Steve McHugh's Odyssey: A Triumph of Automotive Creativity and Passion

Unique ONES - Frankly, when stumbling upon it while browsing the internet, we couldn't help but be amazed. What is this car, you may ask? Well, it's none other than the extraordinary Odyssey, a unique automotive creation that has captivated our attention like never before. After some thorough research aided by our trusty companion Google, we finally managed to uncover the fascinating story behind this car.

The Odyssey, originally built upon a Nova GT kit car, proudly features a 1641 Beetle engine and a reliable Volkswagen chassis beneath its sleek exterior. (Picture from: FiberClassics.org)

Meet Steve McHugh, an automotive enthusiast hailing from Tamworth, Staffordshire, England—the mastermind behind the Odyssey. The vehicle is a product of Steve's love for Nova kit cars, and the striking white beast we see today is the result of his relentless passion and dedication. Interestingly, Steve accomplished this feat without the luxury of a garage; instead, he undertook all the work on his very own driveway.

The Odyssey, originally built upon a Nova GT kit car, proudly features a 1641 Beetle engine and a reliable Volkswagen chassis beneath its sleek exterior. However, Steve's venture with this exceptional creation did not culminate there. Throughout a decade-long journey, he embarked on three remarkable iterations, continuously pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation.

The Odyssey showcased subtle modifications to the kit, including some lower body tweaks and Ford Cougar headlights, also Ducati's sidemirrors seamlessly integrated. (Picture from: MadAbout-KitCars)

The first stage of the Odyssey showcased subtle modifications to the kit, including some lower body tweaks and Ford Cougar headlights, also Ducati's sidemirrors seamlessly integrated. It was a proof to Steve's skill and vision, preserved for future generations to admire. Notably, this ambitious project also serves as a heartfelt homage to the iconic VW Beetle 'Herbie,' as evidenced by the incorporation of the legendary number 53 on various sections of the front bumper.

The Odyssey sprouted manga-inspired wings, sported aggressive ducting at the rear, and featured striking slots carved out of its hood. (Picture from: FiberClassics.org)

As he delved deeper into the world of car customization, the second iteration emerged, unveiling a more daring appearance. The Odyssey sprouted manga-inspired wings, sported aggressive ducting at the rear, and featured striking slots carved out of its hood. Inside, Steve revamped the interior with meticulously detailed billet knobs and buttons, complementing the snazzy teal paint job that adorned the exterior.

But Steve's thirst for innovation didn't stop there. The third and current iteration pushed the boundaries to the extreme. The car underwent extensive fiberglass and bondo work, resulting in completely restyled sides. The rear bodywork was dramatically eliminated, giving way to a jaw-dropping under-engine aero tray—a testament to Steve's audacious design choices. Not to forget, the engine received a substantial upgrade, elevating the car's performance to new heights.

The rear bodywork was dramatically eliminated, giving way to a jaw-dropping under-engine aero tray—a testament to Steve's audacious design choices. (Picture from: derAutoFan)

All this remarkable work paid off when, in 2008, Steve McHugh's Odyssey triumphed in the competition for the nation's best modified car held by Discovery Channel. The recognition was well-deserved, considering the level of craftsmanship and ingenuity poured into this one-of-a-kind vehicle.

In essence, Steve McHugh's Odyssey embodies the limitless creativity and fervent passion that motivate automotive enthusiasts to bring their dreams to life. Fueled by determination, ingenuity, and an unwavering commitment, Steve elevated a modest kit car into a breathtaking masterpiece. This remarkable feat serves as a compelling illustration of the possibilities that unfold with a clear vision, a humble driveway serving as a workshop, and an unwavering love for all things automotive. *** [EKA [04082023] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | JALOPNIK | DUMPERT.NL | FIBERCLASSICS.ORG | MADABOUT-KITCARS ]

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Bugatti Brown: The Unusual 1955 Art Car Based on a Rare Type 57S

Sculpted Eccentricity - The automotive world has never been short of surprises. Beyond famous production cars and celebrated racing machines, there are rare creations that blur the line between transportation and art, leaving a lasting impression long after they first appear.

1955 Bugatti Brown is built by an Anglo-French sculptor named James-Jacques Brown based on the 1938 Bugatti T57S chassis and while on display at the InterClassics 2015 held in Brussel. (Picture from: Automag.be)

One of the most unusual examples is the Bugatti Brown, a vehicle whose appearance remains striking even by modern standards. Its flowing, unconventional shape immediately sets it apart from traditional Bugatti designs and continues to intrigue enthusiasts who encounter it today.

1955 Bugatti Brown built by James-Jacques Brown and is sat on display at the Autoworld in Brussel. (Picture from: Mr. Wouter Bregman's photo on Flickr)

The story becomes even more fascinating because the car was based on one of Bugatti’s most exclusive foundations. Its origins trace back to a chassis of  the 1938 Bugatti T57S, a model widely regarded as one of the rarest and most desirable creations ever produced by the legendary French manufacturer.

1955 Bugatti Brown built by James-Jacques Brown and is sat on display at the Autoworld in Brussel. (Picture from: Undiscoveredclassic.com)

Rather than preserving the chassis in its original form, Anglo-French artist James-Jacques Brown chose a radically different direction. In 1952, he created a highly aerodynamic body made from polyester resin, transforming the prestigious Bugatti platform into a sculptural automotive experiment that would later become known as the Bugatti Brown. 

1955 Bugatti Brown built by James-Jacques Brown and is sat on display at the Autoworld in Brussel. (Picture from: Undiscoveredclassic.com)

James-Jacques Brown (October 22,
1918 – December 21, 1991). (Picture
from: Auto-Satisfaction.be)

When the project was finally unveiled at the 1955 Paris Motor Show, it attracted considerable attention. Audiences were confronted with a shape unlike anything commonly seen on the roads of the era, and the distinctive design earned widespread admiration from visitors who appreciated its bold artistic character.

Brown’s career extended far beyond automobiles. During the following years, he continued working as a painter and sculptor, often exploring fiberglass and other modern materials while exhibiting his creations internationally. Unfortunately, between 1969 and 1975, he discovered that prolonged exposure to polyester resin had seriously affected his health, leading to physical decline, depression, and eventually the end of his artistic productivity before his death in 1991.

1955 Bugatti Brown built by James-Jacques Brown and is sat on display at the Autoworld in Brussel. (Picture from: Postwarclassic.com)

The Bugatti Brown was never intended to remain a one-off curiosity. Brown reportedly constructed two examples using Bugatti chassis numbered 57645 and 57723, originally hoping the design could serve a commercial purpose. That ambition never materialized, and over time only one confirmed example remained known to enthusiasts and historians.

This was probably the second unit of the 1955 Bugatti Brown built by James-Jacques Brown. (Picture from: Auto-Satisfaction.be)

Historic photographs reveal that the missing car differed slightly from the surviving example. The most noticeable distinctions appeared around the front air intake and the windshield wiper arrangement, details that help researchers identify the two separate vehicles despite their shared design language.

The 1955 Bugatti Brown was found neglected in the 1980s at the backyard of a restoration workshop in France. (Picture from: Prewarcar.com)

The surviving Bugatti Brown endured a difficult journey. By the 1980s, its body had been found deteriorating behind a restoration workshop in France, separated from its original chassis and left in neglected condition. After being rescued and preserved, it was displayed at Autoworld Brussels without an engine and supported by a tubular structure, with some accounts suggesting a Volkswagen-based floorpan beneath it. 

The 1955 Bugatti Brown was found neglected in the 1980s at the backyard of a restoration workshop in France. (Picture from: Prewarcar.com)

The car later appeared at the 2015 InterClassics event in Brussels and remains an extraordinary reminder of a period when artistic imagination challenged conventional automotive design, proving that even among Bugatti’s rarest creations, there was still room for something completely unexpected. *** [EKA [24022021] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MINKARA | HISTORYCARPRO | AUTO-SATISFACTION | INTERCLASSICS | AUTOMAG | PREWARCAR | ITALIANCAR | AUTOPUZZLES | UNDISCOVEREDCLASSICS | POSTWARCLASSIC | FLICKR ]

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The Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 That Enzo Ferrari Drove

Founder’s Grandtourer - Some cars are remembered for setting records, while others become memorable because of the people who chose to drive them. The Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 belongs to the second group. Although Ferrari produced many celebrated models, this grand tourer gained a special place in history because it was among the few production Ferraris personally used by Enzo Ferrari. Success in motorsport had increased public interest in the brand, creating demand for a car that could offer more comfort without losing Ferrari’s performance DNA.

1962 Ferrari 330 GT Prototype Coupe with chassis number #4085 used by Enzo Ferrari as his personal car. (Picture from: Schmitt)

To answer that need, Ferrari introduced the first 330 GT 2+2 prototype in the summer of 1962. The model evolved from the limited-production Ferrari 330 America, but it was far more than a simple update. A new chassis with a wheelbase two inches longer than its predecessor helped improve its grand touring character. The car also featured a classic Ferrari silhouette, defined by a long hood, elegant proportions, and a short rear deck.

Enzo Ferrari pictured with his personal 1962 Ferrari 330 GT Prototype Coupe with chassis number #4085. (Picture from: Schmitt)

Its stylish appearance was the work of Tom Tjaarda, a young designer who joined Ferrari in 1961 after working for Pininfarina. At just 27 years old, he created a shape that balanced sophistication with sporting intent. The 2+2 cabin layout added practicality, making the car suitable for longer journeys while preserving its exclusive feel.

1962 Ferrari 330 GT Prototype Coupe comes with a 2 + 2 layout and also carries a distinctive shape with a long hood and a Ferrari's classic short trunk profile. (Picture from: InsideHook)

Power came from a refined Colombo V12 engine enlarged to 3,967 cc, or roughly 330 cc per cylinder. Equipped with three Weber carburetors, the engine produced 300 horsepower at 6,600 rpm. Ferrari paired it with a four-speed manual gearbox featuring electric overdrive to make high-speed cruising more efficient.

1962 Ferrari 330 GT Prototype Coupe with chassis number #4085 is featured in a light ivory beautiful color plus a gorgeous black leather interior. (Picture from: Schmitt)

The 330 GT 2+2 was engineered as a true long-distance performance machine. Independent front suspension and a robust rear axle with longitudinal pushrods and tubular shock absorbers helped deliver stability at speed. Its smooth road manners earned praise from Car and Driver in 1965, which described the car as exceptionally composed at speeds above 80 mph.

1962 Ferrari 330 GT Prototype Coupe with chassis number #4085 powered by a Colombo V12 refined engine is fed by three Weber carburetors to produce 300hp of power at 6,600rpm. (Picture from: InsideHook)

Production ended in 1967 after only 1,087 examples were built. The first 627 cars were easily recognized by their distinctive four-headlight front design. One 1962 prototype finished in light ivory with a black leather interior became especially significant. Ferrari kept the car for two years, used it for the original brochure, and displayed it at the 1962 Brussels Motor Show. Carrying chassis number 4085, it later served as Enzo Ferrari’s personal car before being sold to Luigi Chinetti Motors in June 1964.

Decades later, Daniel Schmitt & Co. sold the same car for US$495,000 in 2018, more than double the model’s average market value according to Hagerty. Today, it remains one of the clearest links between Ferrari’s legendary founder and one of the company’s most elegant grand touring cars. *** [EKA [24122020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SCHMITT | INSIDE HOOK ]

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The Chrysler 613 Ghia: A Forgotten Concept Behind Chrysler’s Forward Look

Design Pioneer - There was a time when the automotive world looked toward the skies for inspiration. In the 1950s, as jet aircraft captured public imagination with their speed and futuristic appearance, car designers began translating that same sense of progress into road-going machines. One of the most fascinating results of this movement was the Chrysler 613 Ghia, a concept car that reflected a bold vision of the future while helping reshape Chrysler’s identity during a pivotal period in its history.

The Chrysler 613 Ghia was created through a collaboration between Chrysler Corporation and Italy’s renowned Carrozzeria Ghia. (Picture from: Carrozzeria-Italiani)

The Chrysler 613 Ghia was created through a collaboration between Chrysler Corporation and Italy’s renowned Carrozzeria Ghia, guided by the creative leadership of Virgil Exner. At the time, Exner headed Chrysler’s Advanced Styling Studio and was determined to move the company away from conservative styling trends. His team developed a series of fully functional concept vehicles designed to explore new ideas, and the 613 emerged as one of the most significant examples. More than a styling exercise, it represented Exner’s broader ambition to redefine how American cars could look and feel.

The Chrysler 613 Ghia projected motion even while standing still, combining elegance with a distinctly forward-looking character. (Picture from: Carrozzeria-Italiani)

Its design embraced smooth, flowing lines and a streamlined silhouette that clearly echoed the influence of contemporary aviation. The body projected motion even while standing still, combining elegance with a distinctly forward-looking character. These styling themes would not remain confined to a concept car. The Chrysler 613 became an important design bridge to the celebrated 1957 Chrysler 300C, with its influence visible in the model’s bold grille treatment, sculpted body surfaces, and confident road presence.

The Chrysler 613 Ghia remains an important chapter in automotive design history because it demonstrated how advanced engineering and imaginative styling could work together to shape the future. (Picture from: Carrozzeria-Italiani)

Today, the Chrysler 613 Ghia remains an important chapter in automotive design history because it demonstrated how advanced engineering and imaginative styling could work together to shape the future. 

Chrysler enthusiast Édouard Rodrigue of Québec constructed a faithful replica of the Ghia prototype using a ’57 Plymouth platform and ’57 Chrysler sheet metal components. (Picture from: MacsMotorCityGarage)

The project highlighted the creative partnership between Virgil Exner and Ghia while helping establish the visual direction that became known as Chrysler’s “Forward Look” era. Decades later, the car still serves as a reminder that some of the most influential vehicles are not those built in large numbers, but those daring enough to introduce ideas that change an entire industry. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARROZZERIA-ITALIANI | MACSMOTORCITYGARAGE ]

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Harley-Davidson XA: The Boxer-Engine Motorcycle Few Remember

Bold Detour - Did you know that Harley-Davidson once built a motorcycle powered by a boxer engine? For a brand that has become almost inseparable from the rumble of V-twin cruisers, the idea sounds surprising today. Yet during one of the most challenging periods in modern history, Harley-Davidson briefly stepped away from its traditional formula and created a machine unlike anything else in its lineup.

During World War II, the U.S. Army asked Harley-Davidson to produce a motorcycle as good as BMW's side-valve R71, and here's the result, the Harley-Davidson XA. (Picture from: Trussty)

The story began during World War II, when Harley-Davidson was already supplying motorcycles to the United States Army through the Harley-Davidson WLA. While the WLA served military duties extensively, concerns emerged regarding engine heat, especially in demanding operating conditions. At the same time, military observers were impressed by the capabilities of Germany’s BMW R71, a motorcycle that had proven effective across dramatically different environments, from the freezing landscapes of Eastern Europe to the scorching deserts of North Africa.

Harley-Davidson WLA, another model beside the XA is manufactured as mainstay rides of American GI's during World War II. (Picture from: Trussty)

One of the key reasons behind the BMW’s reputation was its engineering layout. The R71 used a horizontally opposed boxer engine combined with a shaft-drive system. This configuration was valued for its durability, lower operating temperatures, ease of maintenance, and ability to handle a wide range of terrain—qualities that were especially important for military use in active combat zones.

The 1942 Harley-Davidson XA claimed to be able to overcome the heat engine problem on the Harley-Davidson WLA model. (Picture from: ClassicMotorcycle)

Recognizing these advantages, Harley-Davidson carefully examined the technical design of the BMW motorcycle and began developing a comparable machine of its own. The result was the Harley-Davidson XA, introduced in 1942. Although unmistakably American in origin, the XA adopted several concepts that closely mirrored the BMW R71, most notably the boxer engine arrangement and shaft-drive transmission.

Testing the Harley-Davidson XA, that curious 'boxer,' flat-twin, shaft drive motorcycle designed and built for the US Army around 1942. (Picture from: Kits&Coffe in X)

The XA’s design was created with practicality in mind. Its boxer engine positioned the cylinders on opposite sides of the motorcycle, exposing them directly to airflow and helping dissipate heat more efficiently. This engineering choice delivered measurable results. Reports from the period indicated that the XA operated with oil temperatures roughly 56 degrees Celsius lower than those recorded on the V-twin-powered WLA.

The 1942 Harley-Davidson XA had similar features to the BMW R71, namely both using a boxer engine coupled with the shaft drive. (Picture from: GridOto)

Performance was respectable for a military motorcycle of its era. The XA was equipped with a 738 cc boxer engine producing around 23 horsepower. That output allowed the motorcycle to reach a top speed of approximately 104 kilometers per hour, making it capable of handling both transportation and military support duties under a variety of conditions.

With those boxer engine and shaft drive configuration capable make the Harley-Davidson XA run up to a top speed of around 104 kph. (Picture from: BMWDean)

Despite the technical improvements, the XA never became the standard military motorcycle Harley-Davidson had hoped it would be. Production remained limited, with approximately 1,000 units built between 1942 and 1943. In the end, the United States Army chose to continue using the WLA as its primary motorcycle, largely because it was more economical and already established within military logistics and maintenance networks.

Today, the Harley-Davidson XA remains one of the most fascinating chapters in the company’s history. It represents a rare moment when Harley-Davidson looked beyond its traditional engineering philosophy and experimented with ideas inspired by a rival wartime machine. Although its military career was short and many units were eventually sold to civilian riders, the XA stands as a reminder that innovation sometimes emerges from unexpected influences—and that even the most iconic brands can take surprising detours on their journey.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA [13102020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | RIDEAPART | CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE | BMW DEAN ]

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Asardo Sports Car: A Forgotten American Dream

Forgotten Ambition - Sports cars have long been symbols of creativity, especially when built by small manufacturers willing to take risks. While famous names often dominate automotive history, many lesser-known brands have fascinating stories of their own. One of them is Asardo, a company that rarely appears in mainstream discussions today. That often leads enthusiasts to ask: Did you ever heard about the Asardo sportscar? Surprisingly, the answer is yes. The brand was real, it operated during the late 1950s and early 1960s, and it produced one of the more unusual American sports car projects of its time. Although its existence was brief, its story remains an interesting chapter in automotive history.

1959 Asardo 1500 AR-S has a compact curvaceous berlinetta fiberglass body. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)

Asardo was founded in 1959 by Helmut William Schlosser, an Austrian immigrant who had settled in the United States. Before entering the car business, Schlosser owned and operated a machine shop in North Bergen, New Jersey. He was also known as a passionate sports car enthusiast who dreamed of creating a vehicle of his own. The company name was an acronym for American Special Automotive Research and Design Organization. That name reflected the brand’s focus on engineering and experimentation rather than mass production. Unlike major manufacturers, Asardo worked on a very small scale and produced only a handful of designs. This limited output is one reason the brand remains largely unknown today.

1959 Asardo 1500 AR-S whose had a controversy design, said to be inspired by the Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)

The company’s first sports car project actually began before Asardo was officially established. Its initial design work was completed near the end of 1957, while construction started during 1958. Information about the earliest version is limited, but the best-known model is believed to be the Asardo 1500 AR-S. The car featured a compact fiberglass berlinetta body with smooth, flowing curves. Its styling has often been described as a blend of influences from several European sports cars of the era. Observers have noted similarities to the Maserati 300S at the front and certain Ferrari-inspired elements at the rear. Some enthusiasts have also linked parts of its design character to the Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ.

1959 Asardo 1500 AR-S uses a multi-tubular space frame chassis. (Picture from: Zwischengas)

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Asardo 1500 AR-S was the way it combined components from various manufacturers. The dashboard came from a Volkswagen Karmann Ghia, and the windshield was also sourced from the same model before being modified to fit. Its bucket seats were borrowed from the Porsche Speedster, while electrical equipment was supplied by Lucas. The most eye-catching feature, however, was its gull-wing door design. Inspired by the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300SL, the doors used Mercedes hinges and latches along with specially made support struts. This unusual combination of parts gave the car a distinctive personality that stood out from many other sports cars of the period. It also demonstrated Schlosser’s resourceful approach to vehicle development.

1959 Asardo 1500 AR-S is featured with the gull-wing style doors similar to the legendary model of Mercedes-Benz 300SL. (Picture from: Classic And Recreation Car in Facebook)

Beneath the bodywork, the Asardo 1500 AR-S used a multi-tubular space-frame chassis designed to keep the car lightweight and agile. Power came from an Alfa Romeo twin-cam inline-four engine that had been enlarged for additional performance. The engine was estimated to produce around 135 horsepower at 6,800 rpm, an impressive figure for such a compact sports car. A four-speed Alfa Romeo manual transmission sent power to the rear wheels. The car eventually made its public debut at the 1959 New York Auto Show, where it introduced the young brand to a wider audience. Unfortunately, disagreements between Schlosser and financial supporters regarding sales and marketing plans soon emerged. Those conflicts ultimately brought the original production program to an end before it could reach full-scale manufacturing.

1960 Asardo 3500 GM-S, an American version fitted with a Buick's '215' aluminum V8 engine and Corvette transmission. (Picture from: RememberRoad)

The Asardo story continued into the early 1960s when Charlie Kolb, a Volkswagen and Porsche dealer from Florida, commissioned a revised version of the car. He wanted the vehicle to accommodate Buick’s lightweight 215-cubic-inch aluminum V8 engine. To make that possible, Schlosser redesigned the chassis while retaining the existing body shape. The updated model was renamed the Asardo 3500 GM-S and used a 3.5-liter Buick V8 paired with a Corvette transmission system. Despite the significant mechanical changes, available evidence suggests that it retained the same overall appearance as the earlier 1500 AR-S. Only a single example of the model was reportedly built, and very little documentation survives today. Even so, Asardo remains a fascinating reminder of a time when ambitious independent builders could transform bold ideas into unique automobiles that still capture attention decades later. *** [EKA [19102020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ALLCARINDEX | WIKIPEDIA | ALFABB | ZWISCHENGAS | REMEMBER ROAD ]

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