Franco Sbarro's Two For 100: A Bold Take on Eco-Friendly Cars

Unique ONES - Franco Sbarro has long been regarded as a visionary in the world of automotive design, creating masterpieces that defy convention. His works often surprise and challenge established norms, and his creations go beyond mere transportation—they are statements. One of his standout achievements was introduced to the world in 2011, capturing attention not just for its performance, but for its bold reimagining of what a car could be. This creation, whimsically named the Two For 100, is a testament to Sbarro’s unique approach to automotive design.

The Sbarro Two For 100 was focused on lightening vehicles, adopting smaller, more fuel-efficient engines and improving aerodynamics. (Picture from: Sbarro.PhCalvet.fr)

The focus of this particular project was on crafting a lighter, more efficient vehicle. Sbarro set out to reduce fuel consumption without sacrificing the driving experience. With the Two For 100, he adopted the philosophy of combining a smaller, more fuel-efficient engine with improved aerodynamics, creating a vehicle that was not only eco-friendly but also innovative in its design. The name itself is a clever nod to its efficiency—two liters of fuel for every hundred kilometers, an impressive feat by any standard.

Franco Sbarro at the wheel of the Two For 100, a kind of bubble on wheels. (Picture from: Sbarro.PhCalvet.fr)

As environmental concerns become increasingly central to the automotive industry, Sbarro’s foresight in creating a vehicle that prioritizes efficiency was ahead of its time. Decades before the Two For 100 made its debut, Sbarro was already exploring alternative energy sources. In 1977, he designed the Pilcar, an electric car at a time when electric vehicles were seen as mere experimental whims rather than a viable future for transportation. However, by 2011, it seemed that Sbarro had shifted his focus slightly, moving away from electric power and towards optimizing traditional internal combustion engines. His new direction emphasized reducing weight, shrinking engine sizes, and refining aerodynamics, while still producing an efficient vehicle.

The Sbarro Two For 100 featured a bubble-shaped interior offers unrivalled 360° panoramic vision, and made debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. (Picture from: Sbarro.PhCalvet.fr)

The Two For 100, presented at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, encapsulated all of these principles. Weighing in at just 500 kilograms and powered by a modest 600 cc engine, this compact vehicle was designed to excel in both urban environments and on open roads. One of the most fascinating aspects of the car was its adaptability. It could be driven in a low position to reduce drag and improve performance, or in a higher position for better visibility in crowded city streets, where aerodynamics play a less critical role. The result was a car that not only met its fuel efficiency target but did so with an innovative design that was practical and forward-thinking.

The Sbarro Two For 100 featuring a simple and comfortable cabin awaits the two occupants. (Picture from: Sbarro.PhCalvet.fr)

What surprised visitors to the Geneva show was the design of the Two For 100, far removed from the usual criteria. Extremely short (3.5 m), its bubble-shaped interior offers unrivalled 360° panoramic vision. The car's technical side was overshadowed by the eternal quips to which Franco Sbarro must be accustomed. Which is a pity, but it doesn't matter. The Two For 100 is an interesting concept, by no means revolutionary, but it does offer a synthesis of what could be done in mass production to make cars less polluting, without resorting to expensive technologies.

Careful aerodynamics led Sbarro to fair the unique wheels. (Picture from: Sbarro.PhCalvet.fr)

Despite its technical merits, however, the car’s unusual appearance drew quizzical looks and remarks from onlookers, perhaps overshadowing the innovation beneath the surface. But as with many of Sbarro’s creations, the Two For 100 was never just about fitting in—it was about pushing boundaries and presenting new possibilities.

The Sbarro Two For 100 is adorned with unique transparent polycarbonate wheels, similar to those seen on the 2008 Pendocar. (Picture from: Sbarro.PhCalvet.fr)

One particularly innovative feature of the Two For 100 was its wheels. Made entirely of polycarbonate, these transparent wheels were not only lightweight but also added a futuristic aesthetic to the car’s overall look. This wasn’t the first time Sbarro had experimented with polycarbonate wheels—he had previously introduced them on the 2008 Pendocar, a motorcycle that shared the same cutting-edge spirit. The use of polycarbonate in the wheels was another example of Sbarro’s ingenuity, highlighting his ability to incorporate unconventional materials into his designs while still maintaining functionality.

The Sbarro Two For 100 a reflection of Franco Sbarro’s unique vision and creativity. (Picture from: Sbarro.PhCalvet.fr)

The Two For 100 may not have revolutionized the automotive world in the way electric vehicles eventually did, but it did offer a fresh perspective on how cars could be made more environmentally friendly. Sbarro’s work showcased that eco-friendly vehicles didn’t need to rely on expensive or complicated technologies to reduce their impact on the planet. By focusing on simple yet effective strategies like reducing weight and improving aerodynamics, he demonstrated that innovation could come from rethinking the basics rather than relying solely on high-tech solutions.

n the end, the Two For 100 was a reflection of Franco Sbarro’s unique vision and creativity. It wasn’t just a car—it was an exploration of how vehicles could evolve to meet new challenges while staying true to the principles of efficiency and practicality. Even if it didn’t become a mainstream production model, it remains an important piece in the puzzle of automotive history, offering a glimpse into what could be achieved with a different approach. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SBARRO.PHCALVET.FR | RADICAL-MAG ]

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