GMA T.25: Gordon Murray’s Brilliant City Car You’ve Never Heard Of

Ingenious Minimalism - In a world where supercars often steal the spotlight, the quiet brilliance of a tiny city car might seem easy to overlook. Yet, when that city car comes from the mind of Gordon Murray—the same genius who brought us the McLaren F1 and the V12 symphony of the GMA T.50—it deserves a closer look. While most people associate Murray with thundering engines and cutting-edge race tech, one of his most curious creations was designed not for the racetrack, but for the narrow, crowded streets of modern cities.

The GMA T.25 three-seater microcar was meant to revolutionize urban transport—but it never saw the light of day. (Picture from: CarThrottle)

The GMA T.25, introduced in 2010, wasn’t just another quirky compact. It was a radical rethink of what a city car could be. Designed with urban efficiency in mind, it aimed to tackle congestion, reduce emissions, and streamline the production process. From the outside, it looked almost like a toy, but underneath that compact shell lay an engineering mindset as advanced as any of Murray’s high-performance machines.

The GMA T.25 three-seater microcar was powered by a 660cc petrol engine, the same one used in a Smart Fortwo, delivering a modest 51 horsepower. (Picture from: CarThrottle)

Smaller than a Smart Fortwo, the T.25 borrowed its engine from the same source—a 660cc unit delivering a modest 51 horsepower. That might not sound impressive, but the T.25 weighed just 575kg, thanks to a lightweight composite body. And in typical Murray fashion, the seating layout was anything but typical: three seats, with the driver front and center, flanked by two passengers slightly behind. It was a layout first seen in the legendary McLaren F1, and later revived in the T.50. That detail alone tells you this wasn’t just another city runabout.

Gordon Murray also designed an electric version of the T.25, called the T.27, though it required more advanced battery technology. (Picture from: CarThrottle)

What really set the T.25 apart, though, was the innovative iStream production method behind it. This approach was designed to cut down both the cost and environmental impact of building a car. With fewer parts, lighter materials, and simplified manufacturing processes, iStream wasn’t just a technical experiment—it was a potential game-changer for how small cars could be built around the world. So, what actually happened to it? The truth is, no one really knows. Back in 2013, Murray confirmed that the rights to both the petrol-powered T.25 and its electric sibling, the T.27, had been sold to a customer. 

Gordon Murray posed alongside his brilliant city car concepts: the petrol-powered T.25 and its electric sibling, the T.27. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

The concept made enough waves that it even caught the attention of Shell, who eventually acquired the rights and unveiled their own take on the T.25 in 2016, calling it Project M. Despite promising discussions with several manufacturers, however, the car never reached mass production. Whether due to market timing, business priorities, or simply the risk-averse nature of the auto industry, the T.25 remains a prototype with untapped potential.

The GMA T.25 made such an impact that it caught Shell’s attention, leading them to acquire the rights and unveil their own version in 2016, called Project M. (Picture from: CarThrottle)

It’s hard not to wonder what cities might look like if the T.25 had made it to the streets. Compact, efficient, and refreshingly original, it was the kind of car urban environments desperately needed but never fully embraced. At the same time, it’s possible that stepping away from such side projects allowed Murray to channel his energy into creating masterpieces like the GMA T.33 and T.50—vehicles that pushed the limits of what performance cars can be.

In the end, the T.25 stands as a reminder that great ideas don’t always roar. Sometimes, they hum quietly through side streets, offering smart solutions in small packages. And even if the world wasn’t quite ready for it, the brilliance of the T.25 still shines as a symbol of what happens when big thinking meets small spaces. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARTHROTTLE | AUTOEVOLUTION | CARBUZZ ]

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Ferrari F40: The Rawest and Most Legendary Prancing Horse

Raw Legend - There are some cars that don’t just exist as machines, but as legends that carry a story bigger than their own horsepower numbers. One of those legends is the Ferrari F40. Born in the late 1980s, this car was never just about speed or design—it was about marking a milestone in Ferrari’s history, a celebration of 40 years since Enzo Ferrari founded the brand. What makes it fascinating is how raw and unapologetic it is, especially compared to the safety-packed, technology-heavy supercars we see today.

The Ferrari F40 unveiled in 1987—looked like a spaceship that had just landed from the racetrack with styling influences drawn from the Ferrari 308 GT/M IMSA racer. (Picture from: PermaisuriBan)

Unveiled in 1987, the F40—internally known as Type F120—looked like a spaceship that had just landed from the racetrack, with styling influences drawn from the Ferrari 308 GT/M IMSA racer. Serving as the successor to the 288 GTO, also engineered by Nicola Materazzi, it was created to mark Ferrari’s 40th anniversary and became the final model personally approved by Enzo Ferrari himself.  

The Ferrari F40 serving as the successor to the 288 GTO, also engineered by Nicola Materazzi, it was created to mark Ferrari’s 40th anniversary and became the final model personally approved by Enzo Ferrari himself. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

It wasn’t designed to spoil drivers with modern comforts—instead, it stripped everything down to the essentials and put pure performance front and center. Safety features we take for granted today, like ABS brakes or traction control, were nowhere to be found. The F40 came only with a 5-speed manual transmission, demanding complete concentration from whoever sat behind the wheel. That raw, uncompromising character is exactly what made it a dream machine for enthusiasts—driving it was never about convenience, but about the adrenaline rush of mastering it. 

The Ferrari F40, styled by Leonardo Fioravanti of Pininfarina, combined advanced composite materials for lightness and strength with a design that was as functional as it was beautiful. (Picture from: Motortrend)

Under the hood, Ferrari equipped the F40 with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8. It wasn’t just any engine—it was a reimagined version of the powerhouse found in the Ferrari 288 GTO. The engineers at Maranello pushed it to its limits, squeezing out 478 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and an impressive 574 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm. Numbers like these allowed the car to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds, a figure that still feels sharp even by today’s standards. At the time, it was mind-blowing, making the F40 not just a fast car of the 1980s, but a benchmark for performance in the decades that followed. 

The Ferrari F40 was one of the first supercars to have a 'stripped out' interior in order to maximise weight savings and achieve ultimate performance. (Picture from: Motortrend)

Every part of the F40 was designed with intention. Its wheels were unusually wide for the era, measuring 245/40R17 in the front and 335/35R17 at the back. Inspired by Formula 1 technology, Ferrari gave the car a single-bolt wheel system for quicker changes. Its suspension was equally performance-oriented: an independent tubular setup combined with a strong anti-roll bar. Braking, however, was completely old-school. Brembo disc brakes were fitted, but without servo-assist. Each axle had its own system, reminding the driver that control was entirely in their hands.

The Ferrari F40 powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 for squeezing out 478 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and an impressive 574 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm. (Picture from: Motortrend)

The F40’s creator, Leonardo Fioravanti from Pininfarina, ensured that the car’s design wasn’t only functional but strikingly beautiful. The body was built from advanced composite materials, reducing weight while maintaining strength. The shape was engineered for aerodynamics—long, flat, and flowing, with that massive rear wing sealing its identity as a true supercar. When Enzo Ferrari himself revealed the car, the world saw not just a vehicle, but what many still consider the purest Ferrari ever made. 

The Ferrari F40 production ended in 1992, with 1,315 cars had rolled out of Maranello, that number made it the most-produced Ferrari supercar of its time, which is remarkable considering its exclusivity and performance focus. (Picture from: PermaisuriBan)

Back then, owning one wasn’t cheap. Its price hovered around $1.2 million or the equivalent of nearly Rp 21 billion today, but that didn’t stop buyers from lining up. Demand was so high that Ferrari ended up producing far more units than originally planned. By the time production ended in 1992, 1,315 cars had rolled out of Maranello. That number made it the most-produced Ferrari supercar of its time, which is remarkable considering its exclusivity and performance focus. | 5vTtwSb1Ais |

Today, almost four decades later, the Ferrari F40 hasn’t lost any of its magic. It remains a symbol of a different era in car culture, when analog driving and raw engineering created machines that demanded respect. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, the F40 is more than just a Ferrari—it’s a piece of history, a car that captured the spirit of its time and continues to inspire passion across generations. And perhaps that’s the most powerful thing about it: even in a world full of advanced hybrid hypercars, the F40 still stands tall as a timeless icon. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTORTREND | CARSIGHTING IN X ]

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Fiat 600 Coupé Viotti: An Italian Icon of Style and Innovation

Compatto Elegante - When people talk about the golden age of Italian automotive design, they often picture glamorous sports cars or roaring race machines. Yet, sometimes it was the smaller, more understated creations that best captured Italy’s brilliance for combining beauty with practicality. Among these treasures is the Fiat 600 Coupé Viotti, a car that proved even a compact model could be transformed into something luxurious, innovative, and deeply stylish.

TThe Fiat 600 Coupé Viotti, a car that proved even a compact model could be transformed into something luxurious, innovative, and deeply stylish. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

This is where Viotti entered the picture. Founded in 1921, Carrozzeria Viotti had built a reputation for turning ordinary models into unique, stylish creations.  The foundation was the humble Fiat 600, a car beloved for its affordability and usefulness during the economic boom of post-war Italy. But in the hands of Carrozzeria Viotti, guided by the vision of designer Giovanni Michelotti, it became something entirely different. Unveiled at the 1955 Turin Motor Show, the coupé didn’t just add flair to a family car—it redefined what a small Italian vehicle could be.

The Fiat 600 Coupé Viotti from the front showcases a compact yet graceful profile, with a gently sloping hood, a panoramic windshield, and neatly integrated headlights that highlight its elegant Italian design. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

From the very first glance, the Fiat 600 Coupé Viotti announced itself as special. The panoramic windshield stretched across the front, giving drivers a wider view of the road while lending the car a modern, futuristic look. Around the back, an advanced “Visaterm” rear window provided superior insulation, an unusual luxury for its era.  

The Fiat 600 Coupé Viotti exuded sophistication, with whitewall tires on stylish 12-inch wheels and curved bumpers that balanced elegance with protection. (Picture from: Guide-Automobiles-Anciennes)

The details were just as impressive: side air intakes to keep the engine cool, chrome “Turbina” wheels adding sparkle, and directional indicators neatly integrated into the bodywork. Even the locks were upgraded with a patented “Rothel” system, showing that nothing was too small for careful thought.

The Fiat 600 Coupé Viotti combined unexpected comfort and refinement for a compact car, featuring adjustable foam-padded front seats and upholstery blending fine panno fabric with faux leather for both elegance and durability. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

Inside, comfort and refinement were prioritized in ways unexpected for such a compact car. The front seats were foam-padded and adjustable, while the upholstery mixed fine panno fabric with faux leather to strike a balance between elegance and durability. Rear seating was modest, but the cabin still felt upscale thanks to acoustic and thermal insulation that kept the ride quieter and more relaxed. Practical touches also stood out, such as the larger 27-liter fuel tank, making it more versatile for longer trips. 

The Fiat 600 Coupé Viotti was powered by a 633cc Tipo 100 inline-four engine, delivering compact yet reliable performance that perfectly matched its elegant and nimble design. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

Visually, the car carried the aura of sophistication. Whitewall tires wrapped around small but stylish 12-inch wheels, while curved bumpers framed the body in a way that balanced delicacy with protection. At the time, buyers could choose from nine lively color combinations, further emphasizing the individuality of each car. This was no mass-market runabout—it was a small masterpiece crafted with care. 

The Fiat 600 Coupé Viotti from the rear features a smoothly contoured back, a “Visaterm” rear window for insulation, subtle tail lights, and a clean, balanced design that emphasizes both style and functionality. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

Of course, exclusivity came at a cost. Priced at 950,000 lire—roughly €35,000 in today’s money—the Fiat 600 Coupé Viotti was nearly double the cost of a standard 600 and far more expensive than most other special editions of the time. Production numbers stayed small, with only about 100 units ever built, and today just around 20 are believed to survive. That rarity, combined with its forward-thinking design, makes it one of the most sought-after pieces of Italy’s automotive story. 

The Fiat 600 Coupé Viotti was featured in an old leaflet that highlighted its elegant design, innovative features, and unique appeal to discerning drivers of its era. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

For enthusiasts, the car’s appeal is not just about scarcity but about what it represents: a period when Italian coachbuilders could take an everyday vehicle and elevate it into something artistic and aspirational. The Fiat 600 Coupé Viotti stands as proof that elegance doesn’t always require grandeur in size or power. | rxjPTWti7Ps |

Instead, it embodies a philosophy where creativity, attention to detail, and a dash of daring combine to create something unforgettable. Even now, decades later, it remains a shining reminder of Italian ingenuity—compact yet graceful, or as the Italians might say, Compatto Elegante. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | RMSOTHEBYS | PERICO001 IN FLICKR | CARSTYLING.RU ]

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Copper Caddy: Kindig-It Design’s Stunning Custom 1960 Cadillac Coupe DeVille

Copper Majesty - When people talk about iconic American cars, few names spark nostalgia like Cadillac. These machines have long symbolized luxury, bold design, and status on the road. But every now and then, someone takes one of these legends and turns it into something beyond what the factory ever dreamed of—something extraordinary. That’s exactly what happened to the 1960 Cadillac Coupe De Ville, better known today as the Copper Caddy.

The 1960 Cadillac Coupe De Ville, aka “Copper Caddy,” is a fully customized creation by Kindig-It Design in Salt Lake City, Utah, featuring a complete transformation from the frame up to its stunning copper accents. (Picture from: FuelCurve)

Rare Ferrari Testarossa Koenig Specials Stuns Crowds at Tokyo Auto Salon 2025

Defiant Masterpiece - Car shows often bring together the best of both worlds—new ideas and timeless legends that remind us why certain machines never fade from memory. At the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon, one of the most talked-about highlights was a bright red Ferrari Testarossa parked near the Liberty Walk booth. At first glance, it looked like a classic piece of 1980s supercar history, but this particular car told a much deeper story. It was a rare and radical Ferrari Testarossa modified by Koenig Specials, a name that has long fascinated enthusiasts and divided purists. 

The Ferrari Testarossa by Koenig Specials, showcased in bright red near the Liberty Walk booth at the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon, drew attention as a rare and radical 1980s icon that appeared at first like a classic supercar but revealed a deeper story that continues to fascinate enthusiasts and divide purists. (Picture from: NMAA.CO.ID)

To understand why this car drew so much attention, it helps to look back. In the 1980s and early 1990s, supercars like the Lamborghini Countach, Ferrari F40, and the original Testarossa were icons of desire. They offered raw performance and demanded courage from drivers, long before electronic aids softened the experience. Around this time, German tuner Koenig Specials, founded by Willy König in 1977, began rewriting the rules. 

The Ferrari Testarossa by Koenig Specials features a bold red interior with racing-style bucket seats equipped with Koenig-branded harnesses. (Picture from: NMAA.CO.ID)

Dissatisfied with the performance of his own Ferrari 365 GT4, König developed modifications that turned already fast cars into monsters, both in looks and power. Ferrari purists often bristled at these creations, and even Enzo Ferrari himself reportedly demanded badges be removed from certain Koenig-modified models, but that didn’t stop them from becoming legends in their own right. 

The Ferrari Testarossa by Koenig Specials on display in Tokyo featured all the tuner’s bold hallmarks, including a twin-turbo system that lifted output from 390 hp to about 710 hp. (Picture from: NMAA.CO.ID)

The Testarossa on display in Tokyo carried all the hallmarks of Koenig’s bold approach. Under its engine cover sat a twin-turbo system that boosted output from the standard 390 hp to around 710 hp. Some of the most extreme versions, like the Koenig Competition Evolution, were pushed even further, with power figures reaching an astonishing 1,000 hp—numbers that rival modern hypercars. These weren’t just tweaks; they were complete transformations that turned Ferrari’s sleek grand tourer into a machine that felt closer to a race car. 

The Ferrari Testarossa by Koenig Specials featured a wide body kit with flared arches that framed 17-inch wheels and huge 335 mm rear tires, giving it a muscular stance. (Picture from: NMAA.CO.ID)

Equally dramatic was the appearance. Koenig’s wide body kit gave the Testarossa a menacing stance, with flared arches accommodating 17-inch wheels and massive 335 mm rear tires. The bodywork added extra vents for cooling, aggressive aerodynamic touches, and a towering rear spoiler that made it instantly recognizable as something far more radical than the car that rolled out of Maranello. It was loud, unapologetic, and dripping with 1980s excess. 

The Ferrari Testarossa by Koenig Specials also showcased extra vents, sharp aerodynamic elements, and a towering rear spoiler that emphasized its radical character beyond Maranello’s design. (Picture from: NMAA.CO.ID)

What makes this particular car even more special is its rarity. Only around 12 Koenig Testarossas were ever produced, with just three reportedly imported into Japan. That scarcity alone elevates it into the realm of collectors’ dreams. But beyond the numbers, it represents a fascinating chapter in automotive history—where passion, engineering bravado, and defiance of convention came together to create something unforgettable. | Oow3lHI7CrQ | FFHBy52yLiA |

Seeing the Koenig Testarossa resurface at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2025 was more than just a nostalgic moment. It was a reminder of how daring tuners like Koenig helped shape car culture, challenging even giants like Ferrari in pursuit of speed and individuality. And while Ferrari may not have officially approved of these creations, the enduring excitement they spark among enthusiasts proves their place as true icons of the supercar world. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | NMAA.CO.ID | ]

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Bill Cushenbery's El Matador Finds Its Second Wind with Harold Murphy

Forged Identity - There’s something timeless about the way custom cars capture imagination. They aren’t just vehicles, but rolling sculptures that blend art, engineering, and personality. Among the countless customs that have left their mark on American car culture, few have carried a story as colorful and enduring as Bill Cushenbery’s El Matador. This car, born out of vision and raw craftsmanship in the early 1960s, has lived through decades of transformations, ownership changes, near destruction, and triumphant rebirth—becoming an icon that still sparks conversations today. 

Bill Cushenbery’s 1940 Ford custom, famously known as El Matador, was completely restored by Harold Murphy in 1994. (Picture from: JalopyJournal)

The foundation for El Matador was a 1940 Ford, but Cushenbery and fellow designer Don Varner saw something entirely different when they put it under the knife. Cushenbery chopped the roof by three and a half inches, sectioned the body nearly five inches, and reshaped the car in a way that was daring even for the bold era of custom culture. The front end became a showstopper with hand-formed fenders stretched forward, quad Lucas headlights set behind a mesh screen, and a unique grille built from oval tubing nested into its own custom shell.  

Bill Cushenbery’s 1940 Ford custom, famously known as El Matador, revealed a futuristic interior where a handmade dashboard gave it a space-age flair. (Picture from: Kustomrama)

Corvette nerf bars gave the nose an aggressive touch, while the sides flowed smooth after the running boards were shaved and replaced with sculpted sheet metal. At the rear, the car carried futuristic cues—twin peaks on the trunk, recessed taillights, sculpted scoops, and a dramatic rolled pan. To top it off, the windshield came from a 1950 Rambler, and the oversized rear window, flipped upside down, was lifted from a 1952 Chevrolet. 

Bill Cushenbery’s 1940 Ford custom, famously known as El Matador, was completely restored by Harold Murphy in 1994. (Picture from: JalopyJournal)

Step inside, and the car felt more like a vision of tomorrow than a Ford from the past. A handmade dashboard gave it a space-age flair, while the exterior shimmered in a translucent red paint scheme that shifted from amber to gold under the light. Beneath the hood, an Oldsmobile engine provided the power, and US Royal Masters tires anchored the stance. When it first rolled out of Cushenbery’s Monterey, California shop, it wasn’t just his debut build—it was a statement that his work was going to leave a lasting impression. 

Bill Cushenbery’s 1940 Ford custom, famously known as El Matador,  as it sat after the fire in 1993. (Picture from: Kustomrama)

El Matador didn’t just sit still either; it toured nationally with Promotions, Inc., appeared in Ford’s Cavalcade of Customs, and even hit the pages of Hot Rod Magazine in 1963 with a $5,000 price tag. Over the years, it swapped hands many times. AMT took ownership in the 1960s, sending it across the country while Budd Anderson drove it from show to show. During their stewardship, the Oldsmobile engine was traded for a small-block Ford by Dearborn Steel Tubing, modernizing its performance. Later, collectors like Frank Koss, Carl Casper, and John McNally each left their fingerprints on the car’s story, whether through repaints, trades, or tours.

Bill Cushenbery’s 1940 Ford custom, famously known as El Matador, is pictured in front of the AMT Corporation building during the 1960s with AMT representative Budd Anderson standing beside it. (Picture from: Kustomrama)

But as often happens with cars of legend, El Matador’s journey wasn’t without heartbreak. After decades of use, repainting, and modifications, the car suffered devastating damage in a garage fire in the early 1990s. What was once a star of custom shows was left with a crushed roof, twisted panels, and missing floors. For many vehicles, that might have been the end. Yet the spirit of El Matador proved too strong to fade. 

Bill Cushenbery’s 1940 Ford custom, famously known as El Matador, while sat on display the 1962 East Orange Autorama in East Orange, New Jersey. (Picture from: HotRodsOnline)

Harold Murphy stepped in, determined to bring it back to life with his team at Murphy & The Striper. The restoration was painstaking—starting with sandblasting, reshaping the warped shell, rebuilding its bones from the floor upward, and carefully preserving as much of Cushenbery’s artistry as possible. At the same time, Murphy made updates that gave the car a second wind: a 1992 Saleen Mustang 5.0-liter V8 and driveline were fitted, blending modern muscle with vintage lines. The interior was reborn in classic white Naugahyde with rolls and pleats, while Cushenbery’s original handmade dashboard and wooden headrests were lovingly restored. By the time it reappeared in 1994 at the Turkey Rod Run in Daytona Beach, El Matador had reclaimed its place as a showpiece. 

Bill Cushenbery’s 1940 Ford custom, famously known as El Matador, is pictured in a suburban neighborhood during the 1970s, showcasing its smooth sectioned body, sculpted rear fenders, twin-peaked trunk, and recessed taillights in a shimmering custom paint finish. (Picture from: Kustomrama)

Since then, the car has resurfaced at auctions and events, including appearances at Ft. Lauderdale in 2011 and Mecum Indy in 2021, where it drew a $60,000 bid but remained unsold. Yet the true value of El Matador isn’t found in numbers—it lies in the resilience of its story. From its beginnings as Cushenbery’s first custom, to its survival through fire and rebuild, and its continued presence decades later, the car embodies what custom culture has always been about: creativity, reinvention, and passion that refuses to die. | L5qe6yfJ-yA |

Today, even in an age dominated by digital designs and electric drivetrains, El Matador stands as a reminder of what one craftsman with vision can achieve. Bill Cushenbery may no longer be here to see it, but his first masterpiece continues to live on, not just as a car, but as a legend rolling through time. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KUSTOMRAMA | JALOPYJOURNAL | HOTRODSONLINE | MECUM | WIKIPEDIA ]

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