ForgottenONES Still talking about unique sports cars that escape the attention of the public because they are made by less well-known manufacturers. Now, let's We take a look such a kind of lesser known sports car made in England.
The Salica GT described as a new sports car built by Salica Cars based on the Noble N400/M12. (Picture from: TopGear)
As we know, usually British-made sports cars are famous for their fierce performance on the streets and racing circuits. Well, here is one example such kind of cars built by the lesser known British automaker called Salica Cars based in Bristol, England.
Before discussing the figure of the sports car referred above, it's better for us to know about the automaker, because we are sure that some of you also don't know about this. Salica Cars is niche sports car manufacturer that most notable for building and modifying Noble kit cars, however the British firm has now released its first new supercar back in 2008.
The Salica GT's chassis is made up of a three-compartment so that the front and rear sections can be detached for easier access for maintenance so that the front and rear sections can be detached for easier access for maintenance. (Picture from: StartMotori.it)
It is also reported that the presence of this Salica Cars-made sports car is intended to fill the niche left by Noble and TVR. As quoted from TopGear, the origins of the Salica GT (thus the car's name) came when Noble abandoned their plans to build an M12 convertible. Then designer Paul Bailey took the design drawings of the model to Salica Cars and not long after, the Salica GT was born.This Salica GT described as a new sports car built by Salica Cars based on the Noble N400/M12.
The Salica GT designed to be a convertible with a lightweight hardtop. (Picture from: StartMotori.it)
Meanwhile, its chassis is made up of a three-compartment. Front and rear sections can be detached for easier access for maintenance. Then on top of it is installed bodywork made of fiberglass; although the British automaker also provides a choice of carbon fiber materials. The Salica GT designed to be a convertible with a hardtop. It has a lightweight one-piece roof can be detached from the car and stowed under the rear shell in seconds, so does to refitting it as well, and both operations can be done by one person only.
For its interior, the Salica GT provides a large of a variety of luxury items that can be customized according to the wishes of the buyer, ranging from leather and carpet, to Alcantara and carbon fiber. There's also custom designed seats are available in fiberglass options or carbon.
The Salica GT has a lightweight one-piece roof can be detached from the car and stowed under the rear shell in seconds, so does to refitting it. (Picture from: StartMotori.it)
Not only that, the interior also has a hidden handbrake feature with the center console completes with the radio, heat controls and start button. Meanwhile the dashboard houses all the important instruments in an easy-to-read layout. For the steering wheel, the automaker provides a choice in left and right hand drive formats, so does the traction control features and ABS are available as options too.
Well, for the drivetrain it is provided according to the desired variant. As quoted from TopGear, apart from the Salica GT, the British automaker also provides two other variants, namely the Salica GTR and Salica GTC.
The Salica GT is powered by a Ford-sourced twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine. (Picture from: StartMotori.it)
For GT version, it powered by a Ford-sourced twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine. Shifted to the GTR, it is a race-prepared version powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 offering up to 550 horsepower coupled with a 6-speed sequential transmission systems, all of those were fitted with an FIA-approved roll cage, a fire extinguisher, an electrical circuit cut-off, air intakes and central locking wheels. While the GTC version is powered by a 3-liter naturally aspirated V6 developing 460 hp, and connected to a Graziano 6-speed manual gearbox with a choice of three rations for the final drive.
The Salica GT available to be sold in completed form or as knocked down kit-cars. (Picture from: Mad4Wheels)
Furthermore, these GTC and GT versions are available to be sold in completed form or as knocked down kit-cars. Regarding the price for each of those three Salica GT variants, this British automaker only said the price starting of £72,000 (for Salica GT).
And in fact only the Salica GTC model was built and exhibited to the public. Besides that, until today there is no data related to the number of cars that have been produced by Salica Cars. It's a shame, even though the cars offered seem to have capability to be fun if used for speeding on the streets or on a racing circuit. Does anyone here has info about this? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TOPGEAR | PHOTOSCAR.FR | STARTMOTORI.IT | CARADISIAC | TOPSPEED ]
CONCEPT Only Currently, when the world of the automotive industry is busy exploring with all the resources it has to develop vehicles powered by renewable energy sources. As it turns out, one of the famous Japanese automotive brands, Honda, doesn't want to be left behind in this regard. And as it is well known, this Japanese automotive giant has conducted many studies and experiments to design environmentally friendly vehicles.
The Honda FC Sport concept was a three-seater sports car concept, powered by hydrogen fuel cells that was officially introduced to the public for the first time at the Los Angeles Auto Show 2008. (Picture from: Supercars.net)
One of them is the Honda FC Sport which is launched back in 2008, intended to be a design study for four-wheeled vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells. It is also known that this is one of the concept cars built since the Japanese automaker first tried to develop hydrogen fuel cells powered car model in 2002 with the Honda FCX Concept.
The Honda FC Sport Concept just a non-running model whose body is made of mostly fiberglass formed by clay mock-up. (Picture from: Supercars.net)
Although the three-seater sports car concept that was officially introduced to the public for the first time at the Los Angeles Auto Show 2008 was not a real car, and is just a non-running model whose body is made of mostly fiberglass formed by clay mock-up. But actually it's a Honda's vision of a sporty ground hugger for the ultra-clean hydrogen future.
The Honda FC Sport Concept takes cues from the FCX's T-shaped headlights and grille,(Picture from: Supercars.net)
The Honda FC Sport concept sports car was designed under the direction of Honda designer Jason Wilbur at the company's Advanced Design Studio in Pasadena, California, intended to suggest a fun alternative to the ultra-green FCX hydrogen fuel cell sedan, which would leased to Honda's customers carefully selected amongst millions existed of them at the time.
The Honda FC Sport Concept featured with the Pirelli PZero Rosso tires mounted to 19-inch wheels imply speed. (Picture from: Supercars.net)
The concept takes cues from the FCX's T-shaped headlights and grille, and from the sportbike design with exposed pipes and hoses under the rear glass and blue anodized hydrogen tanks that look similar to twin nitrous bottles. Honda says the fuel cell and battery stack will be low, keeping the center of gravity low. While the Pirelli PZero Rosso tires mounted to 19-inch wheels imply speed.
The Honda FC Sport concept has two blue anodized hydrogen tanks that look similar to twin nitrous bottles, coupled with exposed pipes and hoses under the rear glass. (Picture from: Supercars.net)
Even though you can't see anything due to the smoked glass attached to the Lamborghini-style scissor doors perfectly hiding the cockpit that isn't really existed behind it. However Honda could imagine it further in a three-seater configuration like the one on the famous McLaren F1, where the driver seat in the middle, flanked by two passenger seats positioned slightly behind on the left and right sides.
The Honda FC Sport Concept power would come from Honda’s new V Flow vertical fuel-cell stack. (Picture from: Supercars.net)
Meanwhile, its power would come from Honda’s new V Flow vertical fuel-cell stack. On the hips, polished metal vents flush away waste heat from the stack while integrated radiators in the hexagonal tail vent heat and the water byproduct.
The Honda FC Sport Concept is one of Honda's visions of a sporty ground hugger for the ultra-clean hydrogen future. (Picture from: Supercars.net)
Well, the story about the hydrogen fuel cells concept vehicle made by Honda does not necessarily stop here, and it continues when in 2013 at the same exhibition the Japanese giant automaker introduced not less unique similar concept car called the Honda FCEV Concept. And it seems, the development will continue to do on the next concept cars.
Because all of these are just a concept intended solely as a study design, it is too early to imagine it becoming a reality. However, at least Honda already has an initial concept of the vehicles it will produce if later hydrogen becomes the dominant fuel.😎 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HONDA | CARANDDRIVER | SUPERCARS.NET ]
LEGEND Replicas As the famous brand, of course Ferrari has long experience in producing the best sports cars, even many of them are legendary cars that have fantastic price tags. But, the problem was not all of its loyal fans can afford it. This then gave high demand amongst them to be able to have such legendary car even though it is in replica form. Well, for the reason, the Maranello-based automaker then invited a third party to make the replica.
The Ferrari Testa Rossa J is a three-quartered scale replica of the legendary prancing horse racing car of 1950s, the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa. (Picture from: id.Motor1)
And for example is the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, as we all know this is the racing car that successfully made the Prancing Horse logoed automaker to step the pinnacle of glory on the Le Mans racing circuit three times back in the 1950s. So that is why the current price of these classic racing cars is very expensive, even recorded as one of the most expensive cars in the world.
The Ferrari Testa Rossa J replica (on foreground) posed along with the legendary Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa of the 1950s (on background). (Picture from: id.Motor1)
So not many can afford it, apart from being expensive, the number of units is also very limited, though still the interest of prancing horse fans for this classic car is very high. And to meet the high interest of classic car enthusiasts on this legendary prancing horse racing car, as well as to celebrate the marque's racing history, so the Maranello-based automaker partnered with The Little Car Company to launch a special edition of Ferrari Testa Rossa replica back in the 2021.
The Ferrari Testa Rossa J replica (on the left) posed along with the legendary Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa of the 1950s (on the right). (Picture from: Ferrari Testa Rossa J)
Although this is only a three-quartered scale replica of the legendary prancing horse racing car of 1950s called the Ferrari Testa Rossa J, the creation of this fully electric motors driven replica done seriously to bring it to the brand's highest standards. And for that reason this special edition of Ferrari Testa Rossa J 'Pacco Gara' (Italian mean 'Racing Packages') then features a series of upgrades to bring out the Testa Rossa's true racing DNA.
The Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa racing car was successfully made the Prancing Horse logoed automaker to step the pinnacle of glory on the Le Mans racing circuit three times back in the 1950s. (Picture from: Ferrari Testa Rossa J)
This can be seen with the addition of a racing roll cage to provide extra safety protection for drivers who want to enjoy their Testa Rossa J on the racing circuit. However, a bolt-on modification offer (so that the roll cage can be removed) is also provided, made the car owners have the freedom to change the appearance of their Testa Rossa J.
The Testa Rossa J Pacco Gara offers Sabelt seatbelts is bolted to the chassis and rollhoop for a true racing feel as it was originally meant to be driven on the speed. (Picture from: PojokOto)
While they step inside the cockpit, Ferrari fans and collectors will be amazed the finer details of the replica. In which, the Pacco Gara offers Sabelt seatbelts is bolted to the chassis and rollhoop for a true racing feel as the Testa Rossa J was originally meant to be driven on the speed. Ensuring accuracy with the original ones, the tonneau cover on the passenger side has also been matched, with the same Ferrari leather as the car's interior, which is offered in red or black colors.
Beneath the glorious aesthetic enhancements have a variety of performance enhancements that offer more power and give Testa Rossa J drivers an enriched racing experience. (Picture from: Ferrari Testa Rossa J)
Furthermore, in keeping with the original 250 Testa Rossa feels, an additional mirror has been installed on the driver's side, along with period-appropriate spotlights. To bring drivers closer to the real feel, the addition of adjustable dampers and brake bias allows them to fine-tune their Testa Rossa J balance, so as to provide a more flexible and personalized driving experience, besides that the customizable features of the Ferrari Testa Rossa J will increase its immersive refreshing nature.
Ensuring accuracy with the original ones, the tonneau cover on the passenger side has also been matched, with the same Ferrari leather as the car's interior, which is offered in red or black colors. (Picture from: PojokOto)
Beneath the glorious aesthetic enhancements have a variety of performance enhancements that offer more power and give Testa Rossa J drivers an enriched racing experience. These discrete changes include drilled brake discs, and a quicker steering rack ratio, all making for a more responsive and track-focused car.
The three-quartered scale replica of 250 Testa Rossa is driven by a fully electric motors capable burst power of 19 bhp. (Picture from: Ferrari Testa Rossa J)
The biggest performance improvement of the Ferrari Testa Rossa J edition is the increase in power to 14kw. This was a purely a software upgrade, this will take the three-quartered scale replica of 250 Testa Rossa from 16bhp to 19bhp. In the context of the original 250 Testa Rossa as a racing icon, such this increased power brings the Testa Rossa J even closer to unparalleled performance.
The unique and thrilling three quartered scale replica of the Testa Rossa J made for just 299 of these with prices starting at €93,000 each, that's roughly the equivalent of US $110,000. (Picture from: Ferrari Testa Rossa J)
Ben Hedley, CEO of The Little Car Company, said "the Ferrari Testa Rossa J is a modern reimagining of not only one of the most iconic racers in the automotive world, but also one of the most important cars of the 20th century. When we unveiled the new special Testa Rossa J edition, a fine example of our close collaboration with the Ferrari team, we have given racing a boost, with exciting advances both on the car's aesthetics, and as a whole of the show.
As per Ferrari’s tradition, the Ferrari Testa Rossa J will have a wide range of customisation options available, exclusively designed by the Centro Stile. (Picture from: Ferrari Testa Rossa J
Our team has worked closely to ensure that every new feature of Pacco Gara enhances the driving experience of the Testa Rossa J. Every element of Pacco Gara has been developed, and signed off by the Maranello's team and is focused on paying homage to one of the great racers in history, while also offering the driver a substantial, real sense of what it's like to be behind its wheel," as he closed.
As quoted from id.Motor1, the unique and thrilling three quartered scale replica of the Testa Rossa J debut held at the International Concours of Elegance St Moritz 20223 which took place in February 2022 then. At the time besides, it sat on display, the prospected customer also could be performed test drive on the Testa Rossa J in amazing snow of St. Moritz.
Related to its price, the prancing horse logoed automaker is offering replicas of the Testa Rossa J made for just 299 of these with prices starting at €93,000 each, that's roughly the equivalent of US $110,000 (Rp. 1.5 billion). Similar to the Bugatti Baby II, it can be sure that is not an ordinary children's toy car. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FERRARI TESTA ROSSA J | ID.MOTOR 1 |]
WeirdONES Is that a provocative title? We hope not.. As we have discussed some time ago about the unique shaped cars made by the past automotive manufacturers. Some of those are remind us to the car in the cartoon film, and mostly of what we've seen a simply designed roadster.
The first model of the Gebruder Verga Coupé built by Enrico Verga in 1956 has an unusual removable bubble top canopy. (Picture from: MarioTheMultipla)
This could be just a memory refresher for you, if some time ago we had discussed a car like this, namely the Volugrafo Bimbo 46 of 1947. And now we will discuss the similar look car made by lesser known Swiss coachbuilder back in the 1950s. Uniquely, this spectacular little space-aged coupé named the Gebruder Verga Coupé has a special body attached on a Volkswagen chassis, and powered by a rear-mounted air-cooled engine.
The second model of the Gebruder Verga Coupé (may be) a copy which was no less eccentric, a coupé with gull wing styled doors.. (Picture from: MarioTheMultipla)
Well, from the name alone, might be most of you've never heard or know it before. Indeed there's not many information related to this unique car. But reportedly the mentioned unique car was made only two units, one was an unusual shaped car featured with a removable bubble-top canopy and the other (may be) its copy which was no less eccentric, a coupé with gull wing styled doors.
The first model of the Gebruder Verga Coupé has unique bodywork style built on a Volkswagen chassis, and powered by a rear-mounted air-cooled engine. (Picture from: MarioTheMultipla)
Related to the maker is Carrozzeria Verga, which was founded in 1830 by Benjamin Verga as a carriage maker and carriages made of wood and iron. Over times, the business remains in the family and in the following century, the next Verga's generation became a skilled automotive coachbuilder. And the first model prototype of the Gebruder Verga Coupé was built by Enrico Verga in 1956, it firstly appeared to public at the Concours D’Elegance Campione d’Italia competition in Lugano in that year.
The
first model of the Gebruder Verga Coupé has a unique appearance after being converted into a
roadster which resembles the shape of a vehicle in a cartoon. (Picture from: MarioTheMultipla)
Due to the absence of photographic documentation, it is not known what
kind of car was included in the automotive event in Lugano. It is
thought that this is a beautiful and futuristic bubble glass version and
this car pictures are also being displayed on this coachbuilder
business website, unfortunately there is no information regarding the
whereabouts of the antique car, many speculations said probably it hidden somewhere in the Verga
Carrozzeria's workshop as well.
The
first model of the Gebruder Verga Coupé after being converted into a
roadster by replacing the bubble canopy with a curved windshield. (Picture from: MarioTheMultipla)
By the way, it had published in a German magazine back in the 1950’s (Auto Motor un Sport Nr. 24 of 1956), whose wrote that such bubble roof opening had a rather strange and clumsy, in which it lifted up in one piece including the circular door disc. Furthermore, in several of the photos below, it seems to have been replaced with a curved windscreen, maybe the roof was removable or perhaps this was a modification or even a different version, although has the same registration vehicle number.
The
second model of the Gebruder Verga Coupé was seized by the French
Police for being used for smuggling activities back in 1959. (Picture from: MarioTheMultipla)
Then related to the second model designed and built by Verga with a body shape and style that is very similar to the first one but with a slight difference, namely with a fixed roof coupled with gull-wing style doors. It seems that it does have a more interesting stories.
The
second model of the Gebruder Verga Coupé was confiscated by the French's authorities, and kept in storage at the La Rochelle Customs School until its recent retrieval. (Picture from: Flat4Ever)
Over the years, the car underwent some rather extensive modifications for reasons that a bit naughty or actually were not legal. Because the car was used to smuggle auto parts, especially ball bearings for trucks which at the time had high customs duties. For this reason, the frame was strengthened to be able to withstand the extra load, after which a secret compartment was made accompanied by the installation of a jack system at the four corners of the body to lift the compartment which functioned as a storage place for contraband goods.
The
second model of the Gebruder Verga Coupé has a hidden competement
completed with with jack system at the four corners of the body to lift
the compartment which functioned as a storage place for contraband goods. (Picture from: MarioTheMultipla)
The smugling actions were carried out by using this car was against the law, and it did not always go according to plan, because at one time also ended badly, as happened in 1959. At that time, the car was arrested and seized by the French Police in Arnéguy on the Spanish border. Subsequently the car was confiscated by the state and kept in storage at the La Rochelle Customs School until its recent retrieval.
Today, Carrozzeria Verga is still in business and is run by Simone Verga, the Great Grandson of Benjamin Verga. Hopefully we could got more information about the car's whereabouts and soon it could be seen again. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | VERGACAR | MARIOTHEMULTIPLA | JUSTCARGUY | FLAT4EVER ]
UniqueONES We all know that as one of the Japanese big players in the automotive world, especially motorcycles, Suzuki Motor Corporation has a variety of production of motorcycles spread all over the world. All of those production version of the motorcycles are certainly not the result of overnight work that suddenly enters the company's production line, right?
The Suzuki Falcorustyco Concept while on display at the Tokyo Motor Show held in November 1985. (Picture from: SuzukiCyclesorg)
All of those were the result of long works ranging from concept design on the paper up to being realized into a prototype which is then shown and got approval of the relevant company's officials to enter into the production line. Regarding to that, especially the creation of concept motorcycle models had carried out by Suzuki's designers and engineers independently or in collaboration with third parties are of course very numerous and varied.
The 1985 Suzuki Falcorustyco Concept featured with center-hub steering, and powered by a square-four engine.(Picture from: Autoby.jp)
Even some of them (which considered have unique designs) had also discussed by us, such as the Suzuki Nuda Concept, Suzuki Biplane Concept, Suzuki Crosscage Hybrid Motorcycle, and others. So, the unique design concept motorbike that we will discuss today is the Suzuki Falcorustyco (the name derived from Falco Rusticulous, a Latin name for gyrfalcon) concept bike.
The Suzuki Falcorustyco Concept's final drive was not chain, belt or shaft, but some a kind of the hydraulic pumps that transfered the movement energy to both wheels. (Picture from: SuzukiCyclesorg)
This both unique shaped and named motorcycle concept was shown for the first time at the Tokyo Motor Show in November 1985, and seem it was not missed by the 1.2 million motorcycle enthusiasts whose visited the expo. Like other futuristic motorcycle concepts, it might look very strange, like something that had come from nowhere outer space, because indeed the public at that time still did not have the insight into the future as imagined by Suzuki. They are still too common to accept such futuristic designs.
The shape of the headlights from the Suzuki Falcorustyco Concept blends with the tank and continues to connect to the seat and stern. (Picture from: MotoRidersUNiverse)
Although the Falcorustyco has the appearance of a high-tech dream bike, the designers actually intend to create a concept bike that is technically feasible for Suzuki to mass produce in the next few years. As you can see, the Falcorustyco had no frame structures like a normal motorbike. It has the front and the rear swing arms were attached to some kind of the 500cc square four engine, but it was not the RG500 Gamma engine. At the time, the maker Suzuki said, it was a new water-cooled four-stroke 16 valves, three camshafts powertrain.
The Suzuki Falcorustyco Concept while on display at the Tokyo Motor Show held in November 1985. (Picture from: MotoRidersUNiverse)
No less unique, the final drive of the Falcorustyco Concept was not chain, belt or shaft, like all the other motorcycles as usual. But, Suzuki chose to use hydraulic drive system to pump and transfered the movement energy to both wheels, so there's no gear box was needed. Not only that, besides hydraulic drive there's another unusal advance features also installed on this motorcycle concept, such as hydraulic hub-steer, and electromagnetic brake systems.
The twin shaft drive was clear to see in the Suzuki's patent drawing which is claimed by the brand was a hydraulic drive. (Picture from: KarDesignKoncepts)
By using such kind of steering system allows the steering and suspension work independently. So that the control process in the corner at high speed is not affected by the weight displacement that occurs in the bike's suspension. This certainly affects more accurate to the Falcorustyco bike's control.
The Suzuki Falcorustyco Concept had no frame structures like a normal motorbike, in which the front and the rear swing arms were directly attached to its engine. (Picture from: SuzukiCyclesorg)
At the time, the motorcycle journalists were convinced, and hope that the Suzuki Falcorustyco Concept would be mass produced in the near future. Sure enough, there's a new falcon named motorcycle model known as the Suzuki GSX 1300R Hayabusa (the Hayabusa is a Japanese word for peregrine falcon) in 1999.
The Suzuki Falcorustyco Concept featured with unique hydraulic hub-steer system with joystick. (Picture from: Autoby.jp)
The fact, in appearance this new bike was far from what you've seen in the concept above. It looks more like a conventional motorcycle with chain drive,
powered by an inline-four two camshafts engine, coupled with
conventional brakes and ordinary steering systems.
The
legendary Suzuki GSX 1300R Hayabusa which was first released in 1999,
and once held the title of the fastest motorcycle in the world. (Picture from: IwanBanaran)
Indeed, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer has never officially stated that there is a causality between the Falcorustyco Concept model and the GSX 1300R Hayabusa production version. Even if the Falcorustyco
did go into production, what is the price tag of the motorbike? Because
you can be sure the price will definitely very expensive. Off course,
it was not efficient if Suzuki built it.
The Suzuki Falcorustyco Concept while on display at the Tokyo Motor Show held in November 1985. (Picture from: SuzukiCyclesorg)
Does the motorbike even work and can be ridden? According to the information we got from several Japanese websites, so far the Falcorustyco Concept has never been seen ridden by anyone. That's natural, because indeed it was a motorcycle concept for study designs, it is very likely that Falcorustyco does not have a running engine (only rolling model with dummy engine), so it cannot be ridden.
And in fact only the Salica GTC model was built and exhibited to the public. Besides that, until today there is no data related to the number of cars that have been produced by Salica Cars. It's a shame, even though the cars offered seem to have capability to be fun if used for speeding on the streets or on a racing circuit. Does anyone here has info about this? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TOPGEAR | PHOTOSCAR.FR | STARTMOTORI.IT | CARADISIAC | TOPSPEED ]
