Opel Corsa Moon II Prospective Car for Moon Exploration

Out of The BOX - In the ever-evolving landscape of technological innovation, Opel and Blitz surprised the automotive world with an alternative concept vehicle that defies gravity—literally. Responding to the burgeoning interest in space tourism, Opel unveiled their ambitious project in April 2023—a vehicle designed for lunar tourism, aptly named the Opel Corsa Moon II.

Opel unveiled their ambitious project in April 2023—a vehicle designed for lunar tourism, aptly named the Opel Corsa Moon II. (Picture from: ActualidadMotor)

The brainchild of Opel's parent company, Stellantis, the Corsa Moon II promises to be the first mode of transportation for lunar tourists, should such ventures become a reality. What sets this concept vehicle apart is its integration of cutting-edge space-age technology, a testament to the rapid advancements in the automotive industry.

Drawing inspiration from Opel's best-selling electric car, the Corsa-e, the Corsa Moon II boasts a 500 kWh battery powered by state-of-the-art solar panel technology. These solar panels, reminiscent of the Corsa Moon concept from 1997, enable the vehicle to cover an impressive 7,000 km in the Universe-wide Harmonized Light-duty Vehicle Test Procedure (ULTP) cycle on a single charge.

To tackle the rugged lunar terrain, the Opel Corsa Moon II features an elevated chassis that provides ample ground clearance. (Picture from: ActualidadMotor)

One of the standout features of the Corsa Moon II is its Intelli-Lux® laser light system. Positioned at the front, this laser light is said to illuminate surfaces on the Moon with a strength 1,000 times greater than traditional LED technology, all while consuming only a fraction of the power. The heightened precision and faster reaction time of this laser light ensure optimal visibility on the lunar surface, a crucial factor for safe lunar exploration.

The Opel Corsa Moon II drawing inspiration from Opel's best-selling electric car, the Corsa-e. (Picture from: Stellantis)

Opel's commitment to innovation doesn't stop there. The Corsa Moon II boasts a set of airtight and durable space tires, a groundbreaking addition to the space tourism concept. Crafted from highly elastic and robust nickel-titanium material, these woven wheels promise excellent grip on extraterrestrial surfaces and, more impressively, are designed never to leak.

To tackle the rugged lunar terrain, the Corsa Moon II features an elevated chassis that provides ample ground clearance. While details about the body and rims' materials remain undisclosed, Opel emphasizes their strength, durability, and elasticity—critical factors ensuring reliable traction on the Moon's surface.

Back in 1997, Opel had already showcased the Corsa Moon, marking a prior instance of their conceptualization for a Moon-operating vehicle. (Picture from: ActualidadMotor)

Quentin Huber, Head of Brand Marketing at Opel, expressed the company's vision, stating, "With our revolutionary Opel Corsa Moon II, we are once again crossing new frontiers and focusing on sustainable mobility solutions. The Corsa Moon development project aims to take Moon exploration as a significant step towards the ultimate goal of a long-term presence on the Moon."

Now, as you marvel at the possibilities of this lunar marvel, it's crucial to unveil the truth behind the spectacle. This does feel like something is not right and raises a lot of questions. If you're still questioning the feasibility of Opel's lunar venture, you're not alone.*** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | STELLANTIS | OPEL POST | ACTUALIDADMOTOR ]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.

It seems like your instincts are correct, as this is indeed one of the beautiful prank rituals done on the occasion of April Fools' Day for customers, followers, and fans of the brand. It has been a tradition at Opel for several years, always featuring creative ideas that capture attention and spark positive conversations. 

Unveiling Lancia's Hidden Treasure: The Mizar Concept's Timeless Aesthetic

Unique ONES - Lancia, the iconic Italian brand with a storied history in the world of racing, is set for a remarkable rebirth in the coming years. The revival plan not only includes the eagerly anticipated Lancia New Ypsilon slated for a 2024 release but also brings back the flagship Gamma and potentially transforms the classic Lancia Delta into a crossover – a move bound to stir emotions among ardent Lancia enthusiasts.

The Lancia Mizar Concept born from the skilled hands of renowned designer Giovanni Michelloti, made its debut at the 1974 Turin Motor Show. (Picture from: Pinterest)

At the heart of Stellantis group's vision for Lancia lies a commitment to style and elegance, aiming to breathe new life into a brand that has left an indelible mark on automotive history. The designers tasked with shaping Lancia's future draw inspiration not only from contemporary trends but also from the brand's rich past, harking back to iconic models like the Stratos and the Flaminia. However, in this journey of rediscovery, an obscure gem from the 1970s, the Lancia Mizar Concept, emerges as a potential source of inspiration.

The Lancia Mizar Concept's design showcased a distinctive grille, elevated ground clearance reminiscent of modern crossovers, and an expansive glass area. (Picture from: OldConceptCars)

The Lancia Mizar, born from the skilled hands of renowned designer Giovanni Michelotti, made its debut at the 1974 Turin Motor Show. Based on the Beta 1800 platform, this concept car not only astonished onlookers with its unconventional lines but also provided inspiration for other unique models, including the one-off Lancia Beta Felber FF. Michelotti's design showcased a distinctive grille, elevated ground clearance reminiscent of modern crossovers, and an expansive glass area.

The Lancia Mizar Concept not only astonished onlookers with its unconventional lines but also provided inspiration for other unique models, including the one-off Lancia Beta Felber FF. (Picture from: es.Motor1)

Safety and passenger comfort took precedence in the Mizar's design. Boasting four separate gull-wing doors for easy access, the Lancia Mizar prioritized both style and functionality. The exterior, painted in a light orchid hue, aimed to capture attention on the road, making a bold statement wherever it went.

The Lancia Mizar Concept featuring particularly the four vertically opening gull-wing doors – a design element typically associated with the sportiest cars, including the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300SL. (Picture from: es.Motor1)

Michelotti's genius is evident in the Mizar's unconventional features, particularly the four vertically opening gull-wing doors – a design element typically associated with the sportiest cars, including the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300SL. Inside, a spacious and well-finished cabin welcomed passengers with beige and purple upholstery, featuring four comfortable seats derived from the Beta model. The minimalist dashboard housed essential controls, including the radio and heating, along with convenient storage compartments.

The Lancia Mizar Concept's peculiar aspect was the absence of seat belts, a reflection of the era's lax safety regulations, and only dedication to both aesthetics and functionality.  (Picture from: OldConceptCars)

A peculiar aspect of the Lancia Mizar prototype was the absence of seat belts, a reflection of the era's lax safety regulations. This decision aimed to preserve the interior's elegant design, showcasing Michelotti's dedication to both aesthetics and functionality. | _n9RztdDkWA |

The Lancia Mizar Concept remains a testament to Michelotti's design prowess and serves as an intriguing piece in the mosaic of Lancia's illustrious history. (Picture from: PlanetCarsz)

While details about the Mizar's engine remain scarce, it is likely that it utilized a powerplant derived from the Beta. Despite the prototype never making it to production, the Lancia Mizar remains a testament to Michelotti's design prowess and serves as an intriguing piece in the mosaic of Lancia's illustrious history. 

As Lancia embarks on its revival journey, the echoes of the Mizar's avant-garde design may well reverberate, influencing the brand's future direction in unexpected yet captivating ways. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ES.MOTOR1 | OLDCONCEPTCARS | STORY-CARS | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | PLANETCARSZ | CLASSICANDSPORTSCAR ]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.

Seat Nardi 750GT: The Mysterious Spaniard Tiny Racer

Unique ONES - In the realm of classic cars, there exists a hidden gem – a tiny sports car from an Italian affiliated Spaniard coachbuilder company that remains unfamiliar to many modern automotive enthusiasts. Let's delve into the intriguing tale of the Seat Nardi 750GT, a distinctive coupe born out of the fervor for car racing in the late 1950s by a group of Spaniards from the Zaragoza region.

The Seat Nardi 750GT is a distinctive coupe born out of the fervor for car racing in the late 1950s by a group of Spaniards from the Zaragoza region. (Picture from: AutoCollec)

During the 1950s, Nardi Torino gained global recognition for crafting exquisite steering wheels from top-quality wood and aluminum, adorning prestigious cars such as Ferrari, Lancia, and Alfa Romeo. While renowned for steering wheels, Nardi Torino expanded its horizons, venturing into accessories for racing cars and becoming synonymous with competition.

In the mid-1950s, a Spanish group, led by pilot engineer Pelayo Martínez, forged a deal with Enrico Nardi in Turin. This collaboration birthed Nardi Española SL on March 4, 1955, with a focus on designing and producing motor vehicle elements and accessories.

Nardi Española collaborated with the famed Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti to reimagine the Seat 600 into the legendary Nardi 750, unveiled in Madrid in 1960. (Picture from: AutoCollec)

With the commencement of Seat 600 production in 1957, Nardi Española shifted its focus to accessories and engine preparation kits for this model, boosting its power by 50%. The kits, which included modifications to the cylinder head, pistons, carburetor, and crankshaft, enhanced the displacement and compression, utilizing Weber dual-barrel carburetors. The most potent kit, the 1000 kit, doubled the power to 54 hp, transforming the Seat 600 into a high-performance machine.

The Seat Nardi 750GT's interior was plush and offered all the instrumentation of a real sports car, obviously with a Nardi steering wheel and full Veglia instrumentation. (Picture from: AutoCollec)

Driven by boundless creativity, Nardi Española enlisted the renowned Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti to transform the Seat 600 into the Nardi 750, unveiled in Madrid in 1960. Constructed entirely in Zaragoza, Spain, this aluminum-bodied coupe retained the 750 Nardi engine. Despite sharing the same engine as the Seat 600, the Nardi 750 boasted modifications from the Nardi engine preparation kit, generating 46hp at 6,000 rpm.

The Seat Nardi 750GT sharing the same engine as the Seat 600, is boasted modifications from the Nardi engine preparation kit, generating 46hp at 6,000 rpm. (Picture from: AutoCollec)

A testament to meticulous craftsmanship, the assembly of the Nardi 750 required 900 hours of work. Surprisingly, it weighed almost 40 kg less than the Seat 600, thanks to extensive aerodynamic and weight reduction enhancements. Nardi Española's confidence in the car was evident as they offered it with a 100,000-kilometer warranty, showcasing the reliability of their prepared engines.

The Seat Nardi 750GT reached a top speed of 160 km/hour, enhanced by stability improvements like Koni shock absorbers. (Picture from: AutoCollec)

The Nardi 750 GT reached a top speed of 160 km/hour, enhanced by stability improvements like Koni shock absorbers. It positioned itself as a "customer competition" car, rivaling the likes of Italian Abarth and French Alpine productions. 

Furthermore, this Spaniard tiny racer adorned with plush interiors featuring Nardi steering wheels and Veglia instrumentation, the Nardi 750 GT, priced at almost 200,000 pesetas, stood as an elite symbol within Spanish society until the arrival of FASA-Renault Alpine.

Produced from 1960 to 1965, with approximately 65 or 66 units crafted, the Nardi 750 GT remains a rarity. Legend has it that the Nardi 750's reputation transcended borders, attracting owners like the American actor William Holden, who journeyed to Zaragoza to add one to his private collection. | cGmRS-qGKYo |

Among the surviving examples, one stands out – had showcased at the 2019 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este competition, it belongs to the fortunate Greek auto enthusiast Alex Vazeo, preserving the legacy of this extraordinary piece of automotive history. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | OLDTIMERPICTURES | CONCORSODELEGANZAVILLADESTE | AUTOCOLLEC ]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.

Sleek Fusion: Exploring the 1977 Pontiac Firebird Type K Sports Wagon Concept

Unique ONES - Enthusiasts have always had a soft spot for sports car/station wagon hybrids, at least in theory. The allure of merging sleek design with practicality has driven many automakers to explore this niche. One such intriguing concept was the 1977 Pontiac Firebird Type K, where the 'K' stands for Kammback.

The Pontiac Type K Concept, designed by Gerry Brochstein under the guidance of GM executive David R. Holls, highlights the aerodynamic advantages of the Kamm tail design. (Picture from: MacMotorCityGarage)

Unlike traditional wagons with rear tailgates, the Firebird Type K boasted gullwing-style rear windows on both sides, offering easy access to the cargo area. However, the vertical rear window didn't open, raising questions about practicality, especially for pet owners. The concept's potential tweaks for production remained unexplored, leaving enthusiasts to wonder about its untapped possibilities.

The Pontiac Firebird Type K concept stood out as a significant experiment in this trend, capitalizing on the elegant design of the second-generation Firebird body shell crafted by renowned GM designer Bill Porter. (Picture from: MacMotorCityGarage)

The genesis of sporty station wagon variants traces back to the early days of the Camaro/Firebird F-Body platform. GM's stylists, always seeking innovation, envisioned blending the pony car package with wagon functionality. The 1977-1979 Firebird Type K emerged as a notable experiment within this trend, leveraging the clean design of the second-generation Firebird body shell by renowned GM designer Bill Porter.

The Pontiac Type K concept powered by an 403 CID, 185 hp V8 from Oldsmobile, garnered significant attention from car enthusiasts. (Picture from: MacMotorCityGarage)

Gerry Brochstein's skillful styling, guided by GM executive David R. Holls, took the Type K Concept to new heights. Despite its groundbreaking features, this model remained a prototype, showcasing the aerodynamic benefits of the Kamm tail. The fixed rear glass and gullwing-style side hatches ensured effortless access to the meticulously designed rear cargo area. Paired with potent engine choices like the 403 CID, 185 hp V8 from Oldsmobile, these design innovations captured the admiration of car enthusiasts worldwide.

During the creation of the Pontiac Firebird Type K concept, GM partnered with Pininfarina to craft two operational prototypes, one in silver and one in gold. (Picture from: MacMotorCityGarage)

The Type K's fame soared when GM collaborated with Italian coachbuilder Pininfarina to create two working prototypes, one silver and one gold. Despite the gold prototype's existence, it was the silver Type K that stole the spotlight, becoming a star attraction at auto shows and even making a cameo on the popular TV series The Rockford Files in 1979.

However, the Type K's journey was short-lived, as production studies revealed challenges in pricing the F-Body wagon competitively. With projected costs exceeding $25,000, the feasibility of mass production dwindled. Although a few replicas surfaced later, the Type K remained a tantalizing "what-if" moment in automotive history.

The Pontiac Firebird Type K concept, featuring fixed rear glass and gullwing-style side hatches, offered seamless access to the meticulously designed rear cargo area.. (Picture from: MacMotorCityGarage)

Today, with station wagons facing declining popularity, the idea of revisiting the pony car wagon concept, even on the current Camaro platform, seems improbable. Nevertheless, automotive enthusiasts continue to muse over the potential blend of sportiness and utility, keeping the spirit of innovation alive in the realm of car design.

In conclusion, while the Firebird Type K may never have graced showrooms, its legacy as a pioneering concept car endures, reminding us of the ongoing quest for innovation and the enduring fascination with unique automotive designs. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HEMMINGS | MACMOTORCITYGARAGE | MYCARQUEST | WEIRDWHEELS ]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.

Unveiling the Enigmatic Dolo: Is There Anything Weirder Than This?

Weird ONES - It's a testament to human ingenuity that even in the realm of automobiles, there are hidden gems waiting to be unearthed. One such fascinating discovery from the annals of automotive history is the Dolo, a peculiar creation from the 1940s that hails from the lesser-known French automaker BDG.

The Dolo as seen as the JB-10 model was one of two peculiar creations from the 1947 that hails from the lesser-known French automaker BDG (stand for Brun-Dolo-Galtier). (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)

The journey to uncovering the Dolo begins with a serendipitous encounter while traversing the vast expanses of the internet. Amidst the plethora of information, a uniquely shaped car caught our attention, reminiscent of other avant-garde vehicles like the 1942 L'Oeuf Electrique and the 1948 Gatso 4000 Aero Coupe.

The second model of the Dolo JB-20 featured with four seats and an eight-cylinder 1,184 cc engine. (Picture from: Auta5p.eu)

Delving deeper into the origins of this eccentric automobile led us to Pierrefite, France, where BDG (stand for Brun-Dolo-Galtier), a name largely unfamiliar to many, unveiled two prototypes of the Dolo in 1947. What set the Dolo apart, even in a landscape populated by wonderfully weird vehicles, was its striking resemblance to a sea lion with a dome-like structure atop its frame.

The Dolo JB-10 (B&W photo colorized) featured with two seats and a four-cylinder 591 cc engine. (Picture from: MrScharroo in Flickr)

The Dolo came in two variants: the compact JB-10 with a modest two-seater configuration powered by a four-cylinder 591 cc engine, and its larger counterpart, the JB-20, a four-seater boasting an eight-cylinder 1,184 cc engine. Interestingly, the origin of these engines remains a mystery, leaving enthusiasts to speculate whether they were bespoke creations or sourced from established French manufacturers.

The Dolo as seen as the 1947 JB-10 model featured with a striking resemblance to a sea lion with a dome-like structure atop its frame. (Picture from: QuirkyRides)

Both iterations of the Dolo featured front-wheel drive and sported body shells crafted from lightweight alloy, adorned with a distinctive plexiglass dome that contributed to its outlandish charm. While records suggest only a handful of JB-10 prototypes were ever assembled, and one of them has sold for €27,416 at an auction event of the 2018 Artcurial Automobiles d'Exception a Retromobile. While, the JB-20 likely saw only a single production model, adding to its elusive allure.

The Dolo JB-10 (B&W photo colorized) featured with two seats and a four-cylinder 591 cc engine.. (Picture from: MrScharroo in Flickr)

However, the story of the Dolo takes a somber turn as reports from Quirky Rides indicate that despite garnering 200 orders for the JB-10 variant, the project met an untimely demise due to financial constraints. This left prospective clients who had made advance payments in a state of dismay, highlighting the ephemeral nature of automotive innovations in an unforgiving industry.

The unique-shaped Dolo JB-10 car model as depicted by Belgian cartoonist Hergé in the world-famous comic book series, Adventures of Tintin. (Picture from: MrScharroo in Flickr)

In essence, the Dolo stands as a testament to the audacity of automotive experimentation, showcasing the fine line between innovation and obscurity. Its brief yet captivating existence serves as a reminder that within the realm of forgotten automakers lie stories waiting to be told, each unveiling a unique chapter in the evolution of vehicular design.

The 1947 unique-shaped Dolo JB-10 car model. (Picture from: MrScharroo in Flickr)

As we reflect on the enigmatic legacy of the Dolo, it beckons us to explore further, igniting a sense of curiosity and appreciation for the countless unsung heroes that have left an indelible mark on the tapestry of automotive history. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOPUZZLES | ULTIMATECARPAGE | MRSCHARROO IN FLICKR | QUIRKYRIDES ]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.

From Glory to Closure: The Enduring Impact of Facel Vega in Automotive History

Rise & Fall - Once upon a time, in the vibrant world of automotive innovation, Facel Vega stood as a shining beacon of creativity and engineering prowess. Originating as a subsidiary of Bronzavia, Facel S.A. swiftly gained renown for crafting exquisite car bodies that adorned prestigious French chassis under the visionary leadership of Jean Daninos. 

The 1954 Facel Vega FV stood as a shining beacon of creativity and engineering prowess, unveiled at the prestigious 1954 Paris Auto Show. (Picture from: ClassicDriver)

Facel made some 45,000 car bodies for Panhard alone, along with Simca Sport variants and Ford Comete cars. A notable body was the Cresta, fitted to a Bentley Mark VI chassis. However, the winds of change blew fiercely after World War II, compelling the company to transition from body production to manufacturing complete vehicles.

The Facel-bodied Simca 9 Sport Coupe as seen in the 1953 model. (Picture from: HistoricVehicles)

The turning point came with the unveiling of the Facel Vega at the prestigious 1954 Paris Auto Show. Powered by Chrysler 'Hemi' V8 engines and exuding a captivating blend of European sophistication and American muscle, Facel Vega cars captured the imagination of enthusiasts worldwide. Models like the FV and HK500 became synonymous with luxury and performance, attracting a discerning clientele that included celebrities and aficionados alike.

The 1951 Bentley Mark VI Facel-Metalon Coupé. (Picture from: HistoricVehicles)

Despite early triumphs, Facel Vega encountered a formidable challenge in 1959 with the introduction of the Facellia. Equipped with an in-house twin-cam engine, the Facellia aimed to compete in the mid-segment luxury sports car market, facing off against formidable rivals like the Porsche 356 and Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spyder. However, issues such as pricing discrepancies and frequent engine failures marred its reputation, casting a shadow over Facel Vega's legacy.

The Facel Vega HK 500 (as seen in the 1959 model) became synonymous with luxury and performance, attracting a discerning clientele that included celebrities and aficionados alike. (Picture from: ClassicDriver)

By 1964, the French automaker found itself navigating treacherous financial waters, leading to the unfortunate closure of its factory doors. Nevertheless, the legacy of Facel Vega endures as a testament to automotive ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Today, collectors and enthusiasts cherish Facel Vega models for their timeless charm and the lessons they impart about resilience in the face of adversity.

The 1958 Facel Vega Excellence hardtop EX1. (Picture from: HistoricVehicles)

The rise and fall of Facel Vega serve as a poignant reminder of the cyclical nature of innovation in the automotive industry. It underscores the importance of adaptability and strategic decision-making, highlighting the delicate balance between ambition and practicality.

The Facel Vega Facellia (as seen in the 1961 Cabriolet model) aimed to compete in the mid-segment luxury sports car market. (Picture from: JB-Classic)

As we look back on Facel Vega's journey, we glean valuable insights that inspire us to forge ahead with determination and creativity in shaping the future of mobility. In conclusion, Facel Vega's narrative resonates as a captivating chapter in automotive history, reminding us that every challenge is an opportunity for growth and transformation.

Let us draw inspiration from the past to propel us towards a future where innovation and passion converge to create automotive marvels that captivate hearts and minds across generations. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FACEL-VEGA | CLASSICDRIVER | HISTORICVEHICLES | JB-CLASSIC | WIKIPEDIA ]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.