Here's the first Yamaha motorcycle

Unique ONES Peanuts can be a symbol of resistance. This is done by Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd. when it finally decided to make their first motorcycle. The decision was embodied in the motorcycle figure with a common model in that time and was named Yamaha YA-1.

This is the first Yamaha motorcycle ever produced in 1955, named Yamaha YA-1 and popular with a nickname 'Aka-Tombo' or Red Dragonfly. (Picture from: NaikMotor)

Why peanuts? At that time, most motorcycle manufacturers make the motorcycles in the black color. However, Yamaha against the current. And chestnut, the fruit of the four-seasons countries be an option, thanks to its distinctive reddish brown color. Hence, it soon became a popular motorcycle product, as to have a special nickname, Aka-Tombo or red dragonfly.

This is the first Yamaha motorcycle named Yamaha YA-1 is powered by an air-cooled single cylinder, two-stroke engine. (Picture from: BondowosoJatimNetwork)

Its popularity was supported when the Yamaha YA-1 'Aka-Tombo' was carve many successfully achievements, as won in the Mount Fuji Ascent Race III in July 1955, and continued with the victory in the Asama Highlands Race I or All Japan Motorcycle Endurance Race.

This motorcycle that has a length of nearly 2 meters and weighs less than 100 kg was carry an air-cooled single cylinder, two-stroke engine that has a capacity of 125 cc. This engine can only spew the power of 5.6 PS at 5,000 rpm, but can make this motorcycle ran fast enough in that time.

2011 Yamaha Y125 Moegi Concept was the modern version of Yamaha YA-1 'Aka-Tombo' or Red Dragonfly. (Picture from: NaikMotor)

How about the price? It was pretty expensive. Twelve times the salary of a college graduate in that time. If the fresh graduate in that time have a payment of ¥10,780, and this motorcycle sold at a price of ¥138,000.
Well today, if you want to see this antique motorbike coupled with many other Yamaha products, then you can visit the Museum of Yamaha at the Yamaha Communication Plaza in Shizuoka, Japan. Uniquely, the company that made the motorbike with the red tuning fork logo in 2011 also launched a reincarnation model of the YA-1 motorbike called the Yamaha Y125 Moegi Concept in 2011.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops....... *** [EKA [12042016] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GLOBAL.YAMAHA-MOTOR | ]

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Finally, the Ferrari Vision GT ready to compete in the Gran Turismo 7

New Virtual BEAST Today, the development of supercars is not only focused on producing real cars but has also penetrated into the form of virtual cars. For those of you who are fans of virtual racing games, of course, are familiar with the famous Gran Turismo racing games on the PlayStation game consoles, which enlivened by many famous car brands were invited to send their best virtual car concepts participated in racing games.

Here's the new virtual beast of Ferrari Vision GranTurismo is ready to compete in the GranTurismo 7 virtual racing through on the PlayStation 5 game console. (Picture from: CarScoops)

After a long wait, finally the Maranello manufacturer is willing to join by launching a supercar concept to compete in the GranTurismo 7 virtual racing through on the PlayStation 5 game console. Well, Ferrari officially followed the popularity of the Gran Turismo video game by creating its fictional racing car as the result of its partnership with Polyphony Digital Inc. (a subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment) named the Ferrari Vision Gran Turismo. 

The Ferrari Vision GranTurismo is is visualized as a one-seater racing car with a closed cockpit, besides that this Maranello's Vision Gran Turismo has a distinctive graphic livery that reads "75". (Picture from: CarScoops)

As quoted of the Carscoops, it appears in a retro futuristic style inspired by the legendary prancing horse racing cars of the 1960s to 1970s, specifically the Ferrari 330 P3 and the Ferrari 512 S. While inside the game this car is visualized as a one-seater racing car with a closed cockpit, besides that this Maranello's Vision Gran Turismo has a distinctive graphic livery that reads "75," meaning is to mark three-quarters of a century, aka 75 years since the first prancing horse logoed racing car namely the Ferrari 125 S was launched in 1947 for Scuderia Ferrari.

The Ferrari Vision GranTurismo is designed by Ferrari Centro Stile appears in a retro futuristic style inspired by the legendary prancing horse racing cars of the 1960s to 1970s, namely the Ferrari 330 P3 and the Ferrari 512 S. (Picture from: Skor.id)

Furthermore, in terms of design, not all the lines in this concept car tell about the past which are then used as a source of inspiration for the future, for examples, at the rear part comes from the Ferrari 499P which was recently introduced by the Maranello-based manufacturer for the 24-Hours Le Mans racing event next year, especially the wings and diffuser. 

The Ferrari Vision GranTurismo also developed with recently patented aerodynamic engineering by using two side ducts that route the front airflow around the cockpit and over the sidepods. (Picture from: CarScoops)

In addition, Ferrari also developed this Vision Gran Turismo racing car with its newly ventilated wheel arches and recently patented aerodynamic engineering as well by using two side ducts that route the front airflow around the cockpit and over the sidepods. As for propulsion, Ferrari Centro Stile said it would install a mid-mounted 3.0-liter twin-turbo engine similar to that used to power the Ferrari 296 GTB/GTS as well as the Ferrari GT3 and Ferrari 499P racing cars.

The Ferrari Vision GranTurismo is surprisingly lightweight (only slightly heavier than the Mazda MX-5), with a dry weight of just 1,250 kilograms (2,756 lbs) distributed 43.5 percent front and 56.5 percent rear. (Picture from: CarScoops)

Without any obligation to comply certain regulations or meet certain requirements as in real racing events, so it giving the engineers at Ferrari Centro Stile complete freewill to bring their 120-degree V6 engine coupled with an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox borrowed from Formula-1 into its new performance, ie to produces 1,030 horsepower at 9,000 rpm and 900 Nm (664 lbs-ft) of torque at 5,500 rpm.

The Ferrari Vision GranTurismo also developed with recently patented aerodynamic engineering by using two side ducts that route the front airflow around the cockpit and over the sidepods. (Picture from: CarScoops)

Not only that, the special internal combustion engine is also accompanied by three electric motors, one electric motor is installed at the rear and the other two are used to drive the front wheels. The hybrid section is capable of producing an additional 326 hp (240 kW) for this virtual concept car, with a combined torque at the rear alone of 1,100 Nm (809 lb-ft).

The Ferrari Vision GranTurismo is surprisingly lightweight (only slightly heavier than the Mazda MX-5), with a dry weight of just 1,250 kilograms (2,756 lbs) distributed 43.5 percent front and 56.5 percent rear. (Picture from: CarScoops)

Despite its hybrid powertrain producing some pretty impressive power figures, the Ferrari Vision Gran Turismo is surprisingly lightweight (only slightly heavier than the Mazda MX-5), with a dry weight of just 1,250 kilograms (2,756 lbs) distributed 43.5 percent front and 56.5 percent rear.

The Ferrari Vision GranTurismo is powered by a hybrid powerdrive consisting of a mid-mounted upgraded 3.0-liter twin-turbo engine coupled with 3 electric motors. (Picture from: CarScoops)

Reportedly, Ferrari has done some a kind of calculation with the result said that the Ferrari Vision Gran Turismo capable to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (100 kph) in less than two seconds, also from 0-124 mph (200 kph) in less than five seconds. On average, the racing cars built specifically for the Gran Turismo 7 can reach fantastic speeds of over 217 mph (350 kph). Even crazier, the famous Italian prancing horse brand has even released a hypothetical lap time around Ferrari's Fiorano Circuit, with a time of under 1 minute 10 seconds.

The Ferrari Vision GranTurismo's rear section took from the Ferrari 499P which was recently introduced for the 24-Hours Le Mans racing event next year, especially the wings and diffuser. (Picture from: CarScoops)

The prancing horse virtual racing car was officially introduced on November 28, 2022 at the Gran Turismo World Final in Monte Carlo, and will be officially join the Gran Turismo 7 starting on December 23, 2022. However, the fictional Ferrari Vision Gran Turismo racing car has previously been shown in the in-game quiz, and the winner will have early access to the racing car by getting a virtual key on December 15, 2022.

As usually happened, after making a virtual version, then the automaker wanted to build a full-scaled car model, then developed again until it can be drove on the streets or even produced in limited numbers. Meanwhile for the Ferrari Vision Gran Turismo, the Maranello automaker will be made it as a full scaled prototype model soon whose plan will be launched on December 23, 2022 at the Museo Ferrari in Maranello, and exhibited until March 2023 with another unique projects. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSCOOPS ]

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The million-dollars Spanish supercar of 1950s

Rare ONES That's more likely quirky when viewed from the current context where the car brand subject has defunc. So maybe if someone who hears the Pegaso name would not immediately think of a supercar. It's different when we've hear about the Ferrari, Maserati, Aston Martin, and Alfa Romeo brands.

1954 Pegaso Z-102 Series II Saoutchik Coupé was one of Spanish flying horse could out-run the Ferraris of the era and even the mighty Mercedes 300SL. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

Well, even though it's the Pegaso Z-102 Series II Berlinetta that we're going to talk about today, it's without a doubt one of the most beautiful early supercars ever made. For those of you who have just heard of the Pegaso brand name, it was an in-your-face, unabashed Ferrari challenger, right down to the name; if Ferrari’s horses would prance, then the Spanish horses would fly. 

1954 Pegaso Z-102 Series II Saoutchik Cabriolet was one of Spanish flying horse could out-run the Ferraris of the era and even the mighty Mercedes 300SL. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

So actually Pegaso is created under the Spanish government owned truck manufacturer (ENASA) by using a brilliant engineer brought in for the show which is a bit unusual in itself. This Spanish brand was originally initiated by Wilfredo Ricart, an experienced designer and engineer whose previous associations included working for Alfa Romeo and being one of the numerous rivals of Enzo Ferrari.  

1954 Pegaso Z-102 Series II Saoutchik Coupé is built on a chassis made by Pegaso by using state-of-the-art Superleggera technology, so it can remove a large amount of unnecessary weight and unsightly shape of the chassis. (Picture from: Silodrome)

Ricart’s design for the Pegaso was innovative, interesting, and completely up to the moment, including the use of a four-cam, all-alloy V-8 with dry-sump lubrication and a five-speed rear transaxle, something that would not become a fixture on Ferraris until the 275 GTB of a decade later.

1954 Pegaso Z-102 Series II Saoutchik Coupé was one of Spanish flying horse could out-run the Ferraris of the era and even the mighty Mercedes 300SL. (Picture from: Silodrome)

This berlinetta-styled car is built on a special chassis made by Pegaso in Spain by using state-of-the-art Superleggera technology, so it can remove a large amount of unnecessary weight and unsightly shape of the chassis with a drill the size of your fist. The naked chassis was then shipped to Paris where the artists at Jacques Saoutchik coachbuilder set to work sculpting the interior and exterior to perfection.

1954 Pegaso Z-102 Series II Saoutchik Coupé is powered by an all-alloy V8 with double overhead cams per bank, and four desmodromic valves per cylinder to drive its rear wheels via a 5-speed transaxle. (Picture from: Silodrome)

As qouted of RM Sotheby, there's only 18 chassis which were then produced in 2 series into cars by the renowned French coachbuilder Carrosserie J. Saoutchik of Neuilly-sur-Seine (only seven second-series Saoutchik berlinettas were built). Unlike many chunky and clunky touring cars from the day, the Pegaso used such a killer five-speed transmission, which when paired with the right engine capable to propel this beauty berlinetta to over 160 miles per hour (or approx of 256.495 kph).

There are only rumored to be a handful of these left, and it wouldn't be a stretch to say that this one most exemplifies the beautiful, minute detail of its construction. (Picture from: Silodrome)

Unfortunately the engine attached on the chassis, while spectacular for being completely original for the car isn't the much desirable supercharged 3.2-liter V8 producing 360 horsepower, more than any other outside legal car of the time. We have already discussed on other occasions about two other Pegaso models such as Pegaso Z-102 Cupula and Pegaso Z-102 "Bisiluro" 1A Serie.

The Pegaso flew for the last time in 1958 after approximately 84 chassis had been built, there are only a few reportedly left, and it's no exaggeration to say that this one best exemplifies the exquisite minute detail of its construction, so it's no wonder they are so expensive today. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | THRILLIST | RM SOTHEBY | SILODROME | CLASSIC-ROAD ]

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7 special-made Jeeps that are rarely seen & known (Part-2)

Rare ONES You must have often heard about this brand of cars called Jeep originating from America. This car was previously assigned to make the MB Willys which was used as a military vehicle in the World War II.

An advertisement of Jeep FC-150. (Picture from: Hooniverse)

In addition to the MB Willys, Jeep has been producing many powerful cars with various models and types for a long time. For example, there are Wrangler, Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Wagoner, and many more.

But did you know that it turns out that Jeep has done some special types that are rarely heard and seen by many people. Here are the second part of 7 types of Jeep cars that are counted very rarely owned by ordinary people.

5. Jeep Forward Control

This is a Forward Control Jeep or called FC designed by Brooks Stevens in the early 1950s. This Jeep was made with the cabin design inspiration that was found in trucks in its time. Jeep FC slid into the market for the 1956 model with modifications from CJ-5.

1957 Jeep FC-150. (Picture from: VelocityJournal)

For the FC itself, there are three engine options, namely inline four venerable Hurricane, L-head inlne 6, and 318 cubic V8. These machines are also followed by 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual and 3-speed automatic transmission systems.

1958 Jeep FC-150 Van. (Picture from: CurbsideClassic)

Jeep FC also issued two forms, each the FC-150 with an 81-inch wheelbase and the FC-170 with a 103-inch wheelbase. Uniquely, they also prepare several versions with different uses. As for fire trucks, vans, ambulances, military cars up to tow trucks.

6. Jeepster Commando 

Then there is the Jeepster Commando, seen from its name which looks very militaristic. This car came into existence in 1966 to rival similar car manufacturers from the International Scout and Ford Bronco.

1971 Jeepster SC-1 Sport Commando. (Picture from: TopClassicCarForSale)

However, not much different from other Jeeps they use this car as a versatile truck. For the first generation, Commmando uses a four-cylinder Hurricane F-Head engine and another option is the Buick's Dauntless V6.

Not stop in here, Commando had changed its name by removing the name Jeepster in front. They then made a new model by increasing the wheelbase distance by a few inches. In addition they also prepared two models, namely inline 6 and V8 engines. But unfortunately the production of this car only lasts 2 years.

7. Sea Going Jeep

The last one is the Sea Going Jeep that looks like a boat. This car is made together with Ford and is very similar to the Willys MB design, which is different is the ability of a car that can float on water for use by the river and lake.

1942 Sea Going Jeep ('Seep') or Ford GP-A. (Picture from: Flickr)

This Jeep was made between 1942 and 1943 and was designed by Roderick Stephens, a cruise ship designer who was assigned to make a quarter-tonne vehicle that could carry troops from the ship to the beach. Another function of this Jeep is to be able to easily pass through the waterway when the bridge has been destroyed.

Besides Seagoing Jeep another name for this car is the GP-A (General Purpose-Amphibious). When viewed from the name that shows the intelligence side of this Jeep but the reality is the opposite.

1943 Sea Going Jeep ('Seep') or Ford GP-A. (Picture from: Flickr)

Ford GP-A or Seagoing Jeep is even heavier than GPW and MB WW2 Jeep. In addition, when in the water the IPK turns out to be unstable and cannot load many. So finally this type of Jeep was declared a failure.

Well, that's 7 special types of cars that ever been made by Jeep for various purposes, but rarely seen or known to the public. (Back to Part-1.) *** [EKA [11102018] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HOONIVERSE | CURBSIDECLASSIC | VELOCITYJOURNAL ]

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Rare French-made sportscars commissioned by Patrick Veyrat

Rare ONES After talking about many cars so far across time, the story todays will begin with the dream sports car specially made for Patrick Veyrat whose initially collaborated with ARC (Ateliers-Recherche-Création), a Dijon, French based racing car manufacturer founded by Michel Faure. From what we have observed, ranging from the car' name to the maker, it is likely that this French-made sports car of the 1990s is included one of the rare and not widely known by the public.

The ARC Narval Concept is powered by a mid-rear mounted Gordini 1,300 cc (135 hp) engine. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)

As quoted of Rare French Sports Car, the first figure is Patrick Veyrat who is known as a creative thinker and funder for the creation of reliable sports cars. He is also very famous as a reliable driver of many Ferrari cars in the past, which then made him obsessed with creating cars like the Ferrari 348 specifically intended for those with high financial capabilities. As self-aware that he does not have the ability and knowledge about engines and design of four-wheeled vehicles, and for this reason he feels need help from ARC to make real his dream car. 

The ARC Narval Concept designed by Michel Faure, and had built in co-operation with Jacques Durand (JIDE). (Picture from: Wikipedia)

On the other hand, as the company principal, Michel Faure was a professional engineer. Which in its early development, the automotive company based in Dijon, France, is known to have started its work as a racing car maker which all started in Michel Faure at young-ages when he built as a project a single seat mid-engined road car around certain race-car principals back in 1960s to 1970s.

The ARC Narval Concept is named after the sword billed whale known as Narwhal in English. (Picture from: Classic and Recreation Sportscar)

This car indeed sets the pattern for many of the sports racing cars to follow. It was called the ARC Narval, named after the sword billed whale known as Narwhal in English. As quoted of Wikipedia, this ARC Narval prototype had built in co-operation with Jacques Durand (JIDE) and is powered by a mid-rear mounted Gordini 1,300 cc (135 hp) engine.

The ARC Narval Concept sets as the pattern for many of the sports racing cars to follow. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)

At the time, as a compact team, they seem to have everything ranging from money, vision, knowledge to talent. However, in fact the partnership broke up due to differences in direction, after completing the first two cars. In short, the cooperation is known to have resulted in two targa sports cars named the Veyrat 630 that were launched at the 1990 Paris Car Show.

Michel Faure at young-ages posed along with the ARC Narval Concept's wooden bucks. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)

And from the pictures, one of the cars is powered by a PRV (Peugeot-Renault-Volvo) V6 engine. While the red ones was in fact a non-runner model and was then sold to an individual who completed it according to their own specifications.

One of two the Veyrat 630 prototypes commissioned by Patrcick Veyrat to ARC powered by a PRV V6 engine, and were launched at the 1990 Paris Car Show. (Picture from: FrenchAutoMuseum)

Not for long, Veyrat found new partner, Karfex that had experience with single seaters, sports racing cars of JDR and Alfa cup racers. This new models were heavier than the Faure's lightweight version, but by production car standards were still very light for their size and yet they possessed what appear to be rather sturdy chassis that made use of some specialised oval section tubing.

This Veyrat 630 prototype originally a non-runner model and was then sold to an individual who completed it according to their own specifications. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)

Meanwhile, the Veyrat car made by Karfex known also as the Opio 630 was very similar in style to those two ARC prototypes, but noticeably had smoother curves than the ARC version, with sharper lines and harder curves. While the engines for these were now the 3 liter SOHC V6 of Alfa Romeo coupled with its 5-speed transaxle sporting few modifications save for a special exhaust system. 

The Veyrat 630 production version or the Opio 630 by Karfex powered by a 3 liter SOHC V6 of Alfa Romeo coupled with 5-speed transaxle, and few modifications save for a special exhaust system. (Picture from: RareFrenchSportscars)

These units produced similar power to the 2.5 litre PRV V6 turbo engine and 39 bhp more than the 3 liter non-turbo ones. However, as mentioned above they were about 30 kg heavier all up with their transverse transaxle, but more compact for mid-engine packaging.

The Veyrat 630 as the ARC further version named ARC Ellipse taken by Michel Faure down its original design. (Picture from: FrenchAutoMuseum)

In the mean time, back at the ARC cars, in which Faure takes the car version down its original route, and now powered by a 24-valve DOHC V6 drivetrain of the Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio model with more over power of 40 bhp than the SOHC version.

The Veyrat 630 as the ARC further version named ARC Ellipse taken by Michel Faure down its original design. (Picture from: FrenchAutoMuseum)

Furthermore now the sports car called the ARC Ellipse, just how many were sold is open to question. Until now, not many would be a fair answer, while in later versions were shown too, but we're not sure if any were completed.

The ARC Ellipse is powered by a 24-valve DOHC V6 drivetrain of the Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio model. (Picture from: FrenchAutoMuseum)

As we quoted from the French Motor Museum, during 1990 to 2000 sports cars specially built under commissioned of Patrick Veyrat, only 4 units, consisting of 2 units of Veyrat 630 Prototype, each 1 unit of Opio 630 and ARC Ellipse. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | RAREFRENCHSPORTSCARS | FRENCH MOTOR MUSEUM ]

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