The VBM 4000 GTC: A Rare French GT Built to Challenge Giants

Defiant Engineering - In the world of exotic sports cars, names like Ferrari, Porsche, and McLaren often dominate conversations. But every now and then, an underdog roars onto the scene, built not by a billion-dollar corporation, but by a few passionate minds with a dream and the will to chase it. One such rare gem is the VBM 4000 GTC—a French-made grand tourer born not just to compete, but to challenge the very legends of motorsport.

The VBM 4000 GTC—a French-made grand tourer born not just to compete, but to challenge the very legends of motorsport—was sparked by the vision of Patrick Bornhauser and Jean-François Metz. (Picture from: CarsOfRacing in Facebook)

The story of the VBM 4000 GTC began with a bold question: why settle for driving a Porsche when you could create something entirely your own? That idea sparked the vision of two determined individuals—Patrick Bornhauser and Jean-François Metz—who, in April 1994, set out to design a car that was not only uniquely French, but capable of going toe-to-toe with the giants of GT racing. Together, they formed VBM Automobiles, with the car’s name—VBM—carrying their legacy: "Voitures Bornhauser Metz." 

The VBM 4000 GTC was built on a tubular steel spaceframe chassis with aluminum and carbon fiber elements, keeping the car lean and aggressive at just 1,050 kilograms. (Picture from: CarsOfRacing in Facebook)

Thanks to a rule change by the ACO (Automobile Club de l’Ouest) allowing one-off GT cars to compete in the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans, the dream of building their own contender quickly became a tangible goal. With just six months from conception to homologation, the VBM team worked at lightning speed. The result was a machine that wasn’t just a race car—it was a statement.

The VBM 4000 GTC, inspired by the legendary Ford GT40 with a windshield identical to the original, was never a mere replica, but a car that forged its own identity through a blend of classic GT design and purposeful engineering. (Picture from: CarsOfRacing in Facebook)

Visually, the VBM 4000 GTC drew inspiration from the legendary Ford GT40. Its windshield was even an exact replica of the original, yet this car was never a copy. It carved its own identity, blending classic GT aesthetics with engineering purpose. Beneath its lightweight composite skin, the VBM was a technical blend of old-school racing know-how and clever design. Built on a tubular steel spaceframe chassis with aluminum and carbon fiber elements, the car was kept lean and mean at just 1,050 kilograms.

The VBM 4000 GTC featured a 3.0-liter PRV V6 engine with twin Garrett turbochargers, delivering an estimated 410 horsepower and paying homage to French automotive roots as one of the few high-performance V6s of its time.. (Picture from: CarsOfRacing in Facebook)

Under the hood, it packed a 3.0-liter PRV V6 engine with twin Garrett turbochargers, delivering an estimated 410 horsepower. That engine wasn’t just a powerhouse—it was a nod to French automotive roots, as the PRV (Peugeot-Renault-Volvo) engine was one of the few high-performance French V6s of the time. The engine was paired with a 5-speed Hewland DGB manual gearbox, allowing drivers to fully exploit the car’s potential on track. With double wishbone suspension at all four corners and Goodyear racing tires, the 4000 GTC was purpose-built for serious performance. 

The VBM 4000 GTC debuted at the 1995 1000 km of Paris and, despite never reaching the fame of its Italian and German rivals, made its mark as one of the few truly 100% French GT cars of its era. (Picture from: Classic And Recreation Sportscars in Facebook)

Debuting at the 1995 1000 km of Paris, the VBM 4000 GTC made its mark in the world of endurance racing. Though it never reached the same fame as the Italian and German heavyweights, it stood tall as one of the very few 100% French GT cars of its era. Its uniqueness lay not just in its country of origin, but in the spirit of its creation—designed by racers, for racers, with raw passion instead of corporate polish.

The VBM 4000 GTC stood out not just for its French origins, but for the spirit behind its creation—crafted by racers, for racers, with raw passion over corporate polish. (Picture from: Classic And Recreation Sportscars in Facebook)

In 2002, the VBM 4000 GTC's racing career came to an end, but it wasn’t forgotten. The car was converted for road use, receiving practical updates like adjustable ride height to make it more comfortable off the circuit. Even though it no longer tore through racetracks, its soul remained intact—a handcrafted reminder of what happens when ambition meets ingenuity. Meanwhile, the VBM team continued their motorsport journey, entering a Porsche GT3 RS in the French GT Championship. | j8n6RwxywRE |

Today, the VBM 4000 GTC stands as a symbol of courage and creativity in motorsport. It may not be a household name, but for those who know it, it represents something deeper than speed or specs. It represents a dream brought to life on four wheels—something that will always be worth remembering. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GTPLANET | RACINGSPORTSCAR | WIKIPEDIA | ALLCARINDEX | CLASSIC AND RECREAION SPORTSCARS IN FACEBOOK | CARSOFRACING IN FACEBOOK  ]

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BMW M3 GTR 'Most Wanted' Returns for 30 Years of Need for Speed

Legend Revived - For many car lovers, a single model can leave a lasting impression that transcends generations—especially when that model becomes more than just a car, but a symbol of speed, rebellion, and precision engineering. Among these legends, the BMW M3 GTR stands in a league of its own. More than just a high-performance machine, it represents the rare intersection where motorsport dominance meets gaming culture. Its return in 2024, in collaboration with Electronic Arts to mark 30 years of the Need for Speed franchise, is a powerful reminder of its enduring legacy.

BMW M3 GTR 'Most Wanted' Returns for 30 Years of Need for Speed. (Picture from: TopGear)

Originally developed to conquer the world of GT racing, the M3 GTR is based on the E46 generation of the M3 lineup. While the standard M3 already had a solid reputation for blending sportiness and everyday usability, BMW had much bigger ambitions for its motorsport future. In pursuit of greater speed and endurance capability, the company made a bold move. Engineers stripped out the inline-six engine that had become synonymous with the M3 and replaced it with a formidable 4.9-liter naturally aspirated V8, dubbed the P60B40. This engine churned out 444 horsepower and was purpose-built to meet the demands of high-level endurance racing, making it the only V8-powered E46 M3 ever produced.

BMW M3 GTR 'Most Wanted' Returns for 30 Years of Need for Speed. (Picture from: TopGear)

This aggressive setup was necessary to take on the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), where competition was fierce and reliability was just as crucial as speed. The gamble paid off—drivers like JJ Lehto and Jörg Müller piloted the M3 GTR to championship victories, cementing its place in BMW's racing history. However, the car's on-track success also triggered changes in regulations. Homologation rules were tightened, requiring manufacturers to produce a minimum number of road-legal versions of any racing car that wanted to remain in competition.

BMW M3 GTR 'Most Wanted' Returns for 30 Years of Need for Speed. (Picture from: Carvaganza)

BMW responded with the ultra-limited M3 GTR Strassenversion. Only ten units were ever produced, making them some of the rarest road-going BMWs in existence. These special editions featured a slightly toned-down version of the racing V8 and swapped the race-ready sequential gearbox for a six-speed manual. Despite the compromises, the essence of the race car remained intact—lightweight, fast, and strikingly aggressive in appearance.

BMW M3 GTR 'Most Wanted' Returns for 30 Years of Need for Speed. (Picture from: Carvaganza)

The M3 GTR's fame wasn't limited to the racetrack. In 2005, it achieved cult status with its starring role in Need for Speed: Most Wanted. Gamers were introduced to the car as the player's original ride, complete with a distinctive silver and blue livery that would become iconic. When the in-game antagonist Razor Callahan stole the car, it set the stage for an unforgettable quest to reclaim it—cementing the M3 GTR as the hero car of the story, and in turn, a favorite among fans worldwide.

BMW M3 GTR 'Most Wanted' Returns for 30 Years of Need for Speed. (Picture from: Carvaganza)

That emotional bond, built on both performance and pop culture, was reignited in 2024 when BMW and EA joined forces to unveil a real-life tribute. One of the original racing M3 GTRs was given a fresh makeover inspired by its virtual counterpart. The familiar silver-and-blue design returned, not just as a nostalgic nod, but as a celebration of how deep an impact one car can have on multiple generations of enthusiasts. This unique vehicle was displayed at BMW Welt in Munich from late November through early January, giving fans a rare chance to witness the icon in the flesh. | _YkTDADlEHM |

Even in 2025, the legacy of the M3 GTR continues to thrive. Its reappearance in Need for Speed Unbound Vol. 9 brings it back into the digital spotlight, where a new wave of players can experience its presence—just as unforgettable as it was two decades ago. As a blend of motorsport heritage and gaming stardom, the BMW M3 GTR is more than just a car. It's a piece of history that continues to capture imaginations, on screen and on asphalt. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BMW M | TOPGEAR | SPEEDHUNTERS ]

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Toyota GT Concept Duo Stuns at 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed

Powerplay Stuns - The Goodwood Festival of Speed has always been a spectacle where heritage meets innovation, and this year was no exception. Amid the roar of engines and a crowd buzzing with anticipation, Toyota chose this stage to drop an unexpected yet thrilling surprise: not one, but two high-performance sports cars—the Toyota GT Concept and its track-focused sibling, the GT Racing Concept. With no prior teasers or hints, their sudden debut took center stage and stirred conversations not just about speed, but about the future of performance motoring under the Toyota and Lexus names.

A pair of Toyota concept cars—the GT Concept and its track-focused sibling, the GT Racing Concept—stunned at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed. (Picture from: RoadAndTrack)

These two machines didn’t just sit pretty—they tackled the iconic Goodwood hill with purpose, signaling a clear intent from Toyota to deepen its roots in competitive motorsport. The GT Racing Concept, in particular, isn’t just a showpiece; it’s shaping up to be a serious contender for the FIA GT3 category. That ambition isn't built overnight. According to the drivers behind the wheel, development on these cars has been underway for over four years, with extensive circuit testing taking place over the past 18 months. It’s a slow burn that’s clearly starting to bear fruit. 

The striking bright red interior of the Toyota GT aka. Lexus LFR road version was revealed to the public during its debut at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed. (Picture from: idMotor1)

Interestingly, the two cars—while sharing the same core DNA—are designed with very different goals in mind. The GT Racing Concept screams aggression, flaunting its oversized rear wing, minimalist side windows, dramatic side exhausts, and a commanding vertical wiper that looks straight out of endurance racing. Everything about it is optimized for downforce and speed, and its howling exhaust note leaves no doubt about its pure motorsport intentions.

The Toyota GT, aka the Lexus LFR road version, comes with a predominantly red interior that includes carbon fiber bucket seats divided by a wide center console, and while a manual gearbox was never likely, it features a compact selector for its automatic transmission. (Picture from: idMotor1)

By contrast, the GT, believed to be called the Lexus LFR, adopts a more refined approach. It’s the road-going counterpart, softened just enough to comply with street regulations but still brimming with attitude. The design is sleeker, the noise more measured, and while its core remains performance-focused, it carries itself with the maturity of a grand tourer meant for everyday thrills. | lH6EnbFV5Z0 |

The LFR’s interior, which was glimpsed during the event’s livestream, leans heavily into premium sports car territory. The red-themed cabin is headlined by carbon-fiber bucket seats and a wide center console. A compact gear selector replaces any hope of a manual option, hinting at a high-tech automatic transmission, likely built for precision rather than drama. A large central touchscreen is flanked by physical controls, and digital screens replace both the instrument cluster and rearview mirror. It’s clear this isn’t a revival of the past—it’s a redefinition of Lexus performance going forward.

The Toyota GR GT3 Concept first seen at the 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon will become the Lexus LFR. (Picture from: idMotor1)

What powers these machines? That’s still under wraps, but all signs point to a V8 engine lurking beneath the sculpted hoods—possibly a twin-turbocharged setup or even a hybrid system. The speculation is not without basis; the growl from the exhausts at Goodwood was unmistakably eight-cylinder, and Japanese reports hint at hybrid assistance that could push output close to 700 horsepower. Such figures would place the LFR in the same realm as the world’s top-tier supercars, giving Lexus a true halo vehicle to succeed the legendary LFA.

The Toyota GR GT3 Concept is gearing up the automaker to return to the spotlight with a bold, beautiful, and technologically advanced sports car. (Picture from: idMotor1)

As for the GT Racing Concept, it’s expected to officially enter GT3 racing in 2026, aligning with FIA homologation rules that require a close relationship between the race and road versions. This strategic move will put Toyota and Lexus alongside storied manufacturers like Ferrari, Aston Martin, and Porsche in offering race-ready machines to customer teams globally.

The Toyota GR GT3 Concept expected to officially enter GT3 racing in 2026, aligning with FIA homologation rules that require a close relationship between the race and road versions. (Picture from: idMotor1)

The Goodwood reveal marks the first time the public has seen both of these cars in motion, and while the full spec sheets are still under wraps, the intent behind them couldn’t be clearer. Lexus is gearing up to return to the spotlight with a bold, beautiful, and technologically advanced sports car. Meanwhile, Toyota Gazoo Racing is sharpening its edge for track dominance.

The Toyota GR GT3 Concept supercar boasts a twin-turbo V8 hybrid and is intended to be the successor to the Lexus LFA.. (Picture from: idMotor1)

With the RC and LC coupes now phased out, these new models don’t just fill a gap—they raise the bar. They embody a new chapter in Toyota Motor Corporation’s evolving vision for performance: one that blends raw power with sustainability, race heritage with road sensibility, and excitement with innovation. The road ahead looks thrilling, and it’s only just begun. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TOYOTA | ID.MOTOR1 | ROADANDTRACK ]

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Thurner RS: Germany’s Forgotten Sports Car with a Rebel Soul

Garage Grit - Not every great car begins in a high-tech factory or a massive design studio. Some start their journey in workshops, powered more by passion than budget, built by people whose imagination goes far beyond the expected. That’s exactly where the story of the Thurner RS begins—but before this German sports car ever hit the road, its roots first took shape in Spain, under the banner of Hispano Alemán.

The Thurner RS was produced by Rudolf Thurner Karosseriebau & Sportwagen between 1969 and 1974, with a total of 121 units built. (Picture from: RareComponentCars)

It was Werner Bernhard Heiderich, founder of Hispano Alemán, who became the first to bring the design to the public eye. Inspired by a prototype originally crafted by German coachbuilder Dieter Kohlmus, Heiderich launched a small production model called the Hispano Alemán Scirocco. Built on the foundation of the NSU TT 1200, the Scirocco combined German engineering with a Mediterranean flair, offering a lightweight fiberglass body and a distinctive silhouette. It wasn’t a mass-market car, but it stood out with a confident blend of sportiness and style—traits that would echo in what came next.

The Thurner RS features gullwing doors and twin headlights from the NSU TT, housed under Plexiglas covers in its flat nose, along with a windshield sourced from the Porsche 904. (Picture from: RareComponentCars)

That original prototype came from the hands of Kohlmus, whose Munich-based firm Kohlmus Kunststofftechnik KG specialized in fiberglass bodywork. Using the compact yet capable NSU TT as a base, he created a sleek sports coupe that balanced innovation with visual punch. But when Kohlmus’s partnership with collaborator Rudolf Thurner ended, the project split in two directions. Kohlmus refined his version, and Heiderich brought it to life in Spain under the Scirocco name—while Thurner, on the other hand, chose to go his own way and created something entirely new: the Thurner RS. 

The Thurner RS's body is made of fiberglass, which was stretched over a tubular steel frame. (Picture from: RareComponentCars)

Rudolf Thurner didn’t come from an automotive background—he worked in insurance—but that didn’t stop him from founding his own company, Rudolf Thurner, Karosseriebau & Sportwagen, in 1969. His vision was ambitious: a German-made sports car with unique styling, modern materials, and a racing spirit. The Thurner RS was the result. Built initially in an old forge near Munich-Riem, and later in a converted spinning mill in Bernbeuren, the RS carried forward some visual DNA from the Kohlmus prototype but took a bold step forward.

The Thurner RS was based on the shortened floorpan of the NSU 1200 C, with the NSU TT engine installed in the rear. (Picture from: RareComponentCars)

This was a car designed to be different. Its body was molded from fiberglass-reinforced plastic and mounted on a tubular steel frame. It featured gull-wing doors, double headlights under smooth plexiglass covers—borrowed from the NSU TT—and even a windshield sourced from the Porsche 904. The prototype sat on an NSU TT chassis, while production models were built using a shortened NSU 1200 C platform. Thurner wasn't just thinking of road-going fun; he also had motorsport in mind. 

The Thurner RS-R, a race-spec variant featuring an NSU Abt fuel-injected engine, delivering up to 135 horsepower—a respectable figure for such a lightweight machine. (Picture from: Perico001 in Flickr)

A race-spec variant, the Thurner RS-R, was introduced with an NSU engine fitted with fuel injection, delivering up to 135 horsepower—a respectable figure for such a lightweight machine. Some sources claim that only three units of the RS-R were actually produced in 1971. Thurner had even more daring plans: another model built on a VW Beetle 1303 chassis, powered by a Porsche 914/6 engine. Sadly, this version never made it past the planning phase. 

The Thurner RS-R, a race-spec variant of the original model, was a highly limited edition with only three units believed to have been produced in 1971. (Picture from: ClassicDriver)

As with many independent efforts of the time, external forces soon took their toll. The oil crisis of the early 1970s drove up production costs, and tragedy struck when Thurner’s chief financial officer died in a car accident. With these setbacks compounding, the company closed its doors in 1974. Only 121 units of the Thurner RS were ever built. 

The 1971 Thurner RS-R may have been Rudolf Thurner's personal car, used by him in both hill climb and slalom events.  (Picture from: RareComponentCars)

Today, these cars live on as rare and fascinating examples of what can happen when creativity meets courage. They’re celebrated by a small but passionate circle of enthusiasts, especially in Munich and across Europe, where a surprising number of these handmade machines are still running. | kc2S16hOIjQ |

More than just a quirky footnote in automotive history, the Thurner RS represents a time when boundaries were made to be challenged—when visionaries could take big risks and occasionally, just occasionally, bring something truly special to life on four wheels. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | RARECOMPONENTCARS | CLASSICDRIVER | PERICO001 IN FLICKR | WIKIPEDIA ]

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How the DiMora JX Coupe Turned a Chrysler into a Custom Icon

Rolling Artistry - There’s something captivating about movie cars. They often become icons, remembered long after the final scene fades. But more often than not, they’re little more than film props—visually stunning but hollow under the hood. DiMora Designs, a division of DiMora Motorcar, took a different route. Instead of building a disposable showpiece for the screen, they created the DiMora JX Coupe: a concept vehicle that didn’t just look good under the lights but had the power, craftsmanship, and road presence to back it up—long after the credits rolled.

The DiMora JX Coupe, a concept vehicle built from a 1999 Chrysler Concorde LXi, combined striking looks with real power, craftsmanship, and lasting road presence. (Picture from: HotRodHotLine)

The JX Coupe was no ordinary creation. It started as a 1999 Chrysler Concorde LXi, a comfortable and practical family sedan. With its front-wheel drive, roomy five-passenger seating, and a 235-horsepower V6 engine, it was built for everyday reliability. But Alfred DiMora saw something more. He envisioned a two-passenger coupe that fused movie magic with real-world performance. By late 2006, that transformation began—and the result was nothing short of remarkable.

The DiMora JX Coupe began as a 1999 Chrysler Concorde LXi, a practical and comfortable family sedan. (Picture from: DiMoraMotorcar)

Gone were the rear seats and family-friendly design. In its place stood a long, dramatic coupe with the utility of a modern-day El Camino. The trunk was massive, topped with a lockable electric lid, adding a practical twist to the concept’s bold styling. Underneath that sculpted steel was a new heart: a 3.2-liter V6 engine from ATK, upgraded with a Tornado air intake component that delivered a boost in both horsepower and fuel efficiency. With an estimated 260 horsepower and a smoother, more dynamic response, this was not just a design experiment—it was made to drive.

The DiMora JX Coupe featured a bold exterior enhanced by a shimmering House of Kolor “Sunrise Pearl” finish from San Diego, California. (Picture from: DiMoraMotorcar)

Alfred DiMora didn’t stop at performance. The JX Coupe became a modern homage to a nearly forgotten era of American automotive history—when coachbuilders shaped steel by hand, giving each car a soul. Inspired by the metalwork of the late '30s and '40s, DiMora and his team—especially Concept Car Project Manager Jim Willis—reshaped the Concorde’s body through countless hours of handcrafted steelwork. The result? A car with presence, elegance, and unmistakable individuality.

The DiMora JX Coupe achieved a grounded, muscular look with Intrax lowering springs and 18-inch American Racing Euro-Chrome wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich performance tires. (Picture from: DiMoraMotorcar)

The transformation was literal. They “coupe-d” the Concorde, sealing the rear doors and lowering the roof to fit custom rear glass. The tail end received a performance-inspired makeover with a Camaro Z28 dual-outlet muffler, set into a carefully modified rear fascia. Every cut, weld, and bolt was done with purpose. The JX Coupe’s stance was fine-tuned with Intrax lowering springs, while new 18-inch American Racing Euro-Chrome wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich performance tires gave it a grounded, muscular look.

The DiMora JX Coupe was powered by a 3.2-liter V6 engine from ATK, enhanced with a Tornado air intake for increased horsepower and fuel efficiency. (Picture from: DiMoraMotorcar)

Inside, the team upgraded the interior with plush leather seating, giving the cabin a luxury feel worthy of the car’s bold exterior. And then there was the paint—a shimmering House of Kolor “Sunrise Pearl” finish from San Diego, California. Depending on the light and time of day, the JX Coupe seems to change color, adding to its surreal charm.

 

The response? Overwhelming. When Jim Willis took the JX Coupe on its first drive, people stopped in their tracks. Cell phones came out. Restaurant diners left their meals just to get a closer look. The car wasn’t just turning heads—it was sparking conversations. “Where did you buy it?” “How much does it cost?” “Is it available?” The answer: there’s only one.

The DiMora JX Coupe was powered by a 3.2-liter V6 engine from ATK, enhanced with a Tornado air intake for increased horsepower and fuel efficiency. (Picture from: DiMoraMotorcar)

Though the JX Coupe was a one-off masterpiece, the concept didn’t stop there. By 2009, DiMora announced a follow-up vehicle with similar ambitions under a new name—Scattare. Built on the Oldsmobile Aurora platform, this evolution carried forward the spirit of the JX Coupe with its own unique interpretation, showcasing that the vision behind the original movie car was just the beginning of a larger design philosophy. | iGAXSLZUdTA |

The JX Coupe had already made its mark by then—featured in CarVision, a premier Korean auto publication, and welcomed warmly at the Spring Rod Run in Temecula, California. With appearances lined up for both television and cinema, it continues to dazzle wherever it goes. And if you ever spot it on the road, know that you’re looking at more than a car. It’s a rolling expression of creativity, craftsmanship, and the belief that even an everyday sedan can be transformed into something unforgettable. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DIMORA MOTORCAR | STORYCARS IN X | AUTOCAR | HOTRODHOTLINE ]

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Rare Porsche-Powered Tempo Mikafa Sport Camper: A One-of-a-Kind Classic

Ingenious Fusion - For many car lovers, the idea of a Porsche camper sounds like the punchline to a joke or a wild “what if” daydream. When you think of Porsche, sleek sports cars and roaring engines come to mind—not cozy interiors, sleeping bunks, and portable stoves. But sometimes, history surprises us. And in the case of the Tempo Mikafa Sport Camper, it gifted us with something truly one of a kind: a rare blend of Porsche performance and aircraft-inspired comfort, all rolled into a quirky but fascinating camper van that still raises eyebrows today. 

The Tempo Mikafa Sport Camper was a bold reimagining of what a camper could be—quirky, fascinating, and still turning heads today. (Picture from: Revivaler)

The tale begins in post-WWII Germany, a time when industries were forced to adapt or vanish. Amidst this economic reawakening, two unlikely collaborators crossed paths. One was Tempo, officially Vidal & Sohn Tempo-Werke GmbH, a company that had already made a name for itself by transforming the humble Volkswagen Beetle platform into the utilitarian Matador—a light truck that cleverly positioned a VW engine up front and used a ZF transaxle to drive the front wheels
.  

The Tempo Mikafa Sport Camper showcases a cockpit with a wooden dashboard equipped with classic VDO instruments. (Picture from: Revivaler)

The other was Mikafa, a former aircraft manufacturer now turning their aeronautical craftsmanship to the road, repurposing their knowledge of aluminum bodywork to create travel-ready vehicles. Mikafa’s early campers carried the lightweight DNA of airplanes. Aluminum alloy panels, minimalist interiors, and even perspex windows all reflected the need for both efficiency and resilience. 

The Tempo Mikafa Sport Camper offers a light and airy dining area, made possible by its generous array of windows. (Picture from: Revivaler)

Initially, they relied on Volkswagen’s modest 25-horsepower flat-four engines, which were just barely enough to move the bulky camper vans along at about 50 mph. But the relationship between Tempo and VW soured in 1952, leading to an engine drought that pushed Tempo to look elsewhere—sometimes landing on Austin engines, and in rare cases, BMW V8s.

The Tempo Mikafa Sport Camper includes a twin-burner camping stove, perfectly suited for preparing your venison casserole with deer antler utensils. (Picture from: Revivaler)

Yet, among these clever creations, one version stood out: the Mikafa Sport Camper fitted with a Porsche 356 engine. It wasn’t just a technical upgrade—it was a complete reimagining of what a camper could be. Up front, the Porsche flat-four engine delivered around 60 horsepower—over double the output of the earlier VW versions. Combined with front-wheel drive and wrapped in a body that borrowed more from aircraft than automobiles, this camper wasn't just for vacations—it was a statement. 

The Tempo Mikafa Sport Camper features a thoughtfully designed bathroom that also includes fully functional toilet facilities for added convenience. (Picture from: Revivaler)

To add to the mystique, Porsche badging was prominently placed on both ends of the van, making it clear that this wasn’t just a cobbled-together experiment. It was a camper with serious performance heritage, even if it still had to haul around a hefty load of fixtures like a restroom, kitchen, and full sleeping area—adding up to more than 4,000 pounds of rolling mass. It was less about speed and more about style, innovation, and pushing boundaries.

While the Tempo Mikafa Sport Camper was originally fitted with a Porsche 356 engine, it is currently equipped with a more modest Volkswagen engine. (Picture from: Revivaler)

And rare it was. Only three Porsche-powered Mikafa Sport Campers were ever believed to have been built, with just two known to reside in the United States. One surviving example has remained largely untouched over the years, still carrying much of its original cosmetic charm.  

The Tempo Mikafa Sport Camper features a sleek two-tone gray color scheme, evoking the look of New York Central Railroad’s streamlined Hudson locomotives from the 1930s and 1940s. (Picture from: Revivaler)

Though the Porsche engine has been swapped for a Volkswagen unit for now—likely for practical reasons—it still retains features that made it a dream machine for the adventurous driver: pop-up fresh air roof, sliding and pop-out plexiglass windows, original VDO gauges, whitewall tires with chrome hubcaps, and the proud 1955 Porsche title that ties it all together. | HCRBWPMs5TM | 

The Tempo Mikafa Sport Camper isn’t just a curiosity—it’s a rolling piece of design ingenuity that defies categories. It carries the legacy of three distinct brands: Porsche’s engineering excellence, Tempo’s forward-thinking vehicle architecture, and Mikafa’s aircraft roots—all converging in a form that’s as practical as it is poetic. It's a reminder that even in the world of high-performance motoring, there's room for a little imagination, a bit of comfort, and a lot of personality. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOIRCES | SILODROME | REVIVALER | MOTORIUOS | AUTOMOBILISTA IN X | QUIRKYRIDES IN X ]

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