The Forgotten Masterpiece: Sbarro Stash’s Unique Legacy

Forgotten ONES - In the world of unique and rare automotive designs, the Sbarro Stash stands out as a fascinating example, though it's a vehicle that many have never heard of. Revealed to the public for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show in 1974, the Stash was a striking three-seater coupe built on the platform of the Canadian-made Bricklin SV1. 

The Sbarro Stash coupe was built on the platform of the Canadian-made Bricklin SV1, and revealed to the public for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show in 1974. (Picture from: Coachbuild)

The car’s foundation, reminiscent of the SV1, includes a central beam connected to a reinforced tubular frame, surrounded by a double roll bar, and all of this was integrated into two polyester monocoques. The Stash's construction wasn't just about aesthetics; it also ensured safety with features like a reinforced roll cage.

The Sbarro Stash coupe features a different profile with a very high rear end. (Picture from: FrancoSbarro)

The car's engineering also highlighted practicality. Braking power came from four disc brakes, with optional sprinklers available for enhanced performance. Despite its sleek and sporty appearance, the Stash offered more storage capacity than one might expect from a car of its kind, with two luggage compartments—one at the front with a capacity of 290 liters and another at the rear with 140 liters. This made the Stash not just a beauty on the outside but also a functional vehicle.

The Sbarro Stash targa cabriolet HS model aka Super Stash of 1978 powered by a 6.9-liter Mercedes-Benz V8 engine. (Picture from: FrancoSbarro)

Customers had the choice between two body styles: a classic coupe and a targa cabriolet known as the HS aka Super Stash. The car’s name, Stash, was derived from Stanislas Klossowski, the vehicle's sponsor, adding a personal touch to the vehicle's identity. Moving away from the Bricklin SV1's rotary engine, the Stash came with a range of engine options. 

Franco Sbarro was behind the wheel of a Super Stash HS with a 6.9-liter Mercedes V8 engine. (Picture from: FrancoSbarro)

The base model was powered by a Volkswagen 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder K70 engine. For those seeking more power, there was the option of a Mercedes 450 SE 6.9-liter V8 engine that boasted 286 bhp, allowing the car to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.4 seconds.

The interior of the Sbarro Super Stash HS, much more classic than that of the Cardin. (Picture from: FrancoSbarro)

In some unique instances, the Stash was fitted with different engines to suit specific requests. For example, a Greek businessman named Jean Arvanitis had a Stash equipped with a Porsche engine, demonstrating the car's versatility. There's also mention of a possible version with a BMW 3-liter 6-cylinder engine, although this hasn’t been confirmed.

The Sbarro Super Stash HS's rear lights hidden behind a grille were often used by Franco Sbarro. (Picture from: FrancoSbarro)

Although these power figures might not seem impressive by today’s standards, it’s important to consider the context of the time. During the 1970s, many sports cars had far less power. For example, the Alpine A110 produced only 95 hp, and even a Ferrari 308 managed just 255 hp. Against this backdrop, the Stash’s performance was quite impressive. The version fitted with the Mercedes 6.9-liter engine could reach a top speed of 240 km/h, putting it on par with contemporary sports cars like the Ferrari 308.

A year after its debut, in 1975, the Stash caught the attention of famed fashion designer Pierre Cardin. He presented his version of the Stash at the Salon de Paris, adding his signature touch to the vehicle. While the exterior changes were minimal—marked mainly by a blue band on the side featuring Cardin's signature—the interior received a significant makeover.

The Sbarro Stash Cardin made its debut at the 1975 Salon de Paris. (Picture from: FrancoSbarro)

The dashboard was now made of painted lamellar rubber, and the seats, carpets, and roof lining were adorned with stylish stripes, adding a luxurious and modern feel to the car’s cabin. Despite these changes, the Volkswagen mechanics remained unchanged, indicating that the modifications were primarily focused on aesthetics rather than performance.

The Sbarro Stash Cardin features minimal exterior changes, marked mainly by a blue band on the side featuring Cardin's signature. (Picture from: GTPlanet)

Cardin’s involvement in the design of the car was emphasized in promotional materials, with brochures claiming that the car was created by Pierre Cardin in collaboration with Sbarro. This led to some tension, as Sbarro himself likely didn't appreciate this assertion, considering that the modifications were largely superficial. However, in the eyes of many, the Stash and Pierre Cardin became closely associated, further elevating the car’s unique status.

Pierre Cardin designed a painted lamellar rubber interior and striped carpets for the Stash. (Picture from: FrancoSbarro)

Unfortunately, the Sbarro Stash was never produced in large numbers. Only five units were ever sold, making it an extremely rare vehicle today. Despite its practical design, appealing looks, and relatively affordable price, the Stash didn't achieve widespread recognition. Its scarcity only adds to the mystique surrounding it, and today, these cars are nearly impossible to trace, with their current whereabouts remaining a mystery. | iIbWPPJ_qLo |

The story of the Sbarro Stash is a reminder of the many hidden gems in the automotive world that, despite their potential, never reached the prominence they deserved. Yet, for those who know about it, the Stash remains a symbol of innovative design and rare beauty, a car that continues to intrigue and inspire, even as it slips further into the shadows of history. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SBARRO.PHCALVET.FR | GTPLANET | LOTUSESPRITTURBO | AUTOMOBILE-CATALOG | HISTORICAUTOPRO | COACHBUILD | WIKIPEDIA ]

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