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Tuesday, March 14, 2023

Did you ever know the LeMans Coupe by Strother MacMinn and John Bond?

Legendary ONES It's a commonplace to comment on something unique and uncommon. As it happened when we've found the figure of a classic sports car which in our opinion has a unique shape, we've never seen before. And we could be sure, that's you had never seen it as well. Immediately, we became curious to dig more infos about the car, eventually we've managed to find it from several sites on the internet...
No other “Special” of the 1950s captured the imagination of the public as the design, build and debut of Strother MacMinn and John Bond’s LeMans Coupe. (Picture from: UndiscoveredClassics)
Indeed, this uniquely shaped car made in the late 1950s has actually not existed for a long time, so it's no wonder that many classic car lovers today have never seen it before. Even some of them are trying to revive it for the sake of completing their curiosity. Latest news, some of the remaining car bodies are being tried to be revived by Dennis Kazmerowski since 2021 and have entered the completion stage, while another one is also being rebuilt by Geoff Hacker (founder of Undiscovered Classics and auto archaeologist) to follow soon.
The LeMans Coupe' illustration from Strother MacMinn book entitled of Sports Cars of the Future back in 1959. (Picture from: CustomRodderForumactif)
Well, the car mentioned above called LeMans Coupe was designed by Strother MacMinn, and the illustration had used as the cover of his book entitled 'Sports Cars of the Future' back in the 1959. Must admit if the car may have been beautifully designed and was emerged ahead of its time in styling, but unfortunately at that time the LeMans Coupe was nothing more than a study design on paper. 
Strother MacMinn based the design of his LeMans Coupe on the 1937 Talbot-Lago T150-C-22 by Figoni & Falaschi. (Picture from: UndiscoveredClassics)
So it takes someone who has more than just dreams, wishes, and technical capabilities, but strong financial integrities as well to make it come true. Then who is he? As quoted from Hemmings, that person is John Bond, the publisher of Road & Track magazine then. He was not only known as a publisher, also a designer and engineer.
Mockup for the plaster cast gives the appearance of a wingless aircraft fuselage or high speed boat. (Picture from: UndiscoveredClassics)
For many years he wrote for his own column called Sports Car Design in the magazine, in which he spoke about independent sports car development and production. It wasn't until the late 1950s that he challenged himself and his loyal readers to design and build a sports car projected to win the 24-Hours of Le Mans, something almost did by one of his fellow American entrepreneur and sportsman, Briggs Cunningham in the early 1950s.
Mockup for the plaster cast gives the appearance of a wingless aircraft fuselage or high speed boat. (Picture from: UndiscoveredClassics)
In a series of articles (approximately 4 articles), he gave a list of the specifications of the dream car, such as a wheelbase of about 88 inches, overall length 189 inches, tread 48 inches, height 46 inches. As for propulsion, it is projected to use Chevrolet's V8 engine, with the layout of the engine consisting of an engine mounted in the front/center and a transaxle mounted in the middle/rear.
Alton Johnson’s LeMans Coupe was the first car completed and appeared in the August, 1960 Issue of Road & Track Magazine. (Picture from: UndiscoveredClassics)
As for the frame itself, Strother MacMinn written in his book, Sports Cars of the Future, it was made very sturdy and simple, consisting of two straight parallel box beams, which kept costs down on this custom made piece. Furthermore the brake drum components come from Buick, and driven via modified Cord hubs. Even the wheels are made from other standard elements, and the entire assembly is kept as small as possible to keep head resistance and weight to a minimum.
Alton Johnson’s LeMans Coupe was the first car completed, and powered by a Chevrolet's V8 engine. (Picture from: UndiscoveredClassics)
So far the neither Bond nor MacMinn built their proposed Le Mans winner car, but released the idea to the public to attract interest among American auto enthusiasts to fulfill the car's destiny into real. As quoted from Hemmings, along with Strother MacMinn, Bond managed to get two teams interested in building it, though neither intended to actually take the car to LeMans. Each team is as follows; one team, led by Ed Tift, which produced only one car before calling it quits. 
It is also unknown whether the Walter Johnson's Witchcraft dragster from the late sixties was one of the LeMans Coupe body associated with one of the three automaker' names. (Picture from: UndiscoveredClassics)
While the other team consists of two aeronautical technicians, Marvin Horton and Ed Monegan, assisted by a fiberglass specialist, Alton Johnson. As it turned out, this team was preferred by Bond and MacMinn, because their work was more organized, at first they making a clay model, then a wood-and-plaster frame for a body mold. In short, all the process was published in a series of articles during 1957 and 1958.
One of car bodies purchased by Hacker in Illinois back in 2008, which at one point had been dumped in the junkyard, come with a set of vellum drawings of the chassis by the team of engineers that Bond had come up with his specifications for the coupe. (Picture from: Hemmings)
Their first completed car, finished in red, appeared on the cover of the August 1960 issue of Road & Track magazine. At the time it was estimated the team had built at least six copies of the LeMans Coupe, based on research results from Geoff Hacker who had found five different bodies linked to Horton, Monegan, and Johnson. Because at that time usually small-scale fiberglass body manufacturers typically quit after a half dozen-built cars.
The unfinished LeMans Coupe of Dennis Kazmerowski is made its mid-restoration debut in the General Motors Design Dome at the 2022 “Eyes on Design” celebration of cars in Detroit, Michigan. (Picture from: UndiscoveredClassics)
Unfortunately, according to Hacker's search, this first car no longer exists because it was destroyed in an accident. So what's left probably can be counted on the fingers, no more than six units scattered throughout America. It is also unknown whether the Walter Johnson's Witchcraft dragster from the late sixties was one of the LeMans Coupe body associated with one of the three automaker' names above.  
Though Kazmerowski’s LeMans Coupe isn’t fully finished, the decision was made by Eyes On Design that the car and its history is too important to not share with others as early as possible, just as the original LeMans Coupe also made its public display in unfinished form.. (Picture from: UndiscoveredClassics)
As well as car bodies purchased by Hacker in Illinois back in 2008, it is not known with certainty who built the Horton, Monegan, and Johnson body. However, the car, which at one point had been dumped in the junkyard, come with a set of vellum drawings of the chassis by the team of engineers that Bond had come up with his specifications for the coupe.
This marks the first time in more than 60 years that the public has had an opportunity to see any of MacMinn's LeMans Coupes. (Picture from: UndiscoveredClassics)
Not only that, the car is still equipped with a conventionally placed Chevrolet 283 powertrain and an automatic transmission installed in a 1-inch square tube spaceframe. The condition is not completely finished, with some parts of the fiberglass being finished, while other parts are not. Then the gullwing door also hasn't been installed and replaced with a canopy cut in the body, but hadn't yet cut out the windshield or installed glass into it.
The Dennis Kazmerowski's LeMans Coupe restored in the way MacMinn and Bond intended as a purely LeMans racer and not as a sports car that featured with two seaters inside the cockpit. (Picture from: Hemmings)
Armed with Bond's original blueprints for the LeMans Coupe, Geoff Hacker decides that if he is going to complete his LeMans Coupe, he might as well complete it in the way MacMinn and Bond intended as a LeMans racer and not as a sports car. Well, to complete the LeMans Coupe, it will involve as many as three different shops (Craig Johnson for the body, JR Speed Shop for the chassis, and Dave Koorey to put it all together) and a two-and-a-half-year timeline. 
Dennis Kazmerowski posed along with his unfinished LeMans Coupe before its mid-restoration debut in the General Motors Design Dome at the 2022 “Eyes on Design” in Detroit. (Picture from: Hemmings)
Looking back in history, this makes the LeMans Coupe as one of the talked about and recognized special cars during the 1950s, which of course its designs has a visual impact to those who had seen it, would be automatically kept it in minds for almost 60 years of the rest of their lives.
And today we are very grateful, because one of the LeMans Coupes brought back to life by Dennis Kazmerowski has been seen by the classic car lovers at the 2022 “Eyes on Design” celebration of racing car designs in Detroit, Michigan. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | UNDISCOVEREDCLASSICS | VELOCETODAY | HEMMINGS | CUSTOMRODDER.FORUMACTIF.ORG ]
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Monday, March 13, 2023

The Lamborghini Aventador retired, and soon replaced with a hybrid powered beast

New BEAST For those of you who like exotic fast cars, the Lamborghini Aventador is one of the most familiar supercar names. During 11 years of production, this car from the Italian manufacturer has sold more than 11,000 units worldwide.
The rendering image of the Lamborghini Aventador's successor supercar is said to still have a familiar design with the lights appearance similar to the previous model. (Picture from: Motor1)
As we all know that besides the standard Aventador, it also has a range of special edition models such as the Aventador J and also several high-performance variants such as the SVJ which are able to keep this iconic supercar model fresh for more than a decade. However, it's time for the Aventador to step aside of the Lamborghini' production lines, and soon enter retirement.
The spy shot picture of the Lamborghini Aventador's successor supercar wrapped in camouflage while on snowy terrain road test. (Picture from: Motor1)
Now the production of this supercar has officially terminated with the launch of the Lamborghini Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae which is the last model of these series. The car is powered by a pure V12 engine. Reportedly, the Aventador successor is in the process of work by Sant' Agata Bolognese based automaker. It was even stated that Lamborghini had confirmed the mentioned successor would be debut in next few weeks.
The Lamborghini Aventador's successor supercar has smaller headlights with side air ducts, and different rear fenders. (Picture from: Motor1)
Even so, Lamborghini has not announced the name of the new supercar. However, there are rumors that this car will be named of Revuelto. Of course this makes we even more curious. Furthermore, as reported by Motor1, this car is said to still have a familiar design with the lights appearance similar to the previous Aventador.
The Lamborghini Aventador's successor supercar patented image. (Picture from: Motor1)
As you can see from the pictures posted on the Motor1, in the front, it has smaller headlights with side air ducts, and different rear fenders. No wonder with such headlights looks, the Aventador successor looks more aggressive. At the rear has the same lights fixtures with two large exhausts mounted in the middle.
The spy shot picture of the Lamborghini Aventador's successor supercar wrapped in camouflage while on snowy terrain road test. (Picture from: Motor1)
While for the interior there is still no clear picture of what it will look like, but what is certain is that the cabin will get a new design. As for the engine, this supercar will still be powered by a V12 engine as its powerdrive. However, according to several sources, this latest model will apply hybrid system, because Lamborghini plans itself to switch to fully electric mobility in 2024.
Furthermore, the drivetrain is estimated to be able to issue a maximum power of more than 1,000 hp. So with that amount of power, it means that this car will be able to reach speeds of 96.5 kph in less than 2.5 seconds and has a top speed of more than 322 kph. It's fierce enough right? Well, for more details, let's just wait for further news...😎 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTOR1 ]
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Sunday, March 12, 2023

Here is a true game changer should be like, the Europa S2 Roadster

Unique ONES Indeed, this is not a car that was officially produced by the manufacturer, only a custom result made by a third party. So, as we already know, before experiencing the customization process, the figure of the Lotus Europa S2 was already different compared to other sports cars at that time. Especially now that it has been customized into a roadster, its appearance is even more unique.
The Lotus Europa Speedster looks like the coupé-one whose roof has been cut off, and could almost be mistaken for a factory effort. (Picture from: DailyTurismo)
As we all know that initially the Lotus Europa was made by Colin Chapman's company for Ford Motor Company. Well, it was triggered by the American auto giant's disappointment with Enzo Ferrari, who suddenly rejected their business proposal. Since then they have been looking for a quick and precise way to beat the prancing horse's race cars at the 24-Hours of Le Mans racing event.
The Lotus Europa Speedster built from such this 1970 Lotus Europa S2 coupé. (Picture from: VintageCarCollector)
Then to realize the intention as mentioned above, the American auto giant went to two British car designers, Lola Cars and Lotus Cars. In short, then the two made an initial design proposal, and then Ford chose the Lola-designed car which later went on such ways to become the Ford GT40 whose managed to beat Ferrari racing cars at Le Mans racing events three consecutive years from 1966 to 1969, and much to the delight of the Ford's top brass then.
The Lotus Europa Speedster has unique features namely the tiny bug guard windshield (each on the driver's and passenger's sides), as if like to strengthen the classic impression. (Picture from: DailyTurismo)
While Lotus-designed car that had been rejected by Ford, then decided to be the Colin Chapman company's mid-engined sports car to be the successor to the Lotus Seven and took over the status from the Lotus Elan. As we all know, Colin Chapman's car design philosophy is "Simplify, then add lightness." This has also been reflected in the design of the sports car that was originally created for Ford as a light mid-engined car with a drag coefficient (Cd) of only 0.29.
The Lotus Europa Speedster emphasizes that it is a true development result of the legendary Lotus Seven. (Picture from: Revivaler)
This is also increasingly seen in the figure of the modified Speedster version of Lotus Europa which further emphasizes that this design is a true development result of the legendary Lotus Seven. Even though Lotus has never officially decided to build the Europa as a roadster or speedster, only as a hard top coupé was built from 1966 through 1975 in relatively small numbers with a total of 9,230 cars left the factory which makes it pretty uncommon.
The interior of this Lotus Europa Speedster looks like its ready for a Le Mans challenge. (Picture from: BringATrailer)
Unfortunately, it is not clear who built this Europa Speedster, but what is certain is that it was last seen bidding in e-Bay for $7,300 reserve-not-met back in the 2016. At the time, it said located in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, and looks in very prime condition (as seen as on several videos on Youtube below).
The Lotus Europa Speedster is powered by the French-made 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, coupled with four-speed manual transaxle, and also is boosted with a RayJay turbocharger. (Picture from: BringATrailer)
In terms of its appearance, this was a perfect quality Lotus Europa whose roof has been cut off, and could almost be mistaken for a factory effort, then there are another quite interesting features attached neatly to this sports car namely the tiny bug guard windshield (each on the driver's and passenger's sides), as if like to strengthen the classic impression.
The Lotus Europa Speedster is a formula that should ensure that this little car provides a 'spirited' driving experience that should bring a smile to the face of any enthusiast. (Picture from: Revivaler)
The interior is filled with bright color combinations and carbon fiber. Furthermore, there are a pair of seats with harnesses and a roll hoop that can provide a comfortable and safe feeling when driving this car on the streets.
The Lotus Europa Speedster is clearly carrying the Colin Chapman's design philosophy above, so Lotus should have built it because it has advantages that coupé version doesn't have. (Picture from: DailyTurismo)
Then for the dashboard section, the details are not visible, and only a cursory glance on the video. All that is visible is the quick release hub and neat little blue suede rimmed wheels, a perfect match for a nice upholstered seat.
Meanwhile, for the drivingtrain still retains its default engine, namely the French-made 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, coupled with four-speed manual transaxle, and also is boosted with a RayJay turbocharger in what looks to be a perfect setup.
To be honest, (in our opinion) after looking at this modified Speedster version of Lotus Europa clearly carrying the Colin Chapman's design philosophy above, so Lotus should have built it because it has advantages that coupé version doesn't have, and also could be this was the true game changer that the Ford Motor Company was looking for.😎 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BRINGATRAILER | REVIVALER | DAILYTURISMO ]
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Saturday, March 11, 2023

Tailor Made Ferrari Roma Special for 30th anniversary of the Prancing Horse's existence in China

Special GIFT This year Ferrari celebrates its 30th anniversary in mainland China. In order to enliven this celebration, this Italian premium car marque launched the one and only Tailor Made Ferrari Roma back in January 16, 2023.
Here's the Tailor Made Ferrari Roma Special for 30th anniversary of the Prancing Horse's existence in China. (Picture from: Motor1)
This time, the prancing horse auto breeder presents the all-new one-off Ferrari Roma by taking inspiration from traditional Chinese aesthetics and craftsmanship through the many personalization options offered by the Ferrari's Tailor Made programme, and also is a tribute to the brand's achievements over the past 30 years existed in the country.
The Tailor Made Ferrari Roma also meant the beginning of the fourth decade which marked the strengthening of Ferrari's presence in the Chinese market. (Picture from: GoOto)
In addition, the launch of the Tailor Made Ferrari Roma is not only interpreted as a celebration of three decades since the first order for Ferrari was sent to Beijing in 1992, but also the beginning of the fourth decade which marked the strengthening of Ferrari's presence in the Chinese market.

To present the uniqueness of the Tailor Made Ferrari Roma, specifically in terms of aesthetics and traditional Chinese craftsmanship, Ferrari to work together through its Tailor Made programme has partnered with leading Chinese designer Jiang Qiong'er.
The Tailor Made Ferrari Roma of 30th anniversary in China was inspired by the daily lives of people in China. (Picture from: GoOto)
As we know, Jiang Qiong'er has an international reputation, much sought after because his works are rooted in Chinese refinement, beauty, and cultural heritage. His distinctive design vision and insight, along with his deep understanding of traditional Chinese culture, perfectly matched with Ferrari's aspirations in creating of the one-of-a-kind Ferrari Roma as a special gift to commemorate the special occasion. 

Together, Ferrari and Qiong'er drew inspiration from what they came to call the Chinoiserie Chic, a refined blend of classic Chinese aesthetics with concept and craftsmanship to achieve a synthesis of Italian design philosophy.
A special marker on the 30th anniversary edition of the Tailor Made Ferrari Roma is enlivening the supercar market in China. (Picture from: GoOto)
It is meant to provide a unique customized experience featuring a wide selection of specifications and bespoke design solutions. Clients are assisted by a team of Ferrari designers to create a model that reflects their individuality and taste, while upholding the aesthetic standards of the Ferrari brand.

Unmitigated, this Tailor Made Ferrari Roma is described as the embodiment of fundamental artistic and design principles shared by both parties such as dedication to detail, respect for heritage and tradition, and most importantly, a commitment to exceptional craftsmanship which creates a design language of elegance and timeless simplicity.
The Tailor Made Ferrari Roma of 30th anniversary in China features a traditional carmine red finish. (Picture from: GoOto)
As can be seen, the supercar is finished in the contrasting yet eye-catching Sanusilver Matte and Rosso Magma Glossy colors, the latter paying homage to the traditional Chinese carmine red color. The lines that run along the body and through the interior are inspired by classic Ming Dynasty furniture. It brings together traditional Chinese-inspired details and sophisticated Italian artistry of the original model.

Many fine details feature on the interior, such as the carbon fiber sill dedicated exclusively to Tailor Made, the key case painted in mottled red and gold Boluo lacquer, an ancient Chinese technique known for its unique textural finish, and a dedication plate engraved with the Chinese character number “30”.
The Tailor Made Ferrari Roma of 30th anniversary in China presents the art of living that is encountered daily. (Picture from: GoOto)
This particular gold plate was encrusted with jade and had a symbolic meaning in ancient Chinese culture like gold symbolized wealth and good luck, while jade indicated purity and gentleness. Both are synonymous with good will and respect.

As mentioned above, this such a precious lifestyle package that has received the delicate hand touches of Jiang Qiong'er dedicated exclusively to this special Ferrari Roma by combining multi-sensory pleasures that embodies the search for quality and style.
The Tailor Made Ferrari Roma of 30th anniversary in China draws inspiration from traditional Chinese arts. (Picture from: GoOto)
Besides that, there is also another exclusive package which contains a set of four aroma diffusers (one for each season) made with ebony and crystal, a tea set painted with Boluo lacquer speckled red and gold, ebony cigar box, inkstone-made cigar ashtray, a tea set made with handcrafted woven bamboo, Xuan paper kites, a cashmere blanket, and a Chinese plaid set made of agate and leather. All these items are stored in drawers, armrests and trunk.
Like standard version of the Ferrari Roma is powered by a 620 hp turbo-charged V8 engine. That machine won the International Engine of the Year award for the fourth year in a row, this is also the pinnacle of performance in this category. So, the Tailor Made Ferrari Roma blends traditional Chinese aesthetics with inherent Italian style in this supercar. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FERRARI | MOTOR1 ]
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Friday, March 10, 2023

The all-new Mercedes-Benz virtual show car beyond the materiality and physics limitation

Unique ONES In the process of creating an automotive work, designers should have unlimited creative freedom. This is what one of the major German car manufacturers, Mercedes-Benz, is trying to do when launches its new project named Project SMNR in collaboration with the MOBA League of Legends video game publisher, Riot Games.
The all-new Mercedes-Benz virtual show car prototype of Project SNMR posed along with one of Mercedes-Benz EQ Series. (Picture from: BlackXperience)
In its implementation, the Stuttgart-based automaker company combines two things in the Project SMNR, namely passion for League of Legends Esports and extraordinary designing expertise. The result is the all-new Mercedes-Benz virtual concept prototype beyond the materiality and physics limitations.
The all-new virtual show car prototype as the result of Project SMNR of the Mercedes-Benz in collaboration with the MOBA League of Legends video game publisher, Riot Games. (Picture from: StartMotori.it)
As quoted from the Mercedes-Benz official site, that the virtual show car concept is inspired by the dynamic world of League of Legends, so the automaker designers created a vehicle that redefines the boundaries between reality and fiction in an unprecedented process. So for the first time the German automaker company has succeeded in overriding the limitations of materiality and physics, also freeing the creativity of its designers in their creations.
The all-new Mercedes-Benz virtual show car prototype of Project SNMR is inspired by the dynamic world of League of Legends, so the automaker designers created a vehicle that redefines the boundaries between reality and fiction in an unprecedented process. (Picture from: BlackXperience)
In other words, the Project SMNR also embodies the Mercedes-Benz design philosophy of Sensual Purity, and this show car combines the beautiful with the extraordinary in a unique way. Due to the pure virtual environment, the design is free from production constraints and the laws of physics. 
The all-new Mercedes-Benz virtual show car prototype of Project SNMR also embodies the Mercedes-Benz design philosophy of Sensual Purity, and this show car combines the beautiful with the extraordinary in a unique way. (Picture from: StartMotori.it)
Due to it's just a virtual concept, the Stuttgart-based automaker can freely create design elements that are rather hard even impossible to implement in the real world this time.
The all-new Mercedes-Benz virtual show car prototype of Project SNMR looks very futuristic with the bodywork that looks like it's made of acrylic glass and the wheels are protected by a sort of protective shield. (Picture from: StartMotori.it)
"Because of the virtual space, there are no limits to what we can do, which means we can push boundaries and allow our creativity room for the unexpected," said Mercedes-Benz designer Gorden Wagener in a statement.
The all-new Mercedes-Benz virtual show car prototype of Project SNMR was featured in a music video related to the 2022 League of Legends World Championship tournament taking place in the United States from October 29 to November 5, 2022. (Picture from: StartMotori.it)
This virtual car concept looks very futuristic with the bodywork that looks like it's made of acrylic glass and the wheels are protected by a sort of protective shield. The wheel design seems to be a reference to the Audi RSQ concept from 2004, which has somewhat similar proportions to Mercedes-Benz.
While the Audi RSQ appeared in the sci-fi film I, Robot (2004), the Mercedes-Benz virtual car concept was featured in a music video related to the 2022 League of Legends World Championship tournament taking place in the United States from October 29 to November 5, 2022.
Since 2020, Mercedes-Benz has been Riot Games' exclusive automotive partner, and in 2021 Wagener and the Mercedes-Benz design team designed the Championship Ring for the League of Legends World Championship. The Championship Ring features a small Mercedes-Benz star logo, as well as synthetic diamonds made from CO2 extracted from the atmosphere. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MERCEDES-BENZ | RIOTGAMES | STARTMOTORI.IT ]
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