1969 Helguero Sport Falcon Barchetta: Rare One-Off Classic

Garage Gold - Some cars go fast. Others go far. But every now and then, one comes along that makes you stop mid-scroll and think, “Wait… what on Earth is THAT?” That, dear reader, is precisely the effect of laying eyes on the gloriously bizarre and wonderfully unique 1969 Helguero Sport Falcon — a one-of-one Argentine masterpiece that looks like it just crash-landed from a vintage motorsport fever dream.

The 1969 Helguero Sport Falcon is a one-off Argentine masterpiece, built on a 1965 Ford Falcon chassis, that looks like it crash-landed from a vintage motorsport fever dream. (Picture from: Ton Visser on Flickr)

Imagine if a Ford Falcon got tired of its buttoned-up sedan life, hit the gym, moved to Europe, got into motorsport, and came back speaking Italian with an Argentine accent. That’s the vibe of the Helguero Sport Falcon. Designed in 1969 by coachbuilder Helguero — a name that sounds like a high-end espresso brand but was, in fact, a legitimate artisan of metal and dreams — this barchetta-styled beauty was built on a humble 1965 Ford Falcon chassis. And yet, it emerged from the garage looking like it had just won Le Mans... in a tuxedo.

The 1969 Helguero Sport Falcon features a swoopy polyester body over a sturdy tubular steel chassis, combining strength with unexpected grace. (Picture from: ClassicNumber)

Now, let’s talk engineering — because this car didn’t just throw on a fancy fiberglass dress and call it a day. No, no. Underneath that swoopy polyester body is a sturdy tubular steel chassis, giving it the structural integrity of a linebacker with a ballet degree. It’s powered by a 3.2L inline-six Ford engine, because back in the '60s, V8s were too mainstream and four-cylinders were for lawn mowers. This six-cylinder purrs through a single side exhaust like a well-trained tiger — not too loud, not too shy, but with enough growl to make you grin every time you tap the throttle.

The 1969 Helguero Sport Falcon rides on Hankook tires wrapped around alloy rims that grip the road with the confidence of supporting a one-of-a-kind automotive masterpiece. (Picture from: ClassicNumber)

The cherry on top? A Holley carburetor. Because apparently Helguero wasn’t just building a car; it was making a statement: “This Falcon flies.”

 

Mechanically, this car is as healthy as a yoga instructor on a kale smoothie diet. Starts right up, shifts like a dream through its 4-speed gearbox, and brakes like it actually wants you to live. The front disc brakes handle the stopping duties like champs, while the rear drums do their best “me too” impression. The Hankook tires wrapped around alloy rims grip the road with confidence, like they know they're holding up a one-of-a-kind piece of automotive art.

The 1969 Helguero Sport Falcon welcomes you into a minimalist cockpit featuring black leather sports seats with red stitching, OMP harnesses, a leather-wrapped dashboard, and a sporty steering wheel that practically begs you to wear driving gloves just for the vibes. (Picture from: ClassicNumber)

Slide inside, and you’ll find yourself in a minimalist cockpit that whispers “race me” in a sultry Buenos Aires accent. Black leather sports seats with red stitching? Check. OMP harnesses that say “I might do a track day but also want to look cool at the café”? Check. A leather-wrapped dashboard and sporty steering wheel that makes you want to wear driving gloves just for the vibes? Absolutely.

 

And for those of you who enjoy rallying in the dead of night with only your co-driver’s anxiety to guide you — yes, there’s a map-reading light. Practical and slightly hilarious.

The 1969 Helguero Sport Falcon is powered by a 3.2L inline-six Ford engine that purrs through a single side exhaust with just the right growl to make you smile every time you hit the throttle. (Picture from: ClassicNumber)

Pop the trunk (carefully, this isn’t your average hatchback), and you’ll find a race-style battery setup with a circuit breaker and a spare wheel, just in case adventure takes an unexpected detour.

Now, we must address the elephant in the showroom — the Helguero Sport Falcon is rare. As in, Snow in the Sahara rare. Just one was ever built, making this not just a car, but a rolling piece of Argentine automotive folklore. It's currently living its best life registered in Belgium, complete with an FIA regularity passport — because even unicorns need paperwork.

The 1969 Helguero Sport Falcon houses a race-style battery setup with a circuit breaker and a spare wheel in its trunk, ready for any unexpected detour. (Picture from: ClassicNumber)

The Helguero Sport Falcon isn’t just a vehicle. It’s a love letter to creativity, a dare to be different, and a reminder that somewhere in the late ‘60s, in a dusty workshop in Argentina, a man looked at a Ford Falcon and said, “We can do better.” And boy, did he ever. | pu953HQDn8U |

So, if you ever see this car in person, do yourself a favor — admire it, celebrate it, and if you're lucky enough to drive it... try not to giggle like a child the whole time. Or do. Honestly, that's part of the charm. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HELGUEROSPORT ON INSTGRAM | ROLLINGART ON FACEBOOK | TON VISSER ON FLICKR | CLASSICNUMBER ]

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Mantis Aegean: The Ultra-Rare Kit Car Born from Vision, Clay, and Pure Imagination

Visionary Craft - Sometimes, the rarest treasures aren’t found behind velvet ropes or glass cases—but hidden in garages, built with bare hands, a vision, and a bit of mud. Long before sleek supercars became commonplace, a man named David Loring dreamed up wild, futuristic shapes that felt more like spaceships than road cars. Among his creations, one car in particular stands out—not just for its rarity, but for the story it tells: the Loring Design Mantis Aegean.

An impossibly low-slung silhouette with sweeping curves—this rare Mantis Aegean looks more like a concept car than a kit car, capturing the essence of Loring’s futuristic vision. (Picture from: Pinterest)

The Mantis Aegean looks like it leapt straight out of a sci-fi film. Low, wide, and dramatically sculpted, its shape turns heads and raises eyebrows in equal measure. It's a car that doesn’t whisper for attention—it demands it. With its curvaceous yellow fiberglass body hugging impossibly low to the ground, flush headlights, muscular arches, and sculpted air vents, the Mantis Aegean is less a kit car and more an art piece on wheels. At just 37.5 inches tall, it feels closer in size to a go-kart than a road car, but with the presence of a full-blown exotic. The rear is capped with louvered panels, adding a hint of retro charm and functionality, while its flowing bodywork gives it a silhouette unlike anything else on the road—even today. 

 

And that uniqueness isn’t just visual. The story of the Mantis Aegean is deeply tied to the passion and determination of its creator. David Loring wasn’t a traditional car builder. He started on an entirely different path—studying pre-med, attending Howard University, serving in the U.S. Army, and eventually ending up at the Art Center in Los Angeles. It was there that his creativity found an unusual outlet: building fiberglass sports car bodies, often from nothing more than a few sketches and a lot of determination.

A close look at the front reveals sharp detailing and wide-set proportions, giving the Mantis Aegean an unmistakable presence that’s part racer, part rolling sculpture. (Picture from: FiberClassics.org)

In a modest workshop in Sausalito, California, Loring sculpted his dream cars using wood frames, paint scrapers, and even sticky, smelly clay dug from the San Francisco Bay. What emerged weren’t just cars, but completely original designs that defied the boxy norms of the era. His cars weren’t trying to copy European exotics—they were something else entirely, often looking decades ahead of their time.

 

The Mantis Aegean was one of several models he built under the Loring Design name, including the Mantis Targa, Frog Pickup, Wedgeaero, and Gezelle. But the Aegean—whether in coupe or targa form—is arguably the most dramatic of them all. Built as a kit car, it was meant to be assembled by enthusiasts, allowing them to build something truly unique. Only two are known to exist today, making it one of the rarest pieces of automotive history hiding in plain sight.

From this angle, the bold rear haunches and sculpted bodylines show off the Mantis Aegean’s aggressive stance—an unapologetic design that defies era and expectation. (Picture from: Pinterest)

Unfortunately, Loring’s path wasn’t without its setbacks. According to Fiberclassics.org, his highly original designs began to draw the attention of others—some of whom chose to borrow rather than create. Well-known figures in the kit car world, such as Jim Kellison, Bruce Weeks, and Roy Kaylor, are said to have taken inspiration a step too far, incorporating elements of Loring’s work and marketing them under different names. One notable example is the Kaylor Invader GT-5, which appears to be little more than a rebranded Mantis, produced years after Loring’s original creation.

 

Today, the remaining Mantis Aegeans are more than collector’s items—they’re conversation starters, rolling sculptures, and testaments to pure imagination. One of the known examples, originally labeled as a 1975 model, has undergone a variety of repairs and tweaks, including the addition of a dual-carb 1600 engine once found in a WWII Kubelwagen, and a 240Z-style louvered rear panel to cover the wide-open rear hatch. Despite not being in pristine shape, it still has the power to amaze anyone lucky enough to see it on the street. | jcWLd8Jxt_U |

David Loring may not have become a household name, but his vision lives on in these striking, unforgettable cars. With the original molds reportedly still in his possession, there’s a flicker of possibility that more Mantis Aegeans could one day be born. But for now, the few that exist remain a secret among kit car enthusiasts and dreamers—each one a bold reminder of what happens when design meets daring. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FIBERCLASSICS.ORG | ALLCARINDEX ]

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Ferrari 330 P3/4: The Rare Maranello Masterpiece That Refused to Die

Red Dominance - In the world of classic racing machines, few cars ignite passion quite like the legends of the 1960s. It was a golden era where engineering brilliance met raw, untamed speed. One such marvel—often whispered about with reverence and awe among car aficionados—is the one-and-only Ferrari 330 P3/4. This car isn’t just a beautiful machine; it’s a rolling chapter of racing history, with a story that’s as dramatic and captivating as the races it once conquered.

The 1967 Ferrari 330 P3/4 with chassis #0846 was initially built on a P3 framework and later modified in December 1966 to fit the more powerful P4 engine — hence the name 'P3/4'. (Picture from: HD-CarWallpaper)

Built in an era dominated by the fierce Ferrari vs. Ford rivalry, the 330 P3/4 was a bold response to America’s growing dominance on European tracks. While Ford stunned the world with its GT40’s triumphant 1-2-3 finish at Le Mans in 1966, Ferrari returned the blow in 1967 at the 24 Hours of Daytona. It was there that the 330 P3/4, alongside a P4 and a 412P, crossed the finish line side-by-side, delivering a powerful visual statement of Italian resilience and racing excellence.

The 1-2-3 brilliant winning finish moment of the Ferrari 330 P3/4, 330 P4, and 412 P at the 24 Hours of Daytona 1967. (Picture from: SportsCarDigest)

Underneath its curvaceous bodywork lay a powerhouse of innovation. While the car might not have had the wind-cheating aerodynamics of its competitors, it packed a punch where it truly counted—its heart. The engine was a masterpiece born from Ferrari’s Formula One expertise, featuring a 3-valve cylinder head and a fuel injection system borrowed from its predecessor, the P3. Together, they produced a thunderous 450 horsepower, creating a perfect symphony of speed and sound that thrilled crowds and drivers alike.

The 1967 Ferrari 330 P3/4 stands out for its unique identity as the only one of the four P4-powered cars that began life as a P3 before being transformed into a P3/4—chassis number 0846. (Picture from: Pinterest)

But what truly makes the 330 P3/4 a standout is its singular identity. Of the four cars powered by Ferrari’s legendary P4 engine, only one began life as a P3 before being transformed into a P3/4: chassis number 0846. Initially crafted with a P3’s framework, it was later modified in December 1966 to accommodate the more powerful P4 engine. Ferrari adjusted the wheelbase—shrinking it slightly from the P3’s 2412mm to the P4’s 2400mm—further sharpening its handling and stance.

The 1967 Ferrari 330 P3/4 was initially crafted with a P3’s framework and later modified in December 1966 to accommodate the more powerful P4 engine, with Ferrari also shortening the wheelbase from 2412mm to 2400mm to enhance its handling and stance. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)

Tragically, this remarkable machine met its end in a racing accident at Le Mans. Ferrari deemed the car too damaged to repair and officially discarded it. But the story didn’t end there. Over time, parts of the original chassis and other vital components were salvaged and preserved. Today, evidence shows that much of the original tube-frame structure, along with the transmission, steering rack, and engine heads, all bearing correct Le Mans scrutineering marks, are part of a surviving car..

The 1967 Ferrari 330 P3/4 continues to stir speculation despite Ferrari’s claim that chassis 0846 no longer exists, especially among those who know its story, admire its craftsmanship, and have heard its engine roar. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)

This vehicle’s rebirth stirred debate. Even Enzo Ferrari had reportedly authorized the construction of a small number of replica chassis in the late 1960s, and for a long time, it was believed that this car belonged to that group. However, with the reemergence of so many original parts and matching identifiers, it now seems highly likely that this is not just a replica—it is, against all odds, the very 0846 that once tore down the Mulsanne Straight. | PwYg5Sod1uQ |

Despite Ferrari’s official stance that chassis 0846 no longer exists, the whispers haven’t stopped. In fact, they’ve grown louder. Because for those who know its story, who’ve seen the craftsmanship, and who’ve heard the roar of its engine, the 330 P3/4 is more than a machine. It’s a living legend, one that defied the odds to continue telling its story.

And what a story it is—crafted in Maranello, born to race, destroyed in battle, and resurrected through passion. There may only be one Ferrari 330 P3/4, but for anyone who has come across it, once is all it takes to fall in love. *** [EKA | CONCEPTCARZ | ULTIMATECARPAGE | PINTEREST | SPORTSCARDIGEST ]

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BRM Banshee: The Ultimate Lightweight Track Beast

Savage Agility - In the world of automotive engineering, the pursuit of performance and innovation often leads to the creation of unique, independent designs. While mainstream manufacturers dominate the industry, small-scale builders and boutique companies continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible. These independent projects, often born from a passion for speed and precision, challenge conventional norms and introduce fresh ideas into the world of high-performance vehicles.

The BRM Banshee (pictured in the coupe variant) is an ultra-lightweight, track-focused machine developed in Australia by BRM Sports Cars around 2015-2016. (Picture from: DrivingYourDream)

Some of the most thrilling cars in history have come from such ambitious endeavors, blending cutting-edge technology with an unrelenting focus on lightweight construction and driving purity. One such creation that embodies this spirit of independence is the BRM Banshee. Unlike mainstream supercars from established brands, the Banshee is an ultra-lightweight, track-focused machine developed in Australia around 2015-2016 by BRM Sports Cars.

The BRM Banshee (pictured in the roadster variant) is designed for pure speed and agility on the racetrack. (Picture from: Supercars.net)

While the name "Banshee" might remind some of Pontiac’s classic concept, this is an entirely different beast—one designed for pure speed and agility ON THE RACING TRACK. Built upon a Kevlar-carbon fiber composite chassis and featuring a fiberglass body, the Banshee is a true performance-driven vehicle, available as both a coupe and a roadster with a removable hardtop.

The BRM Banshee (pictured in the coupe variant) is powered by a mid-mounted, turbocharged 1.34-liter Suzuki Hayabusa inline-four engine, delivering approximately 360 horsepower and paired with a custom six-speed sequential transmission. (Picture from: CCDiscussion)

At the heart of this machine lies a mid-mounted, turbocharged 1.34-liter Suzuki Hayabusa inline-four engine, an icon among motorcycle powerplants. Producing an estimated 360 horsepower, this engine is paired with a custom six-speed sequential transmission, ensuring rapid shifts and relentless acceleration. With a curb weight of approximately 700 kg, the Banshee rockets from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds, reaching a top speed of around 190 mph. The car’s impressive power-to-weight ratio allows it to compete with some of the most formidable lightweight track machines, including the KTM X-Bow, BAC Mono, and Ariel Atom.

The BRM Banshee's cabin features two racing bucket seats with four-point harnesses, complemented by a sturdy roll bar. (Picture from: CCDiscussion)

Beyond raw power, the BRM Banshee is a masterpiece of aerodynamic engineering. The aggressive bodywork features a prominent rear wing, front splitter, and rear diffuser, all designed to generate significant downforce and enhance cornering stability. The adjustable suspension, coupled with a Quaife Torsen-type differential, ensures that every bit of power is effectively transferred to the Enkei RPF1 wheels, delivering exceptional grip and razor-sharp handling.

The BRM Banshee (pictured in the coupe variant) is built on a Kevlar-carbon fiber composite chassis with a lightweight fiberglass body. (Picture from: DrivingYourDream)

Delving deeper into its technical specifications, the Banshee’s engine is meticulously built for high-performance reliability. It incorporates Wossner turbo pistons, stainless valves with titanium retainers, and a billet aircraft aluminum clutch basket with turbo springs. A Garrett turbocharger, Turbosmart boost controller, and liquid-to-air intercooler plenum further enhance its efficiency, ensuring optimal performance under extreme conditions. The advanced cooling system, featuring a Davis Craig electronically controlled water pump, keeps temperatures in check even during intense track sessions.

The BRM Banshee (pictured in the coupe variant) is a masterpiece of aerodynamic engineering, with aggressive bodywork featuring a prominent rear wing, and rear diffuser, all designed to generate significant downforce and enhance cornering stability. (Picture from: CCDiscussion)

Despite its incredible potential, the BRM Banshee remains a rarity in the automotive world. While a prototype was displayed, there is little evidence of mass production, suggesting that this might have been a one-off or an extremely limited build. However, for those who appreciate precision engineering and uncompromising performance, the Banshee represents the pinnacle of lightweight track-focused design. | Imi1mYwfWMQ |

With its striking appearance, blistering speed, and motorsport-inspired construction, the BRM Banshee stands as a testament to independent automotive innovation. It’s a car built for those who seek the thrill of pure driving, offering an experience that is as exhilarating as it is exclusive. Whether tearing through a racetrack or carving up a mountain road, this machine is designed to leave an unforgettable impression. Or want to see how GTA V's Bravado Banshee comes to life right here? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CLASSIC AND RECREATION SPORTS CAR | OBSCURE SUPERCAR OF THE DAY ON X | COLLECTABLE CLASSIC CARS | CCDISCUSSION | DRIVING YOUR DREAM | SUPERCARS.NET | ALLCARINDEX ]

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The One and Only Bizzarrini P538 AMX/3 Spyder

Singular Legend - Every now and then, the automotive world surprises us with a forgotten marvel—something bold, bizarre, and utterly unlike anything on today’s roads. While modern cars often favor practicality and polish, the 1970s were a breeding ground for wild ambition. Hidden in the shadows of that daring era is a machine so rare, it almost sounds mythical: the Bizzarrini P538 AMX/3 Spyder. A mid-engine enigma, this one-off convertible isn’t just rare—it’s a rolling contradiction of origins and intentions, a meeting point between Detroit horsepower and Italian finesse.

The Bizzarrini P538 AMX/3 Spyder was born when the ninth AMX/3 chassis, sold after AMC canceled the project in 1971, was transformed by renowned Cuneo-based restorer Giorgio Giordanengo into a custom, hand-built convertible completed around 1972. (Picture from: FastestLap)

The car was born from an unlikely collaboration between Italian engineering legend Giotto Bizzarrini and American Motors Corporation (AMC). AMC dreamed of a mid-engine sports car to rival Ferrari and Lamborghini. Bizzarrini, with his deep racing pedigree and visionary instincts, was tasked with the engineering of what would become the AMX/3. Though only a handful of coupes were completed, one chassis—believed to be the ninth—took a different path entirely. It would eventually become the Spyder, the only open-top version of the AMX/3 project.

The Bizzarrini P538 AMX/3 Spyder is visually striking, sitting low, wide, and purposeful with sleek lines and a stance that blends aggression and elegance. (Picture from: Perico001 on Flickr)

Initially, AMC explored several avenues for developing the AMX/3. ItalDesign was involved in its styling, while AMC also considered outsourcing production to Karmann in Germany, who had experience assembling AMC Javelins for the European market. However, their partner BMW reportedly declined the plan, citing a lack of resources and estimating a need for 30 to 32 engineers to bring the car to life. Some sources even suggest BMW internally designated the concept as the E18. Ultimately, following a recommendation from Renzo Carli of Pininfarina, AMC brought in Bizzarrini to carry out the basic engineering in late 1968. The prototype he developed would later be known as the Bizzarrini Sciabola.

The Bizzarrini P538 AMX/3 Spyder, despite minor dimensional differences that have sparked debate, remains firmly rooted in the original Bizzarrini-AMC design. (Picture from: WeirdWheels on Reddit)

But the story doesn’t end with Bizzarrini’s involvement. After AMC canceled the project in 1971, the ninth chassis didn’t vanish into obscurity. Instead, it was sold to Giorgio Giordanengo, a respected restorer from Cuneo, Italy. He took the unfinished skeleton and gave it new life with a fully custom, hand-built Spyder body. Completed around 1972, this transformation resulted in a one-of-a-kind convertible that would stay mostly hidden from the spotlight for decades.

The Bizzarrini P538 AMX/3 Spyder houses a 6.4-liter AMC V8 engine capable of producing up to 560 horsepower, depending on configuration, with power delivered through a manual transmission for a raw, mechanical driving experience. (Picture from: HistoricAutoPro)

When it finally emerged at the 2002 Bizzarrini Expo held in Brussels, the car caused a stir among collectors and enthusiasts alike. It was a mystery, a rarity, and a piece of forgotten history. Over the years, people have called it by different names—the Bizzarrini P538, the AMX Spyder, or the Giordanengo Spyder in honor of the man who finished it. Whatever label it carries, its presence is impossible to ignore.

The Bizzarrini P538 AMX/3 Spyder 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: Nasshan)

Visually, the Spyder is striking. It sits low, wide, and purposeful, with sleek lines and an aggressive yet elegant stance. The open-top design exposes the cabin, giving it a raw and uncompromising feel. Underneath that dramatic exterior lies a 6.4-liter AMC V8 engine, pushing out up to 560 horsepower, depending on the setup. Power is delivered through a manual transmission, keeping the driving experience mechanical and visceral. With a weight of around 1,190 kg, the car is built for balance, agility, and sheer performance.

The Bizzarrini P538 AMX/3 Spyder is the only known Spyder variant ever tied to the AMX/3 project.. (Picture from: Perico001 on Flickr)

What truly sets this car apart is its singularity. It's the only known Spyder variant ever tied to the AMX/3 project. While other AMX/3s followed a fixed formula, this one broke away from the mold. It’s not merely a car—it’s a narrative in motion, shaped by abandoned dreams, cross-continental collaboration, and a craftsman’s relentless vision. Though some have debated its authenticity due to small dimensional differences, its roots remain undeniably connected to the original Bizzarrini-AMC design. | MP4YXqymE5Q |

Today, the Bizzarrini P538 AMX/3 Spyder stands alone—not tucked away in a museum or mirrored by replicas, but alive as a raw, running reminder of a time when bold ideas weren’t left as sketches, but shaped into roaring realities. In a world where so many cars blur into sameness, this one dares to be different. It doesn’t just tell a story—it is the story.. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FERRARICHAT | HISTORICAUTOPRO | FASTESTLAPS | WIKIPEDIA | HEMMINGS | GORDON CALDER ON FLICKR | WEIRDWHEELS ON REDDIT | NASSHAN ]

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GTA V’s Bravado Banshee Lives On in the Real World

Joystick Reality - Every now and then, a fictional car drives its way out of the screen and onto the real-life streets—and when it does, it's a moment that blends fantasy with reality in the coolest way possible. For fans of Grand Theft Auto V, few rides are as iconic as the Bravado Banshee. It’s that sleek, muscular beast you probably remember tearing through Los Santos, dodging cops, and outrunning helicopters. But what if we told you that this virtual dream car wasn't just pixels and code? What if it had an actual steering wheel, real horsepower, and a backstory that's just as wild as any GTA mission?

As Rockstar Games prepared for GTA V’s 2013 launch, they partnered with West Coast Customs to turn the Bravado Banshee from in-game icon to real-world supercar. (Picture from: Obscure Supercar on X)

Let’s rewind a bit. When Rockstar Games was gearing up for the release of GTA V back in 2013, they didn’t just promote it with flashy trailers. Instead, they teamed up with West Coast Customs—the automotive wizards known for turning dreams into driveable reality—to bring the Bravado Banshee into the real world. This wasn't just a wrap job or a themed paint scheme slapped onto a random car. They took a 2006 Dodge Viper SRT-10 and transformed it, inside and out, into the full-blown, street-legal version of the game’s beloved sports car.

For Grand Theft Auto V fans, the Bravado Banshee stands out as an iconic, muscle-bound machine built for high-speed chaos across Los Santos. (Picture from: RockStarGames)

From the jump, the creators paid close attention to the details. Using the in-game design as their blueprint, they handcrafted an interior that mirrors the digital cockpit. The seats were specially stitched and upholstered with the Banshee logo, and the dash, console, and door panels got a complete makeover with carbon-fiber inlays. 

The Bravado Banshee was crafted by West Coast Customs, commissioned by Rockstar Games for the 2013 launch of GTA V, by modifying a 2006 Dodge Viper SRT-10. (Picture from: Carscoops)

To top it all off, they installed a premium sound system and bathed the car in a glossy metallic blue finish, highlighted by crisp ice white racing stripes—just like you'd expect to see burning rubber outside a mod shop in Los Santos. Only one of these Banshees exists. That makes it not just a collector’s item, but a piece of gaming history on four wheels. 

The Bravado Banshee features a handcrafted interior that mirrors its digital cockpit, with custom-stitched seats bearing the Banshee logo and a full carbon-fiber makeover on the dash, console, and door panels. (Picture from: Carscoops)

While it might look like something built to dominate street races, the real-life Banshee actually spent most of its time in garages rather than on highways. It’s clocked just over 8,000 miles across nearly two decades—meaning its 8.3-liter V10 engine and six-speed manual transmission are still raring to go. But the story doesn’t stop at the build. It gets better—or at least, more surprising. The first person to own this high-octane showpiece wasn’t a millionaire collector or die-hard gamer.

The Bravado Banshee is powered by an 8.3-liter V10 Viper engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission. (Picture from: Carscoops)

It was a grandmother from Havelock, North Carolina. Her youngest son had entered a sweepstakes using her credit card without her knowledge, and she ended up the legal winner. Though not exactly in the market for a supercar, she decided to try and turn it into tuition money. In 2014, she listed it for $170,000. But the car didn't sell, and a year later, it went for just $45,200.

The Bravado Banshee wears a glossy metallic blue finish accented with sharp ice white racing stripes. (Picture from: Carscoops)

Since then, the Banshee has bounced through a couple of new owners and auctions, each sale lower than the last. Most recently, in 2025, it changed hands again for $30,800—a far cry from its initial hoped-for price tag. So, while it may not have become the jackpot some hoped for, it's still a rolling tribute to gaming culture and creative car building. | YrCjPFcbPnU |

Today, the Bravado Banshee stands as a fun reminder of how far marketing stunts can go, and how a well-crafted game world can leap into real life in the most unexpected ways. It's a car born from pixels and passion, now cruising among us—quietly legendary, undeniably unique. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ROCKSTARGAMES | CARSCOOPS | OBSCURE SUPERCAR ON X ]

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