Unrealized Brilliance: The Truncated Journey of Griffon in Brazil

Forgotten ONES - Brazil, which is often overlooked in the global automotive arena, turns out to produce many domestic producers which then make this country an important player in the automotive world. Amidst the myriad of lesser-known automotive creations, one standout is the Griffon, a Brazilian sports car that debuted in the early 1970s, leaving an enduring impression with its distinctive design. The name Griffon is inspired by a legendary mythological creature, boasting the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle.

The Griffon was a Brazilian sports car designed by Dawilson Lucato and Mario Belatto Jr. in the early 1970s, debuted at the 1981 São Paolo Motor Show, and leaving an enduring impression with its distinctive design. (Picture from: ArquivoDoCarroNacional)

The genesis of the Griffon can be traced back to the São Carlos Technical School, Usp, where two former students, Dawilson Lucato and Mario Belatto Jr., embarked on a remarkable journey. Initiated as a practical assignment in 1974, the project took shape slowly, resulting in the creation of two prototypes after nearly seven years of meticulous development.

The Griffon was initiated as a practical assignment of the São Carlos Technical School in 1974, the project took shape slowly, resulting in the creation of two prototypes after nearly seven years of meticulous development. (Picture from: ArquivoDoCarroNacional)

In the initial stages, as the vehicle's fundamental characteristics were being defined, the duo sought assistance from the Aircraft Laboratory of the EESC Department of Mechanical Engineering. This collaboration infused aeronautical concepts into the design, reflecting in the Griffon's aerodynamic and ergonomic features, encapsulated in the iconic wedge shape reminiscent of the 1970s.

The Griffon was based on the Volkswagen Brasília 1600 mechanical platform, although a specialized chassis was concurrently designed to accommodate various engines, adopting a transverse mid-engine layout. (Picture from: ArquivoDoCarroNacional)

The prototype was based on the Volkswagen Brasília 1600 mechanical platform, although a specialized chassis was concurrently designed to accommodate various engines, adopting a transverse mid-engine layout. This engineering marvel produced a vehicle with a commendably low drag coefficient (Cx 0.35), considering the mechanics employed, and a lightweight performance.

The Griffon crafted from fiberglass reinforced plastic, the Griffon's body exhibited not only easy access to mechanical components but also impeccable internal and external finishing. (Picture from: ArquivoDoCarroNacional)

Crafted from fiberglass reinforced plastic, the Griffon's body exhibited not only easy access to mechanical components but also impeccable internal and external finishing. Boasting an efficient ventilation and soundproofing system, concealed windshield wipers and headlights, internal control mirrors, electric windows, and a leather interior, the Griffon was a testament to meticulous craftsmanship.

The Griffon boasting an efficient ventilation and soundproofing system, concealed windshield wipers and headlights, internal control mirrors, electric windows, and a leather interior. (Picture from: ArquivoDoCarroNacional)

In 1981, the Griffon made its debut at the São Paolo Motor Show, captivating automotive enthusiasts with its avant-garde design. However, despite the acclaim, the design and tooling were put up for sale the following year, without any takers.

The Griffon engineering marvel produced a vehicle with a commendably low drag coefficient (Cx 0.35), considering the mechanics employed, and a lightweight performance. (Picture from: ArquivoDoCarroNacional)

Mario Belatto Jr., one of the visionaries behind the Griffon, continued to contribute to the automotive world by participating in the design of other vehicles like the Buggy, Cheda, and Ventura. In the 90s, he harbored plans to include the Griffon in his own factory's production lineup, envisioning a new version with a mid-engine configuration using the Chevrolet Monza chassis.

The Cheda was another Mario Belatto Jr.'s car creation during 1990s. (Picture from: RareComponentCars)

Tragically, Mario's sudden demise in 1996, at the age of 42, brought an abrupt end to the Griffon's journey. The untimely loss not only marked the conclusion of Mario's significant contributions to the automotive industry but also closed the chapter on the Griffon, leaving behind a legacy that continues to fascinate enthusiasts and stands as a testament to Brazilian ingenuity in the realm of sports cars. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | RARECOMPONENTCARS | ARQUIVODOCARRONACIONAL ]

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