Sports LEGEND Every automotive brand must have the legendary model of their own, there are even some brands that have more than one model that is included in the legendary category. In our opinion, usually one car model gets the legendary label if it has a such unique design then makes an extraordinary sales record that has never achieved before, or has won racing events, or able to achieve another special records within a certain period of time.
Volvo P1800 produced by Volvo start in 1961 due to the automaker company wanted to give a slightly more dynamic brand image. (Picture from: id.Motor1)
Well on this occasion, we would like to discuss about one of the legendary car models that was once owned by the Swedish car brand, Volvo back in the 1960s. And the story begins back in the 1950s, when those Swedish automaker company wanted to give a slightly more dynamic brand image and it was for this reason they then decided to do something about it by adding a coupe model later named Volvo P1800 to their sedan and family car lineup.
Volvo P1800 was the first variant produced in UK by Pressed Steel and Jensen Motors. (Picture from: MartinFromKent's Twitter)
But to produce a coupe which is always almost identical to a sports car was a new experience for Volvo, considering they have never made it before. Well, this became such a kind of tough challenge for those Swedish brand. For the design, they went to study with its experts whose at that time were mostly Italian. In short, the Swedish manufacturer came to Pietro Frua's workshop in Turin to develop classic and elegant bodywork appeared with a long snout and small cockpit which adorned by two massive and striking fins at rear.
Volvo P1800 S was the second variant made in Sweden for production control effectiveness reason started in 1963. (Picture from: id.Motor1)
As for the platform and mechanics sector, Volvo chose the Amazon 120, a longitudinal engine with a rear-wheel drive scheme and a rigid axle at the rear. However, to apply such engine, the wheelbase must be shortened by 14 cm, as a result, the 1.8 liter engine is capable of spitting out about 100 hp of power. Over the years during its production period, the engine power also evolved to 130 hp along with increasing displacement to 2 liters in 1969, and using the injection system.
Volvo P1800 S is powered by a longitudinal 1.8 liter 100 hp engine with rear-wheel drive scheme and a rigid axle at the rear. (Picture from: id.Motor1)
After that another problem arose because Volvo did not yet have the facilities to produce it, so in 1961 when the P1800 model was approved for production, the entire production process was carried out by a third party. Initially Volvo submitted the entire bodywork process including painting and final assembly to Karmann Gmbh. a German company based in Osnabrück, but they turned it down. Finally, the whole process was entrusted to be done by Pressed Steel and Jensen Motors, in England.
Volvo P1800 E was the third variant started to production in 1970, and changed its drivetrain. (Picture from: id.Motor1)
However, in 1963, the Swedish manufacturer decided to cease the previous production method because it was deemed unsatisfactory due to logistical problems as well as the final quality of the materials and the final product. Therefore, the company chose to return all production processes to Sweden, and changed the model name to Volvo P1800 S.
Volvo P1800 E is known as the variant powered by a 2 liter engine with fuel injection system. (Picture from: id.Motor1)
During more than 10 years of production until 1973, Volvo has produced several variants of this model with a total production of 47,492 units, ranging of the Volvo P1800 produced in the UK, then continued with Swedish-made, the Volvo P1800S. Then there is the Volvo P1800 E known as the variant powered by a 2 liter engine with fuel injection system.
Volvo P1800 ES was the fourth variant started to production in 1972 with a quite strange two doors station wagon style accompanied by an all glass rear-door. (Picture from: id.Motor1)
In 1972, there's new variant with a quite strange bodywork is launched, and known as the Volvo 1800 ES. This model carries a sleek two doors station wagon style accompanied by an all glass rear-door. Could it be said that the 1800 ES model is successful model in sale, so the company produced it as many as 8,077 units during its two years of production until 1973.
Volvo P1800 ES is known as the most successful variant in sale, so the company produced it as many as 8,077 units during its two years of production until 1973. (Picture from: id.Motor1)
The Swedish-made sports coupe reaches its peak of popularity when it appears in the British television series "The Saint" starred by famous actors Roger Moore, and was produced from 1962 to 1969 in six seasons with a total of 118 episodes. In those TV series the Volvo P1800 was used as the Simon Templar's car.
Volvo P1800 Cyan is known the modern version of P1800 made by the automaker's racing division to commemorate the glory day of the model. (Picture from: CNET)
~Modern Interpretation~ It doesn't just stop there, in 2020 to commemorate the glory of the Volvo P1800, the Swedish manufacturer has revived its legendary model in a modern version named Volvo P1800 Cyan through Cyan Racing, its racing division (formerly known as Polestar). Now, this Volvo sports car legend is powered by a 2,000 cc turbocharged 4-cylinder engine capable of producing around 413 hp and 455 Nm of torque. The engine power is then transfers to its rear wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission system. Unfortunately, there's no performance numbers came out.
Volvo P1800 Cyan is powered by a 2,000 cc turbocharged 4-cylinder engine capable of producing around 413 hp and 455 Nm of torque.(Picture from: GridOto)
In addition to having a high-performance engine, this modern version of Volvo P1800 was a good looking, where the surface of the Volvo P1800 body is layered with a mixture of carbon fiber and high quality steel. So by using a such high-quality materials like this, the modern version of the Volvo P1800 has a very light weight, which is only 990 kg. Then as you could be seen, its legs is equipped with overhauled suspension couled with two-way dampers, then it wore the 18-inch wheels and are wrapped in high-performance tires from Pirelli P Zero. Cool, right?
As quoted of CNET, the Swedish company plans to make it in a limited number of only 100 units. While for a single unit of the Volvo P1800 Cyan to be sold start at price of $700,000 (approx Rp.10.448 billions) Although the price is expensive, it seems suitable and comparable to other high-end retro vehicles. Are You interested? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CYANCARS | CNET | ID.MOTOR1 | MARTINFROMKENT' TWITTER ]
Rare ONES This time we will discuss about a compact-sized sports car made by Mitsuoka. Did you know those Japanese auto brand? Well, if anyone doesn't know about the brand, that's natural because the Mitsuoka only markets a limited number of car products.
The Mitsuoka Rock Star's styling is modelled after a classic American muscle car, specifically the Chevrolet Corvette C2 of the 1960s. (Picture from: BusinessTimes)
Well, back in 2018, the Japanese car maker, which is known for its quirky design, has again shocked the automotive world in Japan by introducing the Mitsuoka Rock Star figure. Uniquely in appearances and designs, the Mitsuoka Rock Star's figure is not like its predecessor Mitsuoka Orochi or even Mitsuoka Himiko.
When you see this Mitsuoka Rock Star, what's car immediately comes to your mind? In our opinion, as you've seen from the front and back this Mitsuoka's roadster model has similarity designs to the Corvette Stingray C2. However there are clearly some differences, such the Mitsuoka Rock Star has no pop-up headlights, its design lines from the side is more rounded, and looks more modern, plus the rear stern is more sloping.
The
Mazda MX-5 ND or known as the 4th gen of Mazda MX-5 Miata used as the car basis of the Mitsuoka Rock Star. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
Well, did Mitsuoka build this roadster from scratch? Of course not. If you look closely at the car's body line on the side, as you can see there's the doors and rear-mirrors typical shape. From there you can gues the car's base used to build this Mitsuoka Rock Star. Well, those doors and rear-mirrors are still similar with ones attached on the Mazda MX-5 ND (known as the 4th generation of Mazda Miata) which used as the basis of this Mitsuoka roadster.
The
Mitsuoka Rock Star is is powered by a 1,500 cc SkyActiv-G engine that
capable burst out power of 132 PS, and 152 Nm of torque combined with a
6-speed manual or automatic transmission. (Picture from: CarBuyer)
Then for what purpose is the Mitsuoka Rock Star built? The car was intended as a celebration form of the Mitsuoka's 50th anniversary. Well, like the company's previous models, the Mitsuoka Rock Star was sold only for the Japanese Domestic Market with the number of production was only 200 units (with only one unit has left-sided steering wheel), and the model production ceased on February 14, 2021.
The
Mitsuoka Rock Star has similar interior setting as the Mazda MX-5 ND, differ only its logo. (Picture from: BusinessTimes)
Okay, let's discuss the car's design aspects. First from the front, the car's headlights are rounded and small plus it uses a projector model ones. There are no other lights on the front side except for the headlights and a small turn signal at the end of the front bumper. Then what about the bumper? It's cool, and shiny because it has a lot of chrome there, fits the retro concept carried by the car. Its hood also looks muscular with holes and bulges in the middle. While on the side, this car gets 15-inch five-spoke wheels with gunmeal color and black mirrors.
There is a metal strip on the side coupled with the gray-painted side skirts. While the roof, canvas, and the doors still came up under the Miata style. Next, slide to the back side, as you can see the car's has two rounded taillights, and again similar to the Stingray C2, and there are jumbo-sized chrome accents in the shape of a wing like on the rear side. While the rear bumper is gray, harmonizing to its side-skirts. The rear trunk looks sloping and provides quite large of storage spaces.
The
Mitsuoka Rock Star has has two rounded taillights, and again similar to the Stingray C2, and there are jumbo-sized chrome accents in the shape of a wing like on the rear side. (Picture from: CarBuyer)
Then what about the interior? If you've ever seen the interior of the Mazda MX-5 ND, then that's the Mitsuoka Rock Star has also, differ only its logo. It's a shame the interior didn't come with a retro concept. And the last thing is the engine, Mitsuoka Rock Star still relies on Mazda's MX-5 ND engine as well, namely the 1,500 cc SkyActiv-G engine that capable burst out power of 132 PS, and 152 Nm of torque combined with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.
Then, how much do fans have to spend in order to bring home this Mitsuoka Rock Star? When it was launched back in 2018, this unique car was priced at around JPN ¥4,688,200 (approx Rp. 633.5 millions). Expensive? Well, it depends, but at least the Mitsuoka Rock Star can be an alternative for those of you who don't want to have a mainstream style while to drive with a Mazda MX-5 in Japan. So, what do you think? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ID.MOTOR1 | BUSINESSTIMES ]
Rare ONES Because some time ago we discussed about such a unique American legendary muscle car named the 1976 Corvette Greenwood Sportwagon. Well, on this occasion we are back to discuss other more famous Corvette variants, namely the Corvette XP-755 Mako Shark I and Corvette XP-830 Mako Shark II.
The Corvette XP-830 Mako Shark II (foreground) and Corvette XP-755 Mako Shark I (background) designed by Larry Shinoda in 1961 and 1965, under the direction of GM's Head of Design Division then, Bill Mitchell. (Picture from: AlphaCoders)
Both are known to be a concept car series created by automotive designer Larry Shinoda in 1961 and 1965, under the direction of GM's Head of Design Division then, Bill Mitchell. These concept car series were originally intended to be the base concepts of the Corvette's future cars. As quoted from OtoBlitz, these Corvette Mako Shark designs are said to have been inspired by a mako shark that was caught by Mitchell off the coast of Florida which was reportedly later displayed on the wall of his office.
The Corvette XP-830 Mako Shark II (foreground) posed along with the Corvette XP-755 Mako Shark I (background) outside the GM Technical Center. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
Later, the Corvette Mako Shark I concept along with the Corvette Stingray race car (also designed by Mitchell and Shinoda in 1959) influenced the sleek styling of the 1963 Chevrolet Corvette, including the bulging fender design. Meanwhile, the Mako Shark II influenced the redesigned Corvette C3 of 1968.
The Corvette XP-755 Mako Shark I is built on the platform of the 1958 Corvette XP-700 'double-bubble' concept, with a slightly modified chassis equipped with cast magnesium wheels. (Picture from: AlphaCoders)
However, as a concept, the Mako Shark design does look more 'dramatic' and different from all other Corvette models. The Corvette Mako Shark I prototype is built on the platform of the 1958 Corvette XP-700 'double-bubble' concept, with a slightly modified chassis equipped with cast magnesium wheels.
The Corvette XP-755 Mako Shark I featured with six taillights, a longer and sharper muzzle similar to the
appearance of a real shark, and a wide glass roof with side mirrors
designed like a periscope. (Picture from: AlphaCoders)
Furthermore, the Corvette Mako Shark I is featured with six taillights, a longer and sharper muzzle similar to the appearance of a real shark, and a wide glass roof with side mirrors designed like a periscope. The Mako Shark prototype is covered in mixed color paint, which is based on a blue top surface grading to white on the underbody, exactly resembling the natural color of the mako shark.
The Corvette XP-755 Mako Shark I after modification with the hood and front facia were modified and the interior was updated, and
the car also lost the distinctive "double-bubble" canopy. (Picture from: AlphaCoders)
As quoted of Wikipedia, like many show cars, the Mako Shark I underwent styling and detail changes over time. As You can see, the hood and front facia were modified and the interior was updated, and the car also lost the distinctive "double-bubble" canopy. The car was retroactively dubbed the Mako Shark I when the Mako Shark II debuted in 1965.
The Corvette XP-755 Mako Shark I is powered by a very powerful Chevy ZL1 V8 engine capable of spitting out around 425 horsepower. (Picture from: GMHeritageCenter)
For its drivetrain, the 1961 Corvette XP-775 Mako Shark I concept was originally built without an engine and intended for display only. However, that doesn't mean the automaker never thought of a balanced engine pair for the concept car, as a number of experimental engines had tested on the Mako Shark, including a four carburetors super-charged engine, a dual four-barrel carburetors engine, and a fuel-injected V8 engine.
The Corvette XP-830 Mako Shark II had a heavy Italian accent, no wonder if the car was one of those designs that is perfect from every angle of view. (Picture from: AlphaCoders)
Eventually in 1965, the Corvette XP-830 Mako Shark II concept was then equipped with a very powerful Chevy ZL1 V8 engine. The engine has dimensions of 427 cubic inches and a capacity of 6,997 cc consisting of an aluminum block, intake manifold, and head.
Since the Corvette XP-830 Mako Shark II was used as the basis for the 1969 Manta Ray, so currently there're no-real models (in pictured was the replica built by Hanspeter Boehi). (Picture from: MotorTrend)
The engine is capable of spitting out around 425 horsepower, and it seems the Chevy ZL1 engine is a perfect paired for the Mako Shark. Inevitably over time because of the popularity of the concept car, then many automotive enthusiasts and enthusiasts at that time asked to install the Chevy ZL1 engine under the hood of the Mako Shark I as well.
The replica of the Corvette XP-830 Mako Shark II built by Hanspeter Boehi based on the GM's official U.S. Patent illustrations of the original Mako Shark II model. (Picture from: CorvetteReport)
Although not the fastest of its time, the Mako Concept was an American sports car with a top speed of 120 miles per hour. Well, with lightning speed, as well as a glossy dark blue white paint finish, thus fostering a match between the name and performance of the car.
Since the Corvette XP-830 Mako Shark II was used as the basis for
the 1969 Manta Ray, so currently there're no-real models.😢 As quoted of CorvetteReport, now there's the most similar replicas ever, it built based on the GM's official U.S. Patent illustrations of the original Mako Shark II model by a Swiss automotive enthusiast named Hanspeter Boehi.
While the Mako Shark I concept cars now reside in safe at the GM Heritage Center located in Sterling Heights, Michigan, along with other GM automotive phenomenas. The Chevy Mako Shark concept is perhaps the most sought after Corvettes of all. With its unusual innovative style and captivating characteristics, it is certain that the Mako Shark series will remain a legend forever. 😎 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GMHERITAGECENTER | WIKIPEDIA | MOTORTREND | CORVETTEREPORT ]
Keep on Dreaming Perhaps for some of the world' automotive fans, to have a supercar just a dream, because most of us were not ones whose have financial ability to make those dream come true. So be it, that's okay.
The Filandi Uragano is two-seater supercar built by Filandi Moreno based upon a steel tube space-frame chassis with hand formed aluminum bodywork. (Picture from: Classic and Recreation Sportscars)
But if you have a little imagination and capability, you can have a supercar of your own! That's right, by imitating what has been done by creative people who have succeeded in making their dreams come true. One of such creative people who managed to make the supercar by themselves is Moreno Filandi.
The Filandi Uragano is powered by an Audi 4.2 liter V8 600 hp turbo engine, and said capable to make it running up to top speed of 320 kph. (Picture from: Classic and Recreation Sportscars)
He is an automotive enthusiast who has a passion for supercars for a long time and also the owner of Auto Filandi, an auto repair shop in northern Italy. Remarkably not one but two supercars ever made by him. Even he took a lion figure as his car's emblem to describe how diligent and eager he was.
The Filandi Uragano is built for almost 4 years entirely by hand including the brakes, suspension and steering system, and first introduced to public in 2008. (Picture from: AutoMania.it)
The first supercar named Filandi Uragano (car's name derived from an Italian word means Hurricane) which was finished in 2008, after built for almost 4 years entirely by hand including the brakes, suspension and steering systems. When the Uragano was first introduced to public it's unpainted, lastly its exterior was changed to yellow.
The Filandi Ever S is a one-off speedster built based on the Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster (R129), and powered by a 5.0 liter natulally-aspirated V8 300 hp engine. (Picture from: Motor1)
This 2-seater supercar has the style of a beautiful coupe, and built based upon a steel tube space-frame chassis with hand formed aluminum bodywork and cost him several hundred thousands euros. Meanwhile under the hood there is an Audi 4.2 liter V8 600 hp turbo engine, previously found in an old Audi A8 sedan.
The Filandi Ever S was first introduced to public in 2014 with paintless aluminum body shaped entirely by hand. (Picture from: Motor1)
While the Moreno Filandi's second car named Filandi Ever S appears in a unique speedster style which was completed in 2014, and shown with unpainted body. This roofless sportscar was built under a typical Filandi's design style inspired by the legendary Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrow race car and also featured with a unique gullwing style doors.
It was said that this unpainted unique two-seater open-top sports car is built based on the Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster (R129)model and is powered by a 5.0 liter natulally-aspirated V8 300 hp engine.
Rare ONES Become scarce with limited production, ie as many as 1,635 units, Renault Sport Spider is not an ordinary vehicle models produced by the famous French car manufacturer. Renault Sport Spider was introduced in 1996, following a concept version presented at the 1996 Geneva Motor Show, and that was Renault's way to promote their sporty side through this special roadster.
The Renault's iconic mid-engined with rear-wheel drive speedster is intended to be an usual sportscar as well as a racing car in special racing event organized by the French company, and was produced until 1999.
Right side view of 1997 Renault Sport Spider. (Picture from: Silverstone Auctions)
As qouted of Silverstone Auctions, this special Spider was designed to race, and 80 track-only Trophy models rolled out of the Dieppe factory during the production run destined to compete in the Spider Trophy, a model-specific racing series which was similar to the R8 Gordini Cup of the 1960s.
Steering wheel and dashboard view of 1997 Renault Sport Spider. (Picture from: Silverstone Auctions)
And one of the Renault Sport Spider had auctioned by the Silverstone Auctions back in 2021 was known left the Renault's
factory in Dieppe, France in 1997, and became one of only 60 car units
that having the windscreen equipped, right-handed steeringwheel and
produced for the UK market. This car has registration number,
K5 MMS.
1997 Renault Sport Spider is powered by a mid-mounted 2.0-litre, DOHC F7R four-cylinder engine. (Picture from: Silverstone Auctions)
This Renault Sport Spideris powered by a mid-mounted 2.0-litre, DOHC F7R four-cylinder engine (no, C000911) which was borrowed from the Clio Williams and later used in the Mégane Coupé,
which is able to spew the power up to 150 hp which can make the Sport
Spider accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 6.9 seconds, before reaching a
top speed of 134 mph or 216 km/h.
Rear three-quarter view of 1997 Renault Sport Spider. (Picture from: Silverstone Auctions)
More special, this Renault sports car just been used in distance of 7,800 miles on its odometer, unfortunately when it had auctioned by Silverstone Auctions at the Race Retro Live Online Auction 2021 held on March 27, 2021, the car was not sold. 😢
As we quoted from here, this kind of Renault Sport Spider is estimated has a price tag of €35 thousand to €50 thousand, or approximately Rp.631 millions up to Rp.902 millions. Well, it's pretty expensive, isn't it? 😎 *** [EKA [24052015] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SILVERSTONE AUCTIONS | REEZOCAR ]
As quoted of CNET, the Swedish company plans to make it in a limited number of only 100 units. While for a single unit of the Volvo P1800 Cyan to be sold start at price of $700,000 (approx Rp.10.448 billions) Although the price is expensive, it seems suitable and comparable to other high-end retro vehicles. Are You interested? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CYANCARS | CNET | ID.MOTOR1 | MARTINFROMKENT' TWITTER ]
