FNM 2000 Onça: Brazil’s Rare Answer to the Ford Mustang

Forgotten ONES - The allure of sports cars lies in their ability to blend speed, style, and innovation into one remarkable package. Throughout automotive history, certain cars like the Porsche 911 or Ferrari have carved their names into global culture, becoming symbols of performance and design. Yet, behind these celebrated icons exist lesser-known gems—vehicles that, despite their obscurity, possess fascinating stories and unique features. One such hidden treasure is a Brazilian sports car that carries a striking resemblance to an American legend yet stands apart in its ingenuity.

The FNM 2000 Onça's crease along the side closely resembles the iconic design of the renowned American muscle car, the Ford Mustang. (Picture from: TopSpeed)

In the 1960s, Brazil’s state-owned FNM (Fábrica Nacional de Motores) company sought to make a splash in the sports car market. The idea was ambitious, especially for a country whose automotive scene was still developing. At the time, FNM was manufacturing vehicles under license from Alfa Romeo, producing modified versions for the Brazilian market. This partnership laid the groundwork for an intriguing creation: the FNM 2000 Onça, a car with both Italian and American influences that aspired to compete in the niche sports car segment.

The FNM 2000 Onça's crease along the side closely resembles the iconic design of the renowned American muscle car, the Ford Mustang. (Picture from: Motor-Junkies)

The FNM 2000 Onça was introduced in the mid-1960s, and its design immediately turned heads. Its resemblance to the first-generation Ford Mustang, which debuted in 1964, was impossible to ignore. The Onça’s sleek roofline, defined beltline, and side profile echoed the Mustang’s aesthetic. However, upon closer inspection, subtle differences emerged. The Onça was more compact, featuring a shorter wheelbase, and its fiberglass body was handcrafted with distinct design elements. For instance, its taillights and front fascia showed traces of Alfa Romeo’s signature styling, particularly reminiscent of the Giulia.

The FNM 2000 Onça made its debut as a prototype at the 1966 São Paulo Motor Show, with the company confidently starting its sales soon after. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

This captivating design was brought to life by Genaro "Rino" Malzoni, a visionary designer and entrepreneur who had already made a name for himself with models like the GT Malzoni. Malzoni’s workshop in Matao City, São Paulo, was responsible for shaping the Onça’s unique body, while the car’s mechanical components were assembled in Xerem, Rio de Janeiro. The result was a fusion of international influences, tailored for the Brazilian market.

The FNM 2000 Onça featured a 2+2 seating configuration, emphasizing its sporty yet practical design. (Picture from: QuatroRodas)

While the Onça’s outward appearance sparked comparisons to the Mustang, its engineering told a different story. Instead of the Mustang’s robust V8 engine, the Onça housed a 2.0-liter inline-four engine derived from Alfa Romeo’s mechanical lineup. With twin Weber carburetors, this engine delivered 115 to 131 horsepower, depending on the configuration. Power was transmitted to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox, a setup that offered respectable performance for the time. The car could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 9.3 seconds, with a top speed of 109 mph—impressive numbers for a small sports car.

The FNM 2000 Onça showcased an Alfa-style steering wheel and a rosewood-coated panel complemented by a horizontal speedometer. (Picture from: QuatroRodas)

Despite its merits, the FNM 2000 Onça faced significant challenges. One major obstacle was its cost. The intricate production process and reliance on imported components made the Onça prohibitively expensive for most Brazilian buyers. Additionally, its resemblance to the Mustang, while striking, likely limited its appeal to those seeking originality. As a result, production remained limited, and the car never achieved widespread popularity.

The FNM 2000 Onça was built on a chassis 22 cm shorter than the FNM TIMB and featured a fiberglass body covering. (Picture from: Motor-Junkies)

Beyond its market struggles, the Onça is a testament to Brazil’s ambition and ingenuity during a formative period in its automotive history. It stands as a reminder of the creativity that can emerge from collaborations across borders. Though it may be largely forgotten today, the Onça’s blend of Italian-Brazilian engineering and American-inspired design make it a unique chapter in the story of sports cars. | zk3KJQSFGbQ |

In a world where legendary models dominate conversations, the FNM 2000 Onça proves that even the lesser-known cars have tales worth telling. Its bold design, handcrafted bodywork, and distinctive character set it apart as a rare gem from an era of experimentation and innovation. For car enthusiasts and historians alike, it’s a reminder that the allure of sports cars extends beyond the icons to include those unsung heroes that dared to dream big.😴 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | QUATRORODAS | TOPSPEED | AUTOEVOLUTION | MOTOR-JUNKIE ]

Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone