Unique ONES - In the world of automotive design, certain cars stand out not only for their performance but for their unique and captivating looks. One such car is the Aztec 7, a creation by Fiberfab that turns heads and sparks conversations wherever it goes. This stunning vehicle, introduced in the early 1970s, was Fiberfab's answer to the Bertone Carabo, a striking show car that it strongly resembles. The Aztec 7, while bearing its own identity, is rooted in a fascinating history that intertwines with some of the most legendary names in car design.
The Aztec 7, introduced by Fiberfab in the early 1970s, turns heads and sparks conversations with its striking resemblance to the Bertone Carabo. (Picture from: RareComponentCars)
Fiberfab's Aztec 7 draws inspiration from an Alfa Romeo concept car known as the Carabo. Designed by the renowned Marcello Gandini during his tenure at the Italian design house Bertone, the Carabo was a revolutionary piece of art on wheels. Its design language and futuristic aesthetics set the stage for what would become the Aztec 7. Unlike the Carabo, which was based on Alfa Romeo's Tipo 33 Stradale, the Aztec 7 used the more accessible VW Beetle as its foundation. This choice of donor vehicle made the Aztec 7 both practical and intriguing, blending everyday reliability with exotic styling.
The 1968 Alfa Romeo Carabo Concept designed by Marcello Gandini of the Stilo Bertone, and built on the Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 Stradale chassis. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)
The Aztec 7's body was mounted directly onto the Beetle's floor pan, a process that involved modifying the steering box and shift linkage to ensure a perfect fit. This melding of Italian design inspiration with German engineering practicality created a unique driving experience.
The Fiberfab Aztec 7, based on the Volkswagen Beetle chassis, blends everyday reliability with exotic styling, making it both practical and intriguing. (Picture from: RareComponentCars)
One of the most remarkable features of the Aztec 7 is its windshield, which was sourced from none other than the Lamborghini Miura. This detail alone speaks volumes about the car's ambitions and the level of thought put into its creation.
The Aztec 7 body components, which mounted to a shortened VW Beetle chassis. (Picture from: RareComponentCars)
Diverging from the scissor doors of the Carabo, the Aztec 7 featured gull-wing doors, reminiscent of the iconic DeLorean and Mercedes 300SL. This design choice added to its exotic appeal, making it a standout at any gathering. The car's wedge-shaped profile and pronounced front and rear overhangs were characteristic of the era's automotive trends, capturing the spirit of 1970s car design. When built by a skilled craftsman, the Aztec 7 could achieve a level of beauty that made it a true showpiece.
The Fiberfab Aztec 7 featured gull-wing doors, reminiscent of the iconic DeLorean and Mercedes 300S. (Picture from: RareComponentCars)
Throughout the 1970s and into the early 1980s, the Aztec 7 was sold in kit form, allowing enthusiasts to build their own dream car. Its popularity soared, with many examples gracing the pages of Petersen's Kit Car magazine and making appearances at prestigious events like the Kit Car Nationals at Knott's Berry Farm. The car even found a place in the realm of land speed records, with a steam-powered version created by Fiberfab and James Crank's JDEX Company in 1977.
The Aztec 7, including a steam-powered version created by Fiberfab and James Crank's JDEX Company in 1977, found a place in the realm of land speed records. (Picture from: RareComponentCars)
The period from 1975 to 1985 is often regarded as a "Golden Age" for kit cars in the United States, and the Aztec 7 is a shining example of this vibrant era. Its unique blend of design, innovation, and accessibility made it a beloved icon among car enthusiasts. Today, the Aztec 7 is remembered as a classic, a testament to the creativity and passion that defined the kit car movement of its time.
As we look back on the Aztec 7, we see more than just a car; we see a piece of automotive history that captured the imagination of a generation. Its story is one of inspiration, ingenuity, and the joy of building something truly unique. The Aztec 7 remains a symbol of an era when car enthusiasts could take their dreams into their own hands and create rolling masterpieces that continue to inspire and amaze. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AZTEC7 | FIBERCLASSICS.ORG | HEMMINGS | RARECOMPONENTCARS | CLASSICITALIANFORSALE | WIKIPEDIA ]
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As we look back on the Aztec 7, we see more than just a car; we see a piece of automotive history that captured the imagination of a generation. Its story is one of inspiration, ingenuity, and the joy of building something truly unique. The Aztec 7 remains a symbol of an era when car enthusiasts could take their dreams into their own hands and create rolling masterpieces that continue to inspire and amaze. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AZTEC7 | FIBERCLASSICS.ORG | HEMMINGS | RARECOMPONENTCARS | CLASSICITALIANFORSALE | WIKIPEDIA ]
