Auto JEWEL - In
the nostalgic era of the 1950s, the automotive world witnessed the
emergence of a remarkable gem aiming to dominate the European racing
circuits—the Hughes-Kircher Special. Crafted through the combined vision
and skills of Charles Hughes and Kurt Kircher, both American' World War
II veterans, this sports racing car embodied their shared ambition to outshine the European competition.
The Hughes-Kircher Special crafted in 1953 through the combined vision and skills of Charles Hughes and Kurt Kircher, and this sports racing car embodied their shared ambition to outshine the European competition. (Picture from: Silodrome)
Originating
from the post-war enthusiasm of American servicemen, inspired by
Europe's nimble roadsters, the Hughes-Kircher Special's genesis story
began with Hughes' purchase of a Jaguar XK120 from Kircher, sparking a
mutual passion for racing. Kircher drove behind his Allard J2X racer, and Hughes,
eager to race his XK120, united to realize their dream of designing a
unique racing machine.
The
Hughes-Kircher Special defined by sleek lines, deep creases, and ridged
sides with airflow channels, the body aimed at optimal engine
temperature management. (Picture from: Silodrome)
With
Kircher's automotive engineering prowess, honed at GM post-war, and
Hughes' physics background and well-equipped machine shop, the duo aimed
to rival automotive giants like Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, and Ferrari.
Their design embraced cutting-edge elements—a lightweight chrome-moly
tube frame, Jaguar XK120's independent front suspension, De Dion rear
suspension, Halibrand differential, and a 3.4-liter DOHC Jaguar XK120
straight-6 engine coupled with a 4-speed manual transmission.
The
Hughes-Kircher Special's distinct aluminum body, handcrafted by Charlie Lyons, blended Italian and British roadster aesthetics. (Picture from: Silodrome)
The
car's distinct aluminum body, handcrafted by Charlie Lyons, blended
Italian and British roadster aesthetics. Its two-piece construction
facilitated maintenance, while the single passenger-side door mandated a
peculiar entry technique—folding into the leather bucket seat.
Noteworthy were the grille-integrated headlights, reminiscent of the
1952 Nash Healey by Pinin Farina.
The
Hughes-Kircher Special's two-piece construction facilitated
maintenance, while the single passenger-side door mandated a peculiar
entry technique—folding into the leather bucket seat. (Picture from: Silodrome)
Defined
by sleek lines, deep creases, and ridged sides with airflow channels,
the body aimed at optimal engine temperature management. While detailed
competition records of the Hughes-Kircher Special are scarce, Kircher
proudly recalled their victories, highlighting consistent top-tier
finishes.
As
the mid-1950s rolled in, European competitors raised the bar, dimming
the Hughes-Kircher Special's competitiveness. To revitalize its prowess,
a decision was made to install a more potent engine, eventually fitting
the SOHC straight-6 fuel injection from the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL
Gullwing snugly into the engine bay. Empowered
by this high-performance engine and a racing camshaft pushing power to
over 240 bhp, the Hughes-Kircher Special delivered outstanding speed and
agility, exceeding expectations for its time.
The
Hughes-Kircher Special eventually fitting the SOHC straight-6 fuel injection from the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing snugly into the engine bay. (Picture from: Silodrome)
Post-competition,
the car found itself in the hands of its designer, Charles Lyons,
before becoming a prized possession for Bugatti collector Carlton
Coolidge and later, the Blackhawk Museum. Its global journey included
appearances in New Zealand, Singapore, and Malaysia, securing an
invitation to the prestigious 2014 Amelia Island Concours.
Empowered by this high-performance engine and a racing camshaft pushing power to over 240 bhp, the Hughes-Kircher Special delivered outstanding speed and agility, exceeding expectations for its time. (Picture from: Silodrome)
After undergoing diverse engine configurations, including its original 300SL Gullwing unit, the Hughes-Kircher Special has recently undergone a cosmetic restoration by the Moore Automotive Archaeologists team, presenting itself in excellent condition.
This automotive masterpiece is estimated to fetch between $300,000 and $400,000, making it a highly sought-after acquisition for enthusiastic collectors and automotive aficionados participating in the Quail Lodge Auction 2019. Ultimately, the Hughes-Kircher Special found a new owner, selling for $304,200 inc. premium, as quoted from Cars.Bonham. ✨Happy Holiday...⛄*** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SILODROME | CARS.BONHAM | MOTORTREND ]
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Rare ONES - Embark on a journey through the distinctive world of the Unipower GT, an exceptional sports car that emerged from the heart of England's automotive scene in the mid-1960s. Unveiled at the prestigious London Racing Car Show in January 1966, this one-of-a-kind creation bore the mark of Universal Power Drives Ltd., a truck manufacturer based in Perivale, Middlesex, England.
This compact sports car, displayed at the 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed, proudly bore the mark of Universal Power Drives Ltd. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)
The Unipower GT was designed by Ernest Unger and Val Dare-Byrne, featured with a strong but lightweight fiberglass bodyshell. This British compact sportscar continued its journey under the guidance of UWF Automotive in London until the production curtain fell in 1975. Within this timeframe, a mere 75 units, including 15 meticulously crafted by UWF, rolled off the production line, etching a lasting imprint on the canvas of automotive history.
The Unipower GT was designed by Ernest Unger and Val Dare-Byrne, featured with a strong but lightweight fiberglass bodyshell on the framework of BMC Mini's mechanical components. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
Constructed on the framework of BMC Mini's mechanical components, the Unipower GT proudly features a transverse engine and gearbox configuration nestled in a mid-engine layout. Its chassis, a sturdy spaceframe intricately bonded to a fiberglass body, embodies a perfect blend of lightweight agility and robust durability.
The snug cabin provides comfortable seating, showcasing a three-spoke racing steering wheel and a dashboard adorned with diverse gauges, knobs, and buttons. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
In the relentless pursuit of racing perfection, the Unipower GT underscores the critical role of weight in influencing acceleration, braking, and cornering. It serves as a living testament to the perpetual engineering quest for the delicate balance between shedding weight and preserving chassis rigidity in the annals of motor racing history.
The Unipower GT proudly features a transverse engine and gearbox configuration nestled in a mid-engine layout. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
Enhanced with independent wishbone suspension, the Unipower GT harmonizes a lightweight frame, a low center of gravity, and an aerodynamic drag coefficient, courtesy of its mere 40.5 inches (1,029 mm) height above the ground. This meticulously crafted configuration ensures that the Unipower GT delivers stellar performance paired with exceptional handling characteristics.
Enhanced with independent wishbone suspension, the Unipower GT harmonizes a lightweight frame, a low center of gravity, and an aerodynamic drag coefficient. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
Underneath its hood, enthusiasts can choose between a 998 cc Mini-Cooper engine or the robust 1,275 cc Cooper 'S' engine. The latter, a powerhouse, reportedly achieves a swift 0-60 mph in a mere 8 seconds, reaching a top speed of 120 mph (193 km/h). Conversely, the 'standard' version, equipped with a 998 cc engine, accomplishes a 0-60 mph sprint in 11.8 seconds, with a maximum speed of 95 mph or 153 km/h.
While the vision of an expanded Unipower version remained on the drawing board, fate intervened with a change in ownership, leading to AC Cars taking the reins in 1977. Nevertheless, the Unipower GT proudly stands as a symbol of innovation, performance, and a distinctive chapter in the vibrant tapestry of automotive history. ✨Happy Holiday...⛄*** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BELOWTHERADAR | ULTIMATECARPAGE | WIKIPEDIA ]
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Maestro Works - In the realm of automotive craftsmanship, success often hinges on the skill of the creator. Historically, the spotlight has shone on talents from the Western hemisphere, particularly Europe and America, where the automotive industry flourishes with well performance-driven vehicles while boasting elegant exotical designs. However, it might surprise you that a remarkable custom car, called Byfield Jaguar XJS HE V12 aka 'Buttercup' emerged from the southernmost corner of the globe – Australia. It built in nine years from 1995 to 2003 based on the Jaguar XJS,
It's the Byfield Jaguar XJS HE V12 aka 'Buttercup,' a custom sports car built based on Jaguar XJS-HE V12 by Cliff Byfield. (Picture from: AutoPuzzles)
This extraordinary creation is credited to Cliff Byfield, a legendary car builder based in West Australia. Byfield, widely recognized among Australian car enthusiasts, has spent over 60 years crafting unique, hand-fabricated road and racing cars. His journey into car design commenced after retiring from military service, during which he flew missions over Europe in the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II.
The Byfield Buttercup is completed about nine years ago, construction is based on a steel, box-section back-bone, and powered by a mid-engined V12 drivetrain. (Picture from: UndiscoveredClassics)
Upon returning to Perth post-war, Byfield, having pursued architectural studies, resumed and completed his coachbuilding apprenticeship. Soon, he established his own workshop specializing in crafting one-off truck cabs, ultimately employing a workforce of over 15 skilled individuals.
The Byfield Citroën was the first one-off 2-door coupe designed and built by Cliff Byfield in Perth during the 1950s. (Picture from: UndiscoveredClassics)
Renowned as a versatile artisan, Byfield's talents extended beyond panel beating and metal forming. He demonstrated proficiency in woodworking, creating furniture and even musical instruments like harps, all while passionately building custom cars.
The Byfield Holden Sports aka Repco Holden boasting a stylish design reminiscent of Italian contemporaries and featuring creature comforts like a convertible top. (Picture from: UndiscoveredClassics)
One of Byfield's earliest automotive creations was the Byfield Citroën, a one-off 2-door coupe designed and built in Perth during the 1950s. Unfortunately, it met its demise in an accident. Noteworthy among his works is the Byfield Holden Sports sometimes referred to as the Repco Holden, boasting a stylish design reminiscent of Italian contemporaries and featuring creature comforts like a convertible top. Additionally, the Byfield Ford Leyland Clubman, a Lotus 7-inspired roadster, gained acclaim for its track day preferences.
The Byfield Ford Leyland Clubman, a Lotus 7 inspired roadster called the “Ford Leyland Clubman”, in reference to its mechanical donors and its track day pretentions, now owned by RCC contributor Stacey Nico. (Picture from: RareComponentCars)
Byfield's impressive portfolio comprises 15 handcrafted cars, a testament to his meticulous craftsmanship. From welding frames to designing bodies and crafting custom upholstery, he undertook almost every aspect of production, with each project demanding around two years from concept to completion.
The
Byfield Riley was Cliff Byfield's final car creation, boasting a convertible, styled in a pre-war fashion, under a metallic burgundy exterior with fine wood and leather trim, incorporating salvaged Riley of 1947 mechanicals. (Picture from: Paul Leader in Flickr)
One of Byfield's most ambitious projects was the a custom sports car based on 1996 Jaguar XJS called Byfield Jaguar XJS HE V12 aka 'Buttercup', a mid-engined V12 supercar. Constructed on a bespoke steel box-section chassis, the car featured intricate details, including a concealed door catch, showcasing Byfield's knack for innovative design. The V12, a comfortable supercar with grand touring appointments, received accolades, winning first prize at Perth's annual Hot Rod & Street Machine show.
Three of Cliff's lovingly restored cars are now housed at the WA Motor Museum, from left
to right, the Byfield-Jaguar XJS V12 HE,
Byfield-Riley, and the Byfield-Jaguar SS. (Picture from: ABC)
Remarkably, Byfield completed his most recent project, possibly his final one, at the age of 94 – the Byfield Riley. This convertible, styled in a pre-war fashion, showcased a metallic burgundy exterior with fine wood and leather trim, incorporating salvaged Riley of 1947 mechanicals, as Cliff said 'followed him home one day.'
Centenarian Cliff Byfield in his element - working in his auto workshop.. (Picture from: ABC)
Centenarian Cliff Byfield's passion for constructing classic cars from the ground up serves as his daily motivation, ensuring that each morning becomes a source of joy and vitality. In essence, this commitment to his craft may just be the key to his enduring and fulfilling life.
Today, the Western Australia Motor Museum in Perth houses most of Cliff Byfield's creations, while others find homes with collectors across the country. Each vehicle stands as a testament to the man's drive, ambition, and prodigious talents, challenging the notion that automotive excellence is confined to the more traditional hubs of the industry. ✨Happy Holiday...⛄*** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ABC.NET.AU | UNDISCOVERED CLASSICS | CLASSIC AND RECREATION SPORTS CARS | RARECOMPONENTCARS | AUTOPUZZLES ]
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Season Greetings - Earlier, we explored McLaren Automotive's innovative road-legal sports cars like the M6GT and M12 Coupe. Yet, a pivotal aspect awaits our attention—the iconic McLaren F1 road-legar sportscar. Launched in the 1990s, it reshaped the supercar arena, introducing revolutionary design and engineering that redefined the standards of high-performance automobiles.
The McLaren F1, a renowned supercar by McLaren Automotive, hails from the distinguished British brand acclaimed in the Formula 1 racing arena. (Picture from: Oto)
This extraordinary road car was the brainchild of the visionary Gordon Murray, who aimed to create the ultimate driving machine. The McLaren F1 boasted a center-seating arrangement, placing the driver front and center, flanked by two passengers, creating a unique and immersive driving experience.
Limited to only 106 units ever produced during 1992 to 1998, including various special editions, the McLaren F1 became a symbol of exclusivity and automotive engineering prowess. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
Under the hood, the McLaren F1 was powered by a BMW-sourced 6.1-liter V12 engine, delivering an impressive 627 horsepower. The lightweight construction, featuring a carbon fiber monocoque chassis, contributed to its exceptional performance, making it the fastest production car of its time.
The
McLaren F1 with all user accessible compartments opened. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
One of the most distinctive features of the McLaren F1 was its top speed, surpassing 240 mph—a record unbroken for over a decade. The car accelerates from 0 to 320 kph in just 28 seconds. Crafted with a singular focus on speed, it lacks driver aids like airbags and ABS, as these technologies hadn't been developed at its creation.
Inside of McLaren F1 boasted a center-seating arrangement, placing the driver front and center, flanked by two passengers. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
The car's aerodynamics, meticulous attention to detail, and innovative material use showcase McLaren's commitment to pushing automotive boundaries. It stands as a testament to pure performance orientation.
The
McLaren F1 was powered by a BMW-sourced 6.1-liter V12 engine, delivering an impressive 627 horsepower. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
Limited to only 106 units ever produced during 1992 to 1998, including various special editions, the McLaren F1 became a symbol of exclusivity and automotive engineering prowess. Its rarity and unparalleled performance have led to the McLaren F1 becoming one of the most coveted and valuable collector's cars in the world.
In addition to its impressive speed and design, the McLaren F1 also left a lasting legacy in motorsports. It achieved success on the race track, including a historic victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995, solidifying its status as an exceptional road car with racing pedigree.
Decades after its debut, the McLaren F1 continues to captivate enthusiasts, collectors, and automotive connoisseurs, remaining a timeless symbol of innovation and engineering excellence in the realm of high-performance road cars. And after the production period ended, the Woking, England based car manufacturer launched the McLaren Speedtail as its true-heir in 2018. ✨Happy Holiday...⛄*** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MCLAREN | WIKIPEDIA ]
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UNique ONES - In the illustrious epoch of 1960s sports cars, a treasure trove of legendary automotive creations emerged, with many hidden gems now lost to modern enthusiasts. Among these, the Fiat Dino Ginevra, crafted by Paolo Martin in 1968 for Pininfarina, stands as a testament to the era's automotive brilliance.
The Fiat Dino Ginevra Concept designed by Paulo Martin of Pininfarina stands as a testament to the era's automotive brilliance. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)
Evolved from the Fiat Dino design of the preceding year, this sports coupe envisioned by Martin showcased a front-mounted engine borrowed from the Ferrari Dino, capturing the essence of high-performance elegance. Originally presented as the Dino Berlinetta Aerodinamica at the 1967 Paris Auto Show, the model later adopted the moniker "Dino Ginevra," aligning more closely with public expectations and the potential for small-scale production.
The Fiat Dino Ginevra Concept showcased a front-mounted engine borrowed from the Ferrari Dino, capturing the essence of high-performance elegance. (Picture from: CarFolio)
This creation was born out of the necessity to meet FIA homologation requirements, as Ferrari aimed to enter Formula-2 racing with its 2.0-liter V6 engine. FIA mandated the production of 500 such engines annually, a target beyond Ferrari's manufacturing capacity but achievable by Fiat. An agreement was reached to produce the required quad-cam V6, with the condition that it could be shared. The name 'Dino' paid homage to Enzo Ferrari's late son, Alfredo 'Dino' Ferrari, who passed away at 24.
The Fiat Dino Ginevra Concept originally presented as the Dino Berlinetta Aerodinamica at the 1967 Paris Auto Show.(Picture from: ConceptCarz)
The sleek and modern body styling of the Fiat Dino Ginevra rested on a 100.4-inch wheelbase platform, featuring horizontal front areas, pop-up headlights, a rear fastback, and BMC-type patterned side sections. The roof design was elegantly sloped, eliminating the vertical rear window in favor of homologated rear lights identical to the standard Dino.
The Fiat Dino 2000 Spider by Pininfarina produced during 1966 to 1969, powered by an 2,000 liter V6 powerplant. (Picture from: AutoViva)
Under the hood, a 2.0-liter 65-degree V6 engine with dual overhead camshafts, one pair of valves per cylinder, generated approximately 160 horsepower at 7,200 rpm and 127 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 rpm, propelling the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential—a groundbreaking feature for Fiat.
The Fiat Dino Coupe with a 270 mm longer wheelbase, had designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro for Bertone. (Picture from: AMKlassiek)
The Fiat Dino made its debut as a 2-seater Spider at the Turin Motor Show in October 1966, followed by a 2+2 Coupé version with a 270 mm longer wheelbase, showcased at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1967. The distinct lines of the two bodies reflected the craftsmanship of two different coachbuilders—Pininfarina for the Spider and Bertone, where Giorgetto Giugiaro had sketched the design, for the Coupé.
The Fiat Dino Spider 2400 produced during 1969 to 1973, featured greater all-around driving flexibility with enhanced torque from their larger-displacement 2,400 liter V6 powerplant. (Picture from: GoodingCo)
Pininfarina and Bertone were responsible for producing the Spider and Coupé bodies, respectively. Fiat assembled 2.0-liter and early 2.4-liter cars in Rivalta di Torino until December 1969, when production shifted to Maranello, joining Ferrari's production line alongside the Ferrari 246 GT until 1973.
The Fiat Dino's production during 1966 to 1973 yielded 3,670 2.0-liter coupés and 1,163 2.0-liter spiders. Among them, the 2400 Spider claimed rarity, with only 420 units ever produced. And Coupés accounted for 74% of the total 7,803 Fiat Dino units, leaving Spiders in the minority at 26%. This distribution reflects the enduring popularity of the Coupé variant. ✨Happy Holiday...⛄*** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | CONCEPTCARZ | CARANDDRIVER | CARFOLIO | WIKIPEDIA ]
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Controversy ONES - In the fast-paced world of high-performance cars, the definition of a supercar has dramatically evolved over the last few decades. Picture the 1980s and early 1990s, an era where exotic beasts like the Lamborghini Countach, Diablo, and Ferrari F40 reigned supreme, representing the pinnacle of performance and desire. Unlike today's tech-laden counterparts, these machines required drivers to rely on courage and skill, steering away from the crutch of electronic aids.
Let's delve into the intriguing realm of Koenig Specials, a celebrated German tuning company that etched its name by elevating various Ferrari supercars with awe-inspiring modifications.
Founded in 1977 by Willy König often spelt as Willy Koenig, the company's inception was fueled by Koenig's dissatisfaction with the performance of his Ferrari 365 GT4, leading him to embark on a modification journey.
Left side view of 1987 Ferrari Testarossa Koenig. (Picture from: IconicAuctioneers)
The alterations made to Koenig's 365 GT4 left an indelible mark on Ferrari enthusiasts. Many sought his expertise for additional upgrades on their cherished supercars. Take, for instance, the 1987 Ferrari Testarossa. Its original owner enlisted Koenig Specials for a dramatic transformation, involving a bodywork overhaul, installation of an anti-roll bar, widening of the wheel-track, and engine tweaks that catapulted its power output to an astonishing 800 hp.
Interior view of 1987 Ferrari Testarossa Koenig. (Picture from: IconicAuctioneers)
The Testarossa's second owner, not content with the initial modifications, returned to Koenig for further enhancements. Drawing inspiration from the Ferrari 512 M, modifications were implemented at both ends of the car, with a sizable rear wing reminiscent of the Ferrari F40.
Rear side view of 1987 Ferrari Testarossa Koenig. (Picture from: IconicAuctioneers)
However, these alterations irked Enzo Ferrari, prompting a legal notice demanding the removal of all Ferrari badges from the modified vehicle.
Such actions are not uncommon when modifications deviate from the manufacturer's vision, as seen in other instances like the Ferrari F40 LM Barchetta.
Despite the controversy, global automotive enthusiasts embraced this distinctive creation. In 2019, the 1987 Ferrari Testarossa Koenig took center stage at the Tokyo Auto Salon Auction, commanding a final bid of an impressive ¥14,040,000 or $128,313 (equivalent to Rp. 1.089 billion). This auction result underscores the enduring allure of a modified classic, even when diverging from the original manufacturer's intentions. *** [EKA [16052016] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KOENIG SPECIALS | ICONICAUCTIONEERS | CLASSICDRIVER | BINGOSPORTSWORLD ]
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As
the mid-1950s rolled in, European competitors raised the bar, dimming
the Hughes-Kircher Special's competitiveness. To revitalize its prowess,
a decision was made to install a more potent engine, eventually fitting
the SOHC straight-6 fuel injection from the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL
Gullwing snugly into the engine bay. Empowered
by this high-performance engine and a racing camshaft pushing power to
over 240 bhp, the Hughes-Kircher Special delivered outstanding speed and
agility, exceeding expectations for its time.
This automotive masterpiece is estimated to fetch between $300,000 and $400,000, making it a highly sought-after acquisition for enthusiastic collectors and automotive aficionados participating in the Quail Lodge Auction 2019. Ultimately, the Hughes-Kircher Special found a new owner, selling for $304,200 inc. premium, as quoted from Cars.Bonham. ✨Happy Holiday...⛄*** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SILODROME | CARS.BONHAM | MOTORTREND ]
