It's GONE After the end of the 2nd World War, it didn't immediately end all conflicts between existing countries. Its condition slowly and surely then ushered into the Cold War era. Well, at that time what happened was not a war in the real sense but an ideological competition between the United States and the Soviet Union in fighting for the influence of countries in Europe, resulting in two major groups of supporting countries, namely the Western bloc and the Eastern bloc.
The Tatra JK 2500 in original condition as a two-seater coupe designed and built by Július Kubinský in between 1951 to 1955. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3oKTRI9)
Not only that, the Cold War era which began since the 1950s also affected all countries in the world, especially in Europe. At that time, the Eastern bloc countries had governments affiliated with communism because they were strongly influenced by the Soviet Union. This in turn caused all aspects of life in these countries to be tightly controlled by the communist government, including the machinery and motor vehicle manufacturing sectors.
It is not surprising that the Czechoslovakia's communist government (a country located in eastern Europe which is included in the Eastern bloc) considers everything of the Western bloc's neighboring countries including sports cars or grand tourers is something prohibited because it is incompatible with the communist government. Not only that, many domestic similar motorized vehicles developments have always failed and abondoned due to state intervention.
The Tatra JK 2500 chassis with front axle taken from the German's KdF Type 82 "Kubelwagen" military vehicle. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3oKTRI9)
You can be seen on the 1969 Škoda 110 Super Sport or even older one such the Škoda 1100 OHC of the 1950s, all of them are those country's beautiful concept car examples wasn't ever produced because didn't have permission from the communist government. The same thing happened to a beautiful concept car called the Tatra JK 2500 which is designed and made by Július Kubinský, an automotive designer who worked at the Karosa bus factory in Brno in the first half of the 1950s.
At first, the Tatra JK 2500 uses a six-cylinder DOHC Alfa Romeo sat behind the oil and water coolers. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3oKTRI9)
The Tatra JK 2500 designer is known to have years of experience working on other cars, including those built on the basis of the KdF Type 82 "Kubelwagen" military vehicle which was widely used in the country after Nazy lost in the 2nd World War, and he has also designed and built the Mono JKs racing cars with Alfa Romeo and BMW engines for a few the country's bonafide Grand Prix racer in Brno shortly after the 2nd World War ended.
The Tatra JK 2500's rear axle of the De Dion type with torsion bars to ensure the the car's two rear wheels have the same deflection at all times. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3oKTRI9)
And for Július Kubinský, the Tatra JK 2500 concept car was the ninth car of he had ever built. He began to outline plans for a steel tube frame chassis based around the Tatra T603A V8 engine in 1951. The chassis construction and entire parts of the car was done by hand by Kubinský in his spare time. In order to speed up the development process of the car, he took directly many parts from the German KdF Type 82 military vehicle such as the front torsion beam axle and the steering linkage.
The Tatra JK 2500's body frame was made of wood and steel tubes and done by the local coachbuilder Jan Heger. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3oKTRI9)
At the rear, there is a De Dion axle, which has a differential that is firmly attached to the chassis of the car, with two swing axes called the De Dion tube. In short, this is meant to ensure the the car's two rear wheels have the same deflection at all times, somekind of independent suspension in today vehicles. If one wheel experiences unevenness, the other wheel will also tilt, but remain in contact with the asphalt. And if both wheels experience unevenness at the same time, for example the car passing through the bumpy road, it is this tube that ensures that they have the best contact with the road.
A typical feature of the original Tatra JK 2500 Coupe was the small rear window. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3oKTRI9)
Because at the beginning of its development, the JK 2500 was designed to carry a powerfull V8 engine under the hood. However, at that time the engine was very difficult to find, so for the time being, a 2.5-liter inline Alfa Romeo six-cylinder engine was installed, which could provide up to 90 horsepower combined with the Alfa Romeo's four-speed manual gearbox.
Július Kubinský posed along with his supersport Tatra JK 2500 coupe in 1958 at Kopřivnice in 1958. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3oKTRI9)
And after trying hard, finally he found an air-cooled V8 engine with a capacity of 2.5 liters which was taken directly from the Tatra 603, then those engine installed under the hood of the JK 2500, but still using the Alfa Romeo's manual gearbox after some parts had to be modified and intermediate parts had to be made to fasten the Italian gearbox, but they fit in the end. Even large radiators can be thrown away because that the new engine is an air-cooled one and so a spare wheel can be placed there instead.
Besides that there's the hot air features which is needed especially in winter to heat up the car' cabin, is came out behind the windshield and supplied directly by the engine. However, the exhaust was considered insufficient, and then the chrome vents were placed behind the front wheels to help remove hot air from the engine.
The Tatra JK 2500 supersport coupe uses an air-cooled V8 engine with a fan from Praga V3S. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3oKTRI9)
And due to the engine is the reason why this car was later named Tatra even though the car's actually did not come from those Czechoslovak car factory and was misunderstood sometimes. The car name then was followed by the initials of the maker, ie JK and the figure 2500 in turn refers to the car's engine capacity in cubic centimeters.
A spare wheel fit in front of the air-cooled eight-cylinder of the Tatra JK 2500 supersport coupe. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3oKTRI9)
Meanwhile there are two fuel tanks with a capacity of 30 liters each are mounted onto the chassis and placed behind each of the rear wheels. The car's rear overhang isn't exactly small, with the wheelbase of 2,300 mm and a length of 4,050 mm. In comparison, Favorites have a wheelbase of more than 2.4 meters. And what about its weight? The JK 2500 has an empty weighs of 1,160 kg and the weight distribution ratio is 51:49 on the front and rear axles.
By the completion of the lower part of the Tatra JK 2500 chassis, then the beautiful body of the car was done by Július Kubinský and assisted by local coachbuilder Jan Heger by creating the wooden superstructure on which the handcrafted body panels would be placed. As for the legs, initially using the 16-inches in diameter classic wire wheels and coupled with the drum brakes taken from the Lancia Aurelia B20.
The Tatra JK 2500 supersport coupe with a compact-sized V8 engine and the Tatra inscription in 1958. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3oKTRI9)
The works on the car construction was entirely completed in 1955, and it was appeared in the January 1956 issue of the World of Engines magazine and the article was entitled with the evocative title "We Also Do It". Unfortunately, its appearance on the magazine was not followed by a physical exhibition until two years later.
At the invitation of Tatra's management, Július Kubinský and his JK 2500 car were came and visited the company's headquarters in Kopřivnice in 1958. The public response was very positive, prompting Tatra officials to propose an initial production of 5 samples. In short, the car was in Kopřivnice for two weeks for a performance upgrading process, and as result, the JK 2500 engine was able to spew a full 140 horsepower, like the Tatra 603 on which also uses the same engine under the hood.
Tatra JK 2500 after used the upgraded eight-cylinder by Tatra, new fifteen-inch alloy wheels were installed and the air vents were added to the front fendersin 1958. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/39ukpHf)
At that time, new fifteen-inch alloy wheels were installed in the car, with a row of holes that functioned to channel cooling air to the drum brakes while driving. The new wheels have a smaller diameter than the original, but are said to be more effective. And in the road tests done by the Tatra's test drivers, this car was able to pace to a top speed of 200 kph, likely making it the fastest car in the country in the time.
Despite the positive test results, the car production never been done. Allegedly, internal pressure within Tatra and the heavy hands of the communist government were one of the main factors behind the Tatra JK 2500 project's abandonment, as a flashy sports car clashed heavily with the sober image they wanted to exude.
The
Tatra JK 2500 supersport coupe with a V8 engine and was able to pace to
a top speed of 200 kph, likely making it the fastest car in the country
in the time. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3oKTRI9)
Disappointed, Július Kubinský back home to Brno and worked at the Karosa bus factory. He still owns and drives the Tatra JK 2500 Coupe for approximately 13 years under normal operation, and in 1971 Kubinský sold the car. After that the car immediately seemed to disappear and until today no one knows to whom he sold it.
Unfortunately, the Czechoslovakia best car has ever seen, and the result of 4 years of hard work seems to have dissipated into smoke and disappeared without a trace. Since its creator has long since passed away, one can only hope that the beautiful Tatra JK 2500 will soon be found hiding some where in a remote forgotten warehouse, and eagerly awaiting a careful restoration to its former glory.
That's
it, and if the article above is still considered inadequate or
inaccurate, or if you have additional information related to the lost east bloc' classic Ferrari-like sports car called 1955 Tatra JK 2500, please don't hesitate to let us
know via
the comments column below this article. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOFORUM | AUTOMOBILEREVUE | DRIVETRIBE | WIKIPEDIA ]
Legendary ONES The Shelby Cobra is one of the world's iconic cars that are familiar to the automotive enthusiasts all over the world. These beautiful, powerful cars is the design of a former racing driver and legendary American automotive designer named Carroll Shelby by using the engine supplies from the Ford Motor Company, and was first introduced in 1962.
1962 Shelby 260 Cobra 'CSX2000' uses a 159-cubic-inch (2.6 L) Ford Zephyr inline 6 engine. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3oGSXML)
His work is quite classy in the world of racing with his success in winning the Le Mans 24-Hours endurance race in France, by beating Ferrari, who was so dominant at that time. With consecutive victories from 1966 to 1969 with the legendary Ford GT40.
The Shelby Cobra is could be said as a British-American sports car uses a Ford V8 engine, is produced only briefly in Britain and the US since 1962. Well, this car is also known as the AC Cobra because it was originally made at a British manufacturer called AC Cars, which was later sold in the United States as Shelby Cobra.
The Early Models Like most British manufacturers at the time, AC Cars used the straight-6 engine from Bristol (known as a pre-war designed engine by BMW) for its small production including the AC Ace (a two-seater roadster). This car has a handmade body with a steel tube frame, and aluminum body panels made using the English wheel engine. Until 1961, Bristol decided to discontinue production of its engine and instead used a Chrysler 313-cubic-inch (5.1 L) V8 engine. And the AC Cars later started using the 159-cubic-inch (2.6 L) Ford Zephyr engine for its production cars.
In September 1961, Carroll Shelby, an American automotive designer wrote a letter to AC Cars asking them to make him a modified car to accept a V8 engine. AC Cars agreed, provided a suitable engine could be found immediately, as previously the Bristol's engine for their two-seat sports car (AC Ace) was discontinued.
To get the V8 engine for his car, Caroll Shelby contacted Chevrolet, one of the American car manufacturers to see if they could provide him with a V8 engine. But unfortunately they said no because they didn't want to increase the number of potential competitors for their Corvette car model.
After that he contacted another American manufacturer Ford (who was basically desperate for a car that could compete with the Chevy Corvette) and just happened to have a new V8 engine that could be used in this venture, namely a new lightweight small-block V8 engine named the Windsor 221-cubic-inch (3.6 L). In short, Ford agreed to give Caroll Shelby two units of their new V8 engine.
In January 1962, the AC Cars mechanics at Thames Ditton, Surrey designed a prototype called AC Ace 2.6 with chassis number CSX2000. AC had done most of the modifications needed to apply the small block V8 engine when they installed the 159-cubic-inch (2.6 L) Ford Zephyr inline 6 engine, including extensive rework of the AC Ace front end bodywork. The only modification of the first Cobra (AC Ace 2.6) front end was the steering box, which had to be moved outside to make spacious room for the Ford's new V8 engine.
And the most important modification is the installation of a stronger rear differential to handle the increased engine power. The Salisbury 4HU unit with deep disc brake for reduced the weight was chosen as a replacement for the old ENV unit. It is the same unit used in the Jaguar E-Type.
After testing and modification, the engine and transmission were removed and the chassis was airlifted to Shelby in Los Angeles on February 2, 1962. At this time the displacement of the small block was increased to 260 cu in (4.3 L). Shelby's team paired this engine along with the transmission into the CSX2000, in less than eight hours at the Dean Moon workshop in Santa Fe Springs, California, and started road testing.
The Production Models (CSX/CS 2001-2602) Furthermore for the production model (CSX/CS 2001-2602), there were some significant changes made such as the position of the inboard brakes being moved out to reduce costs, then the fuel tank filler was moved from the fender to the trunk center, and the trunk lid had to be shortened to accommodate those changes.
1963 Shelby 289 Cobra Mk II uses a Ford's 289-cubic-inch (4.7 L) V8 engine. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/38Enrtn)
Then the AC Cars exported the finished, painted, and trimmed (minus engine and gearbox) cars to Shelby. After arriving in America, Shelby then finished his cars at his workshop in Los Angeles by installing engines and gearboxes and repairing any bodywork deficiencies caused by the car's shipping by the sea.
A small number of cars were also completed on the East Coast by Ed Hugus in Pennsylvania, including the first production car; CSX2001. Following later the first 75 Cobra Mk1 models (including the prototype) were paired with 260 cu in (4.3 L). And the remaining 51 Mk1 models were paired with a larger version of Ford's Windsor engine, ie the 289-cubic-inch (4.7 L) V8.
In late 1962, Alan Turner, the AC Cars's chief engineer completed a major design change from the car's front-end to accommodate rack and pinion steering while still using transverse leaf spring suspension (with double leaf spring as the top suspension link). The new car entered production in early 1963 and was designated as the Mark II. The steering rack is borrowed from the MGB while the new steering column comes from the VW Beetle. About 528 units of the Mark II Cobra were produced in the summer of 1965 (the last US-made Mark II was produced in November 1964).
The European Models (COB/COX 6001-6062) As for the Cobra's European models, (COB/COX 6001-6062) carried out since 1963 after the Ruddspeed Ace production was discontinued, it was done to keep the company's production activities focused on the Shelby American Inc. car production. And the AC Cars took the marketing and selling portions of the Cobra models for the European's market with the advertisement's statement that Cobra is designed to meet Shelby American Inc.'s requirements.
1964 Shelby Cobra 427 'CSX2196' or Fliptop Cobra uses a 390 cu in (6.4 L) Ford FE engine. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/38Enrtn)
Besides that, there was also a 390 Big Block Cobra, which was originally done to facilitate the Shelby's experiments with a 390 cu in (6.4 L) Ford FE engine on the car with chassis number CSX2196 was intended to overpass the Ferrari's models in the GT class. Unfortunately, The car development failed and was discontinued.
It was decided after Ken Miles drove and raced the FE-powered Mark II at the 12 Hours of Sebring and said the car almost unsavable, and named it the Turd. It failed to touch the finish line and must stop in early due to engine (damper failure) problem.
Subsequently CSX2196 was revised and prepared for the fight in Nassau which allowed for a more relaxed class division. It allowed the Cobra GT to run on the prototype Ford GT, GM Grand Sport Corvettes, and Lola Mk6. And for the 1964 event, the Fliptop Cobra was used with a 390-cubic-inch (6.4 L) aluminum engine. That's very fast and at the end of the first lap, it has the long straight start-finish advantages. However, at the end the car failed to finish due to the brake problems.
Unique Facts of the Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe CSX2286 There is a unique fact regarding the Shelby Daytona Coupe. As it is known, Caroll Shelby from the start had a strong ambition to beat Ferrari cars in the world famous 24-Hours of Le Mans racing event. At the time, due to his racing car could not be completed in time and not able to appear at the racetrack, so (reportedly) to save face, then he made up a story that the Peter Brock-designed Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe with chassis number CSX2286 especially for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the 1964 was badly damaged after being involved in a road traffic accident while being transported to the racing circuit.
This is one of the six of the famous 1964 Shelby Brock Cobra Daytona Coupe 'CSX2286' while at the 2007 Monterey Historic Automobile Races. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3sfYtbD)
Even so, Caroll Shelby finally succeeded in completing and fulfilling his dream at the 24 Hours of Le Mans racing event two years later (in 1966) by defeating the Ferrari cars with the legendary Ford Motor Company-owned, the Ford GT-40 racing car. And all of those triumph momments are pictured beautifully in the Hollywood's movie titled 'Ford vs Ferrari' and that can be a reference to find out one version of the story.
Finally, even though it's more than half a century old, the Shelby Daytona Coupe still shows a strong charisma. Even if the other cars price continues to fall from year to year, but not for it, this Cobra still has high value and exorbitant price. And today, the car estimated has the price reaches of Rp. 78.7 billion. Wow! As quoted of Carbuzz, the mentioned car is one of the 6 units of the Peter Brock-designed Shelby Daytona Coupe ever built specifically for the racing events in 1964. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARBUZZ | MOTORAUTHORITY ] Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
Recently, the trend of electrification in the two-wheeler segment has also begun to develop rapidly, marked by an unprecedented boom in popularity, especially in recent years. Various well-known motorcycle manufacturers have started to introduce and even sell electricity-based products.
Vespa Elettra, elettro design for a classic soul by MA-DE STUDIO. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2ML6WmD)
But the sophistication of an electric motorbike has not been able to shake the tastes of classic motorcycle lovers who remain faithful in choosing conventional classic motorbikes, and this also includes classic Vespa scooter fans who can be said to be one of the largest fan communities in the world.
Vespa Elettra, elettro design for a classic soul by MA-DE STUDIO. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2ML6WmD)
As we all know, Vespa is the most iconic Italian scooter brand in the world. But to be more specific, we are talking about the Piaggio's Vespa model which was patented almost 75 years ago, to be precise April 1946. Until now, Vespa scooters have had a fantastic total sales figure, reaching 18 million units worldwide. So it is not surprising that Vespa has many loyal fans around the world.
In the context of the electrification trend of motorized vehicles, it has also begun to touch the scooter sector, particularly Vespa scooters. Piaggio, as the manufacturer that holds the Vespa brand, has also tried to follow this trend. There are several models of electric scooters that this manufacturer has tried, namely theVespa Elettricawhich was introduced to the public for the first time in 2016.
Vespa Elettra, elettro design for a classic soul by MA-DE STUDIO. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2ML6WmD)
However, the foregoing does not reduce the interest of third parties outside the Italian giant scooter maker to try to come up with creative ideas in the form of electric vehicles which are design inspired by the Piaggio's classic scooter.
Here's MA-DE STUDIO is answered the above questions in their latest project. "This project is not an official Vespa assignment, but something we created because of our love for this iconic Italian Vespa brand," said Andrea Della Vecchia, founder of MA-DE Studio Design, as quoted of Autoevolution.
MA-DE Design Studio itself is an international design studio based in Cuomo, Italy, so it makes perfect sense that they involve Vespa models in this serious project. As a form of support for the scooter, the pride of the Italian state.
Vespa Elettra, elettro design for a classic soul by MA-DE STUDIO. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2ML6WmD)
The electric-powered scooter named Vespa Elettra, to be electro design for a classic soul, is designed very attractive and inspired by the classic Vespa scooter, which is also known as the Vespa which is transformed into an electric scooter without losing its classic identities and souls.
Everything looks harmonious together, starting from the classic handlebar on which there's a sophisticated dashboard and equipped with a touch screen with high technology. Then as the drivetrain, the scooter uses an electric motors that is capable of producing 9.38 horsepower with 240 Nm of torque, so that it can make it go at a maximum speed of up to 95 kph.
It armed with a 5.6 kWh battery, so the electric-powered Vespa Elettra scooter can cover a distance of 150 km for a single battery charge, far above the word that is enough to be used everyday around the city with this eccentric-style scooter.
But what is also no less cool than this 'classic' with the latest technology is the Bluetooth connectivity feature to be paired with a special application, which becomes an authentication key and a virtual dashboard for relevant travel settings and data.
“I really believe in the movement towards electric mobility. It's only a matter of time, not only for cars but also for scooters and other small vehicles as mobility vehicles in urban areas,” concluded Della Vecchia.
And here's the soundless Piaggio Vespa Elettrica video, while passing through your heart.😀
Kept
spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay
alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so
does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | VESPA | MA-DE STUDIO | EICMA 2019 | AUTOEVOLUTION | ELECTRICMOTORCYCLES ]
Unique ONES While we were surfing in cyberspace, for a moment we were amazed at a beautiful classic car called the Chevrolet Corvette Corvair Concept released in 1954. Uniquely, even though it carries the big name of Corvette, it has something unique appearing on the back that makes it more similar to the Ferrari 250 GT SWB 'Breadvan' Drogo.
1954 Chevrolet Corvette Corvair Concept combines two separable items, in this case the Corvette and the Bell Air, which its debut at the 1954 Motorama in New York. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/38wkeMo)
It's exciting that the Corvette also has a fastback variant, even though it's only a concept car. After doing some searching on the internet to resolve the curiosity of this car, we finally got quite valid information about it from several sources. Yes, this car appeared long before there was the Corvair of the 1960s.
1954 Chevrolet Corvette Corvair Concept's top is said to be inspired by an airplane, which sweeps backwards and tapers gracefully into the rear design. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/38wkeMo)
As quoted of the Rare Car Network website, the Corvette Corvair is a very creative concept, a flowing fastback style exercise, which made its debut at the 1954 Motorama in New York. The name portmanteau combines two separable items, in this case the Corvette and the Bell Air.
According to the GM Heritage Center, the production version of the model was then stalled and abandoned, due to slow sales figures for the Corvette at the time (1954). And usually concept cars that had expired in that era would be destroyed, but this Corvette Corvair fastback coupe reportedly survived the crusher, but strangely there was no trace of it.
1954 Chevrolet Corvette Corvair Concept seats appear to have a fiberglass-made divider between them, in a similar way to the Corvette roadster. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/38wkeMo)
There is also news that more than one car was actually built, but no document appears as verification. Until now, it is not certain how many units of the Corvette Corsair concept car was made by the American car manufacturer.
Apart from these two stories, there are a number of sources who say that the original 1954 Corvette Corvair concept was destroyed in that period, and then an authentic restoration project was carried out using the original 1954 Chevy Corvette chassis.
1954 Chevrolet Corvette Corvair Concept uses a 235.5 cubic-inch six-cylinder engine that offers 150 horsepower accompanied by a 2-speed Powerglide transmission system. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/38wkeMo)
It is necessary to determine which one is correct among all the information above, but what is certain is as quoted from the Rare Car Network that the cars that exist today (at least those discussed by him) are only limited to replicas. And the Corvair name, however, came to be used in the 1960 Corvair rear-engined compact car.
The beautiful appearance of this two-door fastback is exuded, as it has the front end of the Corvette, the enveloping windshield and design details on the rear that resemble a jet-fighter exhaust port. While the cut tail seems to be influenced or inspired by European designs (maybe the Ferrari 250 Breadvan Drogo).
1954 Chevrolet Corvette Corvair Concept's cut tail seems to be influenced or inspired by European designs (maybe the Ferrari 250 Breadvan Drogo). (Picture from: http://bit.ly/38wkeMo)
Furthermore, the top is said to be inspired by an airplane, which sweeps backwards and tapers gracefully into the rear design. Apart from that the roof also provides a glimpse of the quarter windows and C-pillar treatments of the 1958 Corvette.
The car, which is built on the original chassis of the Corvette, has a 102-inch wheelbase and uses a 235.5 cubic-inch six-cylinder engine that offers 150 horsepower accompanied by a 2-speed Powerglide transmission system to distribute power to drive its rear wheels.
On the interior, the seats appear to have a fiberglass-made divider between them, in a similar way to the Corvette roadster. Much of the interior is largely stock, and the roof appears to have been grafted directly onto a production Corvette. No storage behind the seats. Even though it has a fastback design, it doesn't change the interior layout of the Corvair Concept.
After not being seen in public for a long time, it was discovered that one of the beautiful cars (sea foam green color) was seen on the back of a trailer at the Bloomington Gold Corvette show in St. Charles, Illinois in 2011 (you can see on the Manonthemove website). And the last one of the replica cars (in red) also appears to be on display in a collection of the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MANONTHEMOVE | RCNMAG | CONCEPTCARZ ]
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