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Saturday, September 6, 2025

The Vampire Car That Refused to Die: Škoda 110 Super Sport 'Ferat'

Feral Elegance - There’s something fascinating about the way cars sometimes slip beyond their role as mere machines and end up living a second life in culture, film, or even folklore. Some of the most striking examples started as wild concept cars—built more for imagination than production—and then somehow escaped obscurity. One such survivor is the Škoda 110 Super Sport, a car that not only embodied the design daring of its era but also became immortal thanks to a vampire twist straight out of cinema.
The Škoda 110 Super Sport 'Ferat,' a car that not only embodied the design daring of its era but also became immortal thanks to a vampire twist straight out of cinema. (Picture from: BelowTheRadar)
Back in the late 1960s and early 1970s
, Škoda was not the kind of brand most people associated with flashy concept cars. Yet, while many automakers behind the Iron Curtain focused on practicality, Škoda was willing to dream. Among its experiments was the 110 Super Sport, unveiled in 1971 with styling that looked like it had been drawn with a ruler in the age of geometric, origami-inspired car design.
The Škoda 110 Super Sport unveiled in 1971 with styling that looked like it had been drawn with a ruler in the age of geometric, origami-inspired car design. (Picture from: BelowTheRadar)
Its wedge-shaped body sat low and sharp, and instead of doors it had a dramatic one-piece canopy that lifted upward, almost like a fighter jet. At the rear, sixteen circular lights were arranged to mimic the afterburners of a rocket, while up front a bank of pop-up headlights kept it in line with the most futuristic machines of the day.
The Škoda 110 Super Sport' wedge-shaped body sat low and sharp, and instead of doors it had a dramatic one-piece canopy that lifted upward, almost like a fighter jet. (Picture from: BelowTheRadar)
Unlike many concept cars, the 110 Super Sport was more than just a shell. It was a working prototype, initially fitted with an 1107cc engine before receiving an 1147cc unit borrowed from the 110 L Rallye. There were whispers it could go into small-scale production, but as often happened with concepts of that time, those talks never materialized. The car did, however, make a splash at home and abroad, debuting locally in late 1971 and then at the Brussels Motor Show the following year. It could easily have ended its story there—an admired prototype consigned to memory—but fate had something stranger in store.
The Škoda 110 Super Sport 'Ferat' found its way onto the big screen in a Czech sci-fi comedy in 1977. (Picture from: BelowTheRadar)
In 1977, the 110 Super Sport found its way onto the big screen in a Czech sci-fi comedy. Just a few years later, in 1981, it would undergo a transformation that cemented its legacy. Artist and costume designer Theodor Pištěkwho would later win an Academy Award for his work with director Miloš Formanreshaped the car for the cult horror film Ferat Vampire.  
The Škoda 110 Super Sport 'Ferat' takes center stage, filmed in real rally action alongside Ford Escorts, Opel Asconas, Renaults, and other competitors. (Picture from: BelowTheRadar)
Out went the pop-up headlights, replaced by fixed lamps, and in came new rear clusters borrowed from the then-upcoming Škoda 120. Stylish BBS wheels were bolted on, a sinister black finish was applied, and pinstriping gave it an otherworldly presence. The result was no longer just a futuristic prototype; it was a machine reborn for cinema.
The Škoda 110 Super Sport 'Ferat' today resides in Škoda’s museum, serving as a permanent reminder that concept cars can sometimes live far beyond their original purpose. (Picture from: BelowTheRadar)
Renamed the “Ferat,” the car became a character in its own right, portrayed as a supernatural vehicle that fed on the blood of its drivers through the throttle pedal. In the film’s darkly comic storyline, an ambulance driver is recruited to race for the mysterious Ferat rally team, only for his doctor friend to uncover the car’s deadly secret. 
The Škoda 110 Super Sport 'Ferat' featured with a new rear clusters borrowed from the then-upcoming Škoda 120, stylish BBS wheels bolted on, a sinister black finish applied, and pinstriping added, giving it an otherworldly presence. (Picture from: BelowTheRadar)
Amid all this, the Škoda takes center stage, filmed in real rally action alongside Ford Escorts, Opel Asconas, Renaults, and other competitors. The movie itself may not have been particularly terrifying, but the imagery of the Ferat burning across stages remains unforgettable.
Škoda revived the Ferat look in 2016 when it ran a Fabia R5 rally car in full Ferat livery at the Bohemia Rally, a nostalgic nod to the legend. (Picture from: BelowTheRadar)
This unusual blend of design innovation and cinematic myth has ensured the Škoda 110 Super Sport never faded into obscurity. Today, the very same Ferat car resides in Škoda’s museum, a permanent reminder that sometimes concept cars can live far beyond their original purpose. Its influence has even reached modern times—Škoda revived the Ferat look in 2016 when it ran a Fabia R5 rally car in full Ferat livery at the Bohemia Rally, a nostalgic nod to the legend. | dB8RpdHuGuo |
What began as an experimental wedge-shaped prototype has since become a cultural touchstone, known not just to car enthusiasts but to generations who grew up seeing it on screen. The Škoda 110 Super Sport ‘Ferat’ is proof that cars can be more than transportation; they can turn into icons, storytellers, and even vampires—at least in the right hands. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BELOWTHERADAR ]
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Bond Minibyke: The Tiny Motorcycle with Big Ideas

Mechanical Wit - When it comes to post-war British engineering, it’s easy to get caught up in the stories of large cars and industrial machines. But some of the most fascinating inventions came in much smaller forms—created not just from technical skill, but from real creativity. One such example is the Bond Minibyke, a compact motorcycle that proved you didn’t need size to make an impact.
The Bond Minibyke De Luxe, produced briefly from 1949 to 1953 by visionary engineer Lawrie Bond, is a rare post-war creation that reflects a bold spirit of innovation and now endures as a preserved relic of British motoring history. (Picture from: EasyLiveAuction)
After passing on his well-known Minicar project to Sharp’s Commercials, Lawrence “Lawrie” Bond didn’t slow down. Instead of sticking to four wheels, he turned his focus to two—and in 1949, he introduced something entirely different at the Motorcycle Show: the Bond Minibyke. It was an eye-catching little machine, unusual even by the standards of the time, with a design that was just as much about function as it was about flair.
The Bond Minibyke 98cc, as shown in this striking mid-century advertisement, was promoted as a sleek, fuel-efficient motorcycle delivering 200 miles per gallon and 50 mph performance for just £55, combining futuristic design with post-war innovation from Bond Aircraft & Engineering Co Ltd. (Picture from: BondOwnerClub.co.uk)
Lawrence Bond astride his earlier
motorcycle creation back in 1949,
the Bond Motorbyke.
(Picture from:
BondOwnerClub.co.uk)
At its core, the Bond Minibyke stood out for its unconventional use of materials. It featured a central, tapered oval tube made from aluminum, which not only served as the bike’s frame but also cleverly housed the fuel tank. It was a smart, space-saving design that kept the bike light and nimble, making it accessible and appealing to everyday riders. The first model came with a 98cc enginesmall but suitable for the bike’s size and purpose.

By 1950, Bond introduced a refined version, this time equipped with a 99cc Villiers 1F engine and a two-speed gearbox. While many bikes at the time used similar engines, the rest of the Bond Minibyke was anything but ordinary. That same signature frame, made from alloy sheet, supported the power unit, while a carefully shaped cutout at the rear cradled a balloon-tyred wheel. A full rear mudguard helped keep the rider clean and added strength to the overall structure.
The Bond Minibyke De Luxe combines sleek, flowing lines with functional design features like a tapered frame fuel tank, cast aluminum headstock, and full mudguards, resulting in a uniquely practical yet visually striking motorcycle that still feels ahead of its time. (Picture from: EasyLiveAuction)
The front section featured a cast aluminum headstock that held the initially rigid forks, later upgraded to telescopic forks for better comfort. The front mudguard echoed the design at the back, creating a cohesive look and extra splash protection. Bond also made sure the Minibyke was practical—footboards and legshields helped keep riders dry, and a full lighting system was installed. Even the horn, though simple and bulb-operated, added a charmingly classic touch.

Always one to refine and improve, Bond released a De Luxe version of the Minibyke in 1951. This upgraded model came with a more powerful 125cc JAP engine and a three-speed gearbox. It was a confident evolution that gave riders a little more punch while keeping all the charm of the original design. One particular example of this larger De Luxe version found its way into long-term ownership in 1986. Carefully stored in a garage ever since, it saw action briefly at a rally near Lincoln in the late 1980s, but mostly remained dormant. The engine still turns over, and bits of history—like original 1951 advertisements and its registration documents—still accompany it, offering a rare glimpse into the journey of a motorcycle that managed to stay quietly remarkable.
The Bond Minibyke received a confident upgrade in 1951 with the release of the De Luxe version, featuring a more powerful 125cc JAP engine and a three-speed gearbox while retaining the original model’s distinctive charm. (Picture from: EasyLiveAuction)
Despite its cleverness and charm, the Bond Minibyke had a relatively short run. Production ended in 1953, as the company chose to focus on its more popular three-wheeled vehicles. But that doesn’t mean the Minibyke faded into obscurity. Among collectors and enthusiasts today, it’s remembered as a prime example of how fresh thinking and minimalist design can come together to create something truly unique. Since there is no available video of the vehicle being discussed, here instead is a video featuring the Bond Minicar.
The Bond Minibyke wasn’t trying to be the biggest or the fastest. It was built to be different—clever, practical, and fun to ride. And even though it didn’t stay on the market for long, it still stands as one of Lawrie Bond’s most imaginative creations. A small machine, perhaps, but a big idea that continues to inspire those who appreciate the beauty of simplicity.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops......  *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BONDOWNERCLUB.CO.UK | BONDCARS,NET | HANDH.CO.UK | EASYLIVEAUCTION | ONLINEBICYCLEMUSEUM.CO.UK ]
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Friday, September 5, 2025

1982 Dodge Turbo Charger Concept: A Rare Glimpse Into Dodge’s Bold 80s Vision

Turbo Legacy - Every era in automotive history has its standout icons, and the early 1980s were no exception. Amid the bold experimentation and turbocharged dreams of that period, Dodge pushed the boundaries with a concept car that seemed to leap straight out of the future. The 1982 Dodge Turbo Charger Concept wasn’t just another prototype—it was a daring statement of performance, design, and innovation that captured the imagination of car enthusiasts then and continues to fascinate collectors today.
The 1982 Dodge Turbo Charger Concept was a daring statement of performance, design, and innovation that captured the imagination of car enthusiasts then and continues to fascinate collectors today. (Picture from: MoparInsiders)
Emerging from the creative minds at Dodge, this concept began its life not on a showroom floor alone, but on racetracks across America. It served as a PPG Indy Car World Series pace car in 1981 and 1982, guiding the pack with precision and flair. Dodge also paraded the car at the 1982 Chicago and Detroit Auto Shows, demonstrating that this wasn’t simply a high-performance experimentit was a rolling vision of what a turbocharged Dodge could be.
The 1982 Dodge Turbo Charger Concept commands attention with bold, futuristic styling, featuring a slanted front end, flush headlights, wide-body fenders, and iconic gullwing doors that highlight its racing pedigree and show-stopping design. (Picture from: MoparInsiders)
The 1982 Turbo Charger Concept instantly grabs attention with its bold, futuristic styling. Its slanted front end, flush headlight covers, and wide-body fenders set it apart from any production Dodge of the time. Aerodynamic touches, like the lowered air dam, flush-mounted windows, and a striking rear spoiler, hinted at its racing pedigree. Adding to its theatrical presence were the gullwing doors—an unmistakable nod to the cutting-edge design that made concept cars the stars of auto shows. Originally dressed in silver and red, the car was later repainted silver and blue for its pace car appearances, emphasizing its sporty identity.
The 1982 Dodge Turbo Charger Concept pairs its striking looks with a turbocharged, blueprinted 2.2-liter inline-four engine and a reworked suspension featuring a wider track, upgraded springs, sway bars, brakes and three-piece SVI wheels. (Picture from: MoparInsiders)
Inside, the concept continued its focus on performance. Recaro bucket seats and RJS harnesses ensured driver security during high-speed stints, while black anodized aluminum door panels, a roll cage, and an onboard fire system reinforced its track readiness. The aircraft-inspired VDO gauges added a touch of sophistication, reflecting Dodge’s commitment to blending functionality with futuristic style.
The 1982 Dodge Turbo Charger Concept continues its performance focus inside with Recaro bucket seats, RJS harnesses, black anodized aluminum door panels, a roll cage, an onboard fire system, and aircraft-inspired VDO gauges that blend functionality with futuristic style. (Picture from: MoparInsiders)
Performance under the hood matched the car’s striking looks. A turbocharged, blueprinted 2.2-liter inline-four engine delivered spirited power, complemented by a reworked suspension featuring a wider track, upgraded springs, sway bars, and brakes. Three-piece SVI wheels anchored the car to the road, completing the aggressive stance that spoke as much about motorsport engineering as it did about showmanship.
The 1982 Dodge Turbo Charger Concept features aerodynamic touches like a lowered air dam, flush-mounted windows, and a striking rear spoiler, highlighting its racing pedigree and completing an aggressive, show-stopping stance. (Picture from: MoparInsiders)
Remarkably, this concept has barely aged in mileage, showing just 1,162 miles—a testament to its careful preservation and historical significance. It stands today not merely as a concept car, but as a snapshot of Dodge’s inventive phase, where designers and engineers dared to experiment boldly and redefine what a car could be. | GqnIsA8-Wa4 |
Now poised to enter the Mecum Larry’s Legacy Auction in Chicago on Sunday, September 21st, the 1982 Dodge Turbo Charger Concept represents more than metal and mechanics. It’s a tangible piece of Dodge’s adventurous spirit from the early 1980s, a blend of race-ready engineering and futuristic design, ready to captivate a new generation of automotive enthusiasts who value originality, rarity, and the thrill of innovation. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOPARINSIDERS | CARR*ZZIERI-ITALIANI | BEL*WTHERADAR | CNBC ]
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Hudson Hornet: A 1950s Racing Legend That Inspired Hollywood

Chrome Champion - There’s something magical about the cars of the 1950s. Their sweeping curves, bold chrome, and unapologetically large frames were more than just transportation—they were rolling expressions of American confidence and innovation. Among these timeless classics, the Hudson Hornet stands out not just as a product of its era, but as a machine that left rubber marks on both the race tracks and the silver screen.
The Hudson Hornet, built between 1951 and 1954 in Detroit, Michigan, was a bold creation by the Hudson Motor Car Company, featuring a groundbreaking 'step-down' design that gave it a lower stance and a sleeker, more aerodynamic profile than its contemporaries. (Picture from: Kuno.id)
Built between 1951 and 1954 in Detroit, Michigan, the Hudson Hornet was a bold move by the Hudson Motor Car Company. With its groundbreaking “step-down” design, the Hornet sat lower than its contemporaries, giving it a sleeker, more aerodynamic profile. This unique construction didn’t just make it look fast—it was fast. By lowering the floor pan inside the frame, Hudson gave the Hornet a lower center of gravity, which dramatically improved its handling and stability, making it a serious performer in both daily driving and racing.
The Hudson Hornet was equipped with a powerful 5.0-liter, 308-cubic-inch inline-six engine known as the H-145, a robust flathead powerhouse that became one of the key reasons behind the car’s impressive performance and racing success. (Picture from: Kuno.id)
Visually, the Hornet wore what some call a "pontoon" body stylesmooth and rounded with flowing lines that looked elegant from every angle. It came in a variety of body styles too: two-door coupe, four-door sedan, convertible, and hardtop coupe. That meant itappealed to a wide audience, from families to speed enthusiasts. And while its starting price of around $2,543 was on par with luxury models like the Commodore Eight, the Hornet delivered so much more in both design and performance.
Marshall Teague (right) and Herb Thomas (left) pictured with the Fabulous Hudson Hornet, wearing racing livery numbers 6 and 92. (Picture from: Kuno.id)
Under the hood, every Hornet from 1951 to 1953 featured the beefy 5.0-liter, 308-cubic-inch inline-six engine known as the H-145. Hudson didn’t have the means to develop a flashy new V8, but they used their engineering expertise to push the limits of the flathead six. The result? A sturdy powerhouse that produced 145 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. Mated to either a 3-speed manual or a later Hydramatic automatic transmission with overdrive, the Hornet could leap from 0 to 60 mph in about 12 seconds—impressive for a car of its size and time.
The Hudson Hornet, seen here in its number 6 racing livery, was once driven by Marshall Teague, who won his first race with it at Daytona Beach, named it the 'Fabulous Hudson Hornet,' and went on to win 12 out of 13 races in 1952, cementing its legendary status. (Picture from: RetroMania4Ever in X)
Performance wasn’t just a marketing claim; it was proven on the race track. Hudson was the first manufacturer to enter factory-backed cars into NASCAR, and the Hornet absolutely ruled the early '50s racing scenes. At the heart of this dominance was Marshall Teague, a skilled driver from Daytona Beach who recognized the Hornet’s potential immediately. He convinced Hudson to sponsor him, becoming the first NASCAR driver with factory backing. In 1951, Teague won his first race in the Hornet at Daytona Beach and christened it the “Fabulous Hudson Hornet.” He then went on to win 12 out of 13 races in 1952, solidifying the car’s legendary status.
The Hudson Hornet, seen here in its number 92 racing livery, was once driven by Herb Thomas, who joined Marshall Teague in dominating American race tracks during their heyday in the 1950s. (Picture from: Kuno.id)
The Hudson Hornet wasn’t just a winner on the track; it became a cultural icon, especially in the realm of classic Americana. Its racing pedigree, combined with its unique design and rarity, made it a frequent guest in pop culture and classic car collections. The first model year alone sold 44,000 units—an impressive feat for a car that had only just hit the market.
The real-life Hudson Hornet, complete with its number 51 racing livery, inspired the character of Doc Hudson in the film Cars—voiced by Paul Newman, who was, interestingly, also an avid race car driver in real life. (Picture from: Kuno.id)
Sadly, the Hornet’s reign was short-lived. By 1954, Hudson was facing increasing pressure to merge and survive in a rapidly consolidating auto industry. That year marked the end of the original Hornet, as Hudson joined forces with Nash-Kelvinator to form American Motors Corporation (AMC). Though the Hornet name would continue under a new platform, the original magic faded. The final nail in the coffin came in 1957 when the model was retired for good. | 87LLsuKRrng |
Yet, the story of the Hudson Hornet lives on. It’s remembered not only for its mechanical brilliance and racing success but for how it dared to be different in a world full of look-alikes. It was a car with personality, grit, and style—something you don’t just drive, but remember. Whether roaring around a NASCAR track or cruising down Main Street, the Hudson Hornet wasn’t just a car. It was a statement. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | OTOBLITZ | WIKIPEDIA | RETROMANIA4EVER IN X ]
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Thursday, September 4, 2025

Ultra-Rare Ferrari F355-Powered Motorcycle: One Man’s 10-Year Custom Build

Dream Forged - Ever had a wild idea with your buddies that sounded impossible—but exciting enough to make you say, "Let’s actually do it?" Most of us leave those thoughts at the table after a few laughs. But sometimes, passion meets persistence—and that’s when magic happens. That’s exactly what went down when Birger Hansen from Denmark decided to do something that sounds like a scene straight out of a gearhead’s dream: he built a motorcycle powered by a Ferrari F355 engine. Yes, really.
Birger Hansen's Ferrari F355 custom motorcycle. (Picture from: RideApart)
This story didn’t begin in a high-tech garage or a corporate design studio. It started the way the best ideas often do—over a casual drink with a friend. Hansen, a dedicated motorcycle enthusiast, and his friend Michael Anderson found themselves toying with the idea of creating something completely off-the-wall. What if they could combine the heart of a Ferrari with the soul of a motorcycle? It was an outrageous thought. But they weren’t joking.
Birger Hansen's Ferrari F355 custom motorcycle. (Picture from: id.Motor1)
They made a pact. If Anderson could track down a Ferrari F355 engine, Hansen would commit to building the bike around it. No one would’ve blamed them if that promise disappeared into the haze of a fun night out. But they meant it. True to his word, Anderson eventually got the engine—and Hansen rolled up his sleeves and got to work.
Birger Hansen's Ferrari F355 custom motorcycle. (Picture from: Noticias.Autocosmos.mx)
Turning that wild concept into reality wasn’t just about squeezing a high-performance car engine into a motorcycle frame. It was a colossal challenge. Hansen had to custom-design or source over 100 specialized parts just to make the entire system fit and function. He chose a Boss Hoss chassis to house the beastly F355 engine—a bold decision that gave the motorcycle both structure and style. The result? A beautifully engineered, visually striking machine that fuses Italian firepower with American muscle in the most unexpected way.
Birger Hansen's Ferrari F355 custom motorcycle. (Picture from: Noticias.Autocosmos.mx)
But Hansen didn’t stop at just building something outrageous for the sake of it. He made sure it was actually road-legal in Denmark, a country known for its strict vehicle regulations. He went through the full technical approval process with Germany’s Technischer Überwachungsverein (TUV), ensuring the bike wasn’t just cool, but also safe, certified, and completely street-ready. That meant securing proper registration, legal plates, and all the necessary paperwork—something most custom builds never even get close to.
Birger Hansen's Ferrari F355 custom motorcycle. (Picture from: RideApart)
This wasn’t a weekend project or a quick build for online clout. Hansen spent nearly a decade pouring time, effort, and heart into this one-of-a-kind creation. Every part, every detail, every hour spent—was about more than just engineering. It was about realizing a dream, proving to himself that it could be done, and bringing something totally unique into the world. | XHnBaHuNgRY | 
He still rides that incredible machine today—not to show off, not to sell, but simply because it’s his. Built by his own hands, driven by a lifelong passion for motorcycles, and powered by the roar of a Ferrari engine, it stands as more than just a bike. It’s proof that when no one builds your dream for you, sometimes you’re the one destined to make it real. And while this Ferrari F355-powered creation is one of a kind, there are a few other custom builds out there that push the same boundaries. Curious? You might want to take a look at them toojust click here.
 
Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | RIDEAPART | MOTORBIKEMAGAZINE | NOTICIAS.AUTOCOSMOS.MX | MOTORIDERUNIVERSE | ID.MOTOR1 ]
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Sabberton Omen: The One-of-a-Kind British Supercar Built by a Boatbuilder

Engineered Eccentricity - Every now and then, the automotive world delivers a machine that doesn’t just stand out—it stops you in your tracks. Some cars are fast, some are beautiful, and others are quirky. But once in a while, something appears that feels as though it came from another dimension entirely. That’s exactly the case with the Sabberton Omen, a one-off creation from Britain that looks more like a futuristic spacecraft than something you’d expect to find cruising through the Norfolk countryside.
The Sabberton Omen was the brainchild of Alan Sabberton, a boatbuilder and engineer from Wroxham, Norfolk, who turned his marine craftsmanship from Sabena Marine into the creation of a completely scratch-built automobile. (Picture from: RareCarsOnly)
The Omen wasn’t born from a car factory, nor did it come from an established design studio. Instead, it was the vision of Alan Sabberton, a boat builder and engineer who owned Sabena Marine in Wroxham, Norfolk. Known for repairing and maintaining boats, Alan decided to take his craftsmanship onto dry land, building an automobile completely from scratch. It wasn’t a quick hobby project either—this machine took five years of dedication, patience, and an incredible amount of ingenuity.
Alan Sabberton with a scale model of his hydroplane, ready for testing. (Picture from: EDP24.co.uk)
At nearly 18 feet long and 8 feet wide, the Omen commands presence like no other car on the road. Despite its enormous footprint, only two seats are tucked inside, making it one of the most extravagant ways to travel as a duo. The proportions alone are extreme, but the design language pushes it into even stranger territory. Inspired in part by Group C racing cars of the 1980s and 1990s, the Omen has echoes of Mercedes endurance racers, but with its own sci-fi twist that makes it look closer to a spaceship than a sports car. 
The Sabberton Omen, a one-off creation from Britain that looks more like a futuristic spacecraft than something you’d expect to find cruising through the Norfolk countryside. (Picture from: Forum.Retro-Rides)
Alan’s marine background is immediately evident in the way the car was built. A tubular spaceframe chassis (75mm by 50mm steel tubes) forms the skeleton, while a one-piece fiberglass body was sculpted over it. Before the openings for doors, wheels, or bonnet were even cut, the car existed as a seamless shell, much like a boat hull. This approach created the Omen’s most unusual feature: its fully enclosed wheels. Since the car had no visible arches, the front wheels were forced to pivot within the wide bodywork, which in turn gave the car its immense width and a huge front trunk. It’s a design quirk that makes the Omen instantly recognizable.
The Sabberton Omen was built on a tubular spaceframe chassis (75mm by 50mm steel tubes) forms the skeleton, while a one-piece fiberglass body was sculpted over it. (Picture from: Thingies in Facebook)
The suspension came from a Jaguar XJ6, while the heart of the car was borrowed from across the Atlantic. Nestled under the fiberglass shell sits a 4.7-liter Chevrolet V8 engine, fed by carburetors and providing the deep rumble you’d expect from a classic American small-block. The official power figures were never published, but the sound and presence alone were more than enough to make the car unforgettable.
The Sabberton Omen powered by a 4.7-liter Chevrolet V8 engine, fed by carburetors and providing the deep rumble you’d expect from a classic American small-block. (Picture from: CorvetteKingdom)
Details throughout the Omen reveal Alan’s inventive mindset. The windshield came from a Citroën AX, the side windows were adapted from a Jaguar saloon, and the rear window was a bespoke polycarbonate panel made using boatbuilding materials. Inside, the instrument cluster was lifted from a humble Ford Orion, while the rest of the cabin mixed wood and leather to reflect Alan’s marine heritage. Surprisingly, despite the wildness of its design, the doors were conventionally hinged—a small touch of normality in an otherwise alien creation.
The Sabberton Omen featured a Citroën AX windshield, Jaguar saloon side windows, and a custom polycarbonate rear window crafted with boatbuilding materials. (Picture from: JonCouplan in X)
What makes the Omen so fascinating is not just how it looks or what powers it, but the fact that it exists at all. A single man, with no backing from an automaker, built something that could rival the finish of production cars. And while it was sighted on the road as recently as 2020, today its whereabouts remain a mystery, adding to the legend of this singular machine. 
The Sabberton Omen, a one-off creation from Britain that looks more like a futuristic spacecraft than something you’d expect to find cruising through the Norfolk countryside. (Picture from: Forum.Retro-Rides)
There is only one Sabberton Omen in the world. Just one. It’s not a prototype waiting for mass production, nor a concept locked away in a museum. It’s the personal vision of a boatbuilder who decided to see what would happen if he turned his skills toward the road. The result is part car, part boat, part spaceship—yet undeniably a work of passion. And in a time when so many cars look the same, the Omen is a reminder that imagination, when paired with craftsmanship, can still create something truly unforgettable. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SABENA MARINE | CORVETTEKINGDOM | RARECARSONLY | FORUM.RETRO-RIDES | EDP24.CO.UK | THINGIES IN FACEBOOK | JONCOUPLAND IN X ]
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