ONE-OFF We are back to talking about a classic sports car made by AC Cars, a British car manufacturer who is recorded as having tried its luck in the world famous race event, the 24-Hours of Le Mans in the 1960s. As we know in 1964, the British automaker had built a Cobra Coupé later known as the AC Cobra Coupé A98 Le Mans to compete in the Le Mans race at that time.
This AC Cobra A98 Le Mans created by AC Chief Engineer Alan Turner as a marvellous, handsome, cohesive, masculine sports car featured with demonstrable aerodynamic properties, unfortunately only one was built. (Picture from: GTPlanet.net)
If we take a closer look at its appearance, this one-of-a-kind racing car made by AC Cars designed by AC Chief Engineer Alan Turner looks lower than the Pete Brock-designed Daytona Coupé, but both positioned the driver lower in the cabin. Furthermore, the Turner had also raked the windscreen, created a lower nose section and a longer flowing roof as well as designing the 'eyebrows' over the tops of the wheel arches he claimed to help clean up airflow.
The
AC Cobra A98 Le Mans looks lower than the Pete Brock-designed Daytona Coupé, but both positioned the driver lower in the cabin. (Picture from: GTPlanet.net)
The British classic racing car of 1960s features lightweight aluminum bodywork that was built by hand over a steel-tubular framework at AC Cars' production facility in Thames Ditton. Furthermore, this car is powered by a small block of Ford V8 engine with a capacity of 4.7 liters was fed by the Weber 48IDA carburetor so that it can blow power around 355 bhp.
The
AC Cobra A98 Le Mans features lightweight aluminum bodywork that was built by hand over a steel-tubular framework at AC Cars' production facility in Thames Ditton. (Picture from: Primotipo)
In the early hours of June 11, 1964, AC Cars took its Cobra Coupé GT car on to the M1 motorway to do a high-speed test run before the race. This was possible because this car was registered 'BPH 4B,' besides that previously at that time in the country there were no speed restrictions on the highway.
The
AC Cobra A98 Le Mans is powered by a small block of Ford V8 engine with a capacity of 4.7 liters was fed by the Weber 48IDA carburetor so that it can blow power around 355 bhp. (Picture from: Primotipo)
The team's driver, Jack Sears, recorded 185 mph, and unfortunately the national media heard about it, and made the story front-page news. Possibly because of this then the British road authorities sets a speed limit of 70 mph on the highway.
AC Cars took its Cobra Coupé GT car on to the M1 motorway to do a high-speed test run before the race on June 11, 1964. (Picture from: Autocar)
This one-of-a-kind sports car had raced at the 24-Hours of Le Mans 1964, driven by talented British racer Jack Sears with co-driver Peter Bolton. The car’s top-end prowess would help the Thames Ditton crew outgun the rival American Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupés. Meanwhile in the racing, the car was involved in a tragic accident at Circuit de la Sarthe when its tire burst and killed three spectators who were viewing the race from an unauthorized area.
Jack Sears alighting the AC Cobra Coupé A98 after that M1 Motorway morning run. (Picture from: Primotipo)
After the incident, the wreck of Coupé A98 was brought back to the AC headquarters in Thames Ditton and never rebuilt and or raced further ‘in period’. The very significant car was restored by Barrie Baird (the current owner) who negotiated its purchase in 1972. The work took over 12 years, many of you will have seen it at Goodwood and the like after its restoration finished.
To these days, this incredibly rare (one of a kind) 1964 Le Mans car is road registered and still used on British roads. As you can see in a brief clip of it outside the Fennel restaurant near Aberdeen Scotland where they regularly hold V8 Breakfast car meetings. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GTPLANET.NET | AUTOCAR | PRIMOTIPO ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smartphone.
WeirdONES Indeed, all this time we have been familiar with Nissan, one of the Japanese automotive brands. Well, so far this Japanese brand is famous for one of its car creations, namely the Nissan GT-R, which recently launched its newest model. Besides that this Yokohama-based automaker also has pickup production line-ups which is quite famous with models such as Nissan Navara, Frontier and others.
Loaded with unique ideas, the Nissan Nails Concept is a 'fun-to-use' vehicle, evoking a new sensation to match the sensibilities of today's fashion conscious youth. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)
However, if you see this uniquely shaped concept vehicle, for sure at first you will never think that this is made by Nissan. How could it not be, this one concept vehicle made by Nissan has an extraordinary appearance and stunning character that will always attract the attention of everyone around it.
The Nissan Nails Concept is claimed to be able to withstand rough use without none of complaining, indeed was suitable as its name. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)
Apart from that, this concept car is claimed to be able to withstand rough use without none of complaining, indeed was suitable as its name of the Nissan Nails Concept is designed to be a good friend with whom one feels completely at ease then. This concept car has a layout by positioning all of the wheels/tires right in its four corners to achieve an exceptionally efficient use of space in the compact body. It's said also this emphasis on the wheels/tires imparts a sense of boldness.
The Nissan Nails Concept is supported by a construction that is no less unique which is formed by placing an A-shaped cabin frame on the low floor that runs from the cabin along the length of the bed. (Picture from: Auto123)
The unique style of the Nissan Nails Concept is supported by a construction that is no less unique which is formed by placing an A-shaped cabin frame on the low floor that runs from the cabin along the length of the bed. There's various panels of body such as hood, fenders, and doors are given to be given a treatment to allow rough use without being concerned about scratches or dents.
There's various panels of body such as hood, fenders, and doors are given to be given a treatment to allow rough use without being concerned about scratches or dents. (Picture from: Gizmodo)
Furthermore, the front fascia is seen combining a new sensation in the design frame that seems to make it possible to peek at the mechanicals over the tops of colored glasses. Another unique form is suggested by the integrated appearance of tires and wheels, giving the impression of being 'rubber-faced wheels'.
Then thanks to the flat bed and the rear gate that can be folded, so that it allows us to carry and transport easily large and heavy items such as surfboards or off-road bikes, and others. Coupled with a 'soft rear partition' that is opened or closed by hooks and fasteners is provided between the cabin and the bed. While, the flat floor connecting the bed and the cabin makes it easy to carry long items.
Another unique form is suggested by the integrated appearance of tires and wheels, giving the impression of being 'rubber-faced wheels'. (Picture from: Viva.co.id)
As previously mentioned, the Nissan Nails Concept is presented to be a good friend with whom one feels completely at ease then, so it is not surprising that the cabin has various advanced features that will make it easier for those who are in it. The 'comb-frame seat' is constructed as if the teeth of two combs were alternately intertwined. It flexibly converts from a bench seat to a single seat by increasing the overlap of the comb teeth. The steering wheel has been designed with rubber grips to match the rubber-faced road wheel design.
The Nissan Nails Concept is presented to be a good friend with whom one feels completely at ease then, so it is not surprising that the cabin has various advanced features that will make it easier for those who are in it. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)
The car's the instrument panel is designed in a distinct arch shape, then a large multifunction screen is positioned in the center of the instrument panel to display all the necessary information. Then another novel feature of the Nissan Nails Concept is 'cellular phone pocket' which boosts function of cellular phone of a owner of the car. When the owner inserts his or her cellular phone in the pocket provided in the center of the instrument panel, personal data and vehicle data are linked and the system turns on.
The Nissan Nails Concept's has compact designed instrument panel in a distinct arch shape, then a large multifunction screen is positioned in the center of the instrument panel to display all the necessary information. (Picture from: Auto123)
A driver can have a conversation with multiple friends by cellular phone, seeing these their pictures and checking information of each one displayed in the screen. This will make a driver feel like they are along for the ride. Mode selections or changes are easily made by the four switches in the center of the instrument panel. The Nails concept suggests a novel way of using a vehicle as a new type of communications terminal.
Thanks to the flat bed and the rear gate that can be folded, so that it allows us to carry and transport easily large and heavy items such as surfboards or off-road bikes, and others. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)
This unique-shaped Nissan concept car is powered by a front-mounted 1.5 L Inline-four engine producing around 100 hp @ 6,000 rpm, and torque of 101 ft-lbs @ 4,400 rpm, with all-those power transfered an automatic 4-speed transmission to drive the front wheels. So far, there are no records regarding the performance of this unique car.
As we all know, this Nissan Nails Concept was launched for the first time at the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show. There were various comments and reactions from the expo visitors at that time, lots of amazed looks and thumbs ups, but there was also no less of cynical chatter out of them at the weird appearance of this concept car. And fortunately, Nissan's crazy-wild pickup design halted at the concept stage with only one prototype ever built, never reached into production lines. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | NISSAN | CONCEPTCARZ | CARNICHIWA | CARANDDRIVER | AUTO123 | GIZMODO | WIKIPEDIA ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smartphone.
UniqueONES Most sports cars are made with a composition of 2 seats in the cabin. However, later in its development there were several well-known manufacturers developed a 3-seater sports car with the driver's position in the middle and flanked by 2 passengers on the left and right. In fact, that isn't a new concept in the automotive world, there're many three-seater sports cars have been launched by automakers.
The Porsche W3 Triposto unique tre posti speedster is designed by Dr. Clyde Kwok, founder of Wingho Auto, known also a professor of aerodynamics and mechanical engineering. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
For example, the Ferrari 365 P Berlinetta Speciale 'Tre Posti' is launched in the 1966 though only two units ever made. Furthermore, the British automaker McLaren produced a 3-seater sports car called the McLaren F1 during periods of 1989 to 1996. Later in 2018, the British automaker returned to nostalgia with a three-seater sports car by launching the McLaren Speedtail.
The Porsche W3 Triposto features with a completely adjustable windscreen, it goes from full open speedster to a protective cockpit. (Picture from: Noticias.Coches)
If those three examples above are well-known sports cars that are widely known by the world's automotive public, on the contrary, here is an example of a tre posti sports car that is less well known to the public. Although, not many people know or even see it before, however the Porsche W3 Triposto that's how's the car called was built by Montreal's Wingho Auto based on the 1991 Porsche 911 (type 964) sports car chassis.
The Porsche W3 Triposto features opening front and rear sections, pushbutton-operated swing-wing doors. (Picture from: Noticias.Coches)
As quoted from Hemmings, this unique tre posti speedster is designed by Dr. Clyde Kwok, founder of Wingho Auto, known also a professor of aerodynamics and mechanical engineering. Furthermore it developed intensively from concept to realization for 3 years, before making its inaugural debut at the 1999 Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto. According to the automaker, it's a stylish tribute to the spirit of the 1958 Porsche 718RSK on Porsche's fiftieth anniversary.
The Porsche W3 Triposto was a stylish tribute to the spirit of the 1958 Porsche 718RSK on Porsche's fiftieth anniversary. (Picture from: WallpaperUP)
Besides that, this unique tre posti speedster is the third experimental car from Wingho Auto after the Spexter and the 928 Spyder. As we've mentioned above, it utilizes a heavily modified 1991 Porsche 911 (type 964) chassis coupled with custom composite bodywork, upgraded brakes and suspension, a specially tuned 3.6-liter engine, and a unique center-seat configuration is flanked with 2 slightly receded seats on its either side.
The Porsche W3 Triposto was built by Montreal's Wingho Auto based on the 1991 Porsche 911 (type 964) sports car chassis. (Picture from: Noticias.Coches)
The automaker claimed that the extensive frame modifications resulted in the removal and replacement of at least 50% of the original chassis. This results in a decreased center of gravity, significant weight loss and increased stiffness. Meanwhile, the W3 Triposto speedster whose its composite bodywork was made of fiberglass, Kevlar, and carbon fiber.
The Porsche W3 Triposto features opening front and rear sections, pushbutton-operated swing-wing doors. (Picture from: Noticias.Coches)
It was known fabricated by Francis Cardolle of Carosserie CF, then paired on the modified 964 chassis at the Wingho Auto workshop in St-Mathieu de Beloeil. The W3 Triposto features opening front and rear sections, pushbutton-operated swing-wing doors, Porsche 993 headlights, Ducati mirrors, a short front windscreen with a single wiper, and a large central intake buttress which also acts as a headrest for the driver.
The Porsche W3 Triposto is a three-spoke Momo steering-wheel, and a clamshell instrument cluster that houses various Porsche gauges. (Picture from: Noticias.Coches)
The W3 Triposto features opening front and rear sections, pushbutton-operated swing-wing doors, Porsche 993 headlights, Ducati mirrors, a short front windscreen with a single wiper, and a large central intake buttress which also acts as a headrest for the driver. Then inside the cabin configured under three-seats layout, each of which has an integrated safety belt and is coated strategically with customized black leather padding.
The Porsche W3 Triposto rides on Momo modular racing wheels sized 18-inches front and 19-inches rear, wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tires. (Picture from: MotorAuthority)
In front of the driver is a three-spoke Momo steering-wheel, and a clamshell instrument cluster that houses various Porsche gauges. The dashboard, which is also covered in genuine leather, contains ergonomic switches and vehicle controls, all of which can be easily accessed by the driver. Uniquely, the windscreen is completely adjustable, it goes from full open speedster to a protective cockpit.
The Porsche W3 Triposto powered by a 964-derived specially tuned 3.6-liter flat-six air-cooled engine, and paired with a G50 5-speed manual transaxle. (Picture from: Carscoops)
Regarding to the powertrain, the W3 Triposto's power comes from a 964-derived specially tuned 3.6-liter flat-six air-cooled engine, and paired with a G50 5-speed manual transaxle. The engine has been refreshed and equipped with a B&B exhaust system, front-mounted oil cooler, fuel cell, and a custom performance tune providing more aggressive ignition and fuel mapping. So the automaker claimed an output of nearly 300 horsepower is delivered to the rear wheels.
The Porsche W3 Triposto has a large central intake buttress which also acts as a headrest for the driver. (Picture from: Noticias.Coches)
For the legs, it rides on Momo modular racing wheels sized 18-inches front and 19-inches rear, wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport
tires, and supported with adjustable Koni suspension, coupled with upgraded
brakes with large four-piston Brembo front calipers clamping down on 13-inches
ventilated brake discs.
Overall, it's clearly that the Triposto provides the driver with an unparalleled sense of freedom and connection to the road, while at same time also offering a sensation similar to that of driving a roofless racing car. And remember, for the sake of safety reason, You required to wear a helmet when driving with this sports car. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WINGHOAUTO | PORSCHE | TOPGEAR | HEMMINGS | AUTOEVOLUTION | CARSCOOPS | MOTORAUTHORITY ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smartphone.
UniqueONES For automotive fans, seeing unique-shaped cars can be fun and excitement. Because in addition all those cars have unusual shapes, usually also got futuristic themes. Although vice versa, Plymouth, one of Chrysler's classic subsdiary brands gave a different look to a car it made called the Plymouth Prowler.
The Plymouth Prowler Concept was first featured at the Detroit Auto Show in 1993, and no one ever imagined it would actually go into production. (Picture from: Carthrottle)
As we all know, Plymouth was more famous and respected as an American muscle car brand for years during 1960s to 1970s, with many its cars especially two flagship models, the Barracuda and Road Runner, both of which were legendary. And in 1990s, Plymouth cameback to make a breakthrough by launching and showing a concept car with an unusual design which was later named the Plymouth Prowler at the Detroit Auto Show 1993.
The Plymouth Prowler Concept was first featured at the Detroit Auto Show in 1993, and no one ever imagined it would actually go into production. (Picture from: Motorious)
As quoted from Motorious, at the time the automotive world seem like strucked by a storm. Because, for too long, the American automaker had pumped out some kind a never-ending array of boxy and quite frankly uninspiring vehicles. Well, it can't be denied anymore, the Prowler have been a complete shock, so the fact it emerged from the halls of Chrysler made it that much more jarring to the industry.
The Plymouth Prowler Concept was first featured at the Detroit Auto Show in 1993, and no one ever imagined it would actually go into production. (Picture from: Motorious)
It turns out that the style isn't the only unique thing about the Prowler, the recliner is also unique. The body and frame are made using a lot of aluminum. This was unique, in that no other Chrysler product, or many other cars at that, used aluminum in their construction, mainly because of its cost.
The Plymouth Prowler Concept was first featured at the Detroit Auto Show in 1993, and no one ever imagined it would actually go into production. (Picture from: Motorious)
Retro before retro was hot, the hotrod generated buzz beyond just gearheads and auto journalists, getting the general public talking. Well, for a moment the public was amazed by the radically designed concept car, at the same time was also made the Chrysler top brasses felt assure, and then concluded that the Prowler was capable of strengthening the company's images.
The Plymouth Prowler Concept was first featured at the Detroit Auto Show in 1993, and no one ever imagined it would actually go into production. (Picture from: Motorious)
Seeing such a positive public reaction to the concept, Chrysler then made another controvertial decisions and managed to surprise the automotive world once again when it finally realized the Plymouth Prowler in the production version in 1997 by retaining almost the entire iconic modern intepretation designs inspired by a classic vehicles of 1930s that was previously attached to the concept version.
The Plymouth Prowler Concept was first featured at the Detroit Auto Show in 1993, and no one ever imagined it would actually go into production. (Picture from: Motorious)
Unfortunately the sales performance of the production version of the Plymouth Prowler is not as good as it looks. One of the main reasons is also because the performance of the engine is not as expected. Well, its 3.5 liter V6 engine is only able to provide power to the Prowler around 214 hp. Shortly after its launch, this car was discontinued in 2001, with 12,000 units were scooped up by buyers.
Although in the end this weird looking cool car more sought after by car collectors to be used as a display rather than used as ordinary daily rides vehicles. Despite all controversy, at least the world had ever enjoyed one of radical shape cars made by those Chrysler's subsidiary brand, which is then being sold to the public. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTORIOUS | CARTHROTTLE ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smartphone.
New EV This is an extraordinary EV development ever achieved by the Chinese automaker, while the world's car manufacturers are currently competing to create electric vehicles with high cruising ranges. As quoted from CarNewsChina, there's an automotive brand from China launched its new hatchback electric-powered car called Zeekr 001. It debuted as the Lynk & Co Zero concept at the 2020 Beijing Auto Show, and then the electric car has morphed into its current name since 2022.
The Zeekr 001 a Chinese electric car produced by Geely's subsdiary while on a test drive in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China. (Picture from: CarNewsChina)
Then who is Zeekr? This is one of the Geely's subsdiary car brands which only focuses on premium electric vehicles. The car produced with four models that have CLTC mileage each of 546 km, 656 km, 741 km, and 1032 km. So that those latest electric cars reportedly would be sold in the price range of CN ¥300,000 – ¥386,000 or equivalent to Rp. 678.4 million to Rp. 872.9 million. Basically, the Zeeker 001 electric-powered car, which was launched in early 2023, has the same appearance as the previous model which also has 5 doors, 5 passenger seats, with dimensions of 4,970 mm in length, 1,999 mm in width and 1,560 mm, and a 3,005 mm wheelbase.
The Zeekr 001 is the launch model for Geely’s all-new electric vehicle brand that produces high-tech, higher-end EVs aimed at young-at-heart buyers. (Picture from: CarSales)
Reportedly, the Zeeker 001 will be available in a choice of new body colors, namely orange, blue and night black. In addition, there is also a premium class variant called You Edition which provides an optional sports feature package at an additional cost of CN ¥35 thousand (Rp. 79 million). The package consists of 22-inch multi-spoke forged wheels, Brembo six-piston pillar calipers, perforated brake discs, Alcantara interior and racing seats.
The Zeekr 001 has a minimalist impression of the dashboard layout, with an 8.8-inches instrument panel and a 14.7-inches central control screen. (Picture from: InNews.id)
Inside its cabin, all its five seats covered by Nappa leather, and are available in four colors; carbon black, nitrogen blue, platinum gray and titanium brown. Meanwhile, the front seats have heating, ventilation and massage features. Besides that the Zeeker 001 has a minimalist impression of the dashboard layout, with an 8.8-inches instrument panel and a 14.7-inches central control screen, and the rear passengers also have an access to a 5.7-inches multifunction touchscreen. For the safety, the Zeekr 001 is equipped with an advanced driving assistance system that supports functions such as active lane changes, detours on construction roads and autonomous ramp passing.
The Zeekr 001 has been designed as a world car and it’s expected to find itself on the European market by the end of 2022. (Picture from: CarSales)
In terms of performance, the Zeekr 001 consists of two versions based on the drive system, namely the Four-Wheel Drive and the Rear-Wheel Drive variants. Well, for the Four-Wheel Drive version, it's powered by dual motor produces 400 kW of power and a peak torque of 686 Nm, with acceleration from 0 to 100 kph in just 3.8 seconds. This version is also equipped with ternary lithium batteries with capacities of 86 kWh and 100 kWh, with a range of 546 km and 656 km respectively for the CLTC.
The Zeekr 001 is equipped with an advanced driving assistance system that supports functions such as active lane changes, detours on construction roads and autonomous ramp passing. (Picture from: CarSales)
Meanwhile, the Rear-Wheel Drive version produces 200 kW of power and 343 Nm of peak torque. This version is equipped with Qilin CATL (China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle) batteries, CATL's third generation of cell-to-pack technology batteries, with capacities of 100 kWh and 140 kWh, which can achieve a range of 741 km and 1,032 km respectively. All of these Zeekr 001 variants also support a fast charging system.
Thus, the Chinese automaker claims that the Zeekr 001 is the world's longest-range EV so far with a range of 1,032 km. However, the variant with range of 1,032 km, is produced in limited quantities, namely only 1,000 units, and deliveries of all car variants are expected to start in the second quarter of 2023. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ZEEKR | CARNEWSCHINA | CARSALES ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smartphone.
Forgotten ONES Of the many concept cars built on car chassis of Porsche, one of the famous German car brands, only a few are unique and interesting. And one of them could be this Porsche Tapiro which is a car made by Italian coachbuilder ItalDesign in the 1970s. Well, the car name originating from the pig-like herbivorous mammal called tapir.
The Porsche Tapiro Concept designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro in 1970s, and built based on the Porsche 914/6 platform. (Picture from: Motor1)
Reportedly, the design of the 1970s dream car was intentionally built to be extreme both in form and mechanics, but the possibility of mass production was still considered. This Porsche Tapiro was designed during 1970s by Giorgetto Giugiaro, a famous Italian designer from ItalDesign. This uniquely shaped car was the Giugiaro made 4th prototype and has become one of his favorite works to date.
The Porsche Tapiro had a windshield profile that was almost the same height as the hood. (Picture from: Motor1)
As quoted from Wikipedia, Tapiro's design most likely took inspiration from the iconic DeTomaso Mangusta which was also the work of Giorgetto Giugiaro while he was working for Ghia. From its appearance, it can be seen that the Tapiro was built in a 'wedge' shape for the first time in that era, and would be used again in many other car models in the following years, thus becoming a design trend during the 1970s.
The Porsche Tapiro is equipped with a gullwing door type as access to the cabin, not only that, the such unique shape of the door is also applied to the engine compartment. (Picture from: Motor1)
The Porsche Tapiro had a windshield profile that was almost the same height as the hood, and was also equipped with very exotic doors and a hood which was considered such a luxury solution although some people considered it eccentric for the time. Did you know that the Tapiro is a source of inspiration from the legendary DMC DeLorean car?
The Porsche Tapiro featured all those great Giugiaro styling flourishes, such as geometric air-ducting a cheese wedge profile and a futuristic cabin surrounded by an acreage of glass. (Picture from: Motor1)
As seen as, this Porsche Tapiro is equipped with a gullwing design door to be used as access to the cabin, not only that, the such unique shape of the door is also applied to the engine room and luggage room. Even more unique, unlike most concept cars which are only made as models from clay plaster, the Porsche Tapiro is a fully functional vehicle, in other words, this car can be run like an ordinary production version car.
The Porsche Tapiro concept is powered by a mid-mounted inline 6-cylinder 2.4-liter Porsche engine. (Picture from: Motor1)
Well, the Porsche Tapiro, which is 4,060 mm long, 1,760 mm wide and 1,110 mm high, is built based on the Porsche 914/6 platform, and is powered by a mid-mounted inline 6-cylinder 2.4-liter Porsche engine. And the machine is capable of producing 220 bhp of power at 7,200 rpm. The concept was engineered with a five-speed manual gearbox and had an official top speed of 245 kph.
Giorgetto Giugiaro and his son Fabrizio look sadly at the Tapiro remains in the front of ItalDesign HQ in Turin. (Picture from: Motor1)
After completion, this Tapiro concept car was shown for the first time in public at the 1970 Turin Motor Show. As quoted of Motor1, the car subsequently made its US debut at the 5th Annual Los Angeles Imported Automobile and Sports Car Show in 1971. After two years of traveling at various major world's auto shows, the Italian coachbuilder then sold the Tapiro to Waldo de los Ríos, an Argentine composer in 1973, after it made an appearance at the Barcelona Motor Show.
Today the burnt shell of the Porsche Tapiro is on display at the Giugiaro Museum's lawn. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
Some rumors say that the Porsche Tapiro had served as Waldo de los Ríos daily rides until it ended miserably at one terrible incident in Madrid, where most of the car was destroyed after it caught fire. As quoted from Wikipedia, most sources say the cause of the fire was a group of labor activists protesting against the labor policies at the time, who planted a bomb under the Tapiro. The bomb exploded, burning the car but not destroying the chassis.
While other sources said the car was involved in an accident somewhere and caught fire at that time. The car remains were later re-purchased by ItalDesign but never rebuilt, and today the burnt shell of the Porsche Tapiro is on display at the Giugiaro Museum's lawn. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA | MOTOR1 | AUTOEVOLUTION | ADRIANFLUX ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smartphone.
To these days, this incredibly rare (one of a kind) 1964 Le Mans car is road registered and still used on British roads. As you can see in a brief clip of it outside the Fennel restaurant near Aberdeen Scotland where they regularly hold V8 Breakfast car meetings. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GTPLANET.NET | AUTOCAR | PRIMOTIPO ]
