Coastal Elegance - When it comes to summer, few things capture the imagination like a car created purely for the joy of sunshine, salty air, and carefree drives along the coast. While most automakers focus on performance or luxury, there exists a smaller circle of designers devoted to crafting vehicles that embody pure emotion. This is where BorromeodeSilva steps in, presenting their latest creation—the Porsche 912 Barca—which is very closely associated with the unique figure of 'Spiaggina' and feels like a postcard from an endless holiday by the sea.
The Porsche 912 Barca by BorromeodeSilva, unlike most automakers’ performance- or luxury-driven creations, embodies pure emotion and feels like a postcard from an endless holiday by the sea. (Picture from: DoubleApex.co.za)
For years, “Spiaggina”—literally meaning “little beach car”—has been a term reserved for a handful of eccentric, open-air machines. Think of Gianni Agnelli’s charming Fiat 500 by Carrozzeria Boano or the quirky Ferrari 365 GTC/4 Beach Car Michelotti built for Willy Felber. These cars weren’t about breaking speed records; they were about celebrating la dolce vita. Today, BorromeodeSilva has taken that tradition into uncharted waters with the first-ever Spiaggina based on a Porsche 912.
The Porsche 912 Barca Spiaggina by BorromeodeSilva features a sailcloth roof that can be easily pulled into place, offering protection whenever the weather threatens to interrupt a leisurely seaside picnic. (Picture from: Type7 in Instagram)
The 912 Barca began as a vision from a private collector, but it’s BorromeodeSilva’s touch that transformed the idea into something unforgettable. True to its nautical inspiration, the car is dressed with gleaming mahogany, a material that feels as natural here as it does on the deck of a classic sailboat. Instead of ordinary doors, flowing wood accents curve along the bodylines, giving the car a sculptural, open feel that perfectly suits the shoreline. Even the bumpers shine with polished wood, making the car seem less like a machine and more like a floating piece of design.
The Porsche 912 Barca Spiaggina by BorromeodeSilva replaces ordinary doors with flowing wood accents that curve along the bodylines, giving the car a sculptural, open feel that perfectly suits the shoreline. (Picture from: DoubleApex.co.za)
Of course, the Milan-based studio didn’t stop there. A sailcloth roof can be pulled into place if the weather decides to interrupt a seaside picnic. And in a detail that perfectly captures BorromeodeSilva’s playful ingenuity, the old fuel cap now hides a retractable shower head—a little nod to the practicality of life spent near the water. These are not just gimmicks; they’re carefully thought-out touches that make the 912 Barca both functional and whimsical.
The Porsche 912 Barca Spiaggina by BorromeodeSilva, born from a collector’s vision, was elevated by the studio with nautical mahogany touches reminiscent of a classic sailboat. (Picture from: DoubleApex.co.za)
What makes this Porsche so compelling is not just its looks, but the way it bridges two worlds: the serenity of sailing and the freedom of driving. It’s rare for a car to feel equally at home cruising a boulevard or parked beside a dock, but this one manages it with ease. The 912 Barca is proof that craftsmanship and creativity can redefine what a car can be—more than transportation, it becomes an experience.
The Porsche 912 Barca Spiaggina by BorromeodeSilva features polished wood bumpers that make the car feel less like a machine and more like a floating piece of design. (Picture from: DoubleApex.co.za)
While the car currently exists as a one-off masterpiece, BorromeodeSilva has hinted at something even more exciting: a limited run that could bring the Spiaggina spirit to a select few lucky enthusiasts. Both 911 and 912 bases are being considered, meaning this playful blend of Porsche engineering and seaside romance might not remain a solitary dream. As the video is unavailable, we will instead feature the donor car, the Porsche 912. | svrmPZ7vl2g |
If summer were a car, it might just look like this—open, carefree, and designed to make every drive feel like a holiday. BorromeodeSilva has once again shown that they don’t just design cars; they create stories on wheels, and the 912 Barca is one of their most enchanting chapters yet. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CLASSICDRIVER | DOUBLEAPEX.CO.ZA | BOSSHUNTING.COM.AU | TYPE7 IN INSTAGRAM ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
African Elegance - When we talk about supercars, names like Ferrari, Lamborghini, or McLaren often steal the spotlight. These brands are synonymous with speed, style, and status. But what if the next big name in the high-performance automotive world doesn't come from Italy, Germany, or the United States—but from the heart of Africa? That's exactly what the ZEV Titanium promises to be: a revolutionary supercar that redefines both the meaning of luxury and the limits of engineering, born from a Rwandan electric vehicle startup with sky-high ambitions.
The ZEV Titanium is set to become a revolutionary supercar, redefining both luxury and engineering limits—crafted by ZEV Automobile in collaboration with Italy’s Icona Design Group.(Picture from: ObscureSupercars in X)
First teased in 2024 to a wave of media excitement, the ZEV Titanium has continued to stir interest even today—despite the fact that it has yet to be seen in physical form. This rare and mysterious machine, still absent from roads and showroom floors, has held car enthusiasts and dreamers alike in suspense. But the story behind it is too compelling to ignore. A vehicle made almost entirely of titanium and carbon fiber, engineered for performance but sculpted like a masterpiece, the ZEV Titanium is far more than just another flashy concept car.
The ZEV Titanium sets itself apart with a chassis made from titanium and carbon fiber, combining exceptional lightness, strength, and durability beyond most cars on the road. (Picture from: ZEV Automobile in Linkedin)
Built by ZEV Automobile, a Rwandan electric vehicle company with a bold vision to place Africa at the forefront of the global automotive stage, the Titanium is more than just a car—it’s a powerful statement. Driven by a mission to blend sustainable technology with daring design, ZEV partnered with the renowned Icona Design Group from Italy to bring this vision to life. Known for their striking and futuristic creations—like the Icona Volcano Titanium unveiled in 2015—Icona has sculpted the ZEV Titanium into a visual marvel, a machine that looks like it’s in motion even when perfectly still.
The ZEV Titanium appears to draw inspiration from the Lamborghini Aventador, crafted almost entirely from titanium and carbon fiber—engineered for performance, yet sculpted like a masterpiece.(Picture from: ObscureSupercars in X)
But the Titanium’s beauty isn’t just skin deep. The choice of materials alone sets it apart in the most elite way. Titanium, famed for its unbeatable strength-to-weight ratio and extreme durability, combined with carbon fiber, gives the car a chassis that’s both lighter and tougher than nearly anything else on the road. This material pairing is more commonly found in aerospace engineering than automobiles, hinting at just how serious ZEV is about performance. These materials also bring practical advantages, such as better handling and a stronger, more rigid structure, allowing the car to deliver its full potential without compromise.
The ZEV Titanium enters an entirely different league with features like butterfly doors, a powered trunk with custom luggage space, and a shimmering 24-carat gold logo.(Picture from: ObscureSupercars in X)
Underneath the sleek exterior lies a roaring V12 engine pushing out a ferocious 759 horsepower, paired with a 7-speed ARS gearbox. It's a nod to traditional supercar power, but wrapped in a new vision for the future. Features like butterfly doors, a powered trunk with a custom luggage space, and a shimmering 24-carat gold ZEV logo elevate the Titanium to an entirely different league. And for those who demand true individuality, ZEV promises full customization—from crocodile-skin interiors to diamond-studded dashboards. With only 44 units ever planned, each one will be completely unique, reflecting the personal tastes and lifestyle of its owner.
The ZEV Titanium offers full customization—from crocodile-skin interiors to diamond-studded dashboards—with only 44 uniquely tailored units reflecting each owner's personal taste and lifestyle. (Picture from: ZEV Automobile in Instagram)
This isn’t just about building an exclusive car; it’s about crafting a rolling sculpture. Every ZEV Titaniumwill be a handmade testament to excellence, with over 10,000 hours of labor going into the shaping of its titanium body. The attention to detail, the ambition, and the commitment to pushing boundaries all make the ZEV Titanium stand out even among the world’s most elite vehicles.
The ZEV Titanium houses a roaring V12 engine with 759 horsepower and a 7-speed ARS gearbox, blending classic supercar power with a futuristic vision. (Picture from: ObscureSupercars in X)
Yet, despite all the excitement, whispers, and announcements, the supercar still remains elusive in the real world. Over a year has passed since its unveiling, and there’s still no public prototype. The world waits, hopeful, and maybe even a little skeptical. But if the ZEV Titanium does become reality—and not just an ambitious dream—then it won’t just be a new supercar on the block. It’ll be the beginning of something far greater: a symbol of Africa’s ability to innovate, inspire, and lead in industries long dominated by others.
Radical Vision - When a movie car makes such an impact that fans attempt to recreate it in the real world, it moves beyond fiction and into cultural icon status. That’s exactly what happened with the Audi RSQ from I, Robot. Although the original RSQwas never road-ready—it was a pure concept designed by Audi exclusively for the 2004 sci-fi blockbuster—some imaginative enthusiasts took the idea into their own hands, turninga few first-generation Audi TTsinto wild custom builds loosely styled afterthe RSQ, crafted by an unknown builder.
This is a unique custom build inspired by the Audi RSQ from I, Robot, created from a first-generation Audi TT.(Picture from: Spicytec)
At first glance, these custom builds look like they’ve driven straight out of the movie set. The most obvious change is in the wheels—or at least the attempt to mimic them. In the film, the RSQfamously used spherical wheels that allowed it to glide and move in any direction. Of course, that’s impossible to replicate in real life, so the builders improvised by crafting oversized fender covers that give the illusion of round, enclosed wheels. It’s a clever way to channel the futuristic aesthetic without rewriting the laws of physics.
This is the Audi RSQ from the movie I, Robot, which served as the inspiration for the custom Audi TT shown above.(Picture from: Highmotor)
The front end gets a dramatic makeover too. Forget the familiar Audi TT face—these replicas feature enormous, almost vertical grilles that echo the RSQ’s bold and otherworldly design. Paired with sleek, narrow headlights and smooth body panels, the cars achieve that “futuristic concept” vibe while still being recognizable as TTs underneath. From the rear, modifications continue with reshaped taillights, extended bumpers, and aggressive detailing that makes the cars stand out instantly in traffic.
This front view highlights the massive grille of the custom car inspired by the Audi RSQ from I, Robot, a unique build based on the first-generation Audi TT that pushes the design far beyond its original form.(Picture from: Spicytec)
Of course, these fan-made RSQs can’t match the technical wizardry of the movie prop. The interiors remain closer to stock, and under the skin they’re still regular road-going TTs. But that doesn’t really matter—the magic lies in the visual transformation. These builds are about passion and imagination, not practicality. They capture the spirit of what the RSQ represented: a daring leap into the future of mobility.
This rear view shows the custom car inspired by the Audi RSQ from I, Robot, built on a first-generation Audi TT and spotted in Vancouver traffic. (Picture from: Spicytec)
Seeing these cars on real streets is almost surreal. They blur the line between Hollywood fantasy and everyday life, sparking the same kind of curiosity that concept cars do at auto shows. And while Audi themselves never turned the RSQ into a production model, the influence of its design has lived on, most notably in the Audi R8 that arrived just two years later.
In the end, these custom TTs highlight something important: when design sparks imagination, fans will always find a way to bring it into reality, no matter how impractical or outrageous. The RSQ may have been created for a sci-fi movie, but thanks to a few daring enthusiasts, its spirit continues to roll on four wheels—though with more compromises than its silver-screen counterpart. If you know more accurate details about the car's whereabout, feel free to share them in the comments below. ***[EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SUPERCARBLONDIE | AUTOFUNIA | HIGHMOTOR | HOTCARS | GATSBYOLINE | SPICYTEC | RUSSEL PURCELL IN FLICKR ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
Franken Flair- In a world where most cars are born from blueprints and budgets, there are a few that come purely from imagination. These rare creations often don’t follow the rules—they’re built in garages, shaped by hand, and fueled entirely by personal vision. One such gem, pieced together with creativity and courage, is the Mosselschuit, a Citroën 2CV-based custom sports coupe unlike anything you’ve probably ever seen.
The Mosselschuit, a custom sports coupe based on the Citroën 2CV, was unlike anything you've likely ever seen—crafted by Erwin van Snick in 1959. (Picture from: Peter Olthof in Flickr)
Back in 1959, a 17-year-old Belgian named Erwin van Snick did something extraordinary. With nothing more than a Citroën 2CV chassis and a brilliant sense of possibility, he built his own car from scratch. The Mosselschuit, as it came to be known, wasn’t a kit car or part of any manufacturer’s lineup. It was completely one-of-a-kind—an expressive blend of different car parts, adapted and reimagined with impressive ingenuity.
The Mosselschuit was completely one-of-a-kind—an expressive blend of different car parts, adapted and reimagined with impressive ingenuity.(Picture from: Dirk A in Flickr)
Rather than relying on a single donor car, van Snick scavenged components from all over. The windshield came from a Citroën DS, while the rear glass was taken from a Volkswagen Beetle. The inner door skins of a Renault 4CV were repurposed to form the car’s front fenders. Gullwing-style doors?Crafted from sections of old VW doors. Even the rear lower valence came from a classic 2CV ripple bonnet, and the lower grille area was made using pieces of Citroën HY van side panels. Somehow, it all worked. The result was a small coupe with big personality—quirky yet cohesive, modest in size but massive in charm.
The Mosselschuit made its way onto the cover of the Flemish teen magazine Strip, sparking the imagination of an entire generation.(Picture from: Autopuzzles)
The Mosselschuit didn’t just live in van Snick’s garage. It also appeared in his creative short film project called Zomercapriolen and even landed on the cover of the Flemish teen magazine Strip, capturing the imagination of a generation. And then, like many one-off builds from the past, it disappeared—forgotten for decades, left to nature in a patch of woodland.
A
media clipping featuring a news story about the Mosselschuit, the
one-off Citroën 2CV-based coupe that was carefully restored by Sven De
Blick.(Picture from: Autopuzzles)
That might have been the end of the story—until Sven De Blick came along. Years later, he discovered what was left of the Mosselschuit and took on the challenge of restoring it. Not merely fixing it, but bringing it back to the form and flair of its original vision after he completed its restoration in 2016. Through patience and respect for its roots, De Blick returned the Mosselschuit to the road, where it now stands as a rolling tribute to youthful creativity and fearless experimentation.
The Mosselschuit was built not from a single donor car, but from parts sourced far and wide—its windshield came from a Citroën DS, the rear glass from a Volkswagen Beetle, the front fenders were shaped using inner door skins from a Renault 4CV, and its gullwing-style doors were crafted from sections of old VW doors. (Picture from: Autopuzzles)
What started as a teenager’s personal challenge has grown into something far more remarkable. The Mosselschuit proves you don’t need a factory or a fortune to create something unforgettable—just a bold idea, a few spare parts, and the belief that it’s possible.
The Mosselschuit incorporated a rear lower valence made from a classic 2CV ripple bonnet, with its lower grille area crafted from Citroën HY van side panels. (Picture from: Dirk A in Flickr)
And if this quirky little coupe has stirred your curiosity about other eccentric 2CV-based builds, you’re definitely not the only one. There are others out there, like the Mismaque Squal completed by Guy Mismaque in 1959, ready to surprise and inspire. Each has its own charm, and the Mismaque Squal stands proudly alongside the Mosselschuit as a truly distinctive creation in its own right. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOPUZZLES | FLICKR ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
Power Legacy - Some cars are just machines. Others are stories on wheels — carrying history, engineering ambition, and a touch of myth every time the engine turns over. The 1968 Shelby GT500 Convertible belongs to that rare second category. Born during the height of the American muscle car era, it wasn’t just another Mustang with extra horsepower; it was Carroll Shelby’s statement that style and speed could coexist in one uncompromising package. And today, over five decades later, this Lime Gold icon still turns heads and sparks conversations wherever it appears.
The 1968 Shelby GT500 Convertible born during the height of the American muscle car era, it wasn’t just another Mustang with extra horsepower; it was Carroll Shelby’s statement that style and speed could coexist in one uncompromising package.(Picture from: BringATrailer)
One of only 402GT500 convertibles built in 1968, this particular car had a life that combined everyday road use with a series of careful restorations to keep it true to its original spirit. Delivered new by Carey Paul Ford in Decatur, Georgia, it later underwent a full refurbishment before passing into the hands of its current owner. In 2021, its heart — a 428 cubic-inch V8 — was rebuilt with precision work that included custom pistons, a Crower camshaft, and reconditioned internals, ensuring the car not only looks like it belongs in a museum but also performs with the authority Shelby intended. The power routes through a C6 three-speed automatic to a 3.50:1 rear end, a setup that blends raw torque with relaxed cruising.
The 1968 Shelby GT500 Convertible wore Lime Gold paint — one of only 197 convertibles finished in that color — accented now by white rocker panel stripes.(Picture from: BringATrailer)
Visually, this GT500 strikes a perfect balance between elegance and aggression. From the factory, it wore Lime Gold paint — one of only 197 convertibles finished in that color — accented now by white rocker panel stripes. The black soft top is a replacement but keeps the period-correct appearance. Shelby’s signature styling upgrades are all here: the fiberglass front clip, quarter panel extensions, side scoops, deck lid spoiler, and those unmistakable Thunderbird-sourced sequential taillights.
The 1968 Shelby GT500 Convertible features black vinyl bucket seats, a contoured rear bench, and center armrest for a cozy cabin, accented with woodgrain trim, Stewart-Warner gauges, lap belts with shoulder harnesses, and an AM radio that reflect both its racing pedigree and classic era charm.(Picture from: BringATrailer)
Beneath the skin, the GT500 carried a revised suspension with heavy-duty coil springs and an anti-roll bar up front, complemented by sturdy leaf springs at the rear, all working with power steering and front disc brakes for better control than the average late-’60s pony car.
The 1968 Shelby GT500 Convertible powered by a 428 cubic-inch V8 — was rebuilt with precision work that included custom pistons, a Crower camshaft, and reconditioned internals, ensuring the car not only looks like it belongs in a museum but also performs with the authority Shelby intended.(Picture from: BringATrailer)
Rolling on 15-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires, it’s a car that looks ready to pounce. Inside, the black vinyl bucket seats, contoured rear bench, and center armrest give the cabin a snug but comfortable feel. Woodgrain trim and Stewart-Warner instrumentation hint at its racing pedigree, while details like the lap belts with front shoulder harnesses and AM radio keep it grounded in its era. Even the factory roll bar remains in place, a subtle reminder that this convertible wasn’t built solely for Sunday drives.
The 1968 Shelby GT500 Convertible retains its factory roll bar, subtly reminding that it was engineered for more than just leisurely Sunday drives. (Picture from: BringATrailer)
Its trophy case speaks for itself — three Concours Gold awards from Shelby and Mustang events prove the quality of its restoration and upkeep. But perhaps more than the accolades, it’s the way this GT500 connects past and present that makes it special. The sound of its rebuilt V8, the tactile click of the classic shifter, the sweep of the 140-mph speedometer — all are sensory links to a time when performance cars were as much about personality as they were about numbers. | 3WnovSRE5ew |
More than fifty years after it left the factory, this 1968 Shelby GT500 Convertible stands as a rolling reminder of Carroll Shelby’s vision: take a great car, push it further, and never apologize for making it beautiful. It’s not just preserved history — it’s living history, still ready to leave a trail of rubber and smiles in its wake. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BRINGATRAILER | VIVIDCLOUDOFWAR IN X ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
Iconic Fusion - In the world of custom cars, there's something irresistibly captivating about a vehicle that blurs the line between art and engineering. When that vehicle also has ties to a legendary icon like Elvis Presley, the fascination only grows deeper. One such creation is the 1970 Cadillac Eldorado that was transformed into a “Guitar Car” by the imaginative and renowned custom car builder, Jay Ohrberg. A true spectacle on wheels, this unique Cadillac was once driven by Elvis himself to a Las Vegas concert, stealing the spotlight before the show even began.
The 1970 Cadillac Eldorado, modified into a 'Guitar Car' for Elvis Presley by legendary custom builder Jay Ohrberg, was later driven by Elvis to one of his Las Vegas concerts amid much fanfare.(Picture from: Silodrome)
The story of this remarkable car starts with a standard 1970 Cadillac Eldorado, known for its mighty 8.2-liter V8 engine, often referred to as the Cadillac 500 V8 thanks to its impressive 500 cubic inches of displacement. With 400 bhp and a staggering 550 lb-ft of torque, the Eldorado was a powerhouse even before any modifications. Its only available transmission was a three-speed automatic, built tough enough to handle the massive torque output. Though owners could choose between 7.0 or 7.7-liter V8 options as well, there was no small-engine version in this bold generation of Eldorados.
The 1970 Cadillac Eldorado, modified into a 'Guitar Car' for Elvis Presley by legendary custom builder Jay Ohrberg, took over two full years to complete the transformation.(Picture from: Silodrome)
When Jay Ohrberg set his sights on creating the Guitar Car for Elvis, he committed to a project that would demand both vision and patience. It took him two full years to complete the transformation. The process involved cutting the original Eldorado in half just behind the A-pillar and extending the wheelbase with a custom fretboard-style center section.
The 1970 Cadillac Eldorado, modified into a 'Guitar Car' for Elvis Presley by legendary custom builder Jay Ohrberg, featured a dramatically reworked rear shaped like a guitar body, accented by striking jet-style fins.(Picture from: Silodrome)
A significant part of the reimagining was reshaping the rear to mirror the body of a guitar, with jet-style fins enhancing the dramatic look. Much of the rear bodywork, including the extravagant fins, was crafted from fiberglass to achieve the perfect shape and weight balance. Decorative elements like faux tuners, strings, and a detailed fretboard brought the concept to life, placing the driver where the sound hole or pickups would normally be on a real guitar.
Jay Ohrberg is seen with the car shortly after its completion, showcasing its faux tuners, strings, and detailed fretboard. (Picture from: Silodrome)
Jay Ohrberg himself is a legend in the world of custom car building. He became widely known for creating the flamboyant Panthermobile in 1969 for The Pink Panther Show, an elongated, vibrant pink vehicle that turned heads wherever it went. His portfolio also includes iconic vehicles like KITT from the Knight Rider 2000 film, the prehistoric Flintstones Car, and the whimsical Piano Car, which could actually be played while driving. In 1986, Ohrberg pushed the boundaries even further by unveiling The American Dream, a stretched limousine measuring 100 feet long, complete with 26 wheels, a helipad, a swimming pool, a hot tub, and a king-sized waterbed. This limousine was later recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's longest car.
This image from a period magazine article shows that the car, as indicated by the front license plate, was registered for regular road use. (Picture from: Silodrome)
Despite the Guitar Car’s impressive debut, surprisingly little information about its later years has survived. After making waves when Elvis drove it to a concert, the car gradually faded into obscurity. Somewhere along its journey, it mysteriously crossed the Atlantic and eventually ended up abandoned in France. How exactly it made its way there remains an unsolved puzzle that only adds to its mystique. Note: The video below does not feature the car being discussed, but instead highlights Elvis Presley’s iconic 1955 Pink Cadillac Fleetwood Sixty.
Today, the Guitar Car has resurfaced, listed for sale on eBay out of Orléans, France. Though it's currently a non-running vehicle and in need of a full restoration, it holds enormous potential for anyone willing to breathe new life into this piece of automotive and musical history. With its colorful past, unmatched creativity, and connection to two American legends—Elvis Presley and Jay Ohrberg—the Guitar Car remains a stunning reminder that some dreams, no matter how unusual, are worth preserving. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SILODROME | CARSCOOPS | EBAY | HAGERTY | THEDRIVE ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
If summer were a car, it might just look like this—open, carefree, and designed to make every drive feel like a holiday. BorromeodeSilva has once again shown that they don’t just design cars; they create stories on wheels, and the 912 Barca is one of their most enchanting chapters yet. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CLASSICDRIVER | DOUBLEAPEX.CO.ZA | BOSSHUNTING.COM.AU | TYPE7 IN INSTAGRAM ]
