The Pellandini: Australia's Hidden Sports Car Legend

Forgotten GEMS - The world of classic cars is often associated with European brands like Ferrari, Lotus, and Rolls Royce, but unique gems emerge from other corners of the globe, bringing distinct character and ambition. Among these unique vehicles is the Pellandini Sports Coupe, a rare Australian creation designed by Peter Pellandine. Known for its striking looks and remarkable engineering, the Pellandini has carved out a special place in the history of motor racing and automotive innovation in Australia. Its story is not only one of performance but also of inspiration drawn from the automotive greats of Europe, blended with the ingenuity and determination of its Australian roots.

The Pellandini Coupe was produced by Pellandini Cars Ltd, a kit car manufacturer founded by Englishman Peter Pellandine in 1970, located in South Australia. (Picture from: BollyBlog)

Peter Pellandine, the creative mind behind the Pellandini, was no stranger to high-end car design, having worked with H.J. Mulliner, a renowned British coachbuilder for Rolls Royce. He dedicated years to crafting post-war luxury car bodies, giving him a solid foundation in precision engineering and a taste for elegance. His journey took a significant turn when he shifted his focus to fiberglass body design in the mid-1950s, founding companies like Ashley Laminates and Falcon Shells in the UK. Pellandine’s work in fiberglass ultimately shaped his vision for the Pellandini, bringing him closer to his dream of creating a lightweight yet powerful sports car at a price point that was accessible to passionate young drivers.

You would never have guessed that the Pellandini Coupe sports car was built upon the foundation of a BMC Mini model, as its sleek design and performance capabilities set it apart from its humble origins. (Picture from: MaximumMini)

In designing the Pellandini, Pellandine found inspiration in the lightweight, high-performance models of Lotus, especially the Lotus Elan and Lotus 23. He took cues from these models' efficient design and then set out to apply similar principles to a sports car that would be built entirely in Australia. His vision was to make a streamlined, competitive vehicle with a monocoque fiberglass chassis that would drastically reduce production costs and weight. The result was a vehicle that weighed under 1,000 pounds, a true featherweight for its power class, with a low center of gravity that allowed it to hug the road in sharp corners.

Peter Pellandine drew inspiration for his Pellandini from Ferrari's iconic Dino, which influenced his design approach and vision for creating a lightweight, high-performance sports car. (Picture from: MaximumMini)

The Pellandini’s construction was as innovative as its inspiration. Instead of merely adapting an existing car’s body, Pellandine created a specialized chassis that could integrate the power unit, steering, and brake components from a range of Mini models, including the Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S. This modular approach made the car attractive to hobbyists and enthusiasts with mechanical skills, as the parts could be installed with relative ease. The car's power unit sat just ahead of the rear wheels, a strategic placement that not only optimized balance but also made servicing and component swaps straightforward. The Pellandini's adaptability allowed it to be fitted with different engines to suit the preferences of its owner, giving it a versatility that was rare in other performance cars of the time.

The Pellandini Coupes, previously owned by Max Kinsmore, were sold in December 2018. (Picture from: BollyBlog)

The design paid off in terms of handling as well. Pellandine incorporated double wishbone suspension with coil springs and Armstrong telescopic shock absorbers, which, combined with the mid-mounted engine, allowed the car to corner smoothly and maintain stability at high speeds. Early tests of the Pellandini revealed that it handled exceptionally well for a car in its class, even matching the performance standards of established competitors. With a top speed of 130 mph, it held its own as both a road car and a racing machine, defying expectations for a vehicle of its size and price.

The Pellandini Coupes, previously owned by Max Kinsmore, were sold in December 2018. (Picture from: BollyBlog)

Pellandine’s vision extended beyond just the performance aspect. He wanted the Pellandini to become the foundation of a thriving Australian sports car industry, much like the Lotus brand in England. While building the car in his Adelaide garage with the help of his two sons, Nicholas and Paul, he worked tirelessly to reduce production costs by creating an integrated chassis-body design, which eliminated the need for an expensive space frame. His success was a testament to the practicality and potential of fiberglass in car manufacturing, something he had initially doubted when first experimenting with the material in England.

The Pellandini Coupe showcases its compact interior with a three-spoke racing steering wheel and a dashboard featuring only a few essential instrument panels and buttons. (Picture from: BollyBlog)

The first Pellandini sports coupe featured a unique badge design and sported a bright lime green finish, making it a distinctive sight on Australian roads. Over time, the car's unique features evolved, from its push-up headlights to its gull-wing doors and Perspex windscreen, all of which contributed to its exotic look and appeal among enthusiasts. Some models were customized further by owners, with details like specially designed aluminum rear uprights and unequal length wishbone suspension for advanced handling. For those who loved racing, the car’s lightweight structure made it ideal for hill climbs and track events, where it became known for its agility and competitive spirit. 

The Pellandini Coupe was displayed at the 'Hot Bricks' event of the Modified Minis Car Club in Adelaide during the 1970s. (Picture from: BollyBlog)

Despite Pellandine's dedication and the car’s performance capabilities, the Pellandini sports coupe faced challenges in the market. Limited production numbers and the difficulty of scaling up manufacturing in a small operation meant that the car remained a niche product. Nevertheless, Pellandine continued to pursue his passion, accepting orders for custom builds and maintaining his vision of a true Australian sports car.  

The Pellandini Coupe's off-line remote linkage gear-change, routed around the left side of the engine into the central tunnel, was often tricky to adjust but worked well with minimal movement once properly set up. (Picture from: BollyBlog)

Pellandine introduced a roadster version in 1974, but it was less popular than the original design. In total, seven coupés were sold, and most of these cars are still in existence today. Many owners of the Pellandini appreciated its unique history and engineering, often customizing their vehicles further to enhance performance or adapt the design to personal tastes.

This Pellandini car, powered by a Cooper 'S' engine with a 45 DCOE Weber carburetor, was tested by Barry Cartwright of Sports Car World magazine when it was new in 1973. (Picture from: BollyBlog)

Even today, the Pellandini coupe holds a special place in the hearts of collectors and automotive enthusiasts, particularly in Australia. Some owners have preserved their cars over the years, restoring them or modifying them to keep them roadworthy. Stories of these cars continue to emerge, with owners sharing their experiences and memories of this rare vehicle. The Pellandini represents a piece of Australia’s automotive heritage, embodying a spirit of innovation and ambition that reflects both Pellandine's legacy and the aspirations of the local car industry during that era.

Considering, the Pellandini Sports Coupe is so rare that no videos exist about it, so instead, here is a video featuring another eight super rare Australian sports cars.

The Pellandini sports coupe remains a symbol of what can be achieved with passion, creativity, and resilience. It stands as a tribute to Peter Pellandine’s vision and his drive to create something unique, blending the performance ideals of European sports cars with a distinct Australian identity. Though it never reached the heights of Lotus or Ferrari in terms of mass production, the Pellandini has left a lasting impression on those who have encountered it, embodying a bold chapter in the story of Australian automotive engineering. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | PELLANDINI IN FACEBOOK | MAXIMUMMINI | BOLLYBLOG | ALLCARINDEX | PINTEREST ]

Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone