-based long-tail concept, are evident in the careful reworking of proportions and detailing, especially around the tail section.
The Alfa Romeo 8C DoppiaCoda Zagato retains the original 8C’s glorious 4.7-liter naturally aspirated V8, delivering 444 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. (Picture from: id.Motor1)
Despite the radical redesign, the heart of the beast likely remains untouched. Although technical details weren’t officially released, it’s expected that the DoppiaCoda retains the glorious 4.7-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine that powers the original 8C. With 444 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque delivered through a rear-wheel-drive setup and a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, the original powertrain offers thrilling performance, launching the car from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.2 seconds and topping out at 181 mph.
The Alfa Romeo 8C DoppiaCoda Zagato brings a dramatic twist to the familiar 8C form by applying Kammback aerodynamic principles to its rear end, honoring motorsport heritage while imbuing the car with a distinct Zagato identity. (Picture from: id.Motor1)
This isn’t Zagato’s first encounter with the Alfa Romeo 8C either. Back in 2010, it presented the TZ3 Corsa at the very same event—a car that also flirted with Kammback styling, though with a more aggressive, almost “breadvan” execution. That car was a one-off for a German collector; this new DoppiaCoda, however, feels like a love letter to Italian craftsmanship—commissioned by a passionate collector who sought more than just rarity: they sought artistry.
The Alfa Romeo 8C DoppiaCoda Zagato brings a dramatic twist to the familiar 8C form by applying Kammback aerodynamic principles to a rear end that merges a cut-off tail with rounded wings, resulting in a profile that’s both functional and sculptural. (Picture from: CarMag.co.za)
While comparisons will naturally arise between the original 8C and Zagato’s reinterpretation, perhaps that’s beside the point. The DoppiaCoda isn’t trying to outdo the original—it’s celebrating it. It’s Zagato doing what it does best: adding a unique layer of character, turning a modern classic into a sculptural, moving statement.
In a world where many cars chase trends and algorithms, the Alfa Romeo 8C DoppiaCoda stands as a reminder of what happens when design dares to dream. It’s not just a car—it’s a conversation between heritage and vision, between the soul of Alfa Romeo and the daring hands of Zagato. And on that lakeside stage in Italy, it wasn’t just seen. It was remembered. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | OBSCURESUPERCAR ON X | CARMAG | AUTOBLOG | TOPGEAR | ID.MOTOR1 ]
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Muscle Reborn - There’s something timeless about classic American muscle cars—especially when they’re reimagined with a modern twist that pushes the boundaries of power, design, and craftsmanship. These machines are more than just vehicles; they’re moving works of art, pulsing with personality and roaring performance. Among the many showstoppers to hit the scene recently, one build continues to steal attention and admiration: the incredible custom 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Fenix.
This ferocious beauty, the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Fenix by Sean Smith teamed up with Mikey Dascoli and the crew at Driven Speed Shop, unveiled at the 2023 Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, California, wasn’t just another restomod—it was a statement. (Picture from: CarBuzz)
Unveiled during the 2023 Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, California, this ferocious beauty wasn’t just another restomod—it was a statement. At the heart of this car is a thunderous 1,180-horsepower supercharged 427 LS7 V8, a number that alone would make anyone take notice. But behind those staggering figures lies a deeper story: one that begins with designer Sean Smith, a name that carries serious weight in the custom automotive world.
The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Fenix was meticulously fine-tuned for precision and fitment, featuring a reworked front end with a new valance and bumper, and sits perfectly atop a Roadster Shop Fast Track chassis. (Picture from: HotRod)
Sean Smith isn't just any designer. With over two decades of experience, his resume reads like a who's who of automotive excellence, including time spent shaping projects for Saleen Automotive, Rockstar Games, Ringbrothers, and SpeedKore. Smith has always had a knack for blending innovation with aggressive styling, and that talent found its perfect canvas when car enthusiast Michael Shields approached him. Shields had one goal in mind—to create a Camaro that would outshine the one Smith previously designed for the 2019 SEMA Show.
The
1969 Chevrolet Camaro Fenix is dressed in a sleek Silver base, offset
by accents in Liquid Champagne and Satin Charcoal Grey, creating a
sophisticated color palette that walks the line between vintage charm
and modern edge.(Picture from: HotRod)
That challenge led to the birth of Fenix, a name as fierce as the machine itself. To bring the vision to life, Smith teamed up with Mikey Dascoli and the crew at Driven Speed Shop. Despite the geographical distance, their collaboration took place virtually, with Smith sketching out his designs and the build team translating them into physical perfection.
The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Fenix features an interior inspired by high-end European sports cars, brought to life through Smith’s design expertise, with elements like the dashboard, door panels, and center console crafted from 3D CAD models and executed with precision to create a cabin that’s both refined and race-ready. (Picture from: HotRod)
The visual appeal of the Fenix is undeniable. It’s dressed in a sleek Silver base, offset by accents in Liquid Champagne and Satin Charcoal Grey, creating a sophisticated color palette that walks the line between vintage charm and modern edge. Smith reworked the front end with a new valance and bumper, while the rear received custom light panels and a 3D-printed trunk spoiler—subtle yet bold enhancements that elevate the car’s overall presence. Every inch of the body was fine-tuned for precision and fitment, sitting perfectly atop a Roadster Shop Fast Track chassis.
The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Fenix is powered by a thunderous 1,180-horsepower supercharged 427 LS7 V8—an output that commands instant attention. (Picture from: HotRod)
What really seals the deal is how form meets function. HRE RS103 wheels, 18 inches up front and 19 inches in the rear, are wrapped in sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, giving the Fenix the grip it needs to manage its immense power. The engine, built by Wegner Motorsports, pairs with a Tremec T56 six-speed transmission that ensures all 1,180 ponies are ready to run when called upon. Meanwhile, the engine bay—meticulously crafted by Driven Speed Shop—and the flawless paintwork by Kandy Shop Creations in Mesa, Arizona, add finishing touches that push the build into showstopper territory.
The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Fenix was meticulously fine-tuned for precision and fitment, featuring a custom rear light panels, a 3D-printed trunk spoiler. (Picture from: CarBuzz)
Step inside, and the transformation continues. The interior pulls inspiration from high-end European sports cars, thanks to Smith’s design expertise. Components like the dashboard, door panels, and center console were all born in 3D CAD software and realized with precision, resulting in a cabin that feels as refined as it is race-ready.
More than just a muscle car reborn, the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Fenix is a passion project come to life—a true collaboration between visionaries and craftsmen. It’s a reminder that when talent, technology, and a little bit of boldness come together, even legends can rise from the ashes and burn brighter than ever. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HOTROD | CARBUZZ | ID.MOTOR1 ]
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Bold Ingenuity - In the vast universe of automobiles, there exist some creations that leave even the most seasoned enthusiasts puzzled, intrigued, and utterly captivated. Among these rare gems is a car that perfectly embodies the spirit of adventure and innovation—the 1994 Design Performance Barramunda. It’s not merely a vehicle; it’s an audacious blend of land and sea, an embodiment of dreams that transcend the conventional. To understand the story of the Barramunda, one must delve into the roots of its enigmatic creator, Design Performance, and the inspirations behind this extraordinary machine.
The Barramunda designed by Erick De Pauw, a former Citroën employee and car designer for Jean-Pierre Beltoise's Design Performance. (Picture from: Story-Cars)
Design Performance, a French-based company established in 1987, remains an elusive entity in the annals of automotive history. What adds a layer of mystique to this company is its connection to Jean-Pierre Beltoise, a celebrated French Grand Prix motorcycle racer and Formula One driver. Beltoise’s involvement lent the company an aura of prestige and expertise in the world of speed and engineering. Additionally, the design brilliance of Erick De Pauw, a former Citroën employee and car designer, is believed to have contributed to the Barramunda’s creation, evidenced by a document bearing his signature.
This one-of-a-kind Barramunda made its debut at the 1994 Paris Motor Show, a moment of pride and anticipation for Design Performance. (Picture from: Story-Cars)
The car itself is a spectacle of ingenuity. Dubbed the Barramunda, this 13.8-foot-long vehicle was crafted with a unique purpose—to marry the joys of driving with the thrill of water sports. Designed to accommodate a full jet ski and two surfboards in its spacious rear, it represents a fusion of automotive passion and maritime enthusiasm. This unconventional concept is further enhanced by the car’s performance capabilities, driven by two independent BMW 100-horsepower motorcycle engines. Each engine powers a rear wheel, resulting in a sporty yet functional design that ensures ample interior space for its aquatic cargo.
The Design Performance Barramunda, a 13.8-foot-long masterpiece, seamlessly blends the exhilaration of driving with the excitement of water sports. (Picture from: Story-Cars)
Stepping into the Barramunda feels like entering a vessel ready to conquer both land and sea. Its interior design draws heavily from nautical themes, featuring a teak floorboard and brass fittings that evoke the charm of a luxury yacht. The teal-colored cabin amplifies this marine-inspired aesthetic, complemented by practical features such as washable upholstery. The seats, integrated into the chassis, offer a minimalist yet functional approach, while adjustable pedals and steering ensure comfort for the driver.
The Design Performance Barramunda features an interior inspired by nautical themes, creating the sensation of boarding a vessel ready to conquer land and sea. (Picture from: Cartefacts)
This one-of-a-kind vehicle made its debut at the 1994 Paris Motor Show, a moment of pride and anticipation for Design Performance. With an estimated price tag of $160,000 to $180,000, the Barramunda was positioned as a luxury item for those who dared to dream beyond the ordinary. However, despite its innovative design and ambitious vision, only one unit was ever produced. This singularity adds to the Barramunda’s allure, cementing its status as a rare artifact in the automotive world.
The Design Performance Barramunda designed to accommodate a full jet ski and two surfboards in its spacious rear. (Picture from: Story-Cars)
The Barramunda’s story is not just about a car but about the ambition to redefine possibilities. It represents a confluence of art, engineering, and passion—a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to create without limits. While the world may never see another vehicle quite like it, the legacy of the 1994 Design Performance Barramunda serves as a reminder that innovation often thrives at the intersection of the unexpected.
The Design Performance Barramunda is powered by two independent 100-horsepower BMW motorcycle engines, each driving a rear wheel, creating a sporty yet functional design that maximizes interior space for aquatic cargo.(Picture from: Story-Cars)
As we marvel at this wild, yellow masterpiece, we celebrate not just the machine but the daring visionaries who brought it to life. Their endeavor continues to inspire, inviting us all to dream a little bigger, push boundaries a little further, and explore new horizons. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | STORY-CARS | RARECARSONLY | ALLCARINDEX | CARTEFACTS | CARSTYLING.RU | AUTA5P.EU| CARSTHATNEVERMADEITETC]
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Pixelborn Power - In a world where fantasy often stays locked behind screens, it's always a pleasant surprise when something born in digital pixels gets a shot at life in the real world. From sci-fi gadgets to iconic outfits, fans and creators have a way of bringing the virtual into the tangible. But perhaps nothing feels quite as thrilling as seeing a fictional car roar to life — especially one with the kind of flair and backstory that makes heads turn both on-screen and off.
The Yamasa Raggio made its public debut and took its first test drive at Japan’s YZ Circuit in October 2005. (Picture from: Obscure Supercar on X)
That’s where the Yamasa Raggio comes into play — a car that isn’t just a nod to its video game roots but a full-on tribute to bold creativity and cross-cultural collaboration. Originally known as the Soldat Raggio in the Ridge Racer universe, this sleek machine began as a digital dream.
In the Ridge Racer universe, the car is known as the Soldat Raggio, blending the drama of a Ferrari Enzo with the sharp finesse of a Honda NSX. (Picture from: Jalopnik)
In the lore of the game, Soldat is imagined as a French car manufacturer that absorbs an Italian company named Rivelta. It’s a fictional merger that echoes the real-world prestige of something like Bugatti — another Franco-Italian fusion of performance and style. With the Raggio(which fittingly means “ray” in Italian), this digital supercar combined the drama of an Ferrari Enzo with the sharp finesse of a Honda NSX. On screen, it looked fast. In reality? It was even better. | uiq64mxCfWo |
Turning a video game car into a physical showstopper isn’t a task for the faint of heart. But Yamasa, a Japanese company known for its flashy pachinko game machines, saw real potential in bringing the Raggio into our world — and found the perfect partner to make it happen. The build was entrusted to Project Mu, a respected name in high-performance braking systems.
The Yamasa Raggio was built on a Honda NSX frame and chassis, featuring a wildly customized aluminum body and powered by the NSX’s 3.2-liter C32B V6 engine. (Picture from: RidgeRacer on Reddit)
With an NSX as the base, the Yamasa Raggio was born and made its dazzling debut at the 2006 Tokyo Auto Salon. It wasn’t just a display piece, either. This car ran, drove, and handled with surprising poise, even showing up in a promotional video tied to Ridge Racers 2 for the PSP — a fitting blend of real and virtual.
The Yamasa Raggio featured a slightly shorter nose, a flatter rear, and a longer wheelbase — understandable compromises when working from an existing NSX frame.(Picture from: RidgeRacer on Reddit)
Underneath that wildly customized aluminum body, the car still held onto the soul of the Honda NSX’s 3.2-liter C32B V6 engine. But Project Mu didn’t stop there. It was upgraded with parts like an Ogura Racing clutch, a high-performance ARC radiator, a bespoke exhaust system, and a custom suspension setup — all tuned to match the flair and performance that its game counterpart implied. Of course, no Project Mu build would be complete without those iconic turquoise brake calipers showing up at all four corners.
The Yamasa Raggio offers a supercar-like cabin experience, highlighted by a sporty three-spoke steering wheel and a clean, driver-focused dashboard and center console.(Picture from: RidgeRacer on Reddit)
Even though the final product wasn't an exact one-to-one recreation of its digital ancestor, it was close enough to thrill fans and precise enough to impress engineers. The nose was slightly shorter, the rear a little flatter, and the wheelbase longer — understandable compromises when you’re working off an existing NSX frame. What really sold the illusion, though, was the full set of decals and branding from other Ridge Racer universe staples like Rally-X, Tekken, and Mappy. It wasn’t just a car — it was a full-blown tribute to an entire game culture.
What
truly sold the illusion of the Yamasa Raggio was its full set of decals
and branding from Ridge Racer universe staples like Rally-X, Tekken,
and Mappy. (Picture from: RidgeRacer on Reddit)
But where is this eye-catching machine today? That’s a little murkier. While a blog post from Japanese detailing company Keeper Pro Shop gave brief hope that the Raggio might still be tucked away in decent shape, a closer look revealed that the photos likely dated back to 2005 or 2006 — around the same time of the car's reveal. Since then, sightings have been scarce, and the current condition and location of the Yamasa Raggio remain unknown, adding just a little more mystique to its already fascinating story. | Y3dSnULpV50 |
Still, even if it only popped into our world for a short time, the Yamasa Raggio proved that with the right blend of passion and skill, something once limited to game controllers and pixelated screens could tear across real pavement. It wasn’t just a build — it was a moment. And for those lucky enough to witness it, it’s one that’s hard to forget. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | JALOPNIK | GTPLANET | FORUMS.FORZA.NET | OBSCURE SUPERCAR ON X | JAPANESE RACING CARS ON FACEBOOK | RIDGERACER ON REDDIT ]
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Unfiltered Passion - The world of sports cars has seen countless icons come and go, but few have captured the raw spirit of driving quite like the TVR Chimaera. A car that effortlessly blended power, style, and a touch of eccentricity, it remains the most successful TVR ever built. Even though production ended in 2003, the Chimaera's legacy continues to thrive among enthusiasts who appreciate a machine that prioritizes pure, unfiltered driving pleasure. Its story, however, is not just about performance numbers or sleek lines—it’s also a tale of ambition, reinvention, and the vision of one man who reshaped an entire brand.
The TVR Chimaera effortlessly blends power, style, and a touch of eccentricity, making it the most successful TVR ever built. (Picture from: OldMotors on Facebook)
The origins of the Chimaera trace back to the 1980s when Peter Wheeler, a British chemical engineer who had found success in the oil industry, took over TVR. At the time, the company was struggling financially and was known for its bold but often inconsistent vehicles. Wheeler, despite having no prior experience in the automotive industry, set out to change that. Under his leadership, TVR transitioned from producing quirky, niche sports cars to crafting machines that could genuinely rival the likes of Porsche and Ferrari. His first major success came in 1990 with the introduction of the Griffith—a striking, high-performance roadster that captured the imagination of driving enthusiasts.
The TVR Chimaera debuted at the 1992 Earl’s Court Motorshow, featuring a slightly larger frame built on an adapted Griffith chassis.. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
However, while the Griffith was fast and aggressive, it wasn’t necessarily refined. Wheeler recognized a gap in the market for a TVR that retained the thrill of the Griffith but offered more comfort and usability. The result was the Chimaera, which debuted at the 1992 Earl’s Court Motorshow. Built on an adapted Griffith chassis, it featured a slightly larger frame, a more forgiving suspension setup, and an interior that felt more premium without losing TVR’s signature character. While still powered by the same Rover V8 engine, the Chimaeraoffered various power outputs, ranging from 240 horsepower in its early 4.0-liter models to a ferocious 340-horsepower 5.0-liter version by the late 1990s.
The TVR Chimaera's interior offered a more premium feel while preserving TVR’s signature character and driver-focused design. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
What set the Chimaera apart wasn’t just its performance but its unique charm. It was a car that looked sophisticated yet had an undeniable sense of fun—an image further solidified by the now-famous story of Wheeler’s dog, Ned. According to legend, his German Pointer accidentally bit into a design model, creating an indentation that was later integrated into the car’s final styling. Whether entirely true or not, the tale became part of the Chimaera’s mystique and reflected the kind of unconventional thinking that defined TVR.
The TVR Chimaera powered by the Rover V8 engine, the Chimaera offered various power outputs, ranging from 240 horsepower in its early 4.0-liter models to a ferocious 340-horsepower 5.0-liter version by the late 1990s. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
Despite its refined approach compared to the Griffith, the Chimaera was by no means a tame machine. It remained a true driver’s car—lacking modern electronic aids like traction control or ABS, it demanded skill and respect on the road. Yet, for those who appreciated its raw nature, it provided an exhilarating experience unmatched by more polished rivals. It was also practical by TVR standards, offering enough space for a weekend getaway while still delivering thrilling performance.
The TVR Chimaera remained a true driver’s car—lacking modern electronic aids like traction control or ABS, it demanded skill and respect on the road. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
The Chimaera’s success was not just limited to its driving experience. It became a recognizable name thanks to its inclusion in video games like Gran Turismo, further cementing its status as a dream car for many. However, TVR’s reluctance to adapt to evolving regulations meant that the Chimaera was never sold in the U.S., limiting its reach in global markets. Optional features like power steering, air conditioning, and heated seats added some creature comforts, but ultimately, the Chimaera remained a purist’s sports car at heart. | oU5vlaFjar8 |
By the time production ended in 2003, nearly 6,000 units had been built—an impressive number for a boutique manufacturer like TVR. Although later models like the wild Tuscan and Sagaris took the brand in even more extreme directions, the Chimaera retained a special place in the hearts of those who valued a balance of power, beauty, and usability. Today, it stands as a testament to Peter Wheeler’s vision and TVR’s golden era, a reminder of a time when driving was as much about emotion as it was about speed. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TVR | WIKIPEDIA | OLD MOTORS ON FACEBOOK ]
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Back in the early 1970s, American Motors Corporation (AMC) found itself in a tight spot. As one of the smaller players going head-to-head with the likes of GM, Ford, and Chrysler, AMC was always looking for that one big idea that could redefine its image. After years of modest success with models like the Rambler and the sportier Javelin, AMC decided to swing for the fences. That swing came in the form of the AMX series—compact, muscular cars designed to showcase American performance. But it was the AMX/3 that truly stood apart. Bold, exotic, and dripping with European style, this car had the potential to be a game-changer.
The Bizzarrini Sciabola might never have roared down highways in the numbers it deserved, but its legacy is sealed. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most unforgettable cars aren’t the ones that sold millions—but the ones that dared to be different, even if only once. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HISTORICARAUTOPRO | FASTESTLAP | DEVIANTART | PERICO001 ON FLICKR | CARSTHATNEVERMADEITETC | WEIRDWHEELS ON REDDIT | MYCARREQUEST ]
