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Thursday, October 30, 2025

RHapsody – The Forgotten Supercar That Once Touched 220mph

Fleeting Glory - Every so often, someone in the automotive world decides that having influence and success isn’t enough—they want a legacy on four wheels. Not just a machine, but a rolling sculpture that reflects their vision, ambition, and maybe even a bit of ego. That’s exactly what happened in the early 1990s, when Rüdiger Höffken, the man behind RH-Aluradwell known for his stylish alloy wheels—set out to build his dream car. What came of it wasn’t just another sports car. It was a bold, custom-built supercar called the RHapsody. And like the name suggests, it was a wild, passionate composition with only one verse.
The RHapsody, built on a Chevrolet Corvette C4 ZR1, emerged as a dramatic one-off fully approved for road use. (Picture from: Kues-Magazin)
The RHapsody was never intended to be a quiet player in the background. Commissioned in 1994, it was created to leave a mark. Built by Scala Designtypically known for crafting car interiors rather than full-scale prototypesthe car emerged as a dramatic one-off with full road legality. Based on a Chevrolet Corvette C4 ZR1, the RHapsody received a complete visual and mechanical makeover. 
The RHapsody, commissioned in 1994 and built by Scala Design—best known for crafting car interiors rather than full-scale prototypes—stood as a true original. (Picture from: Kues-Magazin)
The new body, made from glass-fiber reinforced plastic, was more fluid, with elegant curves and a stretched silhouette that looked like something plucked from a sci-fi film. The most distinctive feature? A double-bubble roof that nodded to classic Zagato designs, sculpted not just for flair but for aerodynamic efficiency. And that design wasn’t just for show—wind tunnel tests in Stuttgart confirmed it cut through the air impressively well.
The RHapsody featured a body made from glass-fiber reinforced plastic, shaped with fluid lines, elegant curves, and a stretched sci-fi-like silhouette. (Picture from: ObscureSupercar in X)
Underneath all that style, the original plan was brute force. The Corvette’s 5.7-liter V8 was upgraded with twin turbos, pushing power to a claimed 550 horsepowermore than enough to touch 355 km/h (220 mph) during tests on the high-speed Nardò circuit in Italy. Behind the wheel for that run was seasoned race driver Michael Bartels, adding even more credibility to the car’s speed story. Sadly, the engine couldn’t hold up for long. It was eventually replaced with a naturally aspirated unit producing 408 horsepower—still potent, but no longer the same fire-breather that originally stunned everyone.
The RHapsody’s cabin featured two carbon Recaro seats paired with a custom blue leather interior. (Picture from: Kues-Magazin)
While most concept cars are nothing more than showpieces, the RHapsody was truly drivable. A 6-speed manual transmission gave the driver direct control, while the carbon Recaro seats, custom blue leather interior, and a tachometer reading up to 400 km/h hinted at its ambitions. Weighing just 1,400 kg, it had a raw, visceral feel. The exhaust roared with the kind of presence you’d expect from a purpose-built track machine. It vibrated windows. It made pedestrians turn heads and ask questions. It smelled of high-octane dreams and ambition—because that’s exactly what it was. 
The RHapsody, powered by a Corvette 5.7-liter V8 upgraded with twin turbos, produced a claimed 550 horsepower—enough to reach 355 km/h (220 mph) at Nardò. (Picture from: ObscureSupercar in X)
But like many bold creations tied too closely to their makers, the RHapsody’s story didn’t end with thunderous applause. By 2008, Höffken’s business empire came crashing down under the weight of tax issues and bankruptcy. His time with the RHapsody ended just as abruptly. The car, once a million-euro creation, found itself in an auction, fetching a mere €49,000less than a tenth of what it cost to build. From center stage to collector’s garage, its journey echoed the rise and fall of the man who dreamed it into existence. | UIEyK1QxNcA |
Today, the RHapsody remains a curious artifact of 1990s ambition. It wasn’t meant to be mass-produced or even copied. It was meant to be a signature—a full-throttle expression of personal taste and engineering daring. And while its maker’s legacy may have veered off course, the car he left behind still turns heads and sparks conversation. Because no matter how fleeting the spotlight may be, some creations are just too bold to be forgotten. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KUES-MAGAZIN.DE | OBSCURESUPERCAR IN X ]
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Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Ferrari F76 Concept Redefines Driving with Dual Steering Innovation

Shared Velocity - The world of automotive design is entering a new era — one where imagination meets digital innovation and the boundaries of what a car can be are redrawn. Ferrari, a brand long celebrated for turning passion into performance, has stepped boldly into this space with the unveiling of the F76 Concept. More than just a design experiment, the F76 is a vision of what driving might look like in the decades ahead, when emotion, technology, and artistry merge seamlessly into one experience
The Ferrari F76 Concept is a vision of what driving might look like in the decades ahead, when emotion, technology, and artistry merge seamlessly into one experience. (Picture from: Autocar)
Created under the direction of Flavio Manzoni, Ferrari’s chief designer, the F76 exists entirely in the digital realm. It’s a “design manifesto,” as Manzoni describes itnot meant for production, but to explore and define the future forms of Ferrari vehicles. Its name, F76, honors Ferrari’s first victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1949, tying the company’s proud racing legacy to a bold, forward-looking concept. In doing so, the F76 becomes a bridge between Ferrari’s glorious past and its technological future
The Ferrari F76 Concept created under the direction of Flavio Manzoni, Ferrari’s chief designer, and exists entirely in the digital realm. (Picture from: Autocar)
At first glance, the F76 feels unmistakably Ferrarimuscular, elegant, and aerodynamicyet its design is far from traditional. The car’s body features squared wheel arches and a floating front splitter, details that recall the spirit of the F80 hypercar while pushing its lines toward something almost sculptural. The structure consists of two separate fuselages, one for each driver, shaped to optimize airflow and redefine interior space. Ferrari calls this a “form-follows-function” philosophy, proving that every design decision serves both purpose and beauty. 
The Ferrari F76 Concept’s body features squared wheel arches and a floating front splitter, details that recall the spirit of the F80 hypercar while pushing its lines toward something almost sculptural. (Picture from: Autocar)
Perhaps the most radical aspect of the F76 is its two steering wheels, enabled by advanced drive-by-wire technology that replaces mechanical linkages with electronic control systems. This innovation allows both drivers to steer, accelerate, and brake in perfect synchronization, sharing the sensations of speed and precision in real time. Ferrari describes it as a new way to experience driving — not as a solo act, but as a shared emotion. It’s a futuristic idea that challenges the traditional bond between car and driver, opening the door to new interpretations of performance and connection
The Ferrari F76 Concept structure consists of two separate fuselages, one for each driver, shaped to optimize airflow and redefine interior space. (Picture from: Autocar)
Despite being a purely digital creation, the F76 includes details that hint at real-world possibilities. Retractable headlights, reminiscent of the legendary F40, make a nostalgic return, while tail-lights integrated into the massive rear wing demonstrate how design and aerodynamics can work as one. These touches suggest that while the F76 may never hit the road, elements of its design language could inspire Ferrari’s upcoming generation of vehicles — including its much-anticipated first electric model. | kHMAIrCHAeM |
In the grand narrative of Ferrari’s evolution, the F76 is more than a concept; it’s a statement. It reminds the world that innovation doesn’t mean losing touch with identity, but rather deepening it. Through its blend of digital artistry, aerodynamic ingenuity, and emotional storytelling, the F76 shows that the spirit of Ferrari — that timeless mix of performance, beauty, and passion — can thrive even in a future defined by electrons and imagination. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FERRARI | AUTOCAR | AUTOCAR IN X | TOPGEAR | CARSCOOPS ]
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Rare Citroën DS ‘Le Caddy’ Cabriolet by Chapron – From DS 19 Origins to DS 21 Elegance

Coachbuilt Royalty - Seventy years have passed since Citroën stunned the world at the 1955 Paris Motor Show with a car that seemed to have rolled straight out of the future. That car was the Citroën DS, a design and engineering milestone that redefined comfort, style, and innovation in motoring. It didn’t just transport people — it made them feel as if they were gliding on air, thanks to groundbreaking technology wrapped in a body that was as daring as it was elegant. 
The Citroën ‘Le Caddy’ Cabriolet, shown here in a 1965 model based on the DS 21 platform, is regarded as one of Henri Chapron’s most elegant creations. (Picture from: ClassicDriver)
The DS’s creation was the result of a collaboration between some of France’s greatest talents. Pierre Boulanger initiated the project as a successor to the legendary Traction Avant. Aeronautical engineer André Lefèbvre shaped the car’s sleek, aerodynamic form to reduce drag and improve handling. Paul Magès revolutionized ride comfort with his hydropneumatic suspension systema self-leveling, fluid-based setup that absorbed road imperfections like no other — and added hydraulic assistance for steering, brakes, and clutch. Finally, Italian-born designer and sculptor Flaminio Bertoni gave the DS its unmistakable lines, a body that looked both futuristic and graceful, setting a new design language for decades to come.
The Citroën ‘Le Caddy’ Cabriolet, shown here as a 1965 model based on the DS 21 platform, features a hand-finished interior with luxurious upholstery. (Picture from: ClassicDriver)
And while the DS appeared in many forms over its production life, perhaps its most captivating incarnation came from outside Citroën’s own factory: the rare and exquisite “Le Caddy” Cabriolet by Henri Chapron, first based on the DS/ID 19 and later elevated further on the DS 21 platform. 
The Citroën ‘Le Caddy’ Cabriolet, shown here as a 1965 model based on the DS 21 platform, is powered by a 2.1-liter engine with greater power and torque, paired with refined hydraulics and improved braking. (Picture from: ClassicDriver)
The earliest ‘Le Caddy’ cabriolets emerged from Chapron’s workshop in the late 1950s, based initially on the simpler ID 19, itself derived from the DS 19. The DS 19 was powered by a 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine, adequate for its time but tuned for refinement rather than outright speed. Chapron’s conversions transformed these sedans into elegant open-top cruisers, reshaping body panels, shortening overhangs, and adding bespoke chrome trim. Each car was hand-finished with luxurious upholstery, unique paint choices, and detailing that reflected Chapron’s background as the “Car Couturier” of France. Between 1959 and 1968, only 34 units of Le Caddy based on the ID/DS 19 were produced, making them exceptionally rare even among coachbuilt classics. | 0hr7z__vQYk |
By 1965, Citroën had introduced the DS 21, featuring a 2.1-liter engine with greater power and torque, paired with refined hydraulics and improved braking. This made it a far more capable base for Chapron’s creations. The DS 21 ‘Le Caddy’ offered the same flowing lines and artisanal craftsmanship as the earlier ID/DS 19 versions but with stronger performance, more effortless cruising, and better high-speed stability — a perfect match for the long, scenic drives such cars were destined for. While production numbers for the DS 21-based Le Caddy remain undocumented, it is believed they were made in far fewer quantities than the already-scarce ID/DS 19 versions.
The earliest Citroën ‘Le Caddy’ Cabriolets — such as this 1962 example — emerged from Chapron’s workshop in the late 1950s, originally based on the simpler ID 19, itself derived from the DS 19. (Picture from: ClassicDriver)
The ‘Le Caddy’ was never meant to be a mass-produced car. Between 1959 and 1968, only 34 examples were built, making each one a singular piece of automotive artistry. When new, its price was nearly double that of Citroën’s top-of-the-line DS Pallas sedan. The cost reflected Chapron’s meticulous, time-intensive process: custom-shaped panels, hand-applied paint, individually tailored interiors, and finishing touches like specific badges, chrome accents, and even period-correct accessories.
The Citroën ‘Le Caddy’ Cabriolet, shown here as a 1961 model based on the DS 19 platform, was powered by a 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine and transformed by Chapron into an elegant open-top cruiser with reshaped body panels, shortened overhangs, and bespoke chrome trim. (Picture from: Auta5p.eu)
Henri Chapron’s relationship with the DS went beyond a business venture — it became an obsession. From his first DS convertible, the ‘La Croisette’ in 1958, to the peak of refinement in the DS 21 ‘Le Caddy’, his designs balanced aerodynamic purity with French luxury, producing cars that felt as much like sculpture as transportation. The DS 19-based versions carry the charm of the model’s earliest years, light and understated, while the DS 21 ‘Le Caddy’ adds the maturity of stronger performance and mechanical polish without sacrificing elegance.|
The Citroën ‘La Croisette’ Cabriolet known as Henry Chapron's first DS convertible crafted in 1958, is distinguished by its elongated door. (Picture from: Citroenvie)
Today, whether it’s an early DS 19 ‘Le Caddy’ or the later, more powerful DS 21 version, these cabriolets remain among the most coveted classics in the world. They are rare sightings even at top-tier concours events, where they command attention not through ostentation, but through an effortless blend of innovation, beauty, and craftsmanship. Seeing one in motion — its long lines catching the light, the soft-top folded neatly behind — is a reminder that some cars transcend their era. They are not just made; they are created, each one a piece of rolling French art destined to be cherished for generations. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CITROEN DS MANUFAKTUR | CITROENVIE | CLASSICDRIVER | AUTA5P.EU ]
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Tuesday, October 28, 2025

Ferrari 599 HY-KERS: One Horsepower Per Kilo Hybrid Supercar

Electrified Passion - Every now and then, a car comes along that makes you stop scrolling, put down your coffee, and just stare. Back in the early 2010s, when most high-performance manufacturers were cautiously tiptoeing around the idea of hybrid technology, Ferrari decided to go all in with a concept that turned heads for reasons far beyond its glossy paint and badge. That car was the Ferrari 599 HY-KERSa machine that proved being environmentally conscious didn’t have to mean giving up an ounce of performance swagger.
The Ferrari 599 HY-KERS, built on the 599 GTB Fiorano and unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, proved that eco-conscious design could coexist with uncompromised performance swagger. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
Unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, the HY-KERS wasn’t just another showpiece painted in eco-friendly marketing gloss. It was Ferrari’s proof of concept that hybrid technology could coexist with the brand’s unapologetic love for speed. Built on the bones of the 599 GTB Fioranoitself a masterpiece introduced in 2006 as a successor to the 575 M Maranellothe HY-KERS combined a ferocious V12 engine with an electric motor system borrowed straight from Ferrari’s Formula 1 playbook.
The Ferrari 599 HY-KERS feels like the spark that ignited Ferrari’s hybrid ambitions, with its DNA evident in modern models like the LaFerrari and SF90 Stradale despite never entering production in its original form. (Picture from: ExclusiveCarRegestry)
The magic trick here was the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS). If you’ve ever watched an F1 car scream into a braking zone, you’ve seen this principle at work: energy that would normally vanish as heat is instead captured, stored in a slim lithium-ion battery pack tucked low in the chassis, and unleashed later for explosive acceleration. In the HY-KERS, that meant a seamless 80 horsepower boost from the electric motor — perfectly offsetting the 80 kilograms added by the hybrid hardware. Ferrari’s philosophy for hybrids was simple: one extra horsepower for every kilo gained.
The Ferrari 599 HY-KERS combined a ferocious V12 engine with an electric motor system directly inspired by Ferrari’s Formula 1 technology. (Picture from: ExclusiveCarRegestry)
And while the tech itself was the star, Ferrari made sure it didn’t compromise the car’s soul. The dual-clutch transmission housed the electric motor at the rear, connected to an electronics module cleverly installed beneath the boot floor. Not a single inch of luggage space was lost. In fact, there was more room than before because the conventional 12-volt battery was gone, its duties now handled by the hybrid system’s brain.
The Ferrari 599 HY-KERS showcased cutting-edge tech without compromising its soul, with a dual-clutch transmission housing the rear-mounted electric motor linked to an electronics module neatly tucked beneath the boot floor. (Picture from: ExclusiveCarRegestry)
Performance was only half the story. The HY-KERS delivered a 36% improvement in fuel consumption and slashed emissions by roughly the same marginimpressive numbers for a V12 Ferrari. It could even creep silently through short trips in full-electric mode, though nobody would buy this car to do that for long. The placement of the battery kept the center of gravity low, ensuring that even with its green credentials, it handled like a thoroughbred from Maranello. 
The Ferrari 599 HY-KERS Test Mule prototype, showcased at the Museo Ferrari in Maranello, stood as a striking reminder of the brand’s early hybrid innovation. (Picture from: ExclusiveCarRegestry)
Ferrari’s decision to pursue such a project in an era when small-volume exotic makers weren’t pressured to go green was both surprising and telling. The company knew the future of performance cars would involve balancing raw power with environmental responsibility, and the HY-KERS was a declaration that they could master both. | oCWpwXvty8M |
Today, over a decade later, the HY-KERS feels like the spark that lit Ferrari’s hybrid ambitions. While it never went into production exactly as shown, its DNA is all over modern Ferraris like the LaFerrari and SF90 Stradale. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most radical ideas don’t just rewrite a chapter — they start an entirely new book. And in Ferrari’s case, that book proved hybrids could still make your pulse race. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TOPGEAR | EXCLUSIVECARREGESTRY | ROMANSINTERNATIONAL | WIKIPEDIA | MUSEIFERRARI IN X ]
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Yamaha MOTOROiD:Λ – The Self-Balancing Electric Robotic Motorcycle of the Future

Autonomous Ingenuity - In a world where technology continually pushes the boundaries of mobility, the line between machine and intelligence is becoming increasingly blurred. Yamaha, a name synonymous with two-wheeled innovation, recently took this fusion of mechanics and artificial intelligence to an extraordinary level with the unveiling of the MOTOROiD:Λ at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show. Unlike any motorcycle most of us have encountered, the MOTOROiD:Λ does more than simply balance—it can rise on its own after a fall, hinting at a future where motorcycles are not just ridden but almost alive. 
Yamaha introduces MOTOROiD:Λ, a rotatable concept electric motorcycle at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show. (Picture from: Moto-Station)
The Yamaha MOTOROiD:Λ is a concept motorcycle unlike any traditional design. Its sleek, futuristic form hides a sophisticated self-balancing system capable of correcting its position autonomously. At the heart of this innovation lies a combination of gyroscope sensors and smart actuators, which allow the motorcycle to react to its environment in real time. Whether adjusting to subtle shifts in terrain or recovering from a complete topple, the MOTOROiD:Λ performs these maneuvers seamlessly without human intervention. Watching it right itself from a 180-degree ground turn feels like witnessing a machine with its own instincts, a quiet marvel of modern engineering. 
The Yamaha MOTOROiD:Λ is a concept motorcycle unlike any traditional design. Its sleek, futuristic form hides a sophisticated self-balancing system capable of correcting its position autonomously. (Picture from: Global.Yamaha-Motor)
This leap in capability is the result of Yamaha’s ongoing experimentation with artificial intelligence, a project that began in 2017 , and has evolved considerably since then into the MOTOROiD 2 in 2023. The self-balancing system is powered by reinforcement learning, an AI method where the motorcycle “learns” optimal positioning from experience. Each recovery makes the system smarter, more efficient, and increasingly precise. In effect, the motorcycle improves with each interaction, creating a dynamic relationship between rider, machine, and the environment. 
The flexible exoskeleton frame connects all the Yamaha MOTOROiD:Λ's body parts. (Picture from: Global.Yamaha-Motor)
Beyond just self-stabilization, Yamaha has imbued the MOTOROiD:Λ with features that further blur the boundary between human and machine. Adaptive AI monitors how the rider engages with the vehicle, fine-tuning engine response, steering, and balance for a ride that feels almost intuitive. The addition of facial recognition adds a personable layer, allowing the motorcycle to recognize its rider and respond to gestures—essentially greeting its owner and adjusting its behavior to suit their style. It’s a vision of two-wheeled transportation that’s interactive, responsive, and remarkably human-aware. | APDdVw4Lcek |
Despite these impressive advancements, Yamaha is clear that the MOTOROiD:Λ is still firmly in the concept stage. Mass production remains out of reach, hindered by the complexity of the technology, high manufacturing costs, and the rigorous safety standards required for public roads. However, the insights gained from this project are expected to influence future generations of electric motorcycles and intelligent rider-assistance systems, laying the groundwork for a transportation era where machines anticipate needs and act proactively.
The MOTOROiD:Λ is more than a machine; it is a glimpse into a future where mobility merges seamlessly with artificial intelligence. (Picture from: Global.Yamaha-Motor)
The MOTOROiD:Λ is more than a machine; it is a glimpse into a future where mobility merges seamlessly with artificial intelligence. Yamaha’s vision demonstrates not just technical prowess but a philosophical shift in how humans might interact with vehicles—a partnership where the machine learns, adapts, and responds in real time. This motorcycle, standing autonomously after a fall, symbolizes resilience and innovation, and it serves as a quiet herald of the transformative potential awaiting the next generation of two-wheeled transportation.
 
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 | GLOBAL.YAMAHA-MOTOR | UZONE.IDID.MOTOR1 | DESIGNBOOM | MOTO-STATION ]
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Monday, October 27, 2025

The 1938 Dubonnet Xenia: A Love Story on Four Wheels

Mechanical Love - Art and engineering meet in the most moving ways when a machine is built to honor a person — and the 1938 Dubonnet Xenia is a perfect example. Born from André Dubonnet’s twin obsessions with innovation and elegance, the Xenia was conceived as a personal tribute to his late wife, Xenia Johnson, and it carries that emotional intention into every curve. This story began with a bold idea and a high-quality Hispano-Suiza chassis, then grew into one of the most forward-looking coachbuilt cars of the 1930s
The 1938 Dubonnet Xenia was created as André Dubonnet’s personal tribute to his late wife, Xenia Johnson, designed by Jean Andreau and hand-built by Jacques Saoutchik upon the refined Hispano-Suiza H6B chassis. (Picture from: WIkipedia)
André Dubonnet was more than an industrialist: he was a racer, a former pilot, and an inventor who earlier patented an independent front-suspension system (a “hyperflex” setup) in 1927 that influenced makers like General Motors and Alfa Romeo. After the 1932 Paris Auto Salon he bought a French-built Hispano-Suiza frame to use as a rolling laboratory for styling and chassis ideas
The 1938 Dubonnet Xenia features an exterior that mirrors an airplane fuselage—long, smooth, and sculpted for airflow—with a panoramic curved windshield that wrapped around the front, foreshadowing the wraparound designs seen decades later. (Picture from: WIkipedia)
For the Xenia project he teamed with Jean Andreau, a designer steeped in aircraft-inspired shapes, and Jacques Saoutchik, the coachbuilder whose hands turned sketches into living metalThe Xenia’s exterior reads like an airplane fuselage translated to road use: long, smooth, and clearly sculpted for airflow. A panoramic curved windshield wraps the front, a daring touch that anticipated similar wraparound screens decades later
The 1938 Dubonnet Xenia features a minimalist yet elegant cockpit with a metal dashboard, analog gauges, and a thin, leather-wrapped steering wheel reflecting its aviation-inspired design. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
The side windows are Plexiglas panels that lift upwarda distinctive, canopy-like detail that looks gullwing-inspired; the windows alone move up to admit air and light. Importantly, the body’s passenger doors are rear-hinged “suicide” doors, opening toward the back rather than upward — a dramatic and period-correct choice that enhances the car’s theatrical entry while keeping the structure conventional under the sheetmetal. 
The 1938 Dubonnet Xenia is powered by Hispano-Suiza’s 6.6-liter inline-six single overhead cam engine producing 160 hp, paired with a 3-speed manual transmission that drives the rear wheels. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
Behind the cabin, the body flows gracefully into a fastback silhouette crowned by a distinctive triangular rear window, a feature that perfectly complements its aerodynamic lines. The entire composition gives the impression of motion even when the car stands still, as if the air itself shaped its curves. These details, combined with its seamless proportions and aircraft-inspired elegance, lend the Xenia a level of modernity almost unimaginable for 1938 — more a rolling piece of streamlined sculpture than a conventional prewar luxury automobile.
The 1938 Dubonnet Xenia tapers gracefully behind the cabin into a fastback silhouette crowned by a distinctive triangular rear window that accentuates its aerodynamic form. (Picture from: WIkipedia)
Underneath the sleek coachwork, the Hispano-Suiza H6B chassis remains relatively tall and robust, so while the Xenia looks low and slippery it is, in truth, a substantial and elegantly heavy automobile. That tall stance was a consequence of building atop the existing frame rather than lowering or heavily modifying it, and it allowed the hyperflex front suspension to be showcased without compromising the car’s mechanical pedigree. The result is an unusual mix: aircraft-like aerodynamics married to the solid presence of a luxury chassis
At the 2022 Chantilly Arts et Elegance concours, the all-electric Carmen hypercar shared the stage with its muse, the 1938 Dubonnet Xenia, whose visionary design inspired the modern EV eight decades later. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
The emotional heart of the project is impossible to ignore: Dubonnet named the car Xenia for his wife, who never saw the finished masterpiece. Every design choice reads as both technical experiment and personal memoriala way for Dubonnet to channel loss into a lasting object of beauty. Today the 1938 Dubonnet Xenia is one of the collections of the Peter Mullin Automotive Museum Foundation in Los Angeles, where it continues to gather admiration for its daring lines and thoughtful engineering. | XRa_asf-Fdg |
Viewed from today’s perspective, the Xenia still appears strikingly fresh. It reminds us that true design can transcend its time, proving that a car can be both a testbed for innovation and an expression of emotion. The 1938 Dubonnet Xenia endures as an unforgettable fusion of invention, craftsmanship, and devotiona rolling tribute whose story gleams through every polished curve. Even in the modern era, its spirit continues to inspire the 2020 Hispano Suiza Carmen GT, an electric supercar that celebrates the rebirth of the legendary Hispano Suiza name*** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FRISTARTMUSEUM.ORG | AUTOEVOLUTION | WIKIPEDIA ]
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