Garage Glory - It’s not every day you come across a car that looks like it came from an Italian design house but was, in fact, built by one man in his garage. The 1962 Majka 1000cc wasn’t born out of a factory — it was carved from passion, fiber by fiber, by Václav Cháňa in the small town of Mladá Boleslav, then part of Czechoslovakia. What began as a humble dream became one of the most fascinating homemade cars Europe has ever seen.
The handcrafted 1962 Majka 1000cc in its full glory — a sleek fiberglass body shaped by one man’s vision in a humble Czech garage. Original black & white photo sourced from Autopuzzles. This image has been colorized. (Picture from: MrScharroo in Flickr)
With its hand-shaped fiberglass body and flowing curves, the Majka looked years ahead of its time. It had the stance of a grand tourer and the charm of a coachbuilt classic, yet it sat on a VW Kübelwagen KdF82 chassis and ran on a rear-mounted air-cooled 985cc flat-four engine, paired with a 4-speed manual gearbox.
Captured in motion, the Majka 1000cc gracefully glides down the road — proof that passion can, indeed, drive on four wheels. (Picture from: ScharroosShadow in Flickr)
Despite these modest mechanical roots, Cháňa pushed every boundary — shaping each detail by hand over 11,000 painstaking hours. The result was a sleek two-seater capable of hitting 120 km/h, evoking the spirit of the iconic Volkswagen Karmann Ghia as it glided over cobblestone roads like it belonged on an Alpine rally stage. This wasn’t a showpiece; it was a living, breathing machine — driven, refined, and loved.
Side profile of what seems to be another Majka 1000cc build, marked by a lower door handle position and a subtle change in body contours. (Picture from: Classic And Recreation Sportscars in Facebook)
In 1967, the rear bodywork received subtle revisions, showing that the Majka was never just a finished product, but an evolving labor of love. Family snapshots from the time reflect the joy it brought — not just a car, but a member of the household. Where most saw a garage, Václav saw a canvas.
The Majka 1000cc on a snowy country road — this version appears to be a different unit, featuring distinct plate numbers and front detailing. (Picture from: Classic And Recreation Sportscars in Facebook)
Sadly, the road came to a tragic end. The Majka was destroyed in a crash, erasing its physical presence but not its legacy. No parts survived, no museum holds its frame — only old photographs, admiration, and the memory of an engine born from pure willpower.
The Majka 1000cc shows a rear view that suggests a possible second unit, with distinct taillight placement and subtly different proportions. (Picture from: Classic And Recreation Sportscars in Facebook)
Yet questions remain. The Majka 1000cc in later images appears altered, with different design cues yet the same license plate, suggesting it might have evolved after the crash — or perhaps it was a second build. The truth is uncertain, and that only deepens its mystique.
The Majka 1000cc in this photo, with its redesigned front end and altered headlight layout yet bearing the same plate number as seen in the two images above, remains shrouded in mystery—possibly a later evolution of the crash-damaged original or an entirely separate build. (Picture from: Auto.cz)
And yet, its spirit lives on. The 1962 Majka 1000cc shows that true artistry doesn’t need a badge or a factory — only a vision, a pair of hands, and the drive to build something the world didn’t know it needed, until it passed by. Like many creations from Eastern Europe in that era, it reminds us that creativity thrives even in the face of limitation. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MRSCHARROO IN FLICKR | SCHARROOSSHADOW IN FLICKR| AUTA IN PINTEREST | CLASSIC AND RECREATION SPORTSCARS IN FACEBOOK | MAGAZINVETERAN.CZ | AUTO.CZ ]
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Imperial Subtlety - When people think of Japanese cars, the first things that often come to mind are reliability, fuel efficiency, and smart engineering. Brands like Toyota and Honda are known for making some of the most dependable and affordable vehicles in the world. But Japan doesn’t just build cars for the masses—it also has its own take on ultra-luxury. And no car represents that quiet luxury better than the Toyota Century.
The Toyota Century G50, the second-generation model launched in 1997, stood out for its near-silent operation and exceptionally smooth ride. (Picture from: GridOto)
First introduced in 1967, the Century wasn’t just another model—it was a tribute. It was named in honor of the 100th birthday of Sakichi Toyoda, the founder of Toyota Industries. This wasn’t a vehicle designed to impress with flash or speed. It was built with dignity in mind, reserved for Japan’s elite: prime ministers, executives, and even the emperor himself. While the Lexus brand would later become Toyota’s global luxury arm, the Century always remained a uniquely Japanese flagship.
The Toyota Century G50 is designed for rear passengers, with a door-mounted panel that lets the chauffeur control the seat heater and seat position. (Picture from: CarNewsChina)
The second generation, launched in 1997 and known as the G50, took the Century into an entirely different class. It became the only production car in Japanese history to ever be equipped with a V12 engine—a 5.0-liter 1GZ-FE, built exclusively for this model. But this engine wasn’t about power. Officially capped at 276 horsepower due to a gentlemen’s agreement among Japanese automakers, its real strength was in its near-silent operation and silky-smooth ride. Everything about the car was built for comfort, not speed.
The Toyota Century G50 features an interior as refined as its exterior, combining plush wool upholstery for superior comfort and quietness with elegant dark wood accents. (Picture from: GridOto)
From the outside, the G50 Century looked plain, almost outdated—even mented in the early 2000s. But that was by design. It wasn’t meant to stand out. It was meant to glide through the city with grace and respect, appealing to conservative leaders who preferred formality over flash. Inside, however, was a different story. Instead of using leather, Toyota chose wool upholstery for its superior comfort and quietness. Even the seat lace covers and curtain-lined rear windows reflected an old-school elegance, tailored to passengers who valued privacy and tradition over trends.
The Toyota Century G50 powered by a V12 engine—a 5.0-liter 1GZ-FE, built exclusively for this model. (Picture from: GridOto)
The features didn’t end there. Rear passengers could recline their seats, enjoy massages, or stretch out fully thanks to a pass-through behind the front seat. Entertainment came in the form of a built-in VHS player—cutting-edge luxury in its time. Every detail, from soft-close doors to multi-zone climate control, was crafted with care and respect for those who would never drive the car themselves.
The Toyota Century G50 remained in production from 1997 all the way to 2017 without a major facelift, a rare feat in modern car manufacturing. (Picture from: CarNewsChina)
The G50 Centuryremained in production from 1997 all the way to 2017 without a major facelift, a rare feat in modern car manufacturing. Its long lifespan is a reflection of the values it was built upon: timelessness, refinement, and quiet excellence. After its discontinuation, Toyota introduced a new hybrid V8 Century in 2018, and even expanded the nameplate into an SUV format. Yet for many, the V12 Century remains the most iconic—an unshakable symbol of old-world prestige. | Nul19EtWSp4 |
More than just a car, the Toyota Century is a quiet statement—a reflection of Japan’s deep-rooted respect for tradition, precision, and understated excellence. While the rest of the world chased trends, the Century remained still, refined, and focused on what truly mattered: comfort, grace, and legacy. It didn’t need loud exhausts or aggressive styling to prove its worth. For those who know, no badge shines brighter than the quiet phoenix that graces its hood. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GLOBAL.TOYOTA | HOTCARS | WIKIPEDIA | CARNEWSCHINA ]
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Iconic Rebirth - In the golden era of Formula One, when turbochargers roared louder and style raced hand-in-hand with speed, some road cars dared to borrow the drama of the track. But very few truly captured the soul of racing like the 1980 Lotus Esprit ‘Essex’ Turbo. Born from the intense innovation of Lotus Engineering and wrapped in the vivid colors of a legendary sponsor, this machine was never meant to be just another fast car—it was a statement.
The Lotus Esprit ‘Essex’ Turbo was born from the intense innovation of Lotus Engineering and later wrapped in the iconic black and gold John Player Special colors for promotional appearances.(Picture from: Silodrome)
This particular Esprit wasn’t just plucked from the showroom floor. It began life as a pre-production model, built before the world had even seen the official Essex Turbo roll off the line. Originally loaned to the DeLorean Motor Company, it played a quiet but critical role in Lotus’s behind-the-scenes development work. Once returned to Hethel, it became a testbed for something truly radical: an experimental active suspension system developed straight from Formula One technology. This wasn’t just engineering ambition—it was Lotus living its racing DNA.
The Lotus Esprit ‘Essex’ Turbo was officially introduced in early 1980 and produced until April 1981, available exclusively in the striking blue, red, and silver livery of its Formula One sponsor (the now-defunct Essex Overseas Petroleum Corporation). (Picture from: PistonHeads)
The Esprit Essex Turbo was officially introduced in early 1980 and produced only until April 1981, making it an incredibly short-lived but deeply iconic run. Known as the Type 82, it was available exclusively in the striking livery of its Formula One sponsor(the now-defunct Essex Overseas Petroleum Corporation)—blue, red, and silver. The car didn’t just look fast; it was designed to elevate the Esprit name into the exclusive realm of supercars. With sharper styling, turbocharged performance, and a limited-edition pedigree, this was the car that made the Espritsomething much more than a sleek British wedge.
The car features an interior unique to the Lotus Esprit, offering a significant upgrade over the Lotus Europa it succeeded and unlike anything else on the road at the time.(Picture from: Silodrome)
Painted later in the famous black and gold John Player Special colors for promotional appearances, including a notable spin on Top Gear with none other than Nigel Mansell behind the wheel, this Esprit became something of a celebrity itself. It wasn't just admired by the public; it reportedly even hosted Colin Chapman, the legendary founder of Lotus, not long before his untimely passing in 1982.
This is the control panel for the Active Suspension system—currently inactive, though a company is available to restore it to full functionality.(Picture from: Silodrome)
After its moment in the spotlight, the car slipped into obscurity. Hidden away in a hangar, covered and stored by Lotus for years, it almost met a tragic end. When Proton took ownership of Lotus in 1996, they called for the prototype’s destruction. Fortunately, Esprit platform manager Brian Angus knew its worth. He kept the car hidden, moving it from place to place, preserving its legacy against the odds.
The Lotus Esprit ‘Essex’ Turbo is powered by a 2,174cc turbocharged four-cylinder mid-mounted engine paired with a 5-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels. (Picture from: Silodrome)
It wasn’t until 2005 that the Esprit was finally acknowledged for what it was—an automotive treasure. After receiving some long-overdue attention, the car was cleaned up and displayed at the Lotus factory. But when financial pressures hit the company hard in 2016, they reluctantly sold this rare gem. It found new life with a former Lotus development engineer and his son, who spared no expense in bringing the car back to glory.
The Lotus Esprit ‘Essex’ Turbo underwent a £60,000 ($78,751) restoration, including engine and gearbox overhauls, new wiring, brakes, exhaust, and more to bring it to the condition you see today. (Picture from: Silodrome)
Over £60,000 was invested in its revival—restoring the engine, gearbox, brakes, wiring, exhaust, and interior while keeping the original hand-painted decals intact. The active suspension and control panel are still in place, though not fully functional. But really, how many people can say they own a car that once wore Formula One tech, even if it only partially works?
Today, the 1980 Lotus Esprit “Essex” Turbo is more than a car—it’s a piece of living history. A one-of-a-kind blend of racing innovation, bold design, and pure Lotus spirit. Auctioneers estimate it could fetch up to £80,000, but for fans of motorsport and engineering milestones, its value goes far beyond the hammer price. This is the kind of machine that reminds us how thrilling it can be when the worlds of racing and road cars collide—and just how lucky we are that this one survived to tell its story.*** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ID.MOTOR1 | SUPERCARS.NET | SILODROME | PISTONHEADS | RETROMANIA4EVER ON X ]
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Vision Forged - In the world of classic cars, some of the most fascinating stories don’t come from big-name manufacturers or legendary race tracks. They often start in small workshops, fueled by personal ambition and a love for engineering. Back in 1966, in a quiet village in the Haut-Doubs region of France, a man named Bernard Lionel decided to build something completely his own. Not just any car, but a mid-engined GT that would go on to become one of the most unique homemade sports cars of its time: the BLF Berlinette.
The BLF Berlinette was conceived and built in 1966 by Bernard Lionel in a quiet village in France’s Haut-Doubs region as a fully handmade, mid-engined GT that would become one of the most unique homebuilt sports cars of its era. (Picture from: Jano1206 in Flickr)
From the very first glance, this car demands attention. The bold, wide stance and swooping curves give off an unmistakable 1970s GT vibe, even though it was actually built in the mid-'60s. Dressed in a deep, eye-catching shade of blue, the BLF Berlinettelooks both sleek and muscular, with proportions that feel purposeful rather than decorative. The low-slung body is made of fiberglass, shaped over a hand-crafted tubular frame chassis. Everything about it tells you this was not a quick weekend project—it was something thought out, tested, and refined with care.
The BLF Berlinette features a fully opening rear engine canopy that offers clear visual and mechanical access to its powertrain—a design choice rarely seen outside serious racing machines. (Picture from: Pinterest)
One of its most dramatic features is its gullwing doors, which lift upwards rather than swing out. Not only do they look cool, but they also hint at the builder’s ambition to create something special. The rear end features a full engine canopy that opens entirely, giving clear access to the heart of the car—both visually and mechanically. It’s a design decision rarely seen outside of serious racing machines.
The BLF Berlinette was on display at Retromobile 2012 in Paris, where its rare design and handmade details drew the attention of classic car enthusiasts.(Picture from: Forum.AutoACardasiac)
The front end is just as unique. With a pair of dual headlights sunk into dark housings and a sharply sculpted nose, it has a slightly aggressive character. Large wheel arches flare out over the wide tires, giving the car a planted, confident stance. Everything about the exterior says this was built to move, not just to be admired.
The 1966 BLF Berlinette features a sharply sculpted nose, dual headlights set in dark housings, and dramatic gullwing doors that lift upward. (Picture from: Pinterest)
Inside, things are simple and focused. This isn’t a luxury cruiser—it’s a driver’s car. The seats sit low in the chassis, close to the ground, with a no-frills dashboard and a compact steering wheel that puts you in full control. Visible tubing from the chassis snakes around the interior, giving the whole cabin a raw, mechanical feel. The racing bucket seats pop against the otherwise minimalist layout, showing that style wasn’t completely ignored, even in a home-built GT.
When the engine bay is opened, it reveals a raw display of straightforward engineering, with a maze of intake pipes, wiring, and hand-welded headers—free of plastic covers or unnecessary frills, offering a clear view of how everything comes together. (Picture from: Forum.AutoACardasiac)
But the real highlight lies at the back. Underneath the large rear canopy sits a mid-mounted 4-cylinder engine sourced from the Renault R8 Gordini. Known for its performance in compact racers of the time, this engine brings the BLF Berlinette to life with its twin carburetors, sporty character, and eager throttle response. When the engine bay is opened, it reveals a maze of intake pipes, wiring, and hand-welded headers. It’s raw, straightforward engineering—no plastic covers, no unnecessary frills—just an honest look at how everything comes together.
The 1966 BLF Berlinette powered by a mid-mounted 4-cylinder engine sourced from the Renault R8 Gordini. (Picture from: Forum.AutoACardasiac)
The transmission is manual, adding to the driver-focused experience, and the lightweight chassis means the car doesn’t need huge power to feel quick. It’s nimble, responsive, and likely a thrill on twisty back roads. The use of GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) for the body kept the weight down and allowed for freedom in shaping the curves and contours.
While very little documentation exists about the BLF Berlinette, some have noted its similarities to the later Jidé GT. However, the BLFactually came first, and that puts it in a special position as an early example of French homegrown GT innovation. There was no factory team behind this car—no brand heritage to uphold. Just one man, some tools, and a dream of building something that could rival the best of its era.
The 1966 BLF Berlinette was showcased alongside its creator, Bernard Lionel, during the Retromobile 2012 event held in Paris. (Picture from: Forum.AutoACardasiac)
Decades later, the car made a rare public appearance at the Retromobile 2012 show in Paris. Visitors were stunned not just by the car’s appearance, but by the story behind it. Even more surprising, Bernard Lionel himself was there, standing beside the very car he had built by hand nearly 50 years earlier. It was a powerful reminder of the creativity that once thrived in small garages across Europe.
The 1966 BLF Berlinette showed off its capability on the track at the Classics Days 2016 Magny-Cours.(Picture from: ElGuy08_11 in Flickr)
Forgotten Icon - The 1990s are often remembered as a golden era for cars—when automakers dared to be more creative, more expressive, and less focused on pure practicality. It was a time when vehicles weren’t just built to perform, but to connect with the driver on an emotional level. Models like the Nissan Silvia and Honda Integra Type R have become icons of that decade. But among them sits a lesser-known gem that still manages to turn heads today: the Mitsubishi FTO. It may not be the most famous name from that era, but those who remember it usually do so with a grin. Interestingly, Mitsubishi first used the FTO name for a rear-wheel-drive Galant variant sold between 1971 and 1975—setting the stage for the spirited coupe that would return decades later.
The Mitsubishi FTO might not be the most iconic name of its era, but it’s one that often brings a smile to those who remember it. (Picture from: Car_Guy_Tom in X)
First introduced in late 1994, the Mitsubishi FTO—short for Fresh Touring Origination—entered a fiercely competitive era of affordable sports coupes. Rather than chasing outrageous horsepower or stuffing in oversized engines, Mitsubishi took a different route. They gave the FTO character. Its bold, sculpted lines stood out against the more conventional, boxy shapes of the time. To some, the styling initially seemed odd—maybe even too futuristic. But like all great designs, it aged with grace. Now, more than 25 years later, the FTO still turns heads, a clear sign that Mitsubishi was thinking well ahead of its time.
The Mitsubishi FTO, first introduced in late 1994 as the "Fresh Touring Origination," entered a fiercely competitive era of affordable sports coupes by taking a different route—focusing not on outrageous horsepower or oversized engines, but on balanced performance and innovative design. (Picture from: Autocar)
But the FTO wasn’t just a pretty face. Under the hood, it brought something genuinely special. Instead of the usual turbocharged four-cylinders or bulky V6s that many competitors used, Mitsubishi equipped the FTO with a jewel-like 2.0-liter DOHC 24-valve V6. This wasn’t about brute force — it was about refinement and engineering. Lightweight and rev-happy, the engine came alive thanks to MIVEC, Mitsubishi’s variable valve timing system. At 5,500 rpm, it shifted personality, letting out a spine-tingling note all the way up to 8,000 rpm and delivering a full 200 horsepower at 7,500 rpm. It wasn’t about sheer torque, but about how eagerly it climbed the rev range, how silky it felt doing it, and how much fun it made even short drives.
The Mitsubishi FTO stood out with its bold, sculpted lines that contrasted sharply with the conventional boxy shapes of the time, making its styling seem odd—perhaps even too futuristic—to some. (Picture from: Car_Guy_Tom in X)
Pairing that engine with a tight 5-speed manual gearbox made all the difference. The shifts were crisp, the clutch was light, and the entire experience felt like it was tuned by people who actually liked driving. The car could hit 60 mph in under seven seconds and topped out around 140 mph — respectable numbers then, still respectable now. And perhaps more importantly, it made getting there feel like a celebration rather than a chore.
The Mitsubishi FTO featured a functional—though not particularly inspiring—interior with mostly decorative rear seats, and while it could’ve used more torque for better mid-range punch and more impressive performance figures, it still held its own in the sports coupe scene. (Picture from: Autocar)
Handling-wise, the FTO continued to impress. It featured a firm suspension setup that gave the driver a sense of control and confidence, especially during cornering. The steering was sharp and communicative, making the car feel nimble and composed at speed. Even when pushed, the car responded predictably — a little understeer at the limit, but never anything sudden or unsettling. It invited spirited driving without punishing mistakes, making it a perfect everyday sports coupe.
The Mitsubishi FTO brought something genuinely special under the hood by forgoing the typical turbocharged four-cylinders or bulky V6s in favor of a jewel-like 2.0-liter DOHC 24-valve V6. (Picture from: Otomotif.Kompas)
Not everything was perfect. The interior was functional, but not exactly inspiring, and the rear seats were mostly decorative. Sure, a bit more torque might have added some mid-range punch, and more aggressive performance figures could’ve turned more heads on paper. But the FTO wasn’t about specs — it was about balance, feel, and a certain intangible charm that numbers couldn’t quite capture.
The Mitsubishi FTO, like all great designs, has aged with grace, and even after more than 25 years, it still turns heads—a clear sign Mitsubishi was thinking ahead of its time.. (Picture from: Car_Guy_Tom in X)
Originally, Mitsubishi planned the FTO only for the Japanese market, but interest from abroad led to limited releases in the UK, Hong Kong, and New Zealand. Variants like the GPX, GX Sports Package, and the sportier GP Version R gave enthusiasts more flavors to choose from. In the end, just over 36,800 units were produced before the FTO quietly bowed out in 2000. It wasn’t a commercial giant, partly due to economic factors and the lack of a left-hand-drive version, but it still managed to earn the prestigious Japanese Car of the Year award in 1995 — a testament to just how well-rounded and ahead of its time it really was. | _ESSh6V-9gs |
Today, spotting a Mitsubishi FTO is a rare treat. But when you do see one, it's a beautiful reminder of an era when carmakers dared to be bold, to experiment, and to give drivers something with real character. The FTO may not have been the loudest voice in the room, but it spoke with clarity and confidence — and for those who listened, it left a lasting impression. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CAR_GUY_TOM IN X | CLASSIC | AUTOZINE | AUTOMOBILE.FANDOM | AUTOCAR | WIKIPEDIA ]
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Futuristic Elegance - In the ever-evolving landscape of automotive design, pushing the limits is often what gives birth to something truly extraordinary. When tradition meets innovation, the result can be nothing short of breathtaking. That’s exactly what General Motors has done with its latest design marvel—the California Corvette concept. Not just a car, but a vision from the future, this is GM’s bold step into what the next generation of American performance might look like.
The California Corvette is GM's second concept revealed this year, offering a glimpse of what the Corvette could become two decades from now. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
It all started earlier this year, when GM opened the doors for imagination across its global design studios. Designers from different parts of the world were invited to reimagine the Corvette—not just as a car, but as a concept for the future. The first vision came from across the Atlantic, where GM’s U.K. design team crafted a dramatic, split-window concept that paid homage tothe classic Sting Ray while introducing bold new proportions. With futuristic lines and a more restrained, elegant approach, that British-born concept stood out for its tribute to Corvette heritage, merged seamlessly with a European sense of refinement.
The California Corvette features a striking two-tone design, with a fully removable gray upper section envisioned to transform it into an open-cockpit racer. (Picture from: CarAndDriver)
But the story didn’t stop there. Across the ocean in Pasadena, California, GM’s newly opened Advanced Design Studio took the challenge even further. Inspired by the sun-soaked vibes of Southern California and the free-spirited energy of the West Coast, the team there delivered something even wilder—more aggressive, more experimental, and unquestionably futuristic. Enter the California Corvette concept.
The California Corvette emphasizes aerodynamics inspired by modern Formula 1 cars, using underbody tunnels for most of its downforce, while also featuring an active rear wing that raises and angles forward to increase drag and aid braking. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
From the first glance, it’s clear this machine wasn’t built to blend in. It stretches long and wide with a low, athletic stance that screams speed even while standing still. The silhouette feels sculpted by wind, with dramatic air channels and an active rear spoiler inspired by Formula 1 aerodynamics. Underneath its sleek bodywork lies a T-shaped prismatic battery pack—proof that this is an EV, but one crafted for thrilling, track-oriented performance.
The California Corvette features a lightweight, structural interior with seats mounted directly to the carbon-fiber tub and a prominent beam surrounding the driver, evoking the "wall of buttons" design from pre-2026 C8 Corvettes. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
The striking two-tone exterior sets the mood. Deep red for the lower half, showcasing the mechanical soul—suspension, motors, and aerodynamics. Above it, a cool metallic gray cloaks the car like a designer gown, removable for a transformation into a raw, open-cockpit track beast. Every detail invites curiosity. Peek through the bodywork and you’ll find visible carbon-fiber suspension components and inboard-mounted springs, offering a glimpse into the high-performance heart beneath the skin.
The California Corvette uses a yoke-style steering wheel with an integrated screen and a small rear display, while key information is delivered through an augmented-reality head-up display. (Picture from: CarAndDriver)
One of the most jaw-dropping features? The massive single-piece front-hinged canopy. Instead of traditional doors, the entire roof lifts forward in dramatic fashion, revealing a virtual cockpit that feels ripped straight from a fighter jet. While there’s no physical interior yet, GM used virtual reality to showcase the design, featuring fixed race-style seating, an adjustable wheel and pedals, and a futuristic head-up display that overlays crucial driving data and even racing lines right onto your field of vision.
The California Corvette, though not intended for production, reinforces that America’s sports car will always embrace bold, sleek design. (Picture from: CarAndDriver)
This concept is more than just a showcase of style—it’s a rolling experiment in performance-focused design. With huge 21-inch front and 22-inch rear wheels, it’s wider and lower than today’s C8 Corvette, yet still recognizable in its aggressive proportions and mid-engine-inspired layout. From its razor-sharp front splitter to the sculpted rear diffuser, every element is fine-tuned to manage airflow and maximize downforce without the drag of traditional wings.
The California Corvette is envisioned as an electric vehicle, utilizing a prismatic T-shaped battery that not only powers the car but also enables its low, sculpted silhouette and aerodynamic profile. (Picture from: CarAndDriver)
It might be called the “California Corvette,” but its influence could span the globe. Despite GM’s clear statement that this concept won’t go into production, it’s far from a dead end. Design studies like this often lay the groundwork for future models, and the internal nickname “C10” suggests the design language could echo into the next era of Corvette—potentially as far out as 2040.
The California Corvette wears a C10 badge on its front fender, hinting at design possibilities for the 10th-generation model that could emerge beyond 2040, even if it doesn’t represent the final form. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
And while some purists might flinch at the idea of an electric Corvette, GM isn’t afraid to challenge convention. After all, the Corvette has always been about bold moves. From front-engine icons to today’s mid-engine monsters, the nameplate has constantly evolved. This California-born concept feels like the natural next chapter—a Corvette not just made for roads, but for racetracks, design galleries, and the digital world alike. | IHmeIWPdQqQ | gi1nBkSO3JY |
As GM continues to explore what’s next for this legendary nameplate, the California Corvette stands as a striking example of how tradition and technology can merge into something that feels at once respectful and revolutionary. It’s not just a vision of what a Corvette could be—it’s a reminder that the spirit of performance, reinvention, and imagination is alive and well. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TOPGEAR | CARANDDRIVER | AUTOEVOLUTION | BBC_TOPGEAR IN X ]
And yet, its spirit lives on. The 1962 Majka 1000cc shows that true artistry doesn’t need a badge or a factory — only a vision, a pair of hands, and the drive to build something the world didn’t know it needed, until it passed by. Like many creations from Eastern Europe in that era, it reminds us that creativity thrives even in the face of limitation. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MRSCHARROO IN FLICKR | SCHARROOSSHADOW IN FLICKR | AUTA IN PINTEREST | CLASSIC AND RECREATION SPORTSCARS IN FACEBOOK | MAGAZINVETERAN.CZ | AUTO.CZ ]
