The Italian Legend - Are you on the lookout for the most stunning classic cars ever crafted? Your mind might race through various options, but it's no secret that Italian automakers stand out in creating automotive masterpieces. With their elegant lines, striking stances, and soulful exhaust notes, Italian cars consistently capture attention worldwide.
The Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale is designed by Franco Scaglione and known as one of the most sought classic cars in the world. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
Arguably, one of the most breathtaking cars ever made hails from Alfa Romeo. The Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale is a testament to automotive beauty. Just a glance at its form is awe-inspiring. This car, meticulously handcrafted, is based on the Autodelta Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 racing car, a high achiever in various racing events of its time.
In its prime, the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale was one of the era's priciest cars at 9.75 million lire, and this legacy persists with exorbitant figures to this day. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
As reported by Carscoops, the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale is renowned as one of the most coveted classic cars globally. Born in 1967, this Italian classic supercar was produced in limited numbers — a mere 18 units, with five transformed into concept cars. The exquisite bodywork was entrusted to Carrozzeria Marazzi.
The
Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale constructed with an aluminum body on a tubular
chassis, each unit is a unique creation due to the meticulous
handcrafting process, resulting in variations in several vehicle details. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
The Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, essentially the road-ready counterpart of the Autodelta Tipo 33 sports prototype, was designed by the legendary Franco Scaglione. Its grand entrance occurred at the 1967 Turin Motor Show, creating quite a buzz. Not surprisingly, considering its modified chassis from Alfa Romeo Tipo 33.
The Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale meticulously handcrafted, is based on the Autodelta Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 racing car, a high achiever in various racing events of its time. (Picture from: Carscoops)
The Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale marked a significant milestone as the first production vehicle featuring dihedral doors, also known as butterfly doors. Adding to its distinctive features, this Italian masterpiece boasts windows that gracefully curve into the roof of the vehicle. Constructed with an aluminum body on a tubular chassis, each unit is a unique creation due to the meticulous handcrafting process, resulting in variations in several vehicle details.
The
Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale rides on 13-inch Campagnolo magnesium wheels,
featuring eight-inch front wheels and nine-inch wide rear wheels. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
Early models showcase twin headlights, while some later units exhibit a shift to single headlights. The placement and even the number of the car's windshield wipers further contribute to the individuality of each unit. Additionally, late models introduced vents behind the front and rear wheels, serving to release hot air generated by the brakes.
The interior of the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale exudes a pronounced racing ambiance, featuring a compact dashboard adorned with a three-spoke sports steering wheel. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
The Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale rides on 13-inch Campagnolo magnesium wheels, featuring eight-inch front wheels and nine-inch wide rear wheels. The braking system incorporates Girling disc brakes, with the rear wheels utilizing an inboard system. Prioritizing comfort and safety, the car's suspension system directly inherits design elements from 1960s racing cars. This includes upper and lower control arms at the front and double trailing arms at the rear, complemented by a substantial anti-roll bar.
The Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale is powered by a 1,995 cc aluminum V8 engine, delivering 171.5 kW (230 hp) at 8,000 rpm, coupled with six-speed gearbox transmission system. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
Initially, this masterpiece is powered by a 1,995 cc aluminum V8 engine, delivering 171.5 kW (230 hp) at 8,000 rpm. Paired with the Tipo 33 crankcase and cylinder heads, along with the Colloti six-speed gearbox transmission system, it ensures a thrilling driving experience. It could accelerate from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in less than 6 seconds, before reaching a top speed of 160 mph or 260 km/h, which was considered very fast in the 1960s.
The Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale marked a significant milestone as the first production vehicle featuring dihedral doors, also known as butterfly doors. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
Determining the appropriate price to bring the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale into the garage of passionate classic car enthusiasts remains uncertain. Historically, this Italian classic supercar held the title of one of the most expensive cars of its era, priced at 9.75 million lire.
For those captivated by this beauty, plz don't be surprised to find that its current value is quite expensive. For comparison you can look at the modern iteration of Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale released in September 2023, with each unit commanding an extravagant price tag of £1.7 million. *** [EKA [13052016] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSCOOPS | ISSUU | WIKIPEDIA ]
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Mind-Blowing- When the term "nuclear" is mentioned, it often conjures images of a deadly weapon, a perception grounded in the historical context of its devastating use in ending World War II by destroying Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
1958
Ford Nucleon looked a lot like the 1955 Mystere, a winged Ford concept
car and it said would run on nuclear power, as opposed to gas. (Picture from: Hemmings)
However, beyond its ominous reputation, nuclear power has also been explored as a potential energy source for unconventional applications, such as propelling vehicles. In the 1950s to early 1960s, a phase known as the atomic era, several automotive manufacturers ventured into creating nuclear-powered concept cars that, while never reaching production, captivated the imaginations of automotive enthusiasts.
Presenting four nuclear-powered concept cars that had captivated automotive enthusiasts in the past, although they never made it into production:
1. Arbel Symetric
In the 1950s, the French car manufacturer Arbel, officially known as Compagnie Normande d'Etudes pour l'Application de Procédés Mécaniques, unveiled the Arbel Symetric. This concept car showcased a nuclear heat generator, the 40 kW (53 horsepower) genestatom, coupled with electric motors.
Although limited production began in 1951, the project faced regulatory challenges in France and eventually ceased. The 1958 Geneva Motor Show marked the pinnacle of attention for the latest model.
2. Ford Nucleon
Ford, the renowned American automotive giant, introduced the Ford Nucleon as a prominent nuclear concept car. Despite never progressing beyond a 3:8 scale model, the Nucleon gained fame.
1958 Ford Nucleon said to have twin steam turbines and a nuclear reactor in the trunk. (Picture from: Gizmodo)
Nucleon is planned to have a reactor on the back of the car and work like a USS Nautilus nuclear submarine. In several their concept car presentations, Ford claims that the car can cover 8,000 kilometers with its nuclear power.
Designed to have a reactor resembling the USS Nautilus nuclear submarine, Ford claimed it could cover 8,000 kilometers with its nuclear power. (Picture from: FreeThink)
Unlike
the Arbel Symetric, the Nucleon didn't require refueling; instead, it
involved replacing the old reactor with a new one.
1958 Ford Nucleon model at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan. (Picture from: Hemmings)
While never produced,
a miniature version can be viewed at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn,
Michigan.
3. Simca Fulgur
France demonstrated a particular interest in nuclear-powered vehicles, exemplified by Simca Fulgur, unveiled around the same time as Symetric and Nucleon at the 1958 Geneva Auto Show to show how the vehicles worked in the 2000s.
Simca, a company founded by Fiat, showcased Fulgur as a glimpse into the future, emphasizing autonomous capabilities. Unfortunately, detailed specifications are scarce, but it was confirmed that the Fulgur's engine operated on nuclear power.
4. Studebaker-Packard Astral
Among the array of nuclear car concepts, the Studebaker-Packard Astral stands out as one of the most unconventional. Presented at the South Bend Art Centerin 1958, it was described by its creator as an "iconic machine."
1958 Studebaker-Packard Astral concept while sat on display at the Studebaker National Museum. (Picture from: CurbSideClassic)
Notably, the Astral was described as being able to 'float' in the air and being able to be driven on water. To shield passengers from potential radiation, the vehicle featured a specially designed cover made from advanced materials.
The 1958 Studebaker-Packard Astral, a nuclear-powered concept car from the late 1950s, boasts the ability to 'levitate' and navigate on water. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
That's such a 'spectacular' idea that year, even though until now we have never seen a 'flying car' like Charles Taylor's dream with his Studebaker Astral. Currently, the Astral is on a leisurely break, extending an invitation for exploration at the Studebaker National Museum.
Showcasing futuristic designs akin to jet planes, these nuclear-powered concept cars exude an eccentricity by contemporary standards. Reflecting an era of optimism when nuclear risks were less understood.
Despite safety concerns impeding progress, their ambitious legacy lives on in automotive innovation. The lingering question: does nuclear power still play a role in modern car propulsion? Let's time will reveal the answers for us...*** [EKA [19122018] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FREETHINK | LAUTOMOBILEANCIENNE | GIZMODO | CARSTYLING | HEMMINGS | CURBSIDE CLASSIC]
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ONE-OFF - In a surprising twist to the legacy of the iconic American muscle car, the Ford Mustang underwent a radical transformation with the replacement of its traditional engine with a rotary engine for its drivetrain. The intriguing question remains: Who was behind this unexpected change? The answer lies shrouded in mystery, leaving enthusiasts and automotive historians speculating
Visitors to the National Auto & Truck Museum in
Auburn, Indiana, can walk right up to the rotary-powered Mustang and give it a close inspection. (Picture from: Hemmings)
The origin of this unconventional modification traces back to the 1960s when the Curtiss-Wright Corporation, an American aircraft company, entered into a joint agreement with NSU, a German automotive company. Their collaboration aimed to develop a high-performance version of the Wankel engine, known for its unique rotary design. The Wankel engine, conceptualized by German engineer Felix Wankel in the 1920s, featured a revolutionary three-sided rotor spinning on a single shaft. Its patent was secured in 1929, coinciding with Wankel's employment at NSU, where further advancements were made.
The fan shroud is almost as long as the rotary engine itself and sits well back in the chassis. (Picture from: Hemmings)
Over the years, NSU licensed the Wankel engine design to several global car manufacturers, including AMC, Mercedes-Benz, Citroën, General Motors, Nissan, Suzuki, Toyota, and Mazda notably adopted the Wankel engine for its RX7 and RX8 cars, spanning from 1978 to 2011. The engine's appeal lay in its remarkable simplicity, utilizing 98 percent fewer moving components compared to conventional combustion engines with OHV or OHC configurations.
Notice the V-8 distributor cap with only two spark plug wires fitted. (Picture from: Hemmings)
The enigma surrounding the introduction of the Wankel engine into the Ford Mustang persists, but what is known is that a red Mustang fastback, acquired from Dockery Ford in Morristown, New Jersey, found its way into the hands of the Curtiss-Wright Corporation's Wright Aeronautical Division. This historic vehicle was officially registered on July 28, 1965.
Plenty of documentation is presented alongside the
Mustang including the original registration and State of New Jersey
Certificate of Ownership. (Picture from: Hemmings)
Powering this unique Mustang was a Curtiss-Wright-designed Twin-Rotor RC2-60 rotary engine, boasting a displacement of a modest 240 cubic inches and generating an impressive 185 horsepower at 5,000 rpm.
Aside from the single exhaust emanating from the driver’s side, it’s impossible to tell that this rotary-powered Mustang is any different from a standard 1965 Mustang. (Picture from: Hemmings)
Weighing a mere 237 pounds and compactly measuring 18.5 inches in length, this rotary engine proved ideal for smaller cars, standing at just 21.5 inches tall. Surprisingly smaller than the 289 Ford small-block V-8, it seamlessly fit into the Mustang's engine compartment with ample space to spare.
Regrettably, like many innovative concepts that fail to materialize, the Wankel-powered Mustang remained a solitary creation. As indicated by a plaque at the National Auto & Truck Museum, where the car is currently showcased, "This project was dismissed when Ford decided not to pursue the Wankel engine." The Mustang, a symbol of American muscle, was generously donated to the museum by Steve Estes of Kalamazoo, Michigan, ensuring its preservation as a testament to an intriguing chapter in automotive history.
For the present that has entered the electrified vehicle era, Ford has also been built an electric-powered Mustang pony, wanna see it? Click me...*** [EKA [28122019] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HEMMINGS | NATMUS | OLDCARSWEEKLY ]
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Hidden GEMS - Isuzu, a prominent Japanese automotive manufacturer, is widely recognized for its lineup of pickup models, SUVs, trucks, and commercial vehicles. However, delving into the past reveals a lesser-known facet of Isuzu's history – its venture into the creation of distinctive mid-engined sports cars in the late 1960s.
The Isuzu Bellett MX1600 GT-I Concept by Ghia while sat in display at the 1969 Tokyo Motor Show. (Picture from: Automobiles-Japonaises)
In a collaborative effort with the renowned Ghia design house in Italy, Isuzu embarked on the journey of crafting an exceptional automobile. Renowned designer Tom Tjaarda, the creative mind behind the DeTomaso Pantera sportscar, played a pivotal role in shaping these unique vehicles during his tenure at Ghia.
The Isuzu Bellett MX1600 GT-I Concept by Ghia boasts retractable pop-up headlights and a unique adjustable front spoiler, electrically controlled from the dashboard. (Picture from: Automobiles-Japonaises)
The outcome of their collaboration was the Isuzu Bellett MX1600, a concept car unveiled to the public for the first time at the 1969 Tokyo Motor Show. Despite sharing its name with an existing production car, the Isuzu Bellett, the MX1600 concept set itself apart by adopting the engine of the contemporaneous Bellett GT-R.
Powering the Isuzu Bellett MX1600 (in pictured GT-I) is a 1.6-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine, coupled with a Hewland FT200' gearbox. (Picture from: Automobiles-Japonaises)
Powering the Isuzu MX1600 is a 1.6-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine, coupled with a Hewland FT200' gearbox. Placed on the rear axle in a central transverse position behind the two-passenger cockpit, this engine propels the rear wheels, with access facilitated by a fully opening rear canopy.
The Isuzu Bellett MX1600 GT-II Concept by Ghia while sat in display at the 1970 Tokyo Motor Show. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)
The Isuzu Bellett MX1600 concept underwent the construction of three prototypes between 1969 and 1971. The initial iteration was the Bellett MX1600 GT-I, succeeded by the Bellett MX1600 GT-II, featuring minor stylistic modifications.
The Isuzu Bellett MX1600 GT-II Concept by Ghia featured with a Kamm-tail for enhanced aerodynamics. (Picture from: Issuu)
The third prototype took the form of an estate version, named the Bellett SportsWagon. Additionally, a racing variant, the Bellett R6, emerged in 1969, geared for competition in the Japanese GP.
The Isuzu Bellett MX1600 SportWagon Concept by Ghia while sat in display at the 1971 Tokyo Motor Show. (Picture from: AllCarINdex)
The car features a self-supporting steel body, integrating Isuzu R6 competition suspension. With a quintessential wedge-shaped design typical of the 1970s. Notably, the GT-I model boasts retractable pop-up headlights and a unique adjustable front spoiler, electrically controlled from the dashboard.
The Isuzu Bellett R6 racing car prototype emerged in 1969, is geared for competition in the Japanese GP, and powered by the same inline 4 engine that is found the Bellett GT-R and 117 Coupe. (Picture from: Hey_Turn on Twitter)
In contrast, the GT-II model incorporates two pairs of round headlights parallel to the grille, and a Kamm-tail for enhanced aerodynamics. Meanwhile, the SportsWagon is characterized by box-shaped headlights.
Unsung HERO - Carroll Shelby, a name synonymous with American muscle cars, left an indelible mark on the automotive industry with his creations like the AC Cobra and modified Mustangs for Ford Motor Company. However, among his myriad automotive achievements, there's one gem that remains relatively obscure to the public - the Shelby Lonestar.
One-off fully restored 1968 Shelby Lonestar on display at the at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance 2018 in Florida. (Picture from: WeirdWheels)
The Shelby Lonestar, a car shrouded in rarity, boasts the distinction of being a singular creation, hidden away since the mid-1970s. Its obscurity, in part, stems from the fact that only one unit was ever produced, making it a clandestine presence in automotive history. However, the Lonestar emerged from the shadows in 2018, captivating the world's automotive enthusiasts after undergoing a meticulous restoration. The car made its grand reappearance at the prestigious Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance 2018 in Florida.
The JWAE's Lonestar prototype boasted a 92.8-inch wheelbase, strategically positioned between the Cobra and Ford GT40. (Picture from: Hemmings)
This remarkable automobile was originally conceived as a fusion of the Cobra and Ford GT40, with Carroll Shelby's design input realized through his company, Shelby American. The physical assembly took place under the expertise of John Wyer Automotive Engineering (JWAE) in Slough, England. The genesis of the Lonestar traces back to the mid-1960s when Shelby American, amidst managing the GT40 and developing the Mustang racing car, sought a successor to the Cobra 427.
A sketch of the Lonestar prototype. (Picture from: Hemmings)
The project, initially named Cobra III, took a covert path as Shelby turned to JWAE, their collaborator from the GT40 project, for assistance in design. The collaboration unfolded with distinct perspectives; Shelby American favored the conventional front-engine layout utilizing the Ford V8 engine, aligning with the Cobra's legacy.
The Lonestar as delivered by John Wyer Automotive Engineering (JWAE) to Shelby American in 1967. (Picture from: Hemmings)
Conversely, JWAE, accustomed to the GT40's Lola design, proposed a deviation. Engineer Len Bailey of JWAE envisioned basing the new car on the GT40 but refining it for public road use. Intriguingly, Shelby favored the JWAE proposal, steering the project in an unexpected direction. Subsequently, JWAE developed the concept further, conducting wind tunnel tests on a mini model in late 1966, gaining Shelby's approval in early 1967, leading to the creation of a full-size prototype.
The 1968 Shelby Lonestar in the final stages of restoration. Note the air intake behind the door, added by Shelby American. (Picture from: Hemmings)
The JWAE masterpiece boasted a 92.8-inch wheelbase, strategically positioned between the Cobra and Ford GT40. It armed a 289 engine, coupled with a ZF-five speed transaxle, found its place in a chassis amalgamating Cobra and Ford GT40 design elements, encased in an aluminum body by Gomm Metalworking. Completed in August 1967, the Lonestar was shipped to Shelby American in California the following month.
Rearview of the Shelby Lonestar prototype. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)
The mystique surrounding why Ford opted not to embrace the Lonestar lingers. Speculations include the impractical egress, necessitating climbing over tall and wide sills housing the fuel supply, the projected high cost (double that of the Cobra 427), and the changing regulations for the 1968 model year, eliminating exemptions for low-volume manufacturers like Shelby.
Some attribute the Lonestar's fate to its window sticker. The exact reasons remain elusive, leaving the Lonestar to occupy a unique niche in the annals of automotive history, a rare gem waiting to be rediscovered. *** [EKA [13022020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WEIRDWHEELS | HEMMINGS | CONCEPTCARZ | ]
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Unique Wedge-Shaped - Emanating from the mysterious domain of the automotive world, entwined with the legacies of numerous defunct brands, are automotive masterpieces that once ignited the admiration of impassioned enthusiasts in their zenith. Introducing Jehle Artemis, a supercar prototype veiled in obscurity, meticulously crafted by the Liechtenstein-based automotive company Jehle in the early 1990s.
The Jehle Artemis is a supercar prototype veiled in obscurity, meticulously crafted by the Liechtenstein-based automotive company Jehle in the early 1990s. (Picture from: AuoGen.pl)
Established by Xavier Jehle, the company thrived from the late 1970s to the early 1990s, holding its place as one of only two automotive entities ever rooted in Liechtenstein, sharing the spotlight with Orca Engineering. It specialized into car manufacturing, by producing a series of unique buggies with modified Volkswagen and Citroën engines. Notable among these early creations was the wedge-shaped Saphier, featuring a Beetle floor plate and a range of engines, from Golf to the V8 from Ford, necessitating a new chassis.
The Jehle early creations was the wedge-shaped Saphier, featuring a Beetle floor plate and a range of engines, from Golf to the V8 from Ford, necessitating a new chassis. (Picture from: Auto.cz)
The company's journey expanded further as they delved into the intricate tuning of De Tomaso models, focusing notably on their engines—the Pantera coupe and the Longchamp grand tourer. However, the evolution of the Saphier concept and Jehle's experience with Italian sports cars sparked a new ambition—to create a bespoke sports car that would claim the title of the fastest and most powerful in the world. Thus, the exotic coupe project, born in the 1980s, was aptly named after the Greek goddess of hunting and nature—Artemis.
Jehle's journey expanded further as they delved into the intricate tuning of De Tomaso models, focusing notably on their engines—the Pantera coupe and the Longchamp grand tourer. (Picture from: AleSupercars)
Significant strides were taken in the development of the new model that appear to draw inspiration from the iconic Lamborghini Countach. In this venture, Jehle diverged from relying on engines from established manufacturers. Instead, he conceived and crafted a bespoke V12 engine, boasting five valves per cylinder and a robust 6.6-liter capacity, complemented by two turbochargers.
The take-off power surged to an impressive 500 horsepower, with the option, upon request, to elevate it to a staggering thousand! Its declared empty weight stood at 1,200 kg, translating to an exceptional maximum power-to-weight ratio of 1.2 kg/hp. These remarkable figures for a '90s supercar, crafted by an obscure company from an unfamiliar country, add an intriguing layer to its mystique.
The envisioned Jehle Artemis supercar was slated to be 4.25 meters in length, with an approximate weight of 1,200 kilograms. (Picture from: AuoGen.pl)
The incorporation of variable boost pressure regulation from the cabin introduced a customizable dimension. In theory, these specifications held the promise of reaching speeds of up to 400 kilometers per hour and achieving a remarkable acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.1 seconds! A small reminder for you - the 400km/h barrier was reached by Bugatti Veyron 14 years later, in 2005.
The interior design would accommodate 4 passengers (2+2 seating), even it had a telephone and HiFi system integrated into the side armrests. (Picture from: AuoGen.pl)
The envisioned vehicle was slated to be 4.25 meters in length, with an approximate weight of 1,200 kilograms. The production plan aimed for around 10 units per year, each to be meticulously crafted on a robust steel chassis. The interior design would accommodate 4 passengers (2+2 seating). It had a telephone and HiFi system integrated into the side armrests. Front seats could be equipped with 3- or 5-point seatbelts, offering a unique and intimate driving experience.
The company crafted a bespoke V12 engine, boasting five valves per cylinder and a robust 6.6-liter capacity, complemented by two turbochargers for the Artemis. (Picture from: AuoGen.pl)
All these features reflecting the exclusivity and innovation embedded in Jehle's vision for the Artemis, were packaged with a price tag of approximately ₣552,000 at the time. This would be approx. €626,000 or $748,000 in current money. Unfortunately, these ambitious plans never came to fruition. Financial constraints halted the project before it could take flight.
Three chassis were in progress: the first serving display purposes, lacking an engine and interior but concealed beneath a full-scale body sculpture. The second chassis remained incomplete. The third, intended as the sole complete Artemis, featuring the proprietary V12, found its home with a customer in the Middle East.
In the end, Jehle Artemis stands as an unrealized dream, a testament to the challenges faced by innovators in the automotive realm. The bold vision and technical prowess displayed in its design are a poignant reminder of the unfulfilled potential of this Liechtenstein-born supercar. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTA5P.EU | AUTOGEN.PL | ALLCARINDEX ]
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