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Sunday, October 19, 2025

The 1950s Citroën 2CV Radar: A Unique French Hand-Built Car by Robert Radar

Mechanical Whimsy - There’s something endlessly charming about how post-war Europe embraced creativity on wheels. Scarcity gave rise to innovation, and few examples better capture that spirit than the enchanting yet obscure Citroën 2CV Radar — a unique creation by Belgian Citroën dealer Robert Radar. It's a car born not from a major automaker’s drawing board, but from the mind of a passionate man with racing roots, mechanical precision, and an eye for unconventional beauty.
The Citroën 2CV Radar in its full form, showcasing the two-tone fiberglass body with distinctive flowing lines and compact proportions. (Picture from; QuirkyRides in X)
Robert Radar
, a trained mechanic with racing experience from the roaring ‘20s, poured his ingenuity into creating something exceptional. After years of hands-on experience with Citroën and running his own garage in Liège, he designed a roadster in 1956 that was unlike anything else on the roadsleek, curvy, and distinctly French, yet built on the famously utilitarian Citroën 2CV chassis. His creation was so unconventional that it still turns heads today with its surreal, almost dreamlike shape.
A closer look at the front profile reveals the smooth bonnetless nose and rounded curves that give the 2CV Radar its whimsical character. (Picture from; Facebook)
Visually, the 2CV Radar is a car that seems torn between the world of engineering and artistic sculpture. From certain angles, it looks like it belongs in a museum of modern art rather than on a city street. Its exaggerated curves, wing-like rear fenders, and bulbous proportions might strike some as odd or even whimsical. But that’s precisely what makes it stand out. It's not trying to mimic the sports cars of its time; it boldly carves its own path, unafraid of looking different.
Robert Radar originally built the car as a minimalist open-top roadster, like the one shown here, with later versions gradually evolving into fixed-roof coupés. (Picture from; Corfo.JouwWeb.be)
Robert Radar initially built the car as a minimalist open-top roadster, with later versions evolving into fixed-roof coupés like the one shown here. This is the kind of car that walks the fine line between “weird” and “wonderful,” and ends up owning both labels with confidence.
Front view of a bonnetless red Citroën 2CV Radar roadster, showcasing its fluid fiberglass curves, distinctive grille with Citroën chevrons, and exposed headlamps—an example of Robert Radar’s minimalist, hand-built design. (Picture from; Corfo.JouwWeb.be)
The body is crafted entirely from polyester — a cutting-edge material at the time — with an organic flow that almost seems to melt into the road. From the exaggerated, flowing rear fenders to the low-slung nose and minimalistic grille, this car radiates aerodynamic ambition and creative freedom. One of the most distinctive features is its roofline: a fixed hardtop that seamlessly curves into the body, contrasting in color (usually white over deep red or burgundy) and housing what appears to be a rear window from a Citroën DS, cleverly repurposed as a windshield. Even the bumpers and side trims feel custom-made, cleanly integrated into the design without distracting from the smooth surface. Every curve, every bulge, serves both form and function, a visual poem written in fiberglass.
Robert Radar behind the wheel of his creation, the ‘Radar’, a uniquely styled vehicle based on the Citroën 2CV platform. (Picture from; TotalKitCar)
Step inside, and you’ll find the simplicity of the 2CV still present, but wrapped in a slightly more elegant shell. The dashboard and interior layout remain faithful to the original, but with subtle upgrades like improved trim and modest upholstery enhancements to match the Radar’s grander presence. Don’t expect luxury, though — this was still an affordable, lightweight roadster designed to retain the spirit of the 2CV’s simplicity.
A rare coupé-style variant of the 2CV Radar, featuring a two-tone fiberglass body and elegant roofline, photographed at a vintage car gathering. (Picture from: M124a.LiveJournal)
Under the skin, things get more interesting. Originally powered by a standard 425cc flat-twin engine, Robert Radar didn’t stop there. He boosted the performance by upgrading to a 500cc displacement and fitting a dual-carburetor setup. With a reinforced suspension system and the addition of a stabilizer bar, the Radar wasn’t just a showpiece — it could reach up to 120 km/h, a genuinely impressive feat for a car that started life as a humble people’s vehicle. Light weight, clever aerodynamics, and a peppy heart turned it into a surprisingly spirited drive.
Rear view of the Radar, highlighting its sculpted fenders, minimalist taillights, and the DS-sourced rear window repurposed as the windshield. (Picture from; QuirkyRides in X)
What truly sets the 2CV Radar apart is how rare and it is. After Radar built a few bodies himself — some assembled in his own garage, others sold as kits — Citroën Belgium became intrigued. From 1959 to 1962, they produced about 60 fiberglass bodies, of which only 20 were completed as full vehicles. The production process was split between facilities in Belgium and even extended into northern France, involving several craftsmen who ensured the assembly quality met the unique vision.
This is one of the earlier models of the 2CV Radar, shown with a bonnet, with an optional windscreen available to customers at the time. (Picture from; TotalKitCar)
Changes were made during this limited production run: some lost the original bumpers in favor of sleeker side bars, the door handles disappeared, and the body was slightly reworked to ease access to mechanical parts. But the soul remained intact — a quirky, sculptural reinterpretation of the 2CV that was both accessible and unlike anything else Citroën ever offered.
These are two roadster variants built by Robert Radar on the Citroën 2CV chassis—one on the left featuring a bonnetless nose with smooth curves, and the other on the right equipped with a full bonnet and lacking a windshield(Picture from; Classic And Recreation Sportscars in Facebook)
The 2CV Radar even played a minor role in history. It appeared at the 1958 Brussels World's Fair and in showrooms, proudly wearing its uniqueness like a badge of honor. For 75,000 Belgian francsaround 25% more than a regular 2CV — buyers could own something exceptionally rare, fun, and fashionably French. 
Rear view of a pastel-blue Citroën 2CV Radar roadster lacking a windshield, highlighting its fluid fiberglass curves, exposed cockpit, and minimalist rear styling(Picture from; PreWar)
Only a handful of these rolling sculptures survive today, with perhaps fewer than six known examples still in existence. Each remaining car is a rolling tribute to Radar's vision and the post-war spirit of creativity. They may look a bit odd today, parked among modern machines, but that’s exactly what makes them so captivating — they were never meant to fit in. | ovoIP1fIXmI |
In a world full of vehicles designed to blend in, the Citroën 2CV Radar is the automotive equivalent of a whimsical sketch come to life. It’s not just a car. It’s a story — of passion, persistence, and a little eccentricity — built on one of the world’s most modest platforms. And thanks to the daring spirit of Robert Radar, it continues to roll through history with a smile on its fiberglass face. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LESFILLESDEFOREST.BE | MI24A.LIVEJOURNAL | TOTALKITCAR | CORFO.JOUWWEB.BE | PREWAR | QUIRKYRIDES IN X | WOUTER BREGMAN IN FLICKR | OLDCAR.IT IN FACEBOOK | CITROËN 2CV OWNERS' CLUB IN FACEBOOK | WEIRD WHEELS IN FACEBOOK | CITRINA GARAŽAS - CITROËN CLUB LITHUANIA IN FACEBOOK | CLUB VÉHICULES ANCIENS "SOUPAPES ET PISTONS" BAYONNE ET HASPARREN IN FACEBOOK | CLASSIC AND RECREATION SPORTSCARS IN FACEBOOK ]
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Porsche 911 Shooting Brake by Protoscar: A Rare Redefinition of a Legend

Bold Reinvention - When you think about the Porsche 911, the first images that usually come to mind are its iconic curves, the flat-six engine singing behind the driver, and a silhouette that has barely changed in decades. It’s a car that has always represented precision, performance, and timeless design. But every now and then, someone dares to reinterpret a legend—and back in 2005, a Swiss company did exactly that by giving the 911 a body style that was both unusual and deeply rooted in automotive history: the Shooting Brake
The Porsche 911 Shooting Brake by Protoscar. (Picture from: CarSighting in X)
At the Geneva Motor Show on March 1st
, 2005, the world got its first glimpse of the Porsche 911 Shooting Brake, crafted by Protoscar SA. This wasn’t just a wild concept sketch made for attention—it was a road-legal car that could be built on the Porsche 911 Coupe (996 generation). Protoscar, known for its ability to develop bespoke prototypes and special projects, worked carefully to ensure the car met all legal requirements while still offering personalization options for anyone bold enough to want one. 
The Porsche 911 Shooting Brake by Protoscar. (Picture from: CarSighting in X)
The very first example wasn’t made for just anyone, though. It was created for Derendinger AG, a Swiss leader in garage equipment and spare parts distribution, to celebrate their 75th anniversary. Fittingly, given that one of Derendinger’s earliest products in 1930 was brakes, this anniversary car was fitted with MOVIT high-performance brakes that pushed the limits of street-legal stopping power. Former Formula 1 driver Marc Surer put the system to the test, managing to decelerate from 120 km/h to a complete stop in just 2.9 seconds—a figure that, even today, sounds astonishing for a road car. 
The Porsche 911 Shooting Brake by Protoscar. (Picture from: Dacorsa in Facebook)
What makes the Shooting Brake style so interesting is its blend of practicality and elegance. Born in England as a way to carry hunting gear in sleek coupes, the style eventually evolved into something more lifestyle-oriented, with space for golf clubs instead of rifles. Rarely seen on high-performance cars, Shooting Brakes have popped up on exclusive Aston Martins, Ferraris, Corvettes, and Jaguars in the past. But when Protoscar applied the formula to the Porsche 911—arguably one of the most recognized sports cars in the world—it became something truly unique. The challenge was to stretch the 911’s shape into a more practical form without breaking the magic of its design language. The result balanced sophistication with sportiness, and it showed just how versatile the 911 platform could be when reimagined.
The Porsche 911 Shooting Brake by Protoscar (Picture from: CarSighting in X)
Protoscar didn’t act alone. For this project, they collaborated with highly skilled specialists such as Esoro Ltd., masters in composite materials, and designer Luciano D’Ambrosio of LD’A Design. Combining artisanal craftsmanship with cutting-edge digital modeling, the team ensured the final car wasn’t just a novelty—it was a carefully engineered reinterpretation of a classic. Over the years, Protoscar had already built a reputation for turning bold ideas into one-off cars, often for automakers, suppliers, or even for film productions. The 911 Shooting Brake simply reinforced their ability to make the extraordinary seem natural.
The Porsche 911 Shooting Brake by Protoscar. (Picture from: Dacorsa in Facebook)
Underneath its distinctive bodywork, the car stayed true to its Porsche roots. Based on the 996 Carrera, it carried the familiar 3.4-liter flat-six engine producing 300 horsepower, capable of reaching 280 km/h and sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds. It measured 4,430 mm long, 1,829 mm wide, and 1,335 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,350 mm and a weight of 1,765 kg. In other words, it remained every bit a 911 in terms of dynamics, but with an added twist of practicality and individuality. 
The Porsche 911 Shooting Brake by Protoscar. (Picture from: Dacorsa in Facebook)
Looking back from today’s perspective, when carmakers occasionally experiment with Shooting Brakes in limited editions, the Porsche 911 Shooting Brake by Protoscar feels even more special. It wasn’t a mass-produced product, but a celebration of craftsmanship, heritage, and the daring idea that even legends can be reshaped. For enthusiasts, it represents a moment when innovation met tradition, creating a car that continues to spark curiosity years after its debut. | cBJqSbzgcFI |
This rare 911 proves that sometimes the most unexpected combinations are the ones that leave the longest impression. A Porsche that could carry golf clubs while still thrilling on the autobahn? That’s the kind of bold thinking that keeps the automotive world exciting. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ALLCARINDEX | CARSIGHTING IN X | GT3POINT2 IN INSTAGRAM | DACORSA.COM IN FACEBOOK ]
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Saturday, October 18, 2025

Vittori Unveils Turbio: Hybrid Hypercar Crafted with Pininfarina

Sculpted Velocity - The world of hypercars is about to welcome a striking new player. Vittori, a fresh American automaker, is stepping onto the global stage with a bold vision: a hybrid hypercar that seamlessly blends performance, artistry, and cutting-edge technology. Their first creation, the Turbio, promises to be more than just a fast carit aims to evoke emotion, offering drivers an experience akin to flight, sculpture, and pure power rolled into one
The Vittori Turbio, crafted in limited number—only 50 units in total by Vittori and Pininfarina, represents a new benchmark in hypercar design, combining American ambition, Italian craftsmanship, and state-of-the-art engineering.. (Picture from: Forbes)
Vittori’s approach to the Turbio is as meticulous as it is ambitious. Under the leadership of founder and CEO Carlos Cruz, the company has emphasized the harmony of speed, control, and design. Cruz explains that their goal was never to simply add another supercar to the market. Instead, they sought a vehicle that connects with the driver on an almost visceral level. This dedication is evident in every planned detail, from the 1,100-horsepower powertrain to the AI-assisted 3D printing that reduces weight while enhancing structural strength.
The Vittori Turbio, as Giuseppe Bonollo of Pininfarina explains, embodies a design philosophy that transcends specific models, capturing pure Italian style through clean lines, bold sportiness, and a harmonious fusion of form and function. (Picture from: Forbes)
A key element of this project is Vittori’s partnership with the legendary Italian design house Pininfarina. Together, the two companies are shaping the Turbio into a production-ready masterpiece, merging Italian elegance with cutting-edge engineering. Giuseppe Bonollo of Pininfarina highlights that the design inspiration goes beyond specific cars, focusing instead on Italian style itself: clean lines, aggressive sportiness, and the timeless pursuit of harmony between form and function. The Turbio, in this sense, becomes a story told in metal and curves rather than a mere machine. 
The Vittori Turbio redefines the driving experience by prioritizing tactile engagement through thoughtfully placed physical controls that connect the driver directly to the machine, reflecting the brand’s unwavering commitment to pure driving pleasure. (Picture from: Forbes)
The engineering behind the Turbio is equally impressive. Its core is a naturally aspirated 6.7-liter V12 engine developed in collaboration with Italtecnica, based in Italy’s famed Motor Valley. In its base form, the V12 delivers roughly 830 horsepower at a blistering 8,500 rpm, with a redline nearing 9,000 rpm. Hybrid technology is integrated thoughtfully, serving primarily to meet emissions and regulatory requirements without compromising the visceral thrill of the V12’s performance. Active aerodynamics, magnetic ride control, and precision chassis tuning promise an unmatched driving experience, ensuring the Turbio is as agile as it is powerful. 
The Vittori Turbio features a 6.7-liter V12 developed with Italtecnica in Italy’s Motor Valley, producing around 830 hp and paired with a hybrid system that meets regulations while preserving its raw performance thrill. (Picture from: Forbes)
Inside the Turbio, Vittori has prioritized the tactile pleasure of driving. The cabin favors physical controls over an abundance of digital screens, allowing drivers to engage directly with the machine. Every switch and knob has been carefully placed to maximize connection and enjoyment, reflecting the company’s commitment to pure driving pleasure. This design philosophy underscores Vittori’s broader mission: to craft a vehicle that is not only a technological marvel but also an emotionally resonant work of art. 
The Vittori Turbio delivers an exceptional driving experience through active aerodynamics, magnetic ride control, and precision chassis tuning that make it as agile as it is powerful. (Picture from: Forbes)
The Turbio remains in the concept stage, but Vittori is actively moving toward production. Orders are currently open, though final specifications and pricing will evolve as the development progresses. Even at this stage, it’s clear that the Turbio represents a new benchmark in hypercar design, combining American ambition, Italian craftsmanship, and state-of-the-art engineeringThe plan is to produce the Turbio in limited numbersonly 50 units in total. | wVrXW4yZmJk |
Vittori’s debut with the Turbio is more than the launch of a car—it’s the unveiling of a vision. It’s a promise that high performance, elegant design, and a deeply engaging driving experience can coexist without compromise. For enthusiasts and collectors alike, the Turbio signals the arrival of a hypercar that doesn’t just move through space, but moves the heart. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | VITTORI | FORBES | TOPGEAR | ID.MOTOR1 | CARSCOOPS ]
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Russian-Designed Iso Rivolta Marella: Corvette ZR1 Like You’ve Never Seen

Crossbreed Muscle - At first glance, one might wonder—what is this? That’s the question we all ask when something unexpected makes us stop and stare. Especially when it’s a car—something familiar—suddenly transformed into something wild, daring, and completely new. That’s exactly what happens when you come across the Iso Rivolta Marella, a concept car that dares to reimagine Italian-American automotive heritage through the eyes of a young Russian designer.
The Iso Rivolta Marella, a concept car that dares to reimagine Italian-American automotive heritage through the eyes of a young Russian designer named Fedor Stetskevich. (Picture from: Autoblog)
At its core, this dramatic machine is built on the foundation of Chevrolet’s Corvette ZR1an American brute known for its front-mounted 640-horsepower supercharged V8 engine, aluminum chassis, and unforgiving rear-wheel-drive layout. The ZR1 isn’t subtle, but it’s undeniably a perfect blank canvas for bold reinterpretations. And it’s not the first time someone has tried.
Front view of the Iso Rivolta Marella, showcasing its aggressive stance, wide grille, and bold lines sculpted with unmistakable Italian flair. (Picture from: Autoblog)
In 2009, legendary Italian design house Stile Bertone unveiled the Mantide, a futuristic rebody of the Corvette ZR1 that pushed boundaries both visually and technically. With sharp creases, unconventional proportions, and a focus on aerodynamics, the Mantide felt like something out of a sci-fi comic. It was loud, proud, and unforgettable—a high-stakes gamble in coachbuilt design that showed what could happen when Italian flair met American muscle.
Side profile of the Iso Rivolta Marella reveals a sleek silhouette with flowing surfaces, where Russian creativity meets aerodynamic elegance and Corvette muscle. (Picture from: Autoblog)
But while the Mantide felt almost alien in its execution, the Iso Rivolta Marella takes a slightly different routestill dramatic, still bold, but with a more sculptural sensibility. Designed by Fedor Stetskevich, a student of Moscow's renowned Stroganov University of Industrial and Applied Arts —founded back in 1825—the Marella represents a new kind of design voice. Stetskevich teamed up with Italian coachbuilder Zagato to bring his vision into form, reviving the historic Iso Rivolta badge in the process—an emblem once known for blending Italian design with American brawn.
The 2009 Bertone Mantide concept, a futuristic rebody of the Corvette ZR1 that pushed boundaries both visually and technically, felt like something out of a sci-fi comic. (Picture from: TopGear)
From the first glance, the Marella oozes presence. Its low stance, flared arches, and assertive proportions suggest immense power, but the details are what make it truly special. The front end is sleek and menacing, with narrow LED-style headlights and a sculpted hood that channels both airflow and attention. The side profile is long and flowing, with a wedge-like tension that rises from front to back. Zagato’s signature design language appears subtly here: you can catch echoes of the Perana Z-One in the body lines, but the Marella stands apart with its more dynamic surfaces and futuristic personality. | PB2P35ZnB1g |
At the rear, the design feels tightly wound, almost aggressive in its visual compression. Wide-set taillights nestle beneath an angular deck, framed by bold aero elements and what looks like serious rear diffuser work. The entire car seems to hunker down, ready to pounce, even if it currently exists only as a scale model
The Iso Rivolta Marella sketch highlights a sleek and aggressive front end, featuring narrow LED-style headlights and a sculpted hood that guides both airflow and attention. (Picture from: Autoblog)
Still, the Marella doesn’t need to move to make an impact. It’s a conversation piece, a design study that plays with heritage while refusing to be nostalgic. It doesn’t try to copy the pastit builds on it with confidence. And in doing so, it becomes more than just a student project. It becomes a statement.
Rear design of the Iso Rivolta Marella emphasizes sharp contours and sporty proportions, hinting at the Marella’s performance roots beneath the striking form. (Picture from: Autoblog)
Comparing it to the Mantide makes things even more interesting. Where the Bertone creation was angular and almost confrontational, the Marella feels like a more cohesive sculpture—still radical, but with elegance beneath the aggression. Both share the same ZR1 skeleton, but they walk completely different paths: one through the wild imagination of Italian futurism, the other through a modern rebirth of a once-celebrated brand, filtered through Russian precision and Zagato’s timeless sensibility.
Three-quarter angle highlights the Iso Rivolta Marella’s dynamic presence—an international blend of design passion and raw V8 power. (Picture from: MotorLegend)
The Iso Rivolta Marella may not be headed to production anytime soon, but its existence alone says a lot about the global nature of car design today. It shows how ideas can cross borders, blend cultures, and reinterpret icons in ways we never expected. And it proves that sometimes, all you need is one daring vision to make us ask: What the heck is this? And then, maybe, quietly hope we’ll see it on the road one day. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOBLOG | GTSPIRIT | MOTORLEGEND | SPEEDFANS.FR | TOPGEAR ]
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Friday, October 17, 2025

Capricorn 01 Zagato Brings Back the Art of Pure Driving with 900HP

Mechanical Poetry - There’s something magical about the rare union of raw engineering passion and timeless design. In a world where most hypercars rely on electric trickery and digital driving aids, one machine dares to go the opposite way — embracing the analogue spirit with a vengeance. Meet the Capricorn 01 Zagato, a 900-horsepower masterpiece that feels like it was born to remind the automotive world that pure, mechanical thrill still matters
The Capricorn 01 Zagato is a mid-engined hypercar built in collaboration between Capricorn Group and Zagato, and built around a carbon-fiber tub and clothed entirely in carbon panels, pushing the scale down to a razor-sharp 1,200 kilograms. Its beating heart is a 5.2-liter V8 drivetrain. (Picture from: Autoblog.nl)

Nissan Silvia CSP311: The 60s Coupe You Never Knew About

Crafted Rarity - In the mid-20th century, Japan was rapidly building a reputation for reliable, affordable, and efficient cars. It was an era driven by practicality—fuel economy, mass production, and family sedans. But then, almost out of nowhere, Nissan decided to color outside the lines. While others were focusing on mobility for the masses, Nissan quietly crafted something for the dreamers—something rare, elegant, and entirely different. That creation was the Nissan Silvia CSP311, a car so unique and so ahead of its time that even many car enthusiasts today barely know it existed.
The Nissan Silvia CSP311 began its story as a prototype unveiled at the 1964 Tokyo Motor Show under the name Datsun Coupe 1500, before officially launching as a production model in March 1965 with its new name. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
The prototype debuted at the 1964 Tokyo Motor Show
as the Datsun Coupe 1500. Months later, in March 1965, Nissan officially launched the production model under a new name: Silvia CSP311The name itself drew inspiration from the avian worldspecifically the genus Sylvia, perhaps subtly nodding to Nissan’s Bluebird, which was still part of the lineup then. But make no mistake, Silvia wasn’t just another bird in the flock. It was something altogether more refined, more rarefied.
The Nissan Silvia CSP311, unlike mass-produced cars, was almost entirely handmade, with no large metal-stamping machines producing identical panels in rapid succession. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
Unlike the cars that rolled off factory lines by the thousands, the Silvia CSP311 was nearly entirely handmade. There were no massive metal-stamping machines churning out identical panels every minute. Instead, artisans shaped each body panel by hand, giving the car a distinct personalityno two were exactly alike. That craftsmanship took time, and as a result, the Silvia was never meant for mass production. It was a boutique sports coupe made in limited numbers and with great care.
The Nissan Silvia CSP311, though built on the chassis, drivetrain, and engine of the Datsun Fairlady 1600 SP311, was far from a mere derivative, emerging instead as a completely distinct machine with its own unique coupe identity. (Picture from: CSP311)
While the Silvia CSP311 looked entirely new, it was built on the chassis, drivetrain, and engine of the Datsun Fairlady 1600 SP311. Still, calling it a mere derivative misses the mark. This wasn't just a reworked roadster—it was a completely different machine with its own distinct coupe identity. The design came from Nissan’s in-house team, led by Kazuoka Kimura and Fumio Yoshida, with influential input from German designer Count Albrecht von Goertz. Famous for shaping the BMW 507, von Goertz helped give the Silvia a refined European flair. With its long hood, low roofline, and clean, understated details, the Silvia had the proportions and elegance of a proper grand tourer like the Lancia Fulvia.
The Nissan Silvia CSP311 featured a lavish, fully equipped interior—from radio to heater—with a driver-focused dashboard, full instrumentation, and an elegant three-spoke steering wheel. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
Beneath that graceful exterior, the Silvia packed a 1.6-liter inline-4 engine from Nissan's R-series, producing 96 horsepower and 132 Nm of torque. Paired with a 4-speed fully synchronized manual transmission, the car could reach around 103 mph and sprint from 0 to 62 mph in just under 12 seconds. That might not raise eyebrows today, but in 1965, for a lightweight coupe weighing just over 2,100 pounds, those were respectable figures. The driving experience was further elevated by front disc brakesrare for Japanese cars at the timeand a modern 12-volt electrical system
The Nissan Silvia CSP311 featured a 1.6-liter R-series inline-4 engine producing 96 horsepower and 132 Nm of torque, paired with a fully synchronized 4-speed manual transmission. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
The attention to performance didn’t stop there. The suspension setup combined a double-wishbone front with a leaf spring rear axle, balancing comfort with agility. For a car that looked as though it belonged in a museum, the Silvia drove like it belonged on winding coastal roads. 
The Nissan Silvia CSP311, with its beauty and craftsmanship, came at a high price—nearly twice that of the Nissan Bluebird—making it inaccessible to most buyers, and resulting in just 554 right-hand-drive units produced between 1965 and 1968. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
But the beauty and craftsmanship came at a cost. Priced at nearly twice that of the Nissan Bluebird, the Silvia CSP311 was beyond the reach of most buyers. Only 554 units were produced between 1965 and 1968, all in right-hand drive. Most remained in Japan, with a small number exportedabout 49 to Australia and a few (around 10 units) scattered to other corners of the globe. The car was so exclusive that even the Tokyo Metropolitan Police saw its potential, acquiring two units in late 1965 for highway patrol dutiesthe first time a sports car was used in that role.  | UznI_73TQds | lf5y3vW_yX8 | tyxqSqlm7eM |
Today, the Silvia CSP311 is a collector’s gem. Owners cherish them, sharing glimpses of their restorations online, maintaining the car’s legacy with passion. Though largely unknown to the wider public, for those in the know, the CSP311 represents the moment Japan showed it could do more than just build practical cars—it could craft rolling works of art.
There was only one factory specification for the Nissan Silvia CSP311, although two special units were built for the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, equipped with bumpers, floodlights, and patrol badges. (Picture from: ModHub.us)
Now, decades later, Nissan seems to be reaching back into its history to bring the Silvia name into the future. In October 2023, Nissan’s Senior Vice President Ivan Espinosa revealed that the company is exploring a revival of the Silvia—this time with an electric soul. While development is still in its early stages, the ambition is clear: to create a high-performance EV that captures the spirit of the original CSP311 while embracing the demands of the modern world.
The Nissan Silvia EV concept, designed by Matthew Weaver—Vice President of Design at Nissan Europe—is a modern-era reimagining of the original Silvia CSP311.. (Picture from: MotorTrend)
There’s something poetic about that idea. A car born in an age of change, crafted with care, and admired quietly for decades may soon returnreborn for a new generation. And maybe, just maybe, one day we’ll see the spirit of the original Silvia glide silently across roads once more, no longer a forgotten gem but a celebrated symbol of timeless design and daring imagination. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CSP311 | CURBSIDECLASSIC | MODHUB.US | TOPGEAR | DRIVE.COM.AU | WIKIPEDIA ]
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