DKW-Vemag Carcará: Brazil's Forgotten 1960s Speed Record Breaker

Forgotten ONES - In the mid-20th century, the Brazilian automotive industry experienced a remarkable surge, particularly in competitive racing. The 1960s saw a fierce rivalry among brands like DKW-Vemag, Willys, and Simca on racetracks scattered across the nation. This era was synonymous with speed, but no vehicle epitomized this better than the DKW-Vermag Carcará. Named after a Brazilian endemic predatory bird, the Carcará set the Brazilian land speed record in 1966, clocking an astonishing 231 km/h. 

The DKW-Vemag Carcará had set the Brazilian land speed record in 1966, clocking an astonishing 231 km/h. (Picture from: WeirdWheels)

This impressive feat was achieved with a stock DKW engine, tuned to its limits. The car's modest three-cylinder, 981 cc engine was expanded to 1,089 cc, producing a robust 105 hp. The creation of the Carcará was a collaborative effort involving numerous talented individuals. Described as part bird, part rocket, the Carcará made its debut in Barra da Tijuca, Rio, reaching speeds of 214.47 km/h. This marked the first Brazilian speed record, paving the way for future advancements in Brazilian motorsport.

The Carcará was built on a Formula Junior base, a single-seater "cigar" designed by driver Chico Landi and designer Toni Bianco. (Picture from: RetroAuto)

Thanks for the Carcará's engine enhanced by the genius of Miguel Crispim, doubled its factory output of 50 hp. The car's aluminum body, hand-crafted on a farm in Matão, São Paulo, was mounted on a Formula Junior chassis made by Chico Landi and Tony Bianco. Despite the category's lack of success in Brazil, the car's innovative design featured a rear engine and a large steering wheel to address stability issues.

The DKW-Vemag Carcará's aluminum body, hand-crafted on a farm in Matão, São Paulo, was mounted on a Formula Junior chassis made by Chico Landi and Tony Bianco. (Picture from: RetroAuto)

The project, overseen by Anísio Campos and Rino Malzoni, was dubbed “Arpoador” by its creator Jorge Lettry, Vemag's director of competitions. The development of the Carcará was shrouded in secrecy for eight months, as DKW faced closure with Volkswagen's impending acquisition in late 1966. The chosen pilot, Mario César de Camargo Filho, initially lacked confidence in the vehicle and withdrew. Norman Casari, another Vemag driver, stepped up to the challenge and successfully drove the Carcará.

The development of the DKW-Vemag Carcará was shrouded in secrecy for eight months, as DKW faced closure with Volkswagen's impending acquisition in late 1966. (Picture from: DKW.com.br)

The car's performance was intimidating. Crispim recalls hiding behind a Candango, fearing that Casari might lose control. The Pirelli Cinturato tires, rated for up to 240 km/h, had to be replaced with Stelvio ST17 street models from another Vemag driver, Bob Sharp, to ensure the car maintained a straight path. Despite these adjustments, the Carcará set a new record, documented by "Quatro Rodas" magazine. After this achievement, the Carcará returned to the factory, and its fate became a mystery.

The DKW-Vermag Carcará's innovative design featured a rear engine and a large steering wheel to address stability issues. (Picture from: Carros Antigos não andam,desfilam)

Haven't been seen or heard from for a long time. The Carcará briefly reappeared as a prop in an experimental film by a USP student before being moved to Glaspac, a company producing fiberglass replicas. At the time Paulo Trevisan, owner of the Brazilian Car Museum, commissioned a replica of the record car from Toni Bianco, preserving its history for posterity.

The Carcará briefly reappeared as a prop in an experimental film by a USP student before being moved to Glaspac, a company producing fiberglass replicas. (Picture from: RetroAuto)

Eventually, the car was abandoned in a rented shed until Glaspac needed to clear the space. Tragically, this historic car was discarded, ending up in a landfill. Since that day, the fate of Carcará's original body remains unknown. Reflecting on the Carcará's journey, it is clear that this unique vehicle left an indelible mark on Brazil's racing history.

Its story is a testament to the ingenuity and determination of those who dared to push the boundaries of speed and performance. Though the Carcará met an unfortunate end, its legacy lives on as a pioneering force in the Brazilian automotive industry. The tale of the Carcará is a reminder of a time when passion and innovation drove the pursuit of excellence on the racetrack, leaving a lasting impact on the world of motorsport. ***  [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DKW.COM.BR | RETROAUTO | WEIRDWHEELS ]

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