Hidden GEMS - Embarking on a journey through the fascinating world of classic cars often unveils tales of innovation and masterful craftsmanship. Today, we dive into the intriguing story of a remarkable sports car, born in the unassuming workshops of a small French company.
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The 1968 SARAP Proto 681 powered by Gordini 1296 engine. (Picture from: VroomVroom)
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Our focus turns to
Société Alsacienne de Recherches et d'Applications des Plastiques (SARAP), a name that might not immediately ring a bell. Yet, behind this unassuming exterior,
SARAP played a pivotal role in crafting not one but two extraordinary racing cars before venturing into the creation of the
iconic Bufallo buggy. This distinctive buggy, with its original design, left an indelible mark on the French motoring landscape, standing as a testament to the hidden brilliance within
SARAP's walls.
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| The 1968 SARAP Proto 681 powered by Gordini 1296 engine. (Picture from: VroomVroom) |
In 1968, a young technical enthusiast named
André Koenig embarked on a captivating project to create a racing car. Hidden away in a barn in the Alsatian village of Breitenbach,
Koenig drew inspiration from iconic sports cars of the era, including the
Ferrari P4,
Porsche 906, and
Matra 630. The culmination of his efforts resulted in the
SARAP Proto 681, marking the inception of a captivating chapter.
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| The SARAP Proto 681 was created by André Koenig in 1968, inspired by the Ferrari P4, Porsche 906, and Matra 630. (Picture from: Buggy-Buffalo-SARAP.fr) |
The evolution from
SARAP Proto 681 to the
691, (and later during 1970s) with the
701 involved a series of developments, envisioning these cars as kits adaptable to the preferences and budgets of buyers. The vehicle's versatility allowed for various engines, ranging from the
serene Dauphine to the
potent 6-cylinder Porsche and the
NSU 1200.
However, the concept of marketing kits posed challenges. Buyers, often lacking mechanical expertise, found it daunting to assemble road-approved vehicles. Despite being designed for competition, only one buyer managed to partake in a hill race with the
SARAP Proto, achieving modest results.
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| The SARAP 691' versatility also allowed for various engines, ranging from the serene Dauphine to the potent 6-cylinder Porsche and the NSU 1200. (Picture from: AllCarIndex) |
Enter
Roland Beilé, a dynamic and successful publicist, who threw his support behind the company's modest team by spearheading the promotion of these cars. Several promotional initiatives unfolded, leading to the sale of
seventeen SARAP Proto units in different configurations.
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| The SARAP 701 Gordini 1600 sat on display at the Expo Condat Ler Montboissier 2016. (Picture from: Buggy-Buffalo-SARAP.fr) |
To fund these ambitious endeavors,
SARAP subcontracted fiberglass components for various products, including telephone booths, bathtubs, agricultural gear casings, and notably, buggy hulls. The pivotal moment arrived in 1969 when
SARAP's history intertwined with that of
Bruce F. Meyers and his innovative American buggy creation.
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| The SARAP 701 Gordini 1600 sat on display at the Expo Condat Ler Montboissier 2016. (Picture from: BRT63.Over-Blog) |
A Quebec student named
Blanchard, aiming to finance his stay in Strasbourg, envisioned marketing buggies in North America. Importing a Canadian version of the
Manx, he commissioned
SARAP for several hulls, a venture plagued by financial setbacks. One of these bodies languished as collateral in a dusty corner, awaiting a hypothetical payment.
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| The 1975 SARAP 701 Gordini sat on display at the Strasbourg Retrorencard 2010. (Picture from: VroomVroom) |
Upon returning from the US,
Roland Beilé recognized the burgeoning dune-buggy phenomenon overseas and foresaw a similar trend in Europe. Fueled by this insight, he confidently declared to his colleague
André Koenig: "This will be done."
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| The 1975 SARAP 701 Gordini sat on display at the Strasbourg Retrorencard 2010. (Picture from: VroomVroom) |
And thus, the stage was set for
SARAP to carve its niche in the automotive landscape as the premier buggy maker, weaving together the threads of innovation, collaboration, and a touch of serendipity. The story of
SARAP serves as a testament to the unpredictable and exciting journey of a small company leaving an enduring mark on the world of classic automobiles.
*** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BUGGY-BUFFALO-SARAP.FR | VROOMVROOM | BRT63.OVER-BLOG | ALLCARINDEX ]
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