Top-3 - In the vast world of automotive products, there are numerous hidden gems produced by manufacturers that have slipped into obscurity. Whether due to lack of success, limited production, or simply being overshadowed by other models, some cars have seemingly vanished over time.
 |
| The 3 Unique Overlooked Forgotten Automotive Gems: In the foreground, the Iso Rivolta Lele; in the middle, the Honda Vamos; and in the far background, the Mitsubishi Flying Pug. (Picture compiled by EKA) |
However, it's essential to acknowledge that these forgotten automobiles have still left their mark on the automotive industry, contributing significantly to design, technology, and features. Let's explore three of the most striking and interesting hidden gems that deserve our attention.
1. Iso Rivolta Lele
 |
| The Iso Rivolta Lele was initially crafted as a special birthday present for Rachelle (LeLe) Rivolta, the daughter-in-law of Piero Rivolta, the company's founder. (Picture from: CarVaganza) |
Interestingly, the Iso Rivolta Lele, as it is officially known, was initially crafted as a special birthday present for Rachelle (LeLe) Rivolta, the daughter-in-law of Piero Rivolta, the company's founder. The car's name, however, might raise some confusion, as in Indonesia, "Lele" means "Catfish."
 |
| The Iso Rivolta Lele has furnished with luxurious interior equipped with leather seats, air conditioning, power windows, and plush carpets. (Picture from: BelowTheRadar) |
Introduced in 1969 with an ambitious mission to surpass the famous Lamborghini Espada, the Iso Rivolta Lele was powered by a robust V8 engine provided by General Motors, delivering an impressive 350 horsepower. Initially, the car featured a 4-speed manual or automatic transmission, but due to payment disagreements, General Motors cut off engine supplies.
 |
| The Iso Rivolta Lele was powered by a robust V8 engine provided by General Motors, delivering an impressive 350 horsepower. (Picture from: BelowTheRadar) |
As a result, the Iso Lele adopted Ford's V8 engine, albeit with slightly less power (323 PS). Unfortunately, despite its contemporary exterior design and luxurious interior equipped with leather seats, air conditioning, power windows, and plush carpets, the car failed to gain traction in the market. Only 285 units were sold between its launch and the end of production in 1974.
2. Honda Vamos
 |
| The Honda Vamos might not ring a bell for most car enthusiasts, as it targeted a niche market of outdoor exploration. (Picture from: Fandom) |
The name "Vamos" is derived from Portuguese, translating to "Come on!" or "Let's Go!" Powered by a 354 cc 2-stroke engine driving the rear wheels, this lightweight car weighs only 520 kilograms. Designed for open-air travel, all instruments are waterproof, and traditional doors are replaced with bars for easy access during outdoor adventures.
 |
| The Honda Vamos shares its platform with the successful Honda TN360, which gained popularity in South-East Asia region (like in Indonesia). (Picture from: Tamerlane'sThough) |
Regrettably, the Honda Vamos did not enjoy the success it deserved. Despite its recreational appeal, the car's lack of four-wheel drive limited its potential as an off-roader. For mountain excursions or rough terrains, customers preferred the Suzuki Jimny or the slightly quirky Daihatsu Fellow Buggy.
 |
| The Honda Vamos powered by a 354 cc 2-stroke engine driving the rear wheels, this lightweight car weighs only 520 kilograms. (Picture from: WheelsAge) |
3. Mitsubishi Flying Pug
 |
| The peculiar Mitsubishi Flying Pug unveiled as an offshoot of the Pajero Mini, a tiny off-roader known for its 80 horsepower engine and remarkable capabilities. (Picture from: CarVaganza) |
While its body still showcases traces of the Pajero Mini's outline, the Mitsubishi Flying Pug exhibits a perplexing classic British car-inspired front design. This unusual aesthetic can be attributed to Japan's fever for classic British cars in 1997, a trend that even modern car maker Mitsuoka capitalized on with the Mitsuoka Viewt Nadeshiko.
 |
| The Mitshubishi Flying Pug's interior has two rows of benches wrapped in a material that looks like leather with brown wood accents that can be found in the middle of the dashboard or around the transmission lever. (Picture from: CarVaganza) |
Although Mitsubishi aimed to ride this wave of nostalgia, the local media heavily criticized the Flying Pug. The market response was far from promising, leading to a production run of only 139 units out of the initially planned 1,000. Consequently, the Mitsubishi Flying Pug became a forgotten relic in the automotive world.
 |
| The market response was far from promising, leading to a production run of only 139 units out of the initially planned 1,000 units. (Picture from: CarVaganza) |
The automotive industry is indeed rich with hidden treasures that have been overshadowed by more popular models or faced challenges in the market. Despite their limited success, these three remarkable and unique cars—the Iso Rivolta Lele, Honda Vamos, and Mitsubishi Flying Pug—have undoubtedly made valuable contributions to automotive history. It's time to appreciate and celebrate their uniqueness and the ingenuity of their makers. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BELOWTHERADAR | FANDOM | TAMERLANE'S THOUGH | ]Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
