Targa Reverie - There’s something timeless about small Italian sports cars from the late 1960s—a period when creativity, craftsmanship, and bold experimentation seemed to meet effortlessly on four wheels. Amid the wave of innovation coming out of Turin at the time, one lesser-known yet fascinating creation quietly made its debut: the Moretti 128 Roadster. It wasn’t just another open-top car; it represented a thoughtful reinterpretation of an everyday platform into something far more expressive and personal.
The Moretti 128 Roadster debuted at the 1969 Turin Motor Show as a bold vision from boutique coachbuilder Moretti, known for transforming mainstream mechanicals into distinctive automobiles.. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)
Unveiled at the 1969 Turin Motor Show, the Moretti 128 Roadsteremerged from the vision of Moretti, a boutique coachbuilder known for transforming mainstream mechanicals into distinctive automobiles. The car was designed by Dany Brawand, who brought experience from Studio Michelotti into the project. Instead of building from scratch, Moretti chose the Fiat 128 as its foundation—a practical and modern compact car at the time—and reshaped it into a stylish roadster with a completely different personality. This approach reflected a broader trend of the era: taking reliable engineering and wrapping it in unique design.
The Moretti 128 Roadster was designed by Dany Brawand, who drew on his Studio Michelotti experience to transform the practical Fiat 128 into a stylish roadster with a distinct personality. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)
Visually, the Moretti 128 Roadsterstood out with a character that blended elegance and a hint of aggression. Its proportions were compact yet purposeful, with clean lines that avoided excess while still feeling dynamic. One of its defining elements was the removable two-piece targa roof, which gave drivers the flexibility of open-air motoring without sacrificing structural integrity. This feature wasn’t just practical; it added a sense of playfulness and freedom that perfectly matched the spirit of late-1960s automotive culture.
The Moretti 128 Roadster retained the familiar 1,100 cc Fiat 128 engine, delivering modest yet respectable performance with a 0–100 km/h time of around 15 seconds and a top speed exceeding 150 km/h. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)
Under the hood, the car retained the familiar 1,100 cc engine from the Fiat 128, delivering modest but respectable performance. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h took around 15 seconds, and the top speed exceeded 150 km/h—figures that aligned closely with its donor car. While it wasn’t built to dominate racetracks, the roadster offered a balanced driving experience that emphasized enjoyment over raw speed. Inside, the car told a more personal story. Buyers could tailor the cabin to their preferences, choosing options like a sport steering wheel, electric windows, or leather upholstery, making each unit feel uniquely theirs.
The Moretti 128 Roadster stood out with a compact yet purposeful design that blended elegance with subtle aggression, highlighted by clean lines and a removable two-piece targa roof for flexible open-air driving. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)
Production took place in a semi-artisanal manner at Moretti’s facilities in Turin, resulting in fewer than a hundred units ever built. That limited output gave the 128 Roadster an exclusivity that still resonates today. In a modern context, it stands as a reminder of a time when small manufacturers could reinterpret mass-produced cars into something intimate and distinctive. The Moretti 128 Roadster may not be widely known, but it captures a rare blend of individuality, craftsmanship, and creative ambition that continues to inspire enthusiasts who value character over convention. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI ]
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Shadow Velocity - There’s something undeniably compelling about the twilight moments of a mechanical era—when tradition meets transition, and machines carry both legacy and farewell in their design. In today’s automotive landscape, where electrification is rapidly becoming the norm, the arrival of the Lotus Emira Scura feels like a deliberate pause, a deep breath before the industry fully shifts gears. It is not just another variant; it’s a carefully crafted reminder of what pure internal combustion sports cars represent at their finest.
The
Lotus Emira Scura is not just another variant; it’s a carefully crafted reminder of what pure internal combustion sports cars represent at their finest. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
The Emira Scura stands out immediately through its visual identity, embracing a darker, more mysterious character than its siblings. Finished in a matte shade known as Satin Nebulous Grey, the car leans heavily into its “Scura” name—Italian for “dark.”Gloss black details across the roof, mirror caps, and 20-inch wheels sharpen its silhouette, while striking red brake calipers cut through the monochrome theme with precision. Inside, the mood continues with dark grey Alcantara surfaces, contrasted by subtle red stitching, matching seat belts, and a red center marker on the steering wheel. It’s a cabin that feels focused and immersive rather than flashy, complemented by modern touches like a KEF 10-speaker sound system and privacy glass, blending performance intent with everyday usability.
The
Lotus Emira Scura stands out instantly with its distinctive visual
identity, embracing a darker and more mysterious character than its
siblings. (Picture from: CarBuzz)
Behind this creation is Lotus, a brand long associated with lightweight engineering and driver-focused design. The Scura name itself echoesthe 2009 Exige Scura, a rare, track-oriented model limited to just 35 units. While the Emira Scurais slightly less exclusive, with 60 units allocated for the United States, it still carries that sense of rarity and purpose. More importantly, it represents a significant chapter in Lotus history, as the Emira line is widely regarded as the brand’s final series of purely internal combustion sports cars before transitioning deeper into electrified mobility.
The Lotus Emira Scura, finished in a matte shade called Satin Nebulous Grey, fully embodies its name, with “Scura” meaning “dark” in Italian. (Picture from: CarBuzz)
Performance remains at the heart ofthe Emira Scura’s identity. It is powered exclusively by a supercharged 3.5-liter V6 engine sourced from Toyota, paired with a six-speed manual transmission—a combination increasingly rare in modern performance cars. Producing 406 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, the car accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 180 mph. Standard inclusion of the Lotus Drivers Pack enhances its dynamic edge, bringing sport-tuned suspension, cross-drilled brake discs for improved durability under stress, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires that emphasize grip and track capability. This setup ensures the Scura is not just visually aggressive, but mechanically sharp as well.
The Lotus Emira Scura is powered exclusively by a supercharged 3.5-liter V6 engine sourced from Toyota, paired with a six-speed manual transmission—a combination increasingly rare in modern performance cars. (Picture from: CarBuzz)
Even as it celebrates traditional engineering, the Emira Scura exists within a shifting timeline. Lotus has hinted that the Emira nameplate will evolve, potentially adopting hybrid technology and upgraded powertrains in the near future to extend its lifecycle beyond initial expectations. That context makes the Scura feel especially meaningful—a bridge between eras, where analog engagement still takes center stage. It captures a fleeting moment in automotive history, where driving remains tactile, deliberate, and deeply human, before the next chapter inevitably rewrites the rules. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOBLOG | MOTORTREND | CARBUZZ | AUTOEVOLUTION ]
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Jetborne Legacy - The years following World War II marked a dramatic shift in how cars were imagined and built. Automakers began moving away from tall, bulky designs toward sleeker, lower, and more dynamic shapes that reflected a growing fascination with speed and modernity. In the United States, this transformation gained momentum as performance-oriented models started to capture public attention, and it was within this changing landscape that the Studebaker Golden Hawk emerged as one of the most distinctive responses of its time.
The Studebaker Golden Hawk, a model designed to stand out not only through its features but also through its ability to compete with emerging performance icons of the era. (Picture from: CarBuzz)
Behind this ambitious machine was Studebaker, a company with a history that stretched back to the mid-19th century. Originally known for producing horse-drawn wagons, Studebaker successfully transitioned into automobile manufacturing and became a respected name in the American market. By the 1950s, it had built a reputation for solid craftsmanship and attention to detail, often rivaling more established luxury brands. The company also reflected broader societal changes, having played a notable role during World War II by supporting and employing a large number of women in its workforce.
The Studebaker Golden Hawk embodied Jet Age styling with a low-slung profile, sweeping tail fins, and a bold front fascia inspired by fighter jets. (Picture from: CarBuzz)
As the American auto industry grew increasingly competitive—especially with the rise of sports cars—Studebaker sought to position itself as both innovative and performance-driven. The introduction of the Hawk lineup in 1956 was a clear step in that direction, offering multiple variants to suit different buyers. At the top of this range sat the Golden Hawk, a model designed to stand out not only through its features but also through its ability to compete with emerging performance icons of the era.
The Studebaker Golden Hawk offered a refined interior for its time, featuring a center console, padded dashboard, full gauges, and vinyl seating with optional leather. (Picture from: CarBuzz)
Visually, the Golden Hawk captured the spirit of the Jet Age with striking confidence. Its low-slung profile, sweeping tail fins, and bold front fascia echoed the influence of contemporary fighter jets, giving the car a sense of motion even when stationary. The exterior design balanced aggression with elegance, while the interior offered a surprisingly refined experience for its time. A center console, padded dashboard, and a full set of gauges created a driver-focused environment, complemented by vinyl seating as standard and optional leather for a more upscale touch.
The Studebaker Golden Hawk featured a 289-cubic-inch V8 engine developed by Studebaker, enhanced by a McCulloch supercharger that significantly boosted its output. (Picture from: CarBuzz)
Performance was equally central to the Golden Hawk’s identity. Under the hood lay a 289-cubic-inch V8 engine developed by Studebaker, enhanced by a McCulloch supercharger that significantly boosted its output. This combination allowed the car to deliver impressive power relative to its size, placing it in direct competition with other American performance cars. Buyers could choose between a three-speed manual transmission with overdrive or a two-speed automatic, while the rear-wheel-drive layout, coil spring front suspension, and drum brakes reflected the engineering norms of the period. | DM1dKSMB65U |
Although its production run was relatively short, the Golden Hawk left a meaningful mark as one of Studebaker’s most expressive and capable creations. It represented a moment when the company fully embraced the changing tides of design and performance in the 1950s. Not long after its departure, Studebaker would take an even bolder step forward with the introduction of the Studebaker Avanti—a car that moved away from jet-age styling toward a more modern, forward-looking design, signaling the brand’s continued desire to evolve with the times. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARBUZZ ]
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Mechanical Renaissance - The early 1930s were a turbulent time for the automotive world, when ambition often collided with economic reality. As the Great Depression tightened its grip, even the most prestigious manufacturers were forced to rethink their approach to survival. Innovation became less of a luxury and more of a necessity, pushing carmakers to experiment with bold engineering and distinctive identities. It was within this challenging landscape that the 1932 Stutz DV32 Custom Roadsteremerged—an extraordinary machine rooted in resilience, creativity, and a refusal to fade quietly into history.
The 1932 Stutz DV32 Custom Roadster emerged—an extraordinary machine rooted in resilience, creativity, and a refusal to fade quietly into history. (Picture from: Cars.Bonhams)
The Stutz Motor Company had already built a reputation for performance and refined engineering by the late 1920s, but by 1931, dwindling sales signaled trouble. Unlike competitors who turned to larger multi-cylinder engines to capture attention, Stutz took a more strategic route. With limited resources, they enhanced their existing inline-eight engine rather than replacing it. The result was the DV-32—a sophisticated twin-overhead camshaft, 32-valve cylinder head design that elevated output from around 115 horsepower to an impressive 156 horsepower. Inspired in part by European engineering trends and echoing the excellence of rivals like Duesenberg, the DV-32 engine restored Stutz’s competitive edge, delivering both performance and technical prestige in a single package.
The 1932 Stutz DV32 Custom Roadster features a creatively fused body combining a 1949 Cadillac Series 61 foundation with a seamlessly integrated 1951 Studebaker front end. (Picture from: Cars.Bonhams)
What makes this particular 1932 Stutz DV32 truly captivating, however, is not just its engineering but its remarkable transformation years later. In 1949, Dr. Elwood Needy of St. Louis envisioned something entirely new—a custom roadster inspired by the sleek lines ofthe Jaguar XK120. Starting with an original DV32 chassis, he shortened the wheelbase to match the sporty proportions ofthe famed Super Bearcat. The bodywork became a creative fusion of American automotive elements: a 1949 Cadillac Series 61provided the foundation, while a 1951 Studebaker front end was seamlessly integrated. The project demanded extraordinary craftsmanship, from shaping complex rear panels using custom wooden forms to redesigning large Cadillac doors into elegant roadster-style openings.
The 1932 Stutz DV32 Custom Roadster features a thoughtfully detailed interior with a Cord 810 instrument dashboard and a custom wraparound Perspex windshield enhancing both style and aerodynamics. (Picture from: Cars.Bonhams)
The car’s design reflects a fascinating blend of industrial artistry and personal vision. Its exterior carries a sculpted, flowing silhouette that feels both powerful and refined, while the interior showcases thoughtful detailing. A dashboard fitted withCord 810instruments adds a touch of technological flair, and a custom wraparound windshield made from aircraft-grade Perspex enhances both aesthetics and aerodynamics. Beneath it all, the DV-32 engine was meticulously rebuilt by Dr. Needy himself, ensuring the car retained the performance spirit that defined its origins. Although his passing in 1952 left the project unfinished, his son completed the work, bringing the car to life in time for public display. | 6SowcrkpHWo |
The 1932 Stutz DV32 Custom Roadster showcases a
captivating blend of industrial artistry and personal vision through its
sculpted, flowing silhouette that feels both powerful and refined.(Picture from: Cars.Bonhams)
Over the decades, the roadster passed through dedicated hands, each preserving and refining its character. Today, it stands as more than just a car—it is a moving narrative of innovation across generations. In an era where automotive design often leans on digital precision, the 1932 Stutz DV32 Custom Roadster reminds us of a time when craftsmanship was deeply personal and experimentation knew few limits. Its presence at prestigious concours events underscores its cultural significance, not merely as a restored classic, but as a bold expression of imagination shaped by history, hardship, and an enduring passion for the art of the automobile. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARS.BONHAMS | HEMMINGS | THINGIES IN FACEBOOK ]
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Eclectic Fusion - The history of niche automotive innovation is often shaped by unlikely combinations—bold ideas, limited resources, and a willingness to experiment beyond convention. In that spirit, one small Italian-built sports car from the early 1960s quietly captured the essence of creative engineering. Emerging during a period of rapid transformation in Europe’s automotive scene, this compact machine fused different technical influences into a distinctive identity that still feels remarkably fresh today.
The InterMeccanica-Puch combined a Fiat 500 chassis with Steyr-Daimler-Puch engineering to create a lightweight aluminum coupe of just over 400 kg, enhancing its lively performance. (Picture from: MrScharroo in Flickr)
The story begins with Frank Reisner, the mind behind Construzione Automobili Intermeccanica in Turin. What started as a business producing tuning kits and performance exhaust systems soon evolved into full car manufacturing. In 1960, after building a Formula Junior race car, the company introducedthe InterMeccanica-Puch. This model cleverly combined a Fiat 500 chassis with engineering input from Steyr-Daimler-Puch, resulting in a lightweight aluminum-bodied coupe that weighed just over 400 kilograms—an impressive figure that directly contributed to its lively performance.
The InterMeccanica-Puch featured smooth, low-profile styling and a simple, driver-focused interior, while its 500–645cc engines enabled speeds of up to 160 km/h. (Picture from: Zwischengas)
Its design reflected the spirit of its era: compact, aerodynamic, and purposeful. The exterior featured smooth, flowing lines with a low profile, while the interior remained simple and focused, built more for driving engagement than comfort. Despite its small displacement engines—ranging from 500cc to 645cc—the car delivered surprising speed, reaching up to 160 km/h. Its racing credentials were equally notable, with a competition version winning the 500cc class at the Nürburgring. Ironically, that success led to tension with Fiat, ultimately ending their cooperation and highlighting the fragile nature of partnerships in such experimental projects. | seNA8LFksPE |
Only 21 examples were ever built, making it a rare piece of automotive history and an early indicator of Intermeccanica’s wide-ranging ambitions, which later included models like the Apollo GT and Griffith GT. Today, it stands as a reminder that innovation does not always come from large-scale production or vast resources, but often from bold ideas executed with precision and passion. In an era where automotive design is increasingly standardized, this small coupe continues to resonate as a symbol of individuality and creative freedom. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | VGM.HU | AUTO-HISTORIES.ORG | ZWISCHENGAS | MRSCHARROO IN FLICKR ]
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Forged Elegance - There’s something timeless about post-war Italian automobiles—the way they blur the line between engineering and art, turning even modest platforms into objects of desire. In an era when creativity flourished under constraint, designers and coachbuilders found ways to transform everyday machines into rolling sculptures. One of the most fascinating examples of this spirit is the Fiat 1100 Savio Sport Berlinetta by Scaglione, a car introduced in 1953 at the prestigious Turin Motor Show, where it quietly captured attention without relying on mass production or widespread fame.
The Fiat 1100 Savio Sport Berlinetta by Scaglione, a car introduced in 1953 at the prestigious Turin Motor Show, where it quietly captured attention without relying on mass production or widespread fame. (Picture from: Carrozzerria-Italiani)
At first glance, the car’s design speaks in a language that feels both elegant and experimental. Penned by Franco Scaglione, a designer celebrated for his aerodynamic intuition and sculptural forms, the Berlinettacarries a sleek, almost fluid silhouette. Its proportions are compact yet purposeful, with smooth curves flowing from nose to tail, emphasizing motion even at a standstill. The use of hand-formed aluminum for the hood and trunk wasn’t just a technical choice—it contributed to the car’s lightness and gave its surfaces a refined, almost delicate character. Inside, while details are less documented, the spirit of the era suggests a focused, driver-oriented cabin, where simplicity and craftsmanship took precedence over excess.
The Fiat 1100 Savio Sport Berlinetta, designed by Franco Scaglione, presents an elegant yet experimental form with a sleek, fluid silhouette and compact, purposeful proportions that suggest motion even at rest. (Picture from: Carrozzerria-Italiani)
Behind this graceful exterior lies the collaborative effort of Carrozzeria Savio, the Turin-based coachbuilder responsible for bringing the concept to life. Known for their ability to translate bold design ideas into tangible creations, Savio reworked the humble Fiat 1100 platform into something far more spirited. The mechanical upgrades were anything but superficial. The engine, originally modest in output, received significant enhancements that raised its compression ratio and unlocked a notable increase in power. Supporting modifications—ranging from improved bearings to a refined intake system and specialized valve components—transformed the car’s performance character, making it livelier and more responsive than its standard counterpart.
The Fiat 1100 Savio Sport Berlinetta features far more than superficial upgrades, with its once modest engine refined through a higher compression ratio to deliver a noticeable boost in power. (Picture from: Carrozzerria-Italiani)
What makesthis Berlinettaparticularly compelling is not just how it looks or performs, but the story it carries. Commissioned by architect Renato Benassi, a figure deeply connected to cultural preservation in Rome, the car reflects a meeting point between artistic appreciation and automotive innovation. It wasn’t built for the masses; it was conceived as a singular expression of taste and vision. Even its debut at the Turin Motor Show positioned it among the finest examples of Italian craftsmanship, where it stood as a quiet yet confident statement amid more prominent names.
The Fiat 1100 Savio Sport Berlinetta features far more than superficial upgrades, with its once modest engine refined through a higher compression ratio to deliver a noticeable boost in power. (Picture from: Carrozzerria-Italiani)
Today, the Fiat 1100 Savio Sport Berlinettaexists as a rare reminder of a time when individuality mattered more than scale. It represents a moment when designers, engineers, and patrons collaborated to create something deeply personal—something that didn’t need replication to prove its worth. In a modern world dominated by mass production and digital precision, this one-off creation still feels alive, echoing an era when passion shaped every curve and every mechanical detail carried a human touch. *** [EKA | FROM VRIOUS SOURCES | CARROZZERIA-ITALIANI | VINTAGE ITALIAN CAR PASSION IN FACEBOOK ]
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Production took place in a semi-artisanal manner at Moretti’s facilities in Turin, resulting in fewer than a hundred units ever built. That limited output gave the 128 Roadster an exclusivity that still resonates today. In a modern context, it stands as a reminder of a time when small manufacturers could reinterpret mass-produced cars into something intimate and distinctive. The Moretti 128 Roadster may not be widely known, but it captures a rare blend of individuality, craftsmanship, and creative ambition that continues to inspire enthusiasts who value character over convention. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI ]
