Purposeful Dissent - Automotive history often remembers the cars that succeeded, yet the ones that dared to be different frequently tell richer stories about their time. In the early 1960s, Italy’s design scene was alive with experimentation, where industrial designers moved fluidly between architecture, furniture, and automobiles. Within this creative climate, The Lancia Flaminia Amalfi emerged not as a mass-market ambition, but as a thoughtful design statement—one that reflected both the optimism and the uncertainty of a rapidly changing automotive world.
The Lancia Flaminia Amalfi was shaped by the vision of Rodolfo Bonetto, a Milan-based industrial designer whose influence reached far beyond automotive body design. (Picture from Carrozzieri-Italiani)
The mind behind the Flaminia Amalfi was Rodolfo Bonetto, a Milan-based industrial designer whose career extended far beyond car bodies. Bonetto had already built a formidable reputation designing everyday objects as well as automobiles, earning six Compasso d’Oro awards and teaching design at Ulm in Germany. His work for coachbuilders such as Vignale, Viotti, and especially Boneschi revealed a designer with a rare sense of proportion and technical clarity. By the time he turned his attention to the Lancia Flaminia platform, Bonetto was already shaping some of the most intriguing Italian designs of the era, including the Flaminia Spider and several distinctive grand tourers.
The Lancia Flaminia Amalfi made its public debut at the 1961 Turin Motor Show in Italy as a one-off design study by Rodolfo Bonetto in collaboration with Carrozzeria Boneschi. (Picture from Carstyling.ru)
The Flaminia Amalfi was developed through a collaboration with Carrozzeria Boneschi, a firm known for its precision craftsmanship and willingness to support unconventional ideas. In 1962, Boneschi created a convertible body on a Flaminia chassis originally intended for Touring, identified as chassis number 824.04. Beneath its sculptural skin sat Lancia’s 2.5-liter engine producing 119 horsepower, grounding the experimental bodywork in proven mechanical substance. This pairing of reliable engineering and avant-garde design made the Amalfi an intriguing hybrid of tradition and bold exploration.
The Lancia Flaminia Amalfi is believed to have featured an interior guided by rational design principles, favoring clarity of form over decorative excess despite limited surviving documentation. (Picture from Carrozzieri-Italiani)
Visually, the Lancia Flaminia Amalfi stood apart from its contemporaries. Bonetto employed what became known as the “Linea Tesa” approach—sharp, angular, and almost architectural in presence. The exterior appeared deliberate and monumental rather than flowing, challenging the softer curves that dominated Italian design at the time. While detailed records of the interior are scarce, it is widely understood that the cabin followed the same rational philosophy, prioritizing clarity and form over ornamentation. Every surface seemed intended to feel intentional, reinforcing Bonetto’s belief that good design should look “right” through balance rather than excess.
The Lancia Flaminia Amalfi stood visually apart from its contemporaries through Bonetto’s use of the “Linea Tesa” approach, defined by sharp, angular forms and an almost architectural presence. (Picture from Carrozzieri-Italiani)
Reactions to the Amalfi were predictably divided. Admirers praised its courage and modernity, seeing it as a glimpse into a possible future of automotive design. Critics, however, felt it strayed too far from convention, making it difficult to imagine widespread acceptance. Ultimately, the Flaminia Amalfi remained a one-off creation. By the early 1960s, the automotive industry was shifting toward large-scale production, efficiency, and standardization—conditions that left little room for singular, handcrafted experiments, no matter how intellectually compelling they were.
The Lancia Flaminia Amalfi was powered by Lancia’s proven 2.5-liter engine producing 119 horsepower, anchoring its sculptural bodywork in solid mechanical substance. (Picture from Carrozzieri-Italiani)
Today, The Lancia Flaminia Amalfi occupies a quiet but meaningful place in design history. It may not have reshaped the market or inspired a production lineage, yet it captures the spirit of an era when designers were free to test boundaries without guarantees of success. Seen through a modern lens, the Amalfi feels less like a failed experiment and more like a reminder that progress often depends on ideas that challenge comfort zones. Its value lies not in numbers built, but in the courage it represents—a snapshot of creative freedom before the industry learned to play it safe. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | CARSTYLING.RU ]
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Avant Vision - The automotive world often moves so quickly that yesterday’s future can feel forgotten, yet some concepts continue to resonate long after their debut. One such example is the Citroën Divine DS Concept, a car that emerged during a period when design-driven storytelling was becoming just as important as performance figures. Introduced to the public in 2015, the Divine DS was not meant to predict a single production model, but to communicate an attitude—one that blended French creativity, luxury, and experimentation into a rolling vision of what DS Automobiles wanted to become.
The Citroën Divine DS Concept made its first major public impression at the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed, clearly marking a shift in the brand’s creative direction. (Picture from: CarBodyDesign)
The concept first stepped into the spotlight during the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed, where it immediately signaled a new creative direction for the brand. Shortly after, Citroën expanded the narrative through a series of visuals and a cinematic short that placed the Divine DS within the refined urban atmosphere of London. Set against classical architecture, the car’s bold geometry felt intentionally disruptive, reinforcing its forward-looking intent. Through designer commentary, the focus shifted from convention to expression, revealing a philosophy rooted in artistic confidence rather than established automotive formulas, and positioning the Divine DS as an exploration of culture, design, and identity—not merely a styling exercise.
The Citroën Divine DS Concept, when viewed today, stands as a confident statement from a young premium brand, blending expressive design with a 270bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged engine to prove its vision went beyond pure styling. (Picture from: CarBodyDesign)
Developed in Paris as a creative benchmark, the Divine DS was never intended as a preview of a single model, but as a clear declaration of where DS Automobiles wanted to go. When it appeared, the brand was riding a wave of growth, having moved more than 550,000 cars globally since the DS 3 debuted in 2010. The concept emerged at a pivotal moment, just as DS was preparing to broaden its portfolio with six new production vehicles planned before the end of the decade. Seen through today’s lens, the Divine DS feels like a self-assured move by a young premium marque determined to establish its own identity, pairing its expressive design language with a capable 270bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged engine to underline that this vision was backed by real substance, not just style.
The Citroën Divine DS Concept introduced a high-tech yet sensorial cabin centered on a fully digital interface with a holographic head-up display and a 10.4-inch HD touchscreen. (Picture from: CarBodyDesign)
Visually, the car expressed that ambition through bold and cohesive design cues. The front featured the now-familiar “DS Wings” signature, paired with a striking diamond-pattern grille that immediately set it apart. This diamond motif was not a one-off flourish; it echoed across the entire vehicle, from the intricately styled roof to the modular rear lights. These repeating elements reinforced DS Automobiles’ commitment to a recognizable, avant-garde identity that could evolve without losing its core character.
The Citroën Divine DS Concept carried its diamond motif throughout the body, from the sculpted roof to the modular rear lights, reinforcing DS Automobiles’ evolving yet unmistakable avant-garde identity. (Picture from: CarBodyDesign)
Inside, the Divine DS pushed the idea of a high-tech yet sensorial cabin. A fully digital interface formed the heart of the interior, combining a holographic head-up display with a large 10.4-inch HD touchscreen. Advanced lighting technology, including DS LED Vision headlights and sequential indicators, underscored the concept’s focus on experiential innovation. Rather than overwhelming the driver, the technology was presented as part of a refined environment designed to feel intuitive and immersive. | hIbY49MKnlk |
That sense of refinement reached its peak in the materials and craftsmanship. Full-grain aniline leather seats featured a modern interpretation of the iconic DS watch-strap pattern, while the modular cabin allowed for three interchangeable interior ambiences, each offering a distinct mood. Collaborations with Swarovski and the famed embroidery house Lesage elevated the interior into the realm of haute couture, with crystal accents and detailed stitching adorning the doors and dashboard. Seen from today’s standpoint, the Citroën Divine DS Concept remains a meaningful snapshot of DS Automobiles’ aspirations—one that still feels relevant in an era where design, personalization, and brand identity matter more than ever. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARBODYDESIGN | DESIGNFATHER ]
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Heritage Reawakened - Car culture has always thrived on memory. In an era dominated by touchscreens, driver aids, and increasingly similar silhouettes, enthusiasts often look backward to reconnect with a time when cars felt simpler and more personal. That longing for authenticity is exactly what fuels the fascination behind a modern Toyota GR 86 transformed into a rolling tribute to one of Japan’s most beloved icons. This project, known as the Neo86, turns contemporary engineering into a nostalgic statement, channeling the unmistakable spirit of the legendary AE86 Trueno.
The Result Japan Neo86 transforms the modern Toyota GR86 into a rolling tribute, blending contemporary engineering with the unmistakable nostalgic spirit of the legendary AE86 Trueno. (Picture from: Carscoops)
The transformation comes from Result Japan, a well-known Japanese tuning house that approachedthe GR 86 with more than surface-level nostalgia in mind. Instead of a subtle visual reference, they reimagined the front end almost entirely, introducing fully functional pop-up headlights—an element inseparable from the AE86’s identity. The hood was reshaped to sit flatter, while the front bumper adopted a clean, retro design that avoids modern aggression in favor of classic simplicity. Yellow turn signals and fog lights further reinforce the throwback look, making the car instantly recognizable even at a glance.
The Result Japan Neo86 completely reworks the front end, replacing subtle cues with fully functional pop-up headlights that define the AE86’s iconic identity. (Picture from: Carscoops)
Beyond the nose, the Neo86 bodykit continues its homage with carefully considered details. Black-finished front and rear fenders blend into matching side skirts, a chin spoiler, and a rear bumper that visually grounds the car. Retro-style wheels, sourced directly from the original AE86, replace the GR 86’s modern alloys and subtly shift the car’s stance into another era. At the back, a ducktail spoiler, updated LED lighting, and a reworked bumper accommodating twin exhaust tips add character without erasingthe GR 86’sunderlying proportions, which are intentionally preserved across the upper body.
The Result Japan Neo86 extends its tribute beyond the front with black-finished fenders seamlessly flowing into matching side skirts, a chin spoiler, and a grounding rear bumper. (Picture from: Carscoops)
What makes this conversion particularly compelling is how it balances old and new without forcing either to dominate. The GR 86’s interior and core architecture remain untouched, meaning drivers still experience the sharp handling and refinement expected from a modern sports coupe. Under the hood, the naturally aspirated 2.0-liter flat-four boxer engine delivers 197 horsepower to the rear wheels, paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The Neo86 package focuses on visual storytelling, but it leaves the door wide open for suspension, chassis, or performance upgrades for those who want more than aesthetics.
The Result Japan Neo86 enhances the rear with a ducktail spoiler, modern LED lighting, and a reshaped bumper for twin exhaust tips while preserving the GR86’s original upper-body proportions. (Picture from: Carscoops)
The Neo86 bodykit is scheduled to make its official debut at the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon on January 9, a fitting stage for a project so deeply rooted in Japanese automotive history. While its inspiration is unmistakably domestic, Result Japan has made it clear that this creation isn’t limited to the local market. International customers will also have access to the kit, and compatibility extends beyond the GR 86 to include the GT 86, Scion FR-S, and the first-generation Subaru BRZ, broadening its appeal across the global enthusiast community. | LDPHhstW0iE | OXMKuA3zQJ8 |
At its core, the Toyota GR 86 turned AE86 throwback is more than a styling exercise. It reflects how modern car culture continues to honor its past while adapting to the present, proving that heritage doesn’t have to be frozen in time. By blending pop-up headlights, retro design cues, and contemporary engineering, the Neo86 captures a feeling many thought was lost—reminding enthusiasts why certain cars, and the emotions they carry, never truly fade. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSCOOPS | OTOMOFKOMPAS ]
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Saxon Spirit - In an era where electric startups and digital platforms dominate automotive headlines, it is easy to forget that some of the most compelling car stories still begin in quiet workshops, driven by persistence rather than venture capital. The ELA-Sportwagen belongs firmly in that tradition. It is not the product of a large manufacturer or a design studio, but the result of a long-held personal vision: to reconnect Saxony’s deep automotive heritage with modern sports car craftsmanship through a single, meticulously engineered vehicle.
The ELA-Sportwagen is the realization of a personal vision to reconnect Saxony’s automotive heritage with modern sports car craftsmanship through a single, meticulously engineered vehicle. (Picture from: Ela-GT.de)
Saxony’s connection to the automobile runs far deeper than many realize. This region helped introduce milestones such as left-hand drive and front-wheel drive to the world, and later became home to legendary names like Horch, Audi, Wanderer, and Auto Union, whose four-ring emblem still lives on today. Even the humble Trabant played its part in shaping automotive culture until the early 1990s. After German reunification, however, locally developed cars largely disappeared, replaced by large-scale production from global brands. The ELA-Sportwagen emerges against this backdrop as a deliberate counterpoint, reminding us that innovation and individuality have always been part of Saxony’s DNA.
The ELA-Sportwagen features wide, low, and purposeful proportions that deliver a supercar stance grounded in practical engineering rather than pure spectacle. (Picture from: Ela-GT.de)
That reminder comes from Matthias Lorenz, a master metalworker from Treuen, Saxony, who spent years searching for ways to revive motorsport and car building in his home region. After unsuccessful collaborations and abandoned plans, he made a decisive choice at the turn of the millennium: to build a sports car himself. The ELA project officially began in 2000, fueled by discipline, patience, and the kind of perseverance required when there is no corporate safety net. Lorenz’s approach was deeply personal, shaped by hands-on craftsmanship rather than spreadsheets.
The ELA-Sportwagen balances inspiration and originality, drawing influence from Lotus, McLaren, Porsche, and Ferrari without ever aiming for imitation. (Picture from: Ela-GT.de)
Visually and technically, the ELA-Sportwagen reflects a careful balance between inspiration and originality. Its form was influenced by iconic performance brands such as Lotus, McLaren, Porsche, and Ferrari, yet the goal was never imitation. An early aluminum prototype, constructed from riveted sheets, became the foundation for custom molds and a fully reworked body. The car’s proportions—wide, low, and purposeful—support a supercar stance while remaining grounded in practical engineering decisions rather than pure spectacle.
The ELA-Sportwagen features a unique interior layout with a centrally positioned steering wheel inspired by the McLaren F1, allowing comfortable seating on both sides within its wide two-meter cabin. (Picture from: Ela-GT.de)
Beneath its sleek exterior, the ELA-Sportwagen combines carefully selected mass-produced components with bespoke engineering solutions. A first-generation Porsche Boxster provides the engine, transmission, suspension, and parts of the electrical system, offering both reliability and modular flexibility. Additional elements come from Audi, Toyota, Lotus, Volkswagen, and other trusted brands, chosen for their proven quality and durability. These components are seamlessly integrated into a custom tubular steel space frame, crafted specifically for the ELA, which balances remarkable strength with surprising lightness, weighing just around 200 kilograms.
The ELA-Sportwagen combines carefully selected mass-produced components with bespoke engineering beneath its sleek exterior. (Picture from: Ela-GT.de)
The car’s interior and layout further reflect its unique design philosophy. A centrally positioned steering wheel, inspired by the McLaren F1, allows for a comfortable passenger on either side within the wide two-meter cabin. Despite its robust construction, the complete vehicle is expected to weigh just under one ton, thanks to an aluminum floor and a smooth underbody that enhances aerodynamics. This combination of thoughtful engineering, unconventional layout, and lightweight construction makes the ELA-Sportwagen both highly functional and distinctly exceptional.
Beyond engineering, the ELA-Sportwagen carries layers of meaning embedded in its name and design details. “ELA” is a personal tribute, derived from the name of Lorenz’s daughter, Michaela, while the subtle V-shaped elements at the front and rear reference the Vogtland region where the car is built. These choices underscore what makes the ELA-Sportwagen resonate today: it is not chasing trends or mass appeal, but quietly asserting that craftsmanship, regional identity, and individual ambition still have a place in modern automotive culture. In a time obsessed with scale and speed to market, the ELA stands as a reminder that some ideas are worth building slowly—and entirely by hand. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ELA-GT.DE | DREAMCAR.CH | ALLCARINDEX | ELA-SPORTWAGEN IN FACEBOOK| CARSEX MAGAZINE IN TUMBLR]
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Adventurous Versatility - Long before adventure vans became a mainstream lifestyle trend, Renault was already experimenting with how a practical commercial vehicle could evolve into something more expressive and recreational. That vision materialized in 2004 with the Renault Trafic Deck’Up Concept, unveiled at the Brussels Motor Show. Built on the second-generation Renault Trafic—winner of the International Van of the Year award in 2002—the Deck’Upreimagined the compact van as an all-terrain leisure vehicle, designed to bridge everyday family transport with rugged outdoor utility.
The Renault Trafic Deck’Up Concept, unveiled at the 2004 Brussels Motor Show, was built on the second-generation Renault Trafic and reimagined the compact van as an all-terrain leisure vehicle blending family use with rugged utility. (Picture from: Story-Cars)
Visually, the Deck’Upstayed connected to its roots while boldly reshaping them. The front end retained the familiar Trafic identity, highlighted by a prominent grille and expressive headlights, but the overall proportions were altered for a tougher stance. Compared to the standard Trafic, the concept was 180 mm shorter in length, 80 mm shorter in wheelbase, and 21 mm wider. High ground clearance, permanent four-wheel drive, and imposing 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 255/55 R20 Michelin tires gave it genuine off-road credibility, while a two-tone paint scheme emphasized its adventurous character.
The Renault Trafic Deck’Up Concept retained the familiar Trafic front design with a prominent grille and expressive headlights, while revised proportions created a tougher, more off-road-oriented stance. (Picture from: Story-Cars)
The most distinctive transformation appeared at the rear, where Renault replaced the traditional enclosed cargo area with an open platform inspired by photo safari vehicles. Accessed through a rear door that opened to 90 degrees, this space could be opened further using translucent glass shutters that slid neatly into the cabin ceiling. The design blended pickup-style functionality with leisure-focused versatility, reinforcing the idea that the Deck’Up was as much about enjoying the outdoors as it was about transporting people or gear.
The Renault Trafic Deck’Up Concept was shorter, wider, and more rugged than the standard Trafic, featuring raised clearance, permanent four-wheel drive, 20-inch wheels, and a two-tone finish. (Picture from: Story-Cars)
Inside, the concept focused heavily on modularity and social interaction. The double-cab layout seated four passengers, with three seats capable of rotating 180 degrees to create flexible seating arrangements. Rear seats were mounted on Espace-style sliding rails, allowing them to move into the pickup section when needed. Two additional fold-down seats were integrated into the rear platform, and a rail-mounted center console could be repositioned to suit different layouts. Asymmetrical doors—rear-hinged on the passenger side and lacking a B-pillar—improved access and reinforced the vehicle’s adaptable nature.
The Renault Trafic Deck’Up Concept featured a modular double-cab interior for four, with rotating seats and Espace-style sliding rails that extended seating into the pickup section. (Picture from: TopGear)
The interior design balanced technology, durability, and comfort. A Carminat navigation screen was integrated into a beige dashboard, while aluminum flooring added a robust, utilitarian feel. Printed fabric seats contributed a modern, adventurous aesthetic without sacrificing usability. Mechanically, the Deck’Up was powered by a 2.5-liter dCi 16V diesel engine producing 135 hp (99 kW) at 3,500 rpm, paired with a six-speed manual transmission. Four-wheel disc brakes measuring 320 mm ensured confident stopping power, supporting its all-terrain ambitions.
The Renault Trafic Deck’Up Concept replaced the traditional enclosed cargo area with an open rear platform inspired by photo safari vehicles.(Picture from: CarStyling.ru)
Measuring 4,600 mm in length, 1,925 mm in width, 2,085 mm in height, with a 3,020 mm wheelbase, the Trafic Deck’Up was never intended for production. Instead, Renault positioned it as a conceptual testbed, following earlier ideas likethe Kangoo Break’Up and Modus 2. Emerging during a period when manufacturers explored van-based leisure and lifestyle concepts—including other Trafic-derived experiments—the Deck’Up stood out as a playful yet thoughtful fusion of pickup practicality, SUV ruggedness, and modular comfort, offering a glimpse into how versatile vehicles could adapt to changing lifestyles. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | STORY-CARS | CARSTYLING.RU | TOPGEAR | QUIRKYRIDES IN X ]
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Handbuilt Ambition - In every automotive culture, there are machines that quietly slip through history—not because they lacked ambition, but because their timing proved unforgiving. Brazil, often associated with practical economy cars, once nurtured a far bolder dream: a homegrown sports car capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with European icons. That dream materialized as Farus, a name now rarely heard, formed from “FA” for family and “RUS” from the Russo surname, reflecting the founders Alfio and Giuseppe Russo and a project charged with engineering courage and creative defiance.
The Farus ML 929, often nicknamed the “Brazilian Ferrari,” embraced a bold wedge-shaped design, a styling approach that was both fashionable and widely admired in the global sports car scene at the time. (Picture from: Quatrorodas.Abril.com.br)
The Farus story began in Minas Gerais during the late 1970s, driven by Italian-born industrialists Alfio Russo and his son Giuseppe. Already running an industrial equipment company, they set out to build a true sports car from scratch, relying on proprietary engineering rather than borrowed shortcuts. Founded officially in 1979 in Belo Horizonte as Farus Indústria de Veículos Esportivos Ltda., the company embodied a deeply artisanal philosophy, reflected even in its name—combining family identity with a nod to its founders’ heritage.
The Farus ML 929 was the pioneer, introducing a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout powered by a drivetrain derived from the Fiat 147. (Picture from: UOL.com.br)
Unlike many small manufacturers of the era, Farus invested heavily in development. Its early prototypes were the result of hundreds of sketches, scale models, aerodynamic studies, and thousands of kilometers of testing. The company even built its own wind tunnel, an extraordinary move for a boutique Brazilian automaker. Engineers such as Arcadiy Zinoviev and José Carlos Giovanini shaped a steel chassis inspired by European sports cars, using a distinctive double-Y structure, while a fully fiberglass body sat isolated from the frame to reduce vibration and noise.
The Farus ML 929 featured a two-seat interior with a sporty steering wheel and a high-mounted gear lever that reinforced its driver-focused character. (Picture from: UOL.com.br)
That engineering discipline came to life with the Farus ML 929, produced on demand starting in 1980 and officially launched in early 1981. The car featured a rear-mounted, transverse Fiat 1.3 engine sourced fromthe 147 Rallye, maintaining a mid-engine layout that delivered excellent balance. Four-wheel disc brakes, independent suspension, and a slippery aerodynamic profile with a drag coefficient of 0.34 madethe ML 929 remarkably advanced for its time, earning praise for its stability, range, and finish. | uwj0k7R0ESc |
Farus did not stand still. By 1982, the lineup expanded with the TS 1.6, which adopted Volkswagen Passat TS mechanicals for improved performance. Around the same period, the brand surprised the market with a limited Gucci edition, created in collaboration with the Italian fashion house—an unusual but memorable blend of motorsport ambition and lifestyle design. The flexible ML 929 chassis allowed Farus to experiment with different powertrains, laying the groundwork for future evolution.
The Farus TS 1.6 adopted Volkswagen Passat TS mechanical components, delivering improved performance and a more responsive driving experience compared to earlier versions. (Picture from: Auta5p.eu)
That evolution reached its peak with the Farus Beta, introduced in 1984. Offered as both a coupe and a convertible, the Beta switched to Chevrolet engines, starting with a 1.8 and later a 2.0. Its low center of gravity, refined interior, retractable headlights, and confident road manners drew strong reviews from specialized media. More importantly, the Beta traveled far beyond Brazil, finding buyers in Europe, Japan, South Africa, Germany, and the United States—an impressive feat long before Brazilian car exports became common.
The Farus Beta Convertible featured a distinctive wedge-style design that echoed the sharp, angular lines commonly associated with classic British sports cars such as Triumph and TVR. (Picture from: Quatrorodas.Abril.com.br)
In 1989, Farus unveiled its most ambitious project yet: the Farus Quadro. Designed as a 2+2 sports car with greater comfort, it departed from the mid-engine formula by adopting a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout using Volkswagen Santana 2.0 components. Packed with advanced features such as automatic headlights, power steering, ultrasonic alarm, telescopic sunroof, and full electrical equipment, the Quadro arrived as a fully loaded statement of technical maturity. Around the same time, Farus pursued an international expansion plan with a U.S. partner, even presenting turbocharged Chrysler-powered versions at the New York Auto Show, though large-scale production never materialized.
The Farus Quadro designed as a 2+2 sports car with greater comfort, it departed from the mid-engine formula by adopting a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout using Volkswagen Santana 2.0 components. (Picture from: Quatrorodas.Abril.com.br)
The final chapter came swiftly. When Brazil opened its market to imports in 1990, small manufacturers like Farus were suddenly exposed to fierce global competition. The brand was sold, renamed Tecvan, and production quietly ended by 1991. With roughly 1,200 units built across all models, Farus remains rare today—cherished by collectors and remembered as a bold reminder that Brazilian engineering once dared to dream beyond expectations, leaving behind a legacy far larger than its production numbers suggest. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | VELOZESBRASIL.COM.BR | CARBUZZ | UOL.COM.BR | MONEYTIMES.COM.BR | AUTA5P.EU | QUATRORODAS.ABRIL.COM.BR | WIKIPEDIA ]
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The Flaminia Amalfi was developed through a collaboration with Carrozzeria Boneschi, a firm known for its precision craftsmanship and willingness to support unconventional ideas. In 1962, Boneschi created a convertible body on a Flaminia chassis originally intended for Touring, identified as chassis number 824.04. Beneath its sculptural skin sat Lancia’s 2.5-liter engine producing 119 horsepower, grounding the experimental bodywork in proven mechanical substance. This pairing of reliable engineering and avant-garde design made the Amalfi an intriguing hybrid of tradition and bold exploration. 
Today, The Lancia Flaminia Amalfi occupies a quiet but meaningful place in design history. It may not have reshaped the market or inspired a production lineage, yet it captures the spirit of an era when designers were free to test boundaries without guarantees of success. Seen through a modern lens, the Amalfi feels less like a failed experiment and more like a reminder that progress often depends on ideas that challenge comfort zones. Its value lies not in numbers built, but in the courage it represents—a snapshot of creative freedom before the industry learned to play it safe. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | CARSTYLING.RU ]
