Beyond Boundaries: The Iconic 1990 Sbarro Chrono's Acceleration Obsession

Happy NEW YEAR - Stepping into the realm of automotive innovation, Franco Sbarro emerges as a genuine artist, sculpting dynamic masterpieces that defy conventional limits. In an era dominated by high-speed marvels, Sbarro's creations convey a powerful message – our only boundary is the limit of our imagination.

The 1990 Sbarro Chrono is a clear "red" reminder to not limit our imaginations. (Picture from: Obscure_Cars_Daily)

The 1990 Sbarro Chrono serves as a crimson declaration urging us to free our minds from the shackles of convention. With its foldable chassis and multiple timers set at 3.5 seconds, it establishes itself as the quintessential show-car challenging automotive icons like the McLaren F1.

The 1990 Sbarro Chrono is a compact sports car powered by a laterally-placed 3.5-liter 6-cylinder BMW M1 engine delivering 500 horsepower, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. (Picture from: CarsThatNeverMadeItEtc)

Propelled by the iconic BMW M1 engine, the 1990 Sbarro Chrono flaunts a power-to-weight ratio that outshines the Ferrari 360 Modena. Italians, renowned for seamlessly blending emotion, design, and technology, find their embodiment in Franco Sbarro. His eccentric portfolio includes the 1989 Sbarro Osmos show car with hubless wheels, Sbarro Ionos, a pure sports racing style of 1997, and the 2001 Sbarro Autobau, featuring a stingray-like shape in the front fascia.

With its foldable chassis and multiple timers set at 3.5 seconds, the 1990 Sbarro Chrono establishes itself as the quintessential show-car. (Picture from: Carakoom)

The vibrant red creation, embracing the concept of seconds with a clock theme integrated into its design and a cheeky timer in the all-red interior, is a testament to Sbarro's creativity. Like its Sbarro siblings, the Chrono is a compact sports car powered by a laterally-placed 3.5-liter 6-cylinder BMW M1 engine delivering 500 horsepower, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The Chrono boasts a mind-boggling acceleration of 0-62 mph time of 3.5 seconds, surpassing revered "halo" cars of its time like the Bugatti EB 110 and McLaren F1.

The 1990 Sbarro Chrono featuring a semi-monocoque chassis of composites for weight savings coupled with unique flexing mechanism. (Picture from: CarsThatNeverMadeItEtc)

The exceptional performance of the Chrono stems from an aggressive power-to-weight ratio, on par with the Bugatti Chiron. Utilizing composite and lightweight materials, including for its structure, this Sbarro creation weighs a mere 1,433 pounds—lighter than a Smart ForTwo.

By utilizing composite and lightweight materials, including for its structure, the Sbarro Chrono creation weighs a mere 1,433 pounds. (Picture from: Carakoom)

The unique flexing mechanism defines the Chrono, featuring a semi-monocoque chassis of composites for weight savings. Divided into two parts, the main body and a sub-frame housing the engine and rear axle, it mirrors modern motorcycles' split-trellis frame. Special hinges allow the car to appear "broken," and hydraulic links enhance the ride's comfort, though its chances of hitting the road remain limited.

The 1990 Sbarro Chrono has special hinges allow the car to appear "broken," and hydraulic links enhance the ride's comfort, though its chances of hitting the road remain limited. (Picture from: Carakoom)

Designed as a roadster, the 1990 Sbarro Chrono boasts a lightweight fiberglass body and a petite plexiglass windshield. Small headlamps adorned with a quirky "Chrono" logo upfront, where one "O" doubles as a timer, underscore its obsession with acceleration.

The 1990 Sbarro Chrono's chunky rear wheels contribute to its life-sized hot wheels allure, complemented by an unconventional wing resembling a comfortable bed. (Picture from: Obscure_Cars_Daily)

Chunky rear wheels contribute to its life-sized hot wheels allure, complemented by an unconventional wing resembling a comfortable bed. The all-red interior seamlessly follows the thematic tone, with bright red leather adorning every inch. Even the red-tinted plexiglass windshield, extending across the door ends, contributes to the cohesive aesthetic. The dashboard features a single insert housing a timer, playfully frozen at 3.5 seconds—a testament to true automotive obsession.

Not surprisingly, the 1990s, an era unbridled by creative constraints, birthed some of the most eccentric cars in automotive history. Some resembled raccoons, others drew inspiration from computer games. The Sbarro Chrono, an epitome of unrestrained creativity, stands as a testament to the wild spirit of that automotive period. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SBARRO | CARAKOOM | OBSCURE_CARS_DAILY | HOTCARS ]

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