Let's PLAY! If you are a playboy or a guy who likes to have fun, what car is suitable for you? Is it an Italian roadster, English limousine, or a rare car whose name is the same as your personality?
A rare unique 1948 Playboy A48. (Picture from: RM Sotheby)
Yes, this unique car name is the Playboy A48 which was produced in 1948. This rare car was the brainchild of Louis Horwitz, a Buffalo Packard dealer; Charles Thomas, a Pontiac engineer; and service station owner Norman Richardson. And reportedly, this car was not made much, and only numbered less than 100 units.
Left side view of 1948 Playboy A48. (Picture from: RM Sotheby)
As reported by RM Sotheby's sites, the Playboy A48 made its debut at the Statler Hotel in Buffalo in the autumn of 1946. The prototype car was a three-passenger runabout with a canvas top, propelled by a rear-mounted Hercules four-cylinder engine.
By the summer of 1947, they had changed to a front-engine configuration and were building a few Continental-powered cars, now with a manually operated retractable hardtop.
Interior view of 1948 Playboy A48. (Picture from: RM Sotheby)
The car using a four-cylinder engine with a total capacity of 2 liters which is only capable of spewing power of 40 hp. From the engine, those power is transferred through a 3-speed manual transmission system. This car has a top speed of 125 km/hour.
Rear side view of 1948 Playboy A48. (Picture from: RM Sotheby)
But unfortunately, Playboy did not last long, because the auto maker company was declared bankrupt in the 1950s, and the remaining car was then sold by distributor Alvin Trumbul, the Hartford, Connecticut, distributor, who sold many of them to a former dealer in Massachusetts.
Reportedly the name was fondly remembered by Hugh Hefner from his childhood and the rest is history. Then, he borrowed the name of this car to build his male entertainment empire named Playboy.
This Playboy A48 is the last model, and once owned by a Florida car collector since the 1960s. Not long ago, these two tone classic colored car was finished repairing, and has been auctioned by RM Sotheby. In the auction held on next October, the car is offered at prices ranging from $55,000 to $75,000. Well, how much is the final price of this car when it was sold at those auction? Does anyone here know about that? Hope you don't mind to share with us through the comment section below. *** [EKA [27092018] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSCOOPS | RM SOTHEBY'S]
Unique ONES Well, this blue and white colored 1966 Volkswagen Kombi with a unique dimensions became one of the vehicles had included on the auction list of the Barrett Jackson, a Las Vegas-based auction house.
1966 Volkswagen Shorty Kombi by Gas Monkey Garage. (Picture from: GasMonkeyGarage)
Gas Monkey Garage auto modification workshops was the creator of the unique shorty VW Kombi. From the car's original known were have a big and length dimensions, and then Gas Monkey Garage cut the car's frame becomes shorter. But, unfortunately not known this VW dimension now.
Interior view of 1966 Volkswagen Shorty Kombi by Gas Monkey Garage. (Picture from: GasMonkeyGarage)
Its wheelbase looks no more than one meter. Nevertheless the classic VW Kombi been designed by the Dallas-based automotive modification house in very precision appearance.
Right side view of 1966 Volkswagen Shorty Kombi by Gas Monkey Garage. (Picture from: GasMonkeyGarage)
But behind its unique appearance, Gas Monkey Garage has working hard to restore the original condition of this VW Kombi. At the exterior of the body that originally filled with the rust restored and given a touch of two colors white and blue.
Rear side view of 1966 Volkswagen Shorty Kombi by Gas Monkey Garage. (Picture from: GasMonkeyGarage)
And then the interior has only two front seats, and still given an original and luxurious touches. Unmitigated the layers of upholstery fabrics designed by the experts which directly imported from Germany.
For the drivetrain, it used a 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine with four-speed manual transmission. Unfortunately there is no detailed information about the machine. And this unique shorty Volkswagen Kombi has been auctioned on Sunday, October 15, 2016. *** [EKA [17102016] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GAS MONKEY GARAGE | BARRET JACKSON ]
Rare ONES A prototype of the oldest jeep formally entered into the National Historic Vehicle Register (NHVR), coinciding with Pearl Harbor Day on Monday, December 9, 2015. The jeep is meant is the Ford Pygmy GP-001.
Ford Pygmi GP-001, the world's oldest existing jeep prototype. (Picture from: Hemmings)
As reported by Hemmings, this jeep to meet three of the four criteria set by NHVR to be a historic vehicle. The criteria in question is to do with the United States historic event, dealing with a great figure, design and construction, as well as the value of the information.
According to the assessment team, with its status as a prototype, the Pygmy contribute to the design of the jeep and its role in the development of a military jeep. Moreover, according to the assessment team, the jeep is one of the main vehicles that helped the US win the war.
Yes, this jeep originally was owned by US Army during World War II. At that time, the Army claimed to need a vehicle that has the speed, lightweight but able to carry machine gun for the forefront soldiers.
Rear side view of Ford Pygmi GP-001. (Picture from: Hemmings)
After all, there are three manufacturers that send the prototypes: Bantam, Willys and Ford. Although Bantam who first made a prototype jeep, but Pygmy who still survive until today.
In fact, when compared to the other two models, the Pygmy prototypes fairly simplest. For example, the flat and very stiff front grill, while the other models have been equipped with rounded hoodlines grating. In addition, this model is also known is not the fastest or lighter than others.
After the war, only the Pygmy is the most exist. On September 1982, a jeep and then auctioned off to a man named Randy Withrow. He then handed over the world's oldest jeep to Veterans Memorial Museum in Huntsville, Alabama. Luckily, the jeep was treated so well that the condition is still maintained until now. *** [EKA [12122015] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HEMMINGS DAILY]
Unique ONES It should be acknowledged that thanks to abundant experiences from a number Italian manufacturers whose had been tested in producing exotic, fast cars since the early development of the world's automotive, it is not surprising then a number of Italian manufacturers such as Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Ferrari were succeeded in establishing themselves as a kind of ruler in world of racing for years.
1959 Scaglietti Corvette (in pictured is the car no. 1) is built by Scaglietti in a such way to combine a beautiful Italian design with a monstrous burst of American-made engine power. (Picture from: CorvetteBlogger)
This has also led to a fierce rivalry situation with other manufacturers espescially the American auto companies whose also have ability to produce similar great cars. Despite of the such fierce competition atmosphere, turn out many also dreaming even speculating about a car is built in a such way to combine a beautiful Italian design with a monstrous burst of American-made engine power.
1959 Scaglietti Corvette (in pictured is the car no. 1) retained its Corvette grille, while inside the interior had Stewart Warner gauges and Corvette knobs. (Picture from: CollierAutomedia)
Well this time we would like to discuss one example of such car made by an Italian coachbuilt company was based on the American muscle car, and dubbed as the Corvette Italia. So it could be said that the vehicle that is the result of a harmonious blend of the two poles of the automotive world always able to present an extraordinary sensation that is able to bring its own excitement among automotive lovers.
1959 Scaglietti Corvette (in pictured is the car no. 1) along with its 2 other siblings have resemblance shapes as the Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France. (Picture from: CollierAutomedia)
As quoted of Collier Automedia, the story begins with Gary Laughlin of Fort Worth, Texas, an oil well drilling contractor and Chevy dealership owner, always raced behind the wheel of Ferraris. Once upon a time, one of his Ferrari Monzas suffered a crankshaft failure that led to not only a useless engine, should a long and ever-pricier wait for its replacement.
This immediately sparked Laughlin's curiosity to know what it would became if an Italian bodywork built based on a Corvette chassis. When all this occurred, back in 1959, the Chevrolet Corvette's developing progress (one of the American muscle cars) under the direction of Zora Arkus-Duntov was in a positive trend that continued to increase from year to year, especially the engine.
1959 Scaglietti Corvette (in pictured is the car no. 2) has a European visage. (Picture from: CollierAutomedia)
Then, he started looking for information about the possibility to fulfil his curiosities, shortly after that he had the opportunity to talk about it with two of his Texan friends, Jim Hall and Carroll Shelby, who also have the same interest in the automotive world. It seem Laughlin’s bottomless pockets combined with Hall and Shelby’s engineering expertise were enough to make it happen. Eventually the three of them agreed to set each-one get his own Corvette Italia and then devised a plan to make it happen.
1959 Scaglietti Corvette (in pictured is the car no. 2) has reliable Chevy V-8 power under its sleek Italian skin. (Picture from: CollierAutomedia)
Firstly they contacted Chevrolet General Manager then, Ed Cole, in order to be able to take three Corvette chassis off the production line and sell them bodyless, that's not for long then they managed to get those three Vette' rolling chassis. Soon Carrol Shelby contacted his fellow American in Italy named Pete Coltrin (Road & Track's correspondent) to find a coachbuilder company willing to build a such car for him, and later arranged the delivery of all of those chassis to the country.
Perhaps the most impressive angle of 1959 Scaglietti Corvette (in pictured is the car no. 2). (Picture from: CollierAutomedia)
As quoted of Autoevolution, the Italian coachbuilder that is willing to carry out the car development project is Carrozzeria Scaglietti located across the road from the Ferrari's headquarters, and known also as the place where the iconic sportscar such the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa gets its lightweight and elegantly stylized bodies.
After the three rolling chassis arrived in Italy, Sergio Scaglietti immediately worked on it and had promised to finish it in a few months. At that time Scaglietti was working on the Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France's body, then Laughlin made a deal with Scaglietti to build a such kind coupe on those three Corvette chassis.
1959 Scaglietti Corvette (in pictured is the car no. 3) is featured with custom grilles as well as reshaped rear ends. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
Besides that, Scaglietti also accommodated a number of requests from each of the prospective car owners such as: Laughlin requested the car retain its Corvette grille, while inside the interior had Stewart Warner gauges and Corvette knobs. Meanwhile the other two came with custom grilles as well as reshaped rear ends.
1959 Scaglietti Corvette (in pictured is the car no. 3) is currently part of the Petersen Automotive Museum collection. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
Not only limited to the shape, to the powertrain which is installed under the hood as well, for example, the Shelby’s car was powered by a 315-hp Ramjet fuel-injected version of the 283-ci (4.3-liter) small-block mated to a Borg-Warner T-10 four-speed manual, whereas the other two were initially fitted with four-barrel-carb variants linked to Powerglide automatics.
Meanwhile, to support the legs, all three bespoke rides dubbed Corvette Italia are equipped with drum brakes behind all four wheels, independent suspensions in the front, and a solid axle supported by leaf springs in the rear.
The Simplicity reigns on the dash of 1959 Scaglietti Corvette (in pictured is the car no. 3). (Picture from: Autoevolution)
Although initially it was promised by Scaglietti that the work on all these cars would be done within a few months, but in fact it took almost two years until they were shipped back to the US. This is understandable because from the start the car project was done secretly away from publicity, besides that Scaglietti should be kept the project away from the prying eyes of Enzo Ferrari as well.
1959 Scaglietti Corvette (in pictured is the car no. 3) is powered by a 315-hp Ramjet fuel-injected version of the 283-ci (4.3-liter) small-block mated to a Borg-Warner T-10 four-speed manual. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
Despite Shelby and Hall’s efforts, the cars never lived up to the expectations of outperforming the era’s Ferraris. Even if they were around 400 pounds (181 kg) lighter than any production C1, the chassis setup made them feel heavy and imprecise.
Unfortunately 1959 Scaglietti Corvette (in pictured is the car no. 3) never lived up to the expectations of outperforming the era’s Ferraris. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
As quoted of Autoevolution, to make matters worse, the Texans were pressured by GM to cease any further development of the clandestine exotics, while across the Atlantic, an infuriated Enzo Ferrari threatened to end the partnership with Sergio Scaglietti if he continued to work with the Americans. In the years that followed, the two carbureted small-block cars were upgraded with the same powertrain setups as Shelby’s variant, as well as a series of scoops.
All of them have survived after exchanging owners multiple times.The one built for the Le Mans-winning driver and engineer has become the most coveted, even though he never actually owned it. Shortly after it was shipped back from Italy, Shelby claimed it was too expensive for what it could do and ended up pulling out of the deal. And now, the car no.3 is currently part of the Petersen Automotive Museum collection. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOEVOLUTION | COLLIERAUTOMEDIA | SUPERCARS.NET | CORVETTEBLOGGER ]
Stunning BEAUTY Well, almost sixty-three years ago, Maserati introduced a unique appearance 2+2 coupé at the Salone del'automobile di Torino (Turin Motor Show) 1959. No doubt, the Maserati 5000 GT, that's the car's name later immediately became expo' star at that time, and emerged to be the most in demand vehicle by many famous people, because its beauty elegante designs.
The Maserati 5000GT 'Scia di Persia' is built by Carrozzeria Touring, and based on the Maserati 3500GT is developed the superleggera tubing and aluminum body of the two-seater coupe. (Picture from: SecretClassics)
It all started with the fulfillment of the wishes of the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, when His-Majesty had a chance to try driving the Maserati 3500 GT in late 1958, then fallen in love to the car. However, His-Majesty wanted something more.
The
Maserati 5000GT 'Scia di Persia' is powered by a V8 engine derived from the Maserati 450S race car after the capacity was increased to 5.0 liters. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)
Shortly after the Modena-based automaker accommodated His-Majesty Shah of Iran' desire through the company's Technical Director then, Giulio Alfieri. This is understandable, because Maserati wants to give the best to its potential, loyal customers, which is then directly carried out those car project under code name of AM103.
As many as 22 of 34 units of the Maserati 5000GT (in pictured the 1960 model) were built by Carrozzeria Allemano. (Picture from: Pinterest)
Unmitigated, the Italian company then installed a V8 engine derived from the Maserati 450S race car after the capacity was increased to 5.0 liters. For your info, the Maserati 450S is a racing car that successfully led the legendary racer Juan Manuel Fangio and Jean Behra to be winners at one of the world's famous endurance races, the 12-Hours of Sebring 1957.
The Maserati 5000GT (in pictured the 1960 model) is bodied by Carrozzeria Monterosa. (Picture from: SportsCarDigest)
The Shah of Iran's sports car lightweight bodywork was built based on the strengthened Maserati 3500 GT chassis, and done by Carrozzeria Touring to give an elegant touches to its appearances. In short, it was born a very beautiful and elegant 2+2 coupé as a tribute to the Maserati's special customer, the Shah of Iran, called the Maserati 5000 GranTurismo 'Scià di Persia', and shown to public for the first time at the Salone dell'automobile di Torino 1959.
The Maserati 5000GT (in pictured the 1961 model) is built by Pininfarina, and once owned by Fiat boss, Gianni Agnelli. (Picture from: Pinterest)
Initially the Modena-based car manufacturer only planned to make only 3 units of the Maserati 5000 GT. However then the company's production plans had been changed, after the Maserati's beautiful car creation appeared again at the 1960 Geneva Motor Show with a number of revisions to the engine.
The Maserati 5000GT (in pictured the 1961 model) was a special one-off car designed by Sergio Sartorelli of Ghia on behalf of Fernandino Innocenti. (Picture from: Secret-Classics)
At the time, the car turned out managed to enchant the expo visitors, due to beside it has high-performance, the car considered has prestigious, exclusive looks, comfortable as well.
The Maserati 5000GT (in pictured the 1962 model) was a
special one-off car by Bertone. (Picture from: Secret-Classics)
As a consequence of the car's super special character so then making its production cost high and should be sold at an exorbitant price tags. And no wonder then Maserati only made 34 units of the 5000 GT worldwide.
The Maserati 5000GT (in pictured the 1962 model) was a
special one-off car by Frua. (Picture from: Flickr)
In addition, the Maserati 5000 GT available in a variety of bodywork
options done by well-known coachbuilder companies, namely Allemano,
Pininfarina, Monterosa, Ghia, Bertone, Frua, and Michelotti.
The Maserati 5000GT (in pictured the 1962 model) was coachbuilt by Michelotti on behalf of an American rich racing mogul Briggs Cunningham. (Picture from: Flickr)
Many of the world's top figures, celebrities and millionaires at that time, such as Karim Aga Khan, Gianni Agnelli (the leader of Italian autogiant company, Fiat), Ferdinando Innocenti (the founder and owner of an Italian scooter brand, Lambretta), Stewart Granger (famous film actor), to Adolfo López Mateos (President of Mexico) were noted as the owner of Maserati 5000 GT.
And even Carrozzeria Touring in 2018 had ever launched all-new hyper-exclusive coupé called Touring Superleggera Sciadipersia at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. The car was touted as a modern interpretation of the Maserati 5000 GT 'Scià di Persia', and is built based on the Maserati Granturismo two-door coupé. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MASERATI | CARROZZERIA-ITALIANI | SECRET-CLASSICS ]
Rare ONES As on several occasions ago, we have discussed in the previous article about several car models made by Bizzarrini S.p.A. the Italian automotive company, and one of them, the legendary Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada. Coincedentally while surfing in the internet, we got pictures of such a unique GT prototype with a 2+2 configuration made by those Livorno-based automaker, which is said related to the brand's legendary model.
Bizzarrini GT America 2+2 is a grand tourer style and designed specifically for the American market without compromising any quality of the 5300 GT Strada. (Picture from: BringATrailer)
Well, on this occasion we would like to discuss about mentioned 2+2 prototype called the Bizzarrini GT America 2+2. As quoted of Bizzarrini's official sites, as the name suggests this unique car is carried a grand tourer style and designed specifically for the American market without compromising any quality of the 5300 GT Strada.
Bizzarrina GT America 2+2 exhibits many hallmarks of Bizzarrini 5300 road cars as well as Iso Rivolta and Grifo models, but with a more modern (though no less interesting) body. (Picture from: StuartParrClassics)
From what it looks, the one-off built prototype exhibits many hallmarks of Bizzarrini 5300 road cars as well as Iso Rivolta and Grifo models. This is not surprising because this car is based on the Strada, but with a more modern (though no less interesting) body. Unfortunately, its designer goes unmentioned, but something about it suggests Frua may have been involved.
Bizzarrini GT America 2+2 features such modified lightweight aluminum bodywork to accommodate the rear seats. (Picture from: StuartParrClassics)
So the prototype features such modified lightweight aluminum bodywork to accommodate the rear seats.
In true 2+2 fashion, the rear seats seem as if they’d be pretty cramped
and are probably best treated as occasional-use for smaller adults,
children, or simply as an extended parcel shelf.
Bizzarrini GT America 2+2's interior flourished with brown genuine leather and carpet of the same colors. (Picture from: BringATrailer)
The exterior appearance of the Bizzarrini GT America 2+2 prototype got painted in an elegant champagne metallic touches, and matches with its interior flourished with brown genuine leather and carpet of the same colors.
Bizzarrini GT America 2+2 is powered by an 5,354 cc Chevrolet Corvette V8 engine, coupled with a single four-barrel carburetor, and Borg Warner four-speed manual gearbox. (Picture from: BringATrailer)
While
to support its legs, the car with a wheelbase of 2,450 mm is equipped
with independent front suspensions, de Dion rear axles, and also
four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. Furthermore, the car is powered by an 5,354 cc Chevrolet Corvette V8 engine as utilized in most Bizzarrini made cars, coupled with a single four-barrel carburetor, Borg Warner four-speed manual gearbox chanelled a power of 355 hp to drive its rear wheels, and providing a claimed top speed that approached of 180 mph.
Bizzarrini GT America 2+2 made its first public appearance at the Turin Auto Show 1968, never entered the company's production lines after that. (Picture from: StuartParrClassics)
After being completed, this car made its first public appearance at the Turin Auto Show 1968. As quoted of Stuart Parr Classics, the unique one-off prototype has had just two owners, one being Giotto Bizzarrini himself.
We're sorry, the video above about the Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada is not a prototype under discussion. Unfortunately the car has never entered the company's production lines, and seems the automaker content with just making it ended as its show car that the boss occasionally uses for sightseeing.😄 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BIZZARRINI | STUARTPARRCLASSICS | BRINGATRAILER | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | MYCARREQUEST ]
But unfortunately, Playboy did not last long, because the auto maker company was declared bankrupt in the 1950s, and the remaining car was then sold by distributor Alvin Trumbul, the Hartford, Connecticut, distributor, who sold many of them to a former dealer in Massachusetts.
