Trans Am 455 Super Duty: The 1,000-HP Firebird Reborn for Modern Muscle

Thunder Reborn - Muscle cars have always held a special place in American car culture—raw power, rebellious attitude, and unmistakable style. And while many manufacturers have shifted focus to electric powertrains and futuristic designs, there’s something magnetic about a machine that roars instead of whispers. That’s exactly what the Trans Am 455 Super Duty brings to the table: an unapologetically wild revival of a legend, louder, faster, and meaner than ever.

The Trans Am 455 Super Duty, a modern reincarnation of Pontiac’s glory days with cutting-edge performance and 1,000 horsepower, made its debut at the 2017 New York Auto Show. (Picture from: 1984HereNow24 in X)

Rewinding to the 2017 New York Auto Show, it was easy to assume Dodge’s 840-horsepower Demon would steal the stage. But in one unexpected move, Florida-based Trans Am Worldwide stepped up with a creation that didn’t just compete—it outmuscled everything around it. The Trans Am 455 Super Duty wasn’t just another custom job; it was a statement. A modern reincarnation of Pontiac’s glory days, pumped with cutting-edge performance and a staggering 1,000 horsepower under the hood.

The Trans Am 455 Super Duty rides on GM’s Alpha platform, shared by the modern Camaro and Cadillac ATS, giving it a solid, performance-ready backbone. (Picture from: NewAtlas)

What makes this car even more extraordinary is the foundation it's built on. The Super Duty rides on GM’s Alpha platform, shared by the modern Camaro and Cadillac ATS, giving it a solid, performance-ready backbone. From there, Trans Am Worldwide—led by chief designer and engineer Tom Sawyer along with Swedish designer Bo Zolland—took over. They shaped the car into a modern Firebird Trans Am, complete with sharp lines, iconic hood graphics, and details that pay tribute to the bold character of the original 1970s models. 

The Trans Am 455 Super Duty is powered by a heavily modified 7.5-liter (455 cu in) LT1 V8, enhanced with input from Arrington Performance, a NASCAR engine builder and boosted by a 2.3-liter Magnuson supercharger to deliver a fierce 1,000 horsepower and 1,046 lb-ft of torque. (Picture from: LSXMagazine)

But this isn’t just a good-looking throwback. The body is wrapped in carbon fiber—hood, fenders, front and rear fascias, deck lid, even the spoiler. It’s leaner, lighter, and far more aggressive. The carbon-fiber shaker hood isn’t just for show either; it tops a heavily modified 7.5-liter (455 cubic inches) LT1 V8, built with input from a NASCAR engine builder. Force-fed by a 2.3-liter Magnuson supercharger, the powerplant unleashes a brutal 1,000 horsepower and 1,046 lb-ft of torque. It doesn’t rumble—it explodes.

The Trans Am 455 Super Duty features a cabin designed in-house by TAWW and Swedish designer Bo Zolland, blending old-school vibes with custom craftsmanship, including “455” embroidered headrests on the leather seats. (Picture from: MuscleCarRide)

To help control all that power, the Super Duty comes equipped with 1-inch lowering springs, anti-roll bars, and 20-inch three-piece, 10-spoke wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. Every corner of the car is built to deliver both grip and drama, whether on a straightaway or charging into a turn.

The Trans Am 455 Super Duty offers a cabin that serves as an elegant counterpoint to its monstrous performance, featuring a driver-focused dashboard, a Super Duty-specific shifter, vintage-style air vents, and a bespoke gauge cluster. (Picture from: MuscleCarRide)

Step inside, and the transformation continues. The cabin blends old-school vibes with custom craftsmanship: a Super Duty-specific shifter, “455” embroidery on leather headrests, vintage-inspired air vents, and a bespoke gauge cluster. Every detail serves as a nod to the past while staying firmly planted in the present. Optional features like Brembo performance brakes and T-tops take things even further for those who want to max out their ride, inside and out.

The Trans Am 455 Super Duty, a modern reincarnation of Pontiac’s glory days with cutting-edge performance and 1,000 horsepower, made its debut at the 2017 New York Auto Show. (Picture from: NewAtlas)

But perhaps the most exciting part of this car’s story is just how rare it is. Only 50 units of the Trans Am 455 Super Duty were produced, each one a tribute to both classic Pontiac performance and modern engineering brilliance. It wasn’t built to chase trends or meet corporate sales targets. It was built because someone believed that muscle cars still had more to give. | Mf4gaIMRt_8 |

Now, nearly a decade later, the Trans Am 455 Super Duty still holds its own—not just as a car, but as a moment in muscle car history. It wasn't just about resurrecting a nameplate; it was about showing the world that raw, untamed power still has a place in an increasingly quiet world. And for anyone lucky enough to have driven—or even seen—one of these machines in the wild, it's clear: some legends never die. They just come back stronger. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TRANSAMWORLDWIDE | 19841HERENOW24 IN X | CARSCOOPS | NEWATLAS | PTTMCARS | LSXMAGAZINE | MOTORAUTHORITY | MUSCLECARRIDE ]

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Alfa Romeo Alfetta Spider: The Forgotten Italian Dream

Elegant Innovation - There’s something almost magical about the way Italian carmakers in the 1970s seemed to balance beauty, engineering, and bold experimentation. It was a decade of daring ideas, where design studios competed not only to shape the future but to define it. Among these moments of creativity stood one of the most intriguing Alfa Romeos ever imagined—the Alfa Romeo Alfetta Spider, a car that never reached production but left a lasting mark on automotive history. 

The Alfa Romeo Alfetta Spider. (Picture from: RetroMania4Ever in X)

Unveiled at the 1972 Turin Motor Show, the Alfetta Spider was Pininfarina’s vision of what a modern Alfa roadster could be. Born from the foundation of the Alfetta sedan, it was intended as a fresh successor to the beloved Giulia-based Spider. Yet it wasn’t just a pretty face—it was a bold response to the tightening safety standards of the era. As governments, especially in North America, began scrutinizing open-top vehicles for their vulnerability in rollovers, carmakers faced a dilemma: evolve or disappear. Pininfarina’s answer was clever, and characteristically Italian. 

The Alfa Romeo Alfetta Spider. (Picture from: Classic And Recreation Sports Cars in Facebook)

Rather than creating a fully open convertible, the Alfetta Spider introduced a removable hardtop paired with a fixed roll bar, merging style with safety. This targa-style design had gained traction thanks to the Porsche 911 Targa, and soon after, Bertone would refine the idea in the Fiat X1/9. For Pininfarina, it wasn’t just imitation—it was adaptation. The Alfetta Spider stood as a confident statement that open-air driving could survive the era of regulation without sacrificing soul. 

The Alfa Romeo Alfetta Spider. (Picture from: Classic And Recreation Sports Cars in Facebook)

Stylistically, it was a fascinating mix of influences. The angular lines gave it a modern, purposeful stance, while design details hinted at shared DNA across Italian studios. Many believe it was crafted under Leonardo Fioravanti, whose work on Ferraris like the 365 GTC4 inspired the Alfetta’s distinctive rubber nose. Its side profile, meanwhile, echoed the curves of the Intemeccanica Indra, designed by ex-Bertone genius Franco Scaglione. During that golden age, Italian designers weren’t afraid to “borrow” from each other—each creation was a shared conversation in steel and soul. 

The Alfa Romeo Alfetta Spider. (Picture from: Classic And Recreation Sports Cars in Facebook)

The Alfetta Spider wasn’t just about beauty, though. It also experimented with practical innovations. Its plastic bumpers were cleverly designed to incorporate lighting elements—forward-thinking at a time when most cars still relied on chrome-heavy solutions. Beneath its elegant skin, it was intended to share the transaxle platform of the Alfetta series, giving it the handling balance and technical sophistication Alfa Romeo was known for. 

The Alfa Romeo Alfetta Spider. (Picture from: Story-Car)

When the Alfetta line finally arrived in 1975, only the Berlina and Sprint models made it to showrooms. Fans were puzzled—where was the new Spider that had wowed Turin just a few years earlier? The answer lay not in engineering failure, but economics. Alfa Romeo simply didn’t have the funds to develop it further, and with the Giulia Spider still selling strongly, management decided to postpone the project indefinitely. Sadly, that postponement became permanent.

The Alfa Romeo Alfetta Spider. (Picture from: Classic And Recreation Sports Cars in Facebook)

Rumors at the time suggested that new crash regulations were looming, making it nearly impossible for smaller manufacturers to justify the cost of compliance for open-top cars. For Alfa Romeo, the Alfetta Spider represented a risk that the market might not be ready for. And so, the elegant prototype became a singular piece of history rather than a production model. 

The Alfa Romeo Alfetta Spider. (Picture from: Story-Car)

Today, the lone Alfetta Spider prototype sits proudly at the Museo Storico Alfa Romeo in Arese, Milan, preserved as a reminder of what might have been. It stands not as a failure, but as proof of Pininfarina’s vision and Alfa Romeo’s cautious wisdom during uncertain times. Later, Alfa Romeo and Pininfarina went on to create the Eagle concept, inspired by the Alfetta Spider, as a forward-looking response to new road safety regulations in the United States.

The Alfa Romeo Alfetta Spider. (Picture from: Story-Car)

Looking back now, the Alfetta Spider feels almost prophetic. In a world that’s once again reimagining the relationship between technology, safety, and emotion in cars, its story resonates. It wasn’t merely a missed opportunity—it was a glimpse into a future where passion and practicality could coexist, even if the world wasn’t quite ready for it yet. | PjCcEYd-i2A |

The Alfa Romeo Alfetta Spider remains one of those beautiful “what ifs” in automotive history—a dream in metal, shaped by genius, grounded by reality, and remembered for the timeless spark of imagination it left behind. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | ALLCARINDEX | STORY-CARS | CLASSIC AND RECREATION SPORTS CARS IN FACEBOOK | RETROMANIA4EVER IN X ]

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The Weird and Wonderful Futura/Waimea Concept

Quirky Masterpiece - We often come across cars that make us stop and ask, “What kind of vehicle is this?” While modern technology produces many AI-generated designs, the Futura/Waimea Concept is different—it is a real, tangible car, built from a 1960s sketch. Its unusual central driving position—similar to the layout seen on the Ferrari 365 P Berlinetta Speciale “Tre Posti” and the McLaren P1—together with eclectic styling and futuristic flair, makes it one of the most striking automotive experiments of its era, seamlessly bridging mid-century imagination with modern restoration. Remarkably, only one unit of this car was ever built, making it truly unique. 

The Futura/Waimea Concept is a real, tangible car whose unusual central driving position, eclectic styling, and futuristic flair make it one of the most striking automotive experiments of its era. (Picture from: Lane Motor Museum)

The story begins in 1945 when industrialist Henry J. Kaiser, together with veteran automobile executive Joseph Frazer, founded the Kaiser-Frazer automobile company. A year later, Kaiser formed Kaiser Aluminum and commissioned designers Rhys Miller and Frank Hershey—designer of the original 1956 Ford Thunderbird two-seater—to create a series of all-aluminum car designs. These designs were showcased in oversized, reproduced portfolios meant to entice the automotive industry into exploring aluminum’s potential in car construction, capturing the futuristic aesthetic of the era.

The Futura/Waimea Concept was brought to life in the 1990s by Minnesota automotive restorer Blake Larson, based on the ‘Waimea’ sketch from a 1960s Kaiser ad drawn by Rhys Miller. (Picture from: MarioTheMultipla)

Although these aluminum prototypes never reached production and were never submitted to any automaker for manufacturing, their designs endured. In the 1990s, automotive restorer Blake Larson from Minnesota discovered a collection of Kaiser ads from the 1960s. One sketch, in particular, the “Waimea,” captured his imagination. Rhys Miller is solely credited with this design, which featured the unusual driver’s seat positioned in the middle with center steering. Larson interpreted these promotional illustrations and brought them to life in the 1990s, creating the only existing Futura Waimea as a real, drivable car. 

The Futura/Waimea Concept was built on a Corvair Lakewood wagon as its base, fitted with a roof rack from a Chevy Vega Wagon, and complemented by a sunroof from a ’54 Ford Skyliner. (Picture from: Lane Motor Museum)

Creating the Futura/Waimea required careful planning. Since the central driving position left no room for a front engine, Larson used a Corvair Lakewood wagon as the base. This allowed him to preserve the mid-century concept while using the Corvair’s rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout to accommodate the vehicle’s mechanics, blending practicality with imaginative design

 

Larson enhanced the Waimea’s futuristic appearance by incorporating parts from classic cars. He mounted ’59 Cadillac rocket taillights on the D-pillar, added a sunroof from a ’54 Ford Skyliner, used the instrument cluster from a ’49 Nash Ambassador, and installed a roof rack from a Chevy Vega Wagon. He named the car “Futura,” inspired by the early 1960s Ford Falcon Futura, borrowing the wheel covers and script to complete the homage. These elements combined to give the car a unique, cohesive, and attention-grabbing style.

The Futura/Waimea Concept features green upholstery (originally white) throughout its cabin, a centrally placed three-spoke classic steering wheel, and an instrument cluster sourced from a ’49 Nash Ambassador. (Picture from: Lane Motor Museum)

During the 1990s, Larson showcased the Futura/Waimea around Minnesota, drawing curious onlookers wherever he drove. After several years, the car disappeared from public view, only to resurface in 2013 on eBay. It was purchased by Wayne Carini, host of Chasing Classic Cars, and featured in Season 17, Episode 5, titled Back to the Futura. Eventually, Lane Motor Museum acquired the car from Carini in 2021, ensuring its preservation as a one-of-a-kind automotive creation.

The Futura/Waimea Concept features ’59 Cadillac rocket taillights mounted on its D-pillar and a rear-mounted, air-cooled 145 cubic-inch Corvair flat-six engine producing 84 horsepower, paired with a two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission. (Picture from: Lane Motor Museum)

The Futura/Waimea’s technical specifications reflect its Corvair foundation and Larson’s ingenuity. It features a rear-mounted, air-cooled 145 cubic-inch Corvair flat-six engine producing 84 horsepower, paired with a two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission. The rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout supports the central driving concept. While its top speed remains unknown, the car’s significance lies in its originality, engineering creativity, and the successful transformation of a 1960s sketch into a real, drivable vehicle. 

The Futura/Waimea Concept serves as a vivid reminder of how imagination can shape automotive history. From Henry Kaiser’s aluminum ambitions and Rhys Miller’s bold sketches to Blake Larson’s innovative restoration and Wayne Carini’s preservation efforts, this car embodies decades of creativity and dedication. Today, it continues to captivate enthusiasts, proving that even the most unusual ideas can come to life and leave a lasting mark on car culture. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LANE MOTOR MUSEUM | MARIOTHEMULTIPLA | OLDCARLOVERS IN FACEBOOK ]

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Isdera L’Aquila: The Bold Comeback of a German Supercar Legend

Electric Rebirth - In a world where automotive legends often fade into history, the resurgence of Isdera with the L’Aquila showcases the brand’s enduring spirit of innovation and craftsmanship. Synonymous with exclusive, handcrafted supercars, Isdera has always stood apart from the mainstream. Founded in 1982 by Eberhard Schulz in Leonberg, Germany, the company earned fame for its meticulous attention to detail and low-volume production, with each vehicle — from the Isdera Erator GTE and Commendatore 112i to the Imperator 108i and Spyder 036i — representing a rare automotive masterpiece. 

This is L’Aquila, an electric supercar that evolved from Isdera’s 2018 debut model, the Commendatore GT. (Picture from: Carscoops)

In 2017, Isdera entered into a partnership with Chinese electric vehicle startup WM Motor to design and produce electric cars. The first result of this collaboration was the Isdera Commendatore GT, unveiled at the Beijing Auto Show in 2018. This fully-electric sports coupe featured gullwing doors and was powered by two 300 kW electric motors, delivering a combined output of 600 kW and 1,060 Nm of torque. With a 105 kWh battery, it offered a range of up to 500 km and could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds. Only two units were produced, showcasing Isdera's commitment to exclusivity and innovation.

Looking striking, the Isdera Commendatore GT—later known as the L’Aquila—is a sleek gullwing electric coupe powered by a massive 105 kWh battery, featuring a distinctive front fascia with a carbon fiber spoiler and LED-infused headlights. (Picture from: Carscoops)

However, the partnership with WM Motor ended in 2020, and in 2021, Isdera was fully acquired by Xinghui Automotive Group, a Chinese company. This acquisition marked a new chapter for Isdera, combining German engineering with Chinese investment and vision. Under this new ownership, Isdera set its sights on the future, establishing a new R&D center in Taicang and a production facility in Anhui, China.

The Isdera L’Aquila made its grand debut on June 30, 2025, during a launch event in Anqing’s New Energy Vehicle Industrial Park, unveiling the brand’s first fully in-house handcrafted supercar — aptly named L’Aquila, Italian for “The Eagle,” symbolizing its bold rebirth. (Picture from: WhatIsThisCar in Reddit)

On June 30, 2025, Isdera Automotive, operated by Yingzi Automotive Technology (Anhui) Co., Ltd., held the global launch ceremony of its first in-house developed model, the handmade super sports car L’Aquila. The event took place at the New Energy Auto Parts Industrial Park in Yingjiang District, Anqing, and was attended by Zhang Zhao, chairman of Earth Moon Technology Group, and Song Wenfang, chairman of Yingzi Automotive. The two companies also discussed future cooperation in the Middle East market.

The Isdera L’Aquila, a direct evolution of the Commendatore GT, carries forward its design philosophy and performance ambitions in a modern era, featuring a sleek gullwing coupe body, advanced aerodynamics, an electric powertrain, and luxurious interiors. (Picture from: WhatIsThisCar in Reddit)

The L’Aquila is a direct evolution of the Commendatore GT, embodying the same design philosophy and performance aspirations but refined for the modern era. It retains the sleek gullwing coupe design, powered by an electric powertrain, and features advanced aerodynamics and luxury interiors. The L’Aquila represents not just a revival of a brand but a bold statement of Isdera's commitment to innovation and excellence in the electric supercar segment.

The Isdera L’Aquila spreads its wings in a rapidly electrifying world, carrying both the nostalgia of a storied past and the promise of a bold, daring future. (Picture from: WhatIsThisCar in Reddit)

The story of Isdera is one of resilience and transformation. From its humble beginnings in Germany to its current status as a global player in the electric vehicle market, Isdera has demonstrated that true craftsmanship and visionary design can transcend borders and eras. The L’Aquila is not merely a car; it is a symbol of the brand's enduring legacy and its bold leap into the future of automotive excellence. | olr_Lmvjgbc |

And so, as the L’Aquila spreads its wings in a world that’s rapidly turning electric, it carries both the nostalgia of a forgotten past and the promise of a daring future. It’s proof that even when the world changes around them, true legends never really disappear — they just find new ways to fly. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ISDERAGROUP | WHATISTHISCAR IN REDDIT | WEIBO | CARSCOOPS |  OBSCURESUPERCAR IN X | APEX AUTOMOTOR IN FACEBOOK ]

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Forgotten Icons: Argentina’s First Modern Sports Cars of the 1970s

Crafted Rarity - Back when the global car industry was dominated by major players, there were still hidden corners of the world where creativity thrived and a deep love for automobiles gave rise to machines that broke all the rules. These were places where innovation wasn’t driven by large budgets, but by bold ideas and hands-on ingenuity. 

This example of the Crespi Tulia GT underwent significant modernization in 2023, receiving a range of updated features to enhance its performance and appeal. (Picture from: ObscureSupercars in X)

Argentina, more famously tied to football and tango, was one such place. Quietly but confidently, it became home to some truly daring automotive experiments. Among its rare gems were the Crespi Tulia GT and Tulieta GT — two sports cars shaped by Crespi Automotive’s vision, craftsmanship, and unwavering belief in homegrown talent.

1. Crespi Tulia GT

The story of the Crespi Tulia GT starts not in a design studio, but in a scrapyard, after a racing crash in 1967. Tulio Crespi, a racer-turned-car builder, received the wreckage of Nasif Estéfano’s IKA Torino, a car destroyed in a Turismo Carretera race. What might have been discarded as twisted metal became the foundation of something entirely new. 

The Crespi Tulia GT, a limited-production grand tourer built between 1969 and 1972, embodied Argentina’s ambition to carve a place in the world of exotic automobiles. (Picture from: ObscureSupercars in X)

Crespi shortened the frame by 40 centimeters, lowered the height dramatically, and reshaped the roof into a sleek fastback, creating a car nicknamed El Petiso (means "short" or "little one"). The transformation sparked an idea: if this racing Frankenstein could come alive on the track, why not on the road? That idea became the Tulia GT, a limited-production grand tourer that reflected Argentina’s determination to break into the world of exotic cars.

The Crespi Tulia GT began in a scrapyard from the wreck of Nasif Estéfano’s 1967 Torino, which Tulio Crespi transformed—shortening the frame, lowering the body, and reshaping the roof—into a sleek fastback nicknamed 'El Petiso.' (Picture from: Facebook)

Built largely by hand in Crespi’s small workshop in Buenos Aires, the Tulia GT carried the DNA of the Torino but with a sharp wedge profile, retractable headlights, and a fiberglass body that felt straight out of a European concept garage. While its foundation shared Torino parts — including the doors, floor pan, and windshield — everything else was pure Crespi.

The Crespi Tulia GT was equipped with Torino’s mechanical components, allowing it to effortlessly reach speeds of up to 200 km/h while maintaining smooth performance. (Picture from: Noticias.Autocosmos)

Under the hood, engine choices varied. Some carried the 380 or 380W Tornado engine, while the livelier versions featured triple Weber carburetors, squeezing out up to 176 horsepower. That was enough to push this Argentinian machine to 200 km/h, a serious speed for its time. Inside, the Crespi Tulia GT didn't cut corners either: aluminum wheels, leather upholstery, disc brakes, electric wipers, and even a magazine player came standard, with air conditioning available for those wanting comfort with their speed. | _fP1HHB-amg |  

Only about 40 units were ever made between 1969 and 1972, with just 10 sold. It remained a niche masterpiece, yet one that carried Argentina’s hopes into international showrooms — especially when it was flown to France by the Argentine Air Force for the 1975 Paris Motor Show. Presented alongside its smaller sibling, the Tulieta GT, the Tulia made a quiet yet impactful appearance on the global stage. It stood proudly next to far more industrially-produced rivals, earning respect for its unique styling and Argentine heart.

2. Crespi Tulieta GT

Meanwhile, the Crespi Tulieta GT had its own story. Completed in early 1972, it was a lighter, more compact creation mounted on a Renault 6 platform with a 1,020cc engine. While modest in performance, it embraced innovation in layout and materials. Its fiberglass and reinforced plastic body wrapped around a front-wheel-drive setup with an engine mounted centrally — a layout more often seen in race cars than road-going coupes. Tulieta GTs featured folding headlights, a four-speed gearbox, and a range of surprising luxuries for such a small-batch vehicle: reclining seats, a stereo cassette player, heating, and a Nippon electric antenna.

The Crespi Tulieta GT was a sleek Argentinean coupé produced exclusively during 1972 to 1981 by Crespi Automotive, marking a brief but bold chapter in the country's automotive history. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

Each unit was built with care, and though production was slow, about 50 were completed between 1972 and 1981. Most were convertibles, giving them an airy, playful look. Custom instrument panels carried Jaeger gauges — speedometer, tachometer, fuel, oil, and temperature indicators — all specially designed for this model. Like the Crespi Tulia, the Tulieta was also showcased at the 1975 Paris Motor Show, gaining brief international attention despite the limitations of its small-scale production.

The Crespi Tulieta GT, produced by Crespi Automotive in Buenos Aires, saw around 50 units built—though exact figures are uncertain due to poor record-keeping—with approximately 70% made as convertibles and only 30% featuring a fixed roof. (Picture from: ObscureSupercars in X)

Even though neither model gained widespread commercial success, their stories continue to echo through Argentina’s automotive history. The Crespi Tulia and Tulieta were never meant to compete with global giants on volume — their role was different. They represented ambition, originality, and the idea that even a workshop in Chacarita could create something the world would admire, even if only for a moment. | 6We8CSy5wY4 |

Today, both cars are rare sights. Some are kept alive by collectors, while others are hidden away or lost to time. Their legacy isn’t defined by numbers or sales, but by their daring spirit — proof that with passion and skill, even the most unlikely beginnings can lead to creations that endure far beyond expectations. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | STAGING.CARBURANDO | HISTORICAUTOPRO | NOTICIAS.AUTOCOSMOS | OBSCURESUPERCARS IN X | FACEBOOK | WIKIPEDIA ]

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Matra-Simca Bagheera: The Quirky French Sports Car Time Forgot

Forgotten Flair - Every now and then, car history reveals a model that seemed too unusual, too ahead of its time, or simply too quirky to survive in the mainstream—but still manages to earn a cult following decades later. The 1970s were full of bold experiments in car design, and few captured that daring spirit better than the Matra-Simca Bagheera. At first glance, it looked every bit like a sleek European sports car, yet beneath its striking wedge-shaped body, it carried some of the most unconventional ideas in automotive design.  

The Matra-Simca Bagheera combined the sleek looks of a European sports car with a bold wedge design hiding remarkably unconventional ideas. (Picture from: ClassicWorld)

The story began with Matra, a French company better known for aerospace and motorsport than road cars. Before the Bagheera, Matra had built the M530, an ambitious mid-engined sports car that never achieved commercial success. The biggest hurdle wasn’t necessarily the car itself, but the lack of a strong dealer network. Partnering with Simca changed that instantly, offering both the resources and mechanical parts needed to bring the next project to life. With that alliance, the stage was set for a car unlike any other on the road. 

The Matra-Simca Bagheera, designed by Jean Toprieux, brought that vision to life with wider dimensions, a flat floor, and ample space for three passengers to sit comfortably side by side. (Picture from: ClassicWorld)

By the early 1970s, the idea of a mid-engined sports car was mostly reserved for expensive exotica. Affordable options were rare, with the Lotus Europa and Matra’s own M530 standing almost alone before Porsche launched the 914 and Fiat introduced the X1/9. Matra, however, wanted to take a different route. Research showed that buyers of small sports cars wanted practicality without giving up style—and most of them wished for more than just two seats. The answer was audacious: a mid-engined sports car with three-abreast seating. 

The Matra-Simca Bagheera was a daring mid-engined sports car that stood out for its unique three-abreast seating and forward-thinking design. (Picture from: ClassicWorld)

Designer Jean Toprieux took that vision and transformed it into reality. He widened the M530’s dimensions, laid out a flat floor, and ensured enough cabin space for three people to sit side by side without feeling cramped. After testing no fewer than 11 prototypes, the production-ready Bagheera rolled out in 1973. The gamble seemed to pay off immediately, with over 10,000 cars sold across Europe within the first year. Yet success was quickly tempered by reliability issues—German motoring association ADAC even labeled it the most problematic new car of 1975. 

The Matra-Simca Bagheera offered generous cabin space that allowed three occupants to sit side by side in comfort, maintaining both practicality and sporty appeal. (Picture from: ClassicWorld)

Still, the Bagheera had something magical. Drivers praised its agile handling and surprisingly roomy cabin. The problem was under the rear hatch: the borrowed Simca 1100 Ti engine, a 1.3-liter four-cylinder producing just 83 horsepower. Performance was underwhelming, with top speeds hovering around 102 mph and acceleration figures that didn’t match the car’s sporty looks. British magazine CAR summed it up perfectly with the headline: “Sheep in wolf’s clothing.” 

The Matra-Simca Bagheera, powered by a borrowed 1.3-liter Simca 1100 Ti engine producing just 83 horsepower, delivered underwhelming performance with a top speed of around 102 mph. (Picture from: ClassicWorld)

Matra-Simca tried to fix this by launching the Bagheera S in 1975. Equipped with a larger 1.4-liter engine from the Chrysler Alpine, it delivered 88 horsepower and a slightly higher top speed of 115 mph. While it still wasn’t fast enough to trouble true sports cars, the Bagheera’s responsive steering and balanced chassis meant it remained a joy to drive on twisty roads. 

The Matra-Simca Bagheera featured a distinctive rear view with a sharply sloped hatch, large rear window, wide tail lights, and smooth aerodynamic lines that highlighted its sporty character. (Picture from: ClassicWorld)

Official imports into the UK began in 1976, but the Bagheera faced a tough battle. With left-hand drive only, a steep price tag of £5,370, and cheaper rivals like the Triumph TR7 and Fiat X1/9 in the mix, sales were modest. Some enthusiasts, however, went as far as converting their cars to right-hand drive through specialist firms, showing just how much passion the Bagheera could inspire.

The Matra-Simca Bagheera S equipped with a larger 1.4-liter engine from the Chrysler Alpine, it delivered 88 horsepower and a slightly higher top speed of 115 mph. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

The car’s fate shifted again in 1978 when Peugeot took over Chrysler’s European operations. By then, the Bagheera was wearing Talbot-Simca badges instead of Matra-Simca, but its days were numbered. The smaller 1.3-liter engine was dropped in 1979, leaving only the 1.4-liter with a new five-speed gearbox. Production finally ended in April 1980, with just under 48,000 units built. | UQa1CR2U-Y4 |

Today, the Matra-Simca Bagheera feels like a snapshot of a bold era in French car design. It wasn’t the fastest or the most reliable, but it dared to be different in ways that still make it fascinating decades later. Its futuristic layout, daring three-seat arrangement, and crisp styling helped it stand out from the crowd, even if its flaws kept it from true mainstream success. For enthusiasts who love cars that break the mold, the Bagheera remains a reminder that sometimes the most memorable machines are the ones that didn’t quite fit in. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HAGERTY | CLASSICSWORLD | WIKIPEDIA | RETROMANIA4EVER IN X ]

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