Forgotten ONES - In the dynamic tapestry of Brazilian automotive history, hidden gems and unique creations surface, spotlighting the skill of Samba's artisans. As we venture into the less-explored stories of Brazil's automotive scene, a captivating narrative of craftsmanship unfolds, transcending borders and echoing the innovative spirit—enter the
Cisne Prateado (
Portuguese for Silver Swan). It's crucial to note that this isn't the work of today's trendy Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology.
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| The Cisne Prateado (Portuguese for Silver Swan) was a remarkable piece of automotive artistry took shape at Auto Mecânica Atenas in São Paulo, nestled between 1956 and 57. (Picture from: LexicarBrazil and refurbished by Visual Paradigm Online) |
Nestled between 1956 and 57, a remarkable piece of automotive artistry took shape at Auto Mecânica Atenas in São Paulo. The masterminds behind this creation were none other than Constantin Theodore Kessar, a Greek immigrant, and Miguel Borrel, a Spaniard. Both brought their wealth of experience from the global automobile industry – Kessar from GM and Ford in the USA, and Borrel from the renowned Spanish Pegaso, a manufacturer of cutting-edge sports cars in the 1950s.
Built on a North American Ford chassis, the car boasted an engine meticulously tuned to unleash a formidable 145 horsepower. The fuel pump, radiator, and filters underwent resizing to accommodate the additional 40 horsepower, with the transmission sourced from a Lincoln.
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| However, the true masterpiece was the meticulously handcrafted steel body of the Brazilian Silver Swan by Borrel. (Picture from: LexicarBrazil and refurbished by Visual Paradigm Online) |
The pièce de résistance, however, was the steel body of this
Brazilian Silver Swan meticulously handcrafted by
Borrel. This canvas became the embodiment of the team's ingenuity, featuring a blend of practical and avant-garde elements. Among the standout features were the whimsical "stability wings" – fish tails conceived to enhance safety, the opulent "gold-plated" grille details, and an external paint job that boasted
an astonishing 54 shades of maroon.
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| Standout features included whimsical 'stability wings' – fish tails for safety, opulent 'gold-plated' grille details, and an exterior with 54 shades of maroon. (Picture from: LexicarBrazil and refurbished by Visual Paradigm Online) |
The team's inventive flair extended to the car's functionality, with upward-sliding door windows seamlessly disappearing into the roof. Additionally, two travel suitcases adorned with the same material as the upholstery found a unique home behind the seats, as the car embraced a minimalist design with only two seats and no traditional trunk.
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| The Cisne Prateado built on a North American Ford chassis, the car boasted an engine meticulously tuned to unleash a formidable 145 horsepower. (Picture from: LexicarBrazil and refurbished by Visual Paradigm Online) |
Imbued with the fervor surrounding the nascent Brazilian automobile industry,
Auto Mecânica Atenas harbored ambitious plans to metamorphose into a manufacturer specializing in bespoke bodies. However, the realization of these aspirations hinged on securing the necessary financial backing – a goal that, unfortunately, remains shrouded in uncertainty, with no reports confirming the success of their endeavors.
As we navigate the annals of Brazilian automotive history, this unsung tale of creativity and ambition serves as a testament to the diverse and dynamic spirit that permeates the country's automotive landscape. It underscores the significance of acknowledging these hidden gems, ensuring that the legacy of remarkable craftsmanship endures, even in the shadows cast by more prominent players on the global stage. Brazil's automotive tapestry, rich and multifaceted, continues to unravel, revealing stories that captivate and celebrate the artistry born from the fusion of passion and innovation.
*** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LEXICAR BRAZIL | CLASSIC AND RECREATION SPORTSCAR | ALLCARINDEX | ERWINHORST.NL | GARAGEMBRASIL ]Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
