A Russian's workshop changed the BMW 3 Series looks into a vintage styled car

UNique ONES Indeed, so far we know that most of the world's exotic car works are produced by automotive companies from Europe (especially the western European region) and North America. Yes, that's the thing we cannot be denied, but that doesn't mean that companies from other regions can't produce masterpiece exotic cars such those.

2015 Bilenken Vintage Coupé built based on a modern BMW platform and debuted at the 2015 Dubai Motor Show. (Picture from: Russian Ambience)

That's we can be seen on the exotic car made by the Bilenkin Classic Car, a Russian automotive company. Turn out, the company can produce an exotic car model equivalent to those made by automotive companies from western Europe and America. Let's take a look, those exotic car works named Bilenkin Vintage Coupé made by them could be said cool and stand out.

2015 Bilenken Vintage Coupé describes the car as a “charming, old-fashioned, yet easy-to-use” vehicle by combining a classic design style but with a brand new engine performances. (Picture from: Russian Ambience)

The Bilenkin Classic Car describes the car as a “charming, old-fashioned, yet easy-to-use” vehicle by combining a classic design style but with a brand new engine performances. The car carries the retro granturismo model is also said to have combined the most advanced features in terms of safety and comfort that were adopted from the BMW 3 Series.

The car was built by the Russian company based on a modern BMW platform that is made in such a way as to appear in a luxurious, elegance retro style. It can be seen from the lines and curves of the exterior which said are inspired by the Volvo P1800 nor the Volga M21, while the interior is thick influenced by the BMW's rear-drive E92 platform.

2015 Bilenken Vintage Coupé's interior puts forward a retro theme but also has a modern premium class, which provides an almost similar atmosphere to the Rolls-Royce's hand made interior styles. (Picture from: Russian Ambience)

The interior puts forward a retro theme but also has a modern premium class, which provides an almost similar atmosphere to the Rolls-Royce's hand made interior styles. There are the carvings that run along the dashboard and doortrim using wood material, it looks so perfect like the interior of a super luxury vehicle with a special personalization touches.

Furthermore inside the cabin, as You could be seen a nice cross-breeding in between the classic and modern styles by the existances of the Volvo P1900's classic styled instruments cluster coupled with the modern infotainment features. Unmitigated, the Bilenkin Vintage uses a high-end audio system, even embedding the BMW iDrive features on its center console.

Yoe even could be seen a nice cross-breeding in between the classic and modern styles by the existances of the Volvo P1900's classic styled instruments cluster coupled with the modern infotainment features on the 2015 Bilenken Vintage Coupé cabin. (Picture from: TopSpeed)

"You will be surprised by the looks and strong, clear sound of the high-end audio we rigorously selected for the Vintage. This car offers a brilliant combination of modern safety and comfort standards, along with the style and quality of iconic old creations," said the Russian company in its press release to media.

Then for its drivetrain, the Russian company pinned a V8 4.0-liter Twinpower Turbo engine was the same as used by the 2007 BMW M3, coupled with the 7-speed automatic transmission system. So it's claimed to be able to produce up to 418 hp and 400 Nm of torque to move its rear wheels and make the car run up to top speed of 249 kph.

2015 Bilenken Vintage Coupé offers a brilliant combination of modern safety and comfort standards, along with the style and quality of iconic old creations. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

As the results of the retro styled car then became one of major topics amongst the world's car enthusiasts when the car debuted at the 2015 Dubai Auto Show. By looking at all those about the car above, we think it deserves to be aligned with the Roll-Royce in terms of luxury and comfort.

Although inspired by two iconic cars, you will not find a BMW nor Volvo emblems on the car made by the Russian company. Because this Russian manufacturer has a high level of pride and self-confidence to pin the Bilenkin Classic Cars brand emblem in the middle of its Vintage grilles.😉

As quoted from Wikipedia, the Bilenkin Vintage has sold more than two dozen units and each sold at the price ranging of €142,000. Until now, the car is still the center of attention of the world's automotive fans. A number of media have repeatedly made reported the Bilenkin Vintage since it was first appeared in 2015 and always received a positive response. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BILENKIN VINTAGE | TOPSPEED | THE DRIVE | WIKIPEDIA | AUTOEVOLUTION | RUSSIAN AMBIENCE ]

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What a strange fusion of 2 American muscle cars

ONE-OFF - In the realm of car design, creativity knows no bounds. Sometimes, designers take inspiration from existing models and fuse them together to create something entirely new and unique. This practice is often undertaken by individual designers who aspire to bring their dream cars to life, combining elements from various renowned designs to craft a vehicle that stands out in its own right.

1977 Cooper Markette with a combination appearance of the Corvette and Lincoln Continental Mark V is now owned by Randy Hammitt in a good condition as its heyday. (Picture from: Facebook)

One striking example of this innovative approach to car design emerged on the Hemmings some time ago. The vehicle, named the Cooper Markette, is a four-wheeled motorized marvel that boasts a distinctive fusion of a Corvette and a Continental Mark V. Constructed in 1977, this exceptional creation was commissioned by John Hurley, a prominent Chevy dealer in the United States, who proudly displayed it in his showroom upon completion.

1977 Cooper Markette is built from a complete Corvette, including its 350-cu.in four-barrel V8 engine, and combined with the complete Lincoln's distinctive shapes. (Picture from: Hemmings)

While details about this custom car are somewhat scarce, it is believed to be a one-of-a-kind or nearly one-of-a-kind creation. In the 1970s, a similar theme was explored in the Dunham Corvorado, which even made an appearance in a James Bond sequel titled "Live And Let Die." However, according to Hemmings, the Cooper Markette outshone its counterparts, earning the title of the best in its class.

The rear of the Cooper Markette hearkens to more of a Lincoln Continental than Corvette and uses separate panes of glass for its rear window. (Picture from: Hemmings)

Crafted by the skilled hands of Byron Cooper's workshop in Knoxville, Tennessee, this unique vehicle seamlessly blends the sleek aesthetics of the Corvette with the classic charm of the Continental Mark V. The foundation of the Cooper Markette is a complete Corvette, featuring a robust 350-cu.in four-barrel V8 engine. The extravagant fender blades reminiscent of a Vette are harmoniously combined with the distinctive shapes borrowed from the Lincoln, including a waterfall grille, stand-up hood ornament, and a Continental-style spare tire hump on the rear deck.

The Cooper Markette was connected to a petite coffin-shaped trailer when it participated in the 2021 Corvette show in Carlisle. (Picture from: CorvetteBlogger)

One notable design quirk that defies traditional regulations is the placement of the headlights below the bumper line, adding a touch of rebellion to the overall appearance. The exterior is further adorned with a vinyl Landau top, a split rear window, coach lamps, and rear lights reminiscent of the 1976 Mark IV.

The poor condition of the Cooper Markette in the 2017 before its fully restoration done. (Picture from: Corvette Forum)

While details about the interior are somewhat elusive, reports suggest a dove grey exterior with red trim, complemented by an all-Vette interior. The interior features a tilt-telescopic leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, Gymkhana suspension, automatic transmission, air conditioning, leather upholstery, wire wheels, a vinyl top, and a crucial stereo tape system with AM/FM radio.

The interior view of the Cooper Markette in the 2017 before its fully restoration done. (Picture from: Corvette Forum)

Back in December 1977, the Cooper Markette was listed in Hemmings Motor News with a price tag of $19,800. Fast forward to today, and it's estimated to be valued at over $77,000. However, in 2017, the unique vehicle was spotted in a state of disrepair, requiring a full restoration. Pictures uploaded by Darling, a member of the Corvette Forum, showcased the Markette's condition during a forum conversation in 2017.

Now, in the latest update from LSX Magazine, the Cooper Markette has undergone a meticulous restoration process and is currently in prime condition. Since 2018, it proudly stands among the impressive car collection of Randy Hammitt. The story of the Cooper Markette serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of unique automotive creations, bridging the past with the present in a captivating journey of restoration and preservation. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HEMMINGS | CORVETTE FORUM | THE MARK OF LINCOLN | LSX MAGAZINE | CORVETTEBLOGGER ]

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Sad story of the Alfa Romeo 412 race car

It's GONE Actually, you don't need a story consisting of a long series of words to describe the Alfa Romeo brand. This is because the activities of one of the oldest automotive brands from Italy have been going on for a long time with a row of four-wheeled vehicles that may have been countless to this day.

The Alfa Romeo 412 Spider Vignale (replica) features a pure Spider style with no folding roof, very long hood, 3-sided chrome air intakes for each side that are placed between the front fender and the passenger cockpit. (Picture from: Pinterest)

In the world of racing, the Alfa Romeo's name had also become a subscription of the championship podium in various world racing events since the 1930s. And of the many variants of Alfa Romeo racing cars, there is a racing car called the Alfa Romeo 412 Spider Vignale which in our opinion is very unique due to had been changed the bodywork many times, but has tragic fates until its existence then becomes a mystery until today.

This was 1939 Alfa Romeo 412 race car, initially bodied by Touring before changed to its spider body in the 1951 by Vignale. (Picture from: DailyRevs)

Some sources are said that it was a race car built in 1939 for Alfa Romeo with an initial bodywork built by Touring which was later changed in 1951 by Vignale under a more modern and aerodynamic style in accordance to the Alfa Romeo's style at that time.

Well, the 412 race car mentioned above was knew as a design result of Vittorio Jano in 1937, was originally bodied by Touring built on the 8C 2900A frame, identified with the number of 412151, and it is likely the car's name came from those numbers.

The real Alfa Romeo 412 Spider Vignale driven by Bonetto (with Casnaghi as the navigator) while raced at the 1951 Mille Miglia. (Picture from: AlfaBB)

Furthermore, the Alfa Romeo 412 race car was powered by a 4,500 cc, 12 cylinder V-engine which was also used by the 12C race car of 1937. The engine was made in 2 monoblock of 6-cylinder engines in which capable of spewing of 430 hp and also equipped with a turbocharger.

The Alfa Romeo 412 race car debuted in the world of racing at the 1939 GP-Antwerp, which was held in May 1939 and managed to bring their racers at that time Giuseppe Farina and Raymond Sommer to the podium as the first and second place winners. Its briliant achievement continues at the GP. Luxemburg in 1939, it successfully won the second place with Clemente Biondetti behind the wheel.

The real Alfa Romeo 412 Spider Vignale features with 4-sided chrome air intakes for each side and hand written racing livery #427 while raced at the 1951 Mille Miglia. (Picture from: AlfaBB)

After the 2nd World War ended, one of the 4 race cars made was brought to Switzerland by Willy Daetwyler and won the GP. Bremgarten in 1948. It is clear that those race car then took part in different races to its original body but also to other cars made by Vignale at the time.

The Alfa Romeo 412 Spider Vignale (replica) has 4 headlights, two at the end and two turn signals plus the center. (Picture from: Pinterest)

As quoted from Carrozzieri-Italiani, the last Alfa Romeo 412 race car known owned by Felice Bonetto for many years until 1953. Under Bonetto's ownership, the Alfa Romeo 412 race car took part in the Giro di Sicilia racing event at the end of March 1951 and experienced severe body damage due to the severity of the reace's off road terrains. Then the car brought back to Vignale to repaired and changed its bodywork to the very light spider-style as its second outfit.

The Alfa Romeo 412 Spider Vignale (replica) powered by was powered by a 4,500 cc, 12 cylinder V-engine. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

By using the new race car, in late April 1951, Bonetto (with Casnaghi as the navigator) took part in the classic race event of the 1951 Mille Miglia under the number of 427 and managed to finish in sixth place. In the next race which took place in Oporto in the same year, it won by beating the Ferrari 166 and Maserati race cars.

There are also other sources said, after the 1951 Mille Miglia, the car was modified slightly so that it could be used legally on the public roads. And later when it appeared to race in Oporto, the 412 race car was seen to have a more modern look under the spider style of bodywork.

The Alfa Romeo 412 Spider Vignale (replica)'s engine consisted of two monoblock of 6-cylinder engines in which capable of spewing of 430 hp. (Picture from: GentlemenRacer)

The 2-seater Alfa Romeo 412 Vignale race car features a pure Spider style with no folding roof, very long hood, 4-sided chrome air intakes for each side that are placed between the front fender and the passenger cockpit. While on the front, it has 4 headlights, two at the end and two turn signals plus the center. This car also has a trilobo, appearing in full form for the first time.

The Alfa Romeo 412 Spider Vignale (replica) has two racing bucket seats and simple dashboard. (Picture from: GentlemenRacer)

Unfortunately, Felice Bonetto passed away in a racing accident during the 4th Carrera Panamericana racing event held in Mexico in the 1953. Since then, the race car has undergone several ownership changings. And finally it was discovered that it was under possession of Enrico Nardi until the 1960s.😭

The Alfa Romeo 412 Spider Vignale (replica) powered by was powered by a 4,500 cc, 12 cylinder V-engine. (Picture from: GentlemenRacer)

The Alfa Romeo 412's death occurred in 1960, when it was dismantled, in which the car's frame, engine and body were separated and each had a different fate since then. As we are knew, the chassis was used to make a new car model called the Silver Ray and sold under the Plymouth brand in the United States.😭

It is powered by a 320 hp V8 Plymouth's engine and is said to have been designed by Giovanni Michelotti, the famous Italian automotive designer, and was intended to be a prototype of the next production series but never been happened and remained to be the only car.

The 1960 Plymouth Silver Ray Prototype built on the Alfa Romeo 412 chassis and designed by Giovanni Michelloti. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

It was rumored, that the original Alfa Romeo 412 engine was remained in Nardi's workshop for many years until his daughter sold it at an auction at the end of 1998 and it was bought by Larry Auriana, an American collector (the possibility that he was still have it until recently), who was later restored by the Berkeley-based workshop named Epifani Restorations. 

Things are different to the Alfa Romeo 412's original body, whose its fate is unknown to this day. Could be said, that's a pretty tragic ending to such a beautiful, unique, and alluring 'suits', most likely it won't last and today it really gone.😭 And what you see in the video above is a replica of the Alfa Romeo 412 Vignale. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | RMSOTHESBYS | DAILYREVS | GENTLEMANRACER | ALFABB ]

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Loewy's Cadillac Coupe de Ville of 1959

ONE-OFF Great man behind the great works. We are back to discussing about the American car that received the touch of the great French-born American industrial designer Raymond Loewy's eccentric hand after some time ago we had discussed another American car used by Loewy as a means of realizing the dream cars for him and his wife, namely the 1941 Lincoln Continental.

1959 Cadillac Eldorado Coupe de Ville designed by Raymond Loewy with the bodywork done by Pichon et Parat in France. (Picture from: Sportscarmarket)

Raymond Loewy is known and appreciated for his legendary style of speed, beauty and simplicity. His motto "never leave well enough alone," that's exemplified through his life and made his one of the most famous stylists of the time. Then in 1959, he was also known to have designed the Cadillac Eldorado Coupe de Ville later to be used as one of his personal vehicles from 1959 to 1970.

1959 Cadillac Eldorado Coupe de Ville powered by a 390-ci 4-bbl V8 engine coupled with automatic transmission system. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

The car was purchased in new condition and after the design was completed it was immediately sent to Pichon et Parat, his favorite coachbuilder company based in Paris. At the coachbuilder workshop, the car would be redesigned and transformed into a stylish and elegant coupe, after its completion it was shown off fo the first time at the 1959 Paris Auto Salon.

1959 Cadillac Eldorado Coupe de Ville posed along with Raymond Loewy, its designer. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

This Loewy's Cadillac Eldorado Coupe de Ville designed to be appeared in a unique and unusual style, it clearly can be seen from the appearance of the car without a conventional grille in front, instead it's replaced by the small ventilation holes that are colored according to the color of the car body. It was very rarely applied to a car model at that time.

1959 Cadillac Eldorado Coupe de Ville designed by Raymond Loewy with the bodywork done by Pichon et Parat. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

After finished, initially the body of the Loewy's Cadillac Eldorado was painted in light gray metallic with the roof in white. Later, at some point of the car was repainted in metallic gold, perhaps it was done by Loewy himself.

1959 Cadillac Eldorado Coupe de Ville designed by Raymond Loewy with the bodywork done by Pichon et Parat. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

Conceptually, the car's appearance almost resembles a European sports car, but in general the simplicity of the lines of his car designing is contradicting to the executive class car at that time. But the interior, engine and platform remain unchanged, apparently Raymond has no complaints about these spare parts. As in other cars, not everyone likes the design results, this also happens to his Caddy appearance and Loewy has no bother either. The one-off Caddy was used for years by Loewy and his family in Europe, then shipped back home to the States, where it spent time in New York and Palm Springs, California and driven up to as far as 41 thousand kilometers such recorded on its odometer at the time. In January 1971 he sold the rare car to neighbors in Palm Springs, a car collector named Mimo Zaccuri. And for a moment the car had not seen by the public, until at the end, it's reappeared while auctioned by Barret-Jackson at the Scottsdale 2010. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | JALOPNIK | CARSTYLING.RU | SPORTSCARMARKET | BARRET-JACKSON ]

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Meet the first Corvette retractable hardtop version

ONE-OFF The Corvette is one of the iconic American muscle cars have its own uniqueness so that it will never outdate when it's becomes a discussion subject. No exception to this muscle and beautiful Corvette of the 1958. Actually, those car mentioned above, later known as the Corvette 'Scotty' Retractable Hardtop is not a factory prototype issued by the Chevrolet, but is said to be the creation of an inside job as a private project. How could this be happened? Here's the story behind it;

1958 Corvette 'Scotty' has special feature with the hardtop able to retract into the trunk. (Picture from: Macsmotorcitygarage)

For years, there were the stories have circulated amongst the Corvette collectors of the existence of an unusual version of the Vette with retractable hardtop. One of theose stories mentioned that there was an unusual Chevy production on one of the Corvette models in the 1958, ie a special version featured with the hardtop able to retract into its trunk like the Ford Skyliner has.

1958 Corvette 'Scotty' Retractable Hardtop once painted in white before repainted in 1989 into its current black color. (Picture from: Corvetteactioncentre)

Many Vette enthutiasts even automotive experts mentioned ever have seen those eccentric shape. Some of them said that the unusual Vette was seen around Detroit, then Florida. Then said, its color is white. No, black. No, it was white with red coves. Some versions of the legend claimed there was not only one, but three Corvettes with retractable hardtop. Furthermore they construed that's a genuine factory product of a kind of the rare prototype that somehow managed to escape into the wild.

As it turns out, there really are such cars, and only one has ever been built. Though it wasn't a factory project, the unique Vette was made by Francis H. Scott, a General Motors stylist, uniquely that the entire work process was not done inside the GM's studio. Then where? He created and built the Vette with retractable hardtop in his living room. So that at this point, we can understand why there're many have been fooled before.

1958 Corvette 'Scotty' was not a GM's factory project, but rebuilt by Francis H. Scott, a General Motor stylist in his living room. (Picture from: Macsmotorcitygarage)

As quoted of Macsmotorcitygarage, that Francis H. Scott really wanted to have a Corvette. And of course, he would not be able to buy the dream car he wanted, if only relied on the salary obtained from GM (considering the Corvette base price at the time was around $3,600). However he has expertise in clay modeling and fiberglass lay-up where he was working as a sculptor in the GM Styling Section.

In short, in the late of 1958 he purchased a wrecked and and written-off 1958 Corvette from an insurance company for $ 900. The car is loaded into his living room through the front door by removing the windshield and shattered body shells fit sideways. 

Then he set to work rebuilding it, with the original plan just wanted to repair it. The idea for a retractable roof came spontaneous when he started working on it, pure serendipity, due to his cramped work area. Coincidentally, the entire rear of the car was opened for repair, then he found a way that the Corvette able to lift-off its hardtop and stowed neatly in the trunk.

The idea for a retractable roof came spontaneous when he started working on it, pure serendipity, due to his cramped work area. (Picture from: Macsmotorcitygarage)

For his retracting mechanism, Scoot borrowed from the Skyliner which is much more complicated, but was later made to be simpler by him. The entire fabrication work, including the rear window frames, is done from fiberglass, from clay patterns and molds. Then he filed a patent on the design of the hinged track mechanism in 1962 and was granted in 1965 by a patent No. 3,180,677. Those mechanism has ever been offered to the GM management, but unfortunately they expressed no interest in Scott’s concept whatsoever.

After completion, this car was used by Scoot as its daily vehicle for nearly 6 years, before being swapped for another Chevrolet. This car had disappeared at a momment and only appeared occasionally which then made the rumors mentioned above. The unique car nicknamed Scotty (in honor of its creator) was known to have been in Florida for some time, repainted at least once, from black to two-tone white-and-red, then disappeared until 1989. When Terry Michaelis bought it, kept it and then restored back in 1994.

In 2005, the Corvette retractable hardtop was auctioned off in Barrett-Jackson, where it was sold for $ 340,200. The car is currently in the collections of car mega-dealer, NASCAR team owner and collector Rick Hendrick. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MACSMOTORCITYGARAGE | PROTEAMCORVETTE | BARRETT-JACKSON ]

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