Forgotten GEMS - Venturing into the vast expanse of the internet, one stumbles upon unique automotive gems that spark curiosity and fascination. Among these, the elusive 1968 SWM Gordini stands out, a creation of the German company SWM, founded by the visionary Mannl brothers, Stefan and Wenzel Mannl, during the dynamic 1960s.
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| 1968 SWM Gordini stands out, a creation of the German company SWM, founded by the visionary Mannl brothers, Stefan and Wenzel Mannl, during the dynamic 1960s. (Picture from: BringATrailer) |
The distinguishing feature of all SWMs lies in their custom fiberglass bodywork. The initial six units adopted the tubular and geared chassis of the BMW 700. A glance at the profile might evoke memories of the iconic Ferrari 250 GT SWB Breadvan or the renowned Lotus Europa. Yet, the true eccentricity unfolds beyond the B pillar with the unmistakable Kamm tail design. In the realm of automobiles, not all allure stems from conventional beauty; sometimes, it's the quirkiness and uniqueness that steal the spotlight.
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| 1968 SWM Gordini Coupe boasts a kammback body made of fiberglass, riding on a chassis furnished with suspension and running gear from a Renault 8. (Picture from: BringATrailer) |
Upon opening its doors, reminiscent of the GT40 but configured as gullwing, the 1968 SWM reveals a roof that leaves us to imagine its complete form, particularly noteworthy is the sizable back clamshell. Although constrained by limited photographic evidence, the mystique of the opened car adds to its allure. Intriguingly, despite its roots in the Renault 8, this vehicle conspicuously features a four-lug hub, deviating from the standard three-lug design. Powering this automotive marvel was the original rear-mounted 1300 Gordini engine coupled with a 5-speed manual gearbox.
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| Powering this rare 1968 SWM Gordini Coupe was the original rear-mounted 1300 Gordini engine coupled with a 5-speed manual gearbox. (Picture from: BringATrailer) |
With aspirations for mass production, the Mannl brothers envisioned transitioning to a more economical unibody Renault 8. However, their plans faced complications when their successful carpentry business required a loan for expansion. The bank's condition for the loan was clear — the brothers had to abandon their penchant for sports cars. Consequently, the focus on racing cars, including the ongoing construction of the seventh SWM, came to an abrupt halt. The final SWM found itself consigned to storage.
In the late 1960s, an American soldier stationed in Germany acquired the 1968 SWM Gordini, shipping it across the Atlantic to the USA. For five decades, the car lay dormant, aging gracefully, though components like the engine and windshield vanished into history. Though lacking interior visuals, optimism surrounds its possible restoration.
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| Yet, the true eccentricity of the 1968 SWM Gordini Coupe unfolds beyond the B pillar with the unmistakable Kamm tail design. (Picture from: BringATrailer) |
Fast forward to 2019, a dedicated restoration initiative commenced, meticulously replacing missing components to breathe new life into the 1968 SWM Gordini under the ownership of Luis Alarcos in Valladolid, Spain. Now, we eagerly await the transformation, hopeful that this unique car will reclaim its former glory (Its latest condition of 2021).
The saga of the 1968 SWM Gordini unfolds as a testament to automotive innovation and the untold stories that lie dormant, awaiting rediscovery. As we navigate the digital highways of the internet, these hidden treasures emerge, inviting us to marvel at the ingenuity of bygone eras and the resilience of these mechanical artifacts against the sands of time. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BRINGATRAILER | UNDISCOVEREDCLASSICS | CLASSICANDRECREATIONSPORTSCAR ]Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
