Chevrolet El Camino: The Iconic Car-Truck Hybrid

The LEGEND - Explore the iconic Chevrolet El Camino – a fusion of car and truck that left an indelible mark on automotive history. This comprehensive guide covers its evolution, innovative design, cultural impact, and enduring legacy. "El Camino," translating to "The Way" in Spanish, perfectly encapsulates its unique role in automotive history.

The first-generation Chevrolet El Camino, exemplified by the 1959 model, was produced from 1959 to 1960 and combined the style of a passenger car with the cargo capacity of a pickup. (Picture from: SportsCarMarket)

These vehicles, produced from 1959-60 and again from 1964-87, fused the practicality of a pickup truck with the comfort and style of a passenger car. This hybrid design, combined with the high-performance muscle offered by the Super Sport package, made the El Camino a beloved icon in the automotive world.

The 1959 Chevrolet El Camino stood out for its extravagant design, featuring elements from the Brookwood station wagon. (Picture from: TheClassicCarsJournal)

The concept of a car-based pickup truck dates back to the 1920s with the American roadster utility. The coupe utility with a fixed roof emerged in 1932, designed by Ford’s Lew Bandt for an Australian farmer. The idea was to merge comfort with utility, a trend that continued to evolve. By 1952, GM's Harley Earl had proposed a similar concept, eventually leading to the introduction of the Chevrolet Cameo Carrier in 1955, a precursor to the El Camino with its passenger car aesthetics and luxurious interior.

The second-generation Chevrolet El Camino, exemplified by the 1964 model, was produced from 1964 to 1967. It reemerged amidst the muscle car era after the first generation was discontinued in 1960, adapting to the Chevelle platform. (Picture from: BringATrailer)

Ford's 1957 Ranchero was the first true American car-based truck, selling over 21,000 units and establishing a new market segment. GM responded with the El Camino in 1958, launching it for the 1959 model year. This new vehicle combined the style of a passenger car with the cargo capacity of a pickup, featuring a sleek "slimline" design that quickly gained popularity, especially among suburbanites who needed a vehicle that was both stylish and functional. The first El Camino surpassed the Ranchero's initial sales, with 22,246 units sold in its debut year.

The 1964 Chevrolet El Camino introduced the high-performance Super Sport variant, which featured powerful engines, including the iconic 454 V8. (Picture from: GAAClassicCars)

Despite its initial success, the El Camino faced challenges due to economic downturns and a shift in consumer preferences towards smaller cars, leading to the discontinuation of the first generation in 1960. However, it was revived in 1964, amidst the muscle car era, and adapted to the Chevelle platform. This 2nd generation introduced the high-performance Super Sport variant, which featured powerful engines, including the iconic 454 V8.

The third-generation Chevrolet El Camino, exemplified by the 1970 SS model, was produced from 1968 to 1972 and saw the introduction of the Super Sport model, appealing to muscle car enthusiasts with its powerful engines and sporty design. (Picture from: MuscleCar.uk)

Throughout its production, the El Camino underwent several design changes, reflecting the trends and demands of each era. The 3rd generation (1968-1972) saw the introduction of the Super Sport model, appealing to muscle car enthusiasts with its powerful engines and sporty design. The energy crisis of the 1970s and subsequent regulations led to reduced performance in later models, but the El Camino continued to be a versatile and beloved vehicle.

The 1970 Chevrolet El Camino SS 454 LS6 equipped with a V8 engine which has a very large block, so it can produce up to 450 horsepower and makes this car the fastest car of all time. (Picture from: Money.id)

The fourth generation (1973-1977) saw the El Camino grow in size and weight, which affected its performance. The fifth generation (1978-1987) introduced V6 engines and various trim options, maintaining its appeal despite the changing automotive landscape. Models like the Black Knight and Royal Knight kept the El Camino relevant to its fanbase.

The fourth-generation Chevrolet El Camino, exemplified by the 1973 SS model, was produced from 1973 to 1977 and grow in size and weight, which affected its performance. (Picture from: GRAutoGallery)

Performance-wise, the El Camino was a formidable contender. Hot Rod magazine's test of the 1959 El Camino with a 348cid V8 engine showcased its impressive capabilities, achieving 0-60 mph in just 7 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph. Despite criticism of its suspension, the El Camino's blend of utility and performance made it a favorite among car enthusiasts.

The 1973 Chevrolet El Camino SS was the largest El Camino generation, and featured with an energy-absorbing hydraulic front bumper systems on these vehicles added more weight. (Picture from: GRAutoGallery)

Owners of the El Camino often praised its versatility. Blair Blakeley, an auto restoration business owner, highlighted how the vehicle was ideal for hauling parts while providing a comfortable ride. On forums like Reddit, fans like SweetumsTheMuppet appreciated the El Camino's dual nature, combining muscle car power with the practicality of a truck.

The fifth-generation Chevrolet El Camino, exemplified by the 1978 model, was produced from 1978 to 1987, adopting the new, more sharp-edged Malibu styling, and a one-inch longer wheelbase of 117.1 in (2,974 mm). (Picture from: Wikipedia)

Comparing the various models, the first-generation El Camino stood out for its extravagant design, featuring elements from the Brookwood station wagon. The second generation's transition to the midsize A-body platform made it more practical and versatile, with the Super Sport variant adding a sporty edge. The third generation's SS-396 model further solidified its place in muscle car history.

The 1978 Chevrolet El Camino, part of the fifth generation, introduced V6 engines and various trim options, maintaining its appeal despite the changing automotive landscape. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

In popular culture, the El Camino gained legendary status. It's not only appeared in the various American popular TV series for years. The vehicle also made appearances in music videos and films, further cementing its iconic status. Even celebrities like Lady Gaga have been known to own El Caminos, reflecting its broad appeal. The El Camino's unique blend of style, performance, and utility has made it a cult classic.

Its presence in popular culture and continued desirability among collectors highlight its enduring legacy. Whether seen as a muscle car, a practical truck, or a stylish daily driver, the El Camino remains a beloved and iconic vehicle in the automotive world. This versatile vehicle has carved out a niche that appeals to a wide range of enthusiasts, making it a timeless symbol of American automotive innovation.  *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MUSCLECAR.UK | ALDANAMERICAN | EXOTICCARTRADER | ID.MOTOR1 | MONEY.ID | MONEY.INC | WIKIPEDIA | CLASSICCARS.FANDOM | SPORTSCARMARKET | THECLASSICCARJOURNAL | BRINGATRAILER | GRAUTOGALLERY | GAACLASSICCARS ]

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Rare-Kind Marcos Gullwing: A Timeless Legacy of Automotive Innovation

Rare ONES - Among the many classic sportscars ever made, have you ever come across the Marcos Gullwing? While Mercedes' Gullwing may steal the spotlight, Marcos cars possess a distinctive allure in automotive lore. The British company estabilished in 1959 in Dolgellau, North Wales, by Jem Marsh and Frank Costin, Marcos resonates with aficionados of classic cars' artistry and inventive spirit.

The Marcos Luton Gullwing is a roadworthy iteration of the Xylon model, symbolizing exclusivity and automotive excellence. (Picture from: Film-Autos)

The Marcos Luton Gullwing, unveiled in 1961, epitomized the craftsmanship and foresight of its makers. Post-Frank Costin's exit, Dennis and Peter Adams sculpted the iconic Luton Gullwing, a roadworthy iteration of the Xylon model. A mere 13 units rolled out, each tagged at £830 at the time, marking the Luton Gullwing as an emblem of exclusivity and automotive brilliance.

The 1961 Marcos Luton Gullwing boasts sleek contours, a wider stance, and a unified windscreen. (Picture from: Marcos-OC)

The sleek contours, wider stance, and unified windscreen of the Luton Gullwing marked a pivotal moment for Marcos' Grand Touring cars in 1961. This design evolution thrust Marcos into the limelight of the sports car realm, enchanting car enthusiasts globally with its distinct aesthetic.

The 1962 Marcos Luton Gullwing with Berry Webb behind the wheel at the Harewood Acres 1964. (Picture from: BarnFinds)

The Luton Gullwing carried forward Marcos' legacy of innovation. Employing the Costin chassis from the Xylon, this model, crafted until 1962, housed a Ford push-rod 116 E engine, showcasing Marcos' commitment to performance and engineering finesse. Despite its racing-centric origins, the 1962 GT embodied Marcos' adventurous ethos and speed-oriented design.

It's Peter Bremner's 1962 Marcos Luton Gullwing GT, with a 1,198 cc Ford engine. (Picture from: Hyde1841)

The apex of Marcos' triumph arrived with the Marcos Gullwing, a culmination of years of refinement and daring experimentation. Its unique glassfibre body epitomized Marcos' relentless pursuit of perfection in road cars. The futuristic design received widespread acclaim, cementing Marcos' status as a trailblazer in the automotive landscape.

The Marcos Luton Gullwing's unique glassfibre body epitomized Marcos' relentless pursuit of perfection in road cars. (Picture from: GoMotors)

In retrospect, the Marcos Gullwing series stands as a testament to the ardor, ingenuity, and unwavering dedication of its creators. From its nascent days in Dolgellau to its global acclaim, Marcos' odyssey mirrors the timeless appeal of classic cars and the enduring legacy of automotive craftsmanship. 

Whether one admires the Luton Gullwing's grace or the GT's futuristic allure, Marcos vehicles persist in captivating and inspiring enthusiasts, securing an indelible mark in automotive history. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MARCOS-OC | BARNFINDS | GOMOTORS | FIERROSCLASSICOS | FILM-AUTOS | FORZA FORUM | HYDE1841 ]

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Rare 1990s Ferrari Testarossa Spider: A Four-Wheeled Gem from Arcade Games

Rare GEMS - For those of you, game fans from the late 1980s to early 1990s, do you remember the arcade game titled OutRun which was first released in 1986 on the Sega platform? Well, the game invites us to compete with dexterity to pass many obstacles while driving a drop-top Testarossa – which in fact the model had not been made by this Italian prancing horse automaker at the time.

Ferrari Testarossa Spider OutRun is built by Pininfarina in 1990 and inspired with similar car existed on the 1986 arcade game titled OutRun. (Picture from: RM Sothebys)

Who would have thought that as Yu Suzuki and AM2's classic arcade OutRun grew famous at that time, it turned out that there was a rich fan who was interested in the roadster's design, which at first glance resembled the Ferrari sports car, and then commissioned Pininfarina to make it into real in 1990. They called it the Ferrari Testarossa Spider OutRun.

The similar car appeared on the 1986 arcade game titled OutRun, then inspired someone to turn it into the Ferrari Testarossa Spider OutRun through Pininfarina in 1990. (Picture from: Autogids.be)

As is well known, during that era, Pininfarina was known to handle a lot of work on building special models of prancing horses for special clients such as the Sultan of Brunei or his younger brother, Jefri Bolkiah. As far as we know, details are sketchy, but as many as seven units of the Testarossa Spiders were built by Pininfarina and went to the Sultan and his royal family.

Ferrari Testarossa Spider OutRun was commissioned by one of Pininfarina's 'important clients', who  rewarded the coachbuilder's hard work by never registering the car for road use or driving it. (Picture from: RM Sothebys)

The car we are discussing today is not actually one of the ex-Bruneian Ferraris. Instead, it was commissioned by another of Pininfarina's 'important clients', who rewarded the coachbuilder's hard work by never registering the car for road use or driving it, really.

Ferrari Testarossa Spider OutRun has a unique convertible top, and is still in very good condition, from the exterior to the engine with the odometer only 400 km. (Picture from: TopGear)

Who actually commissioned this Testarossa Spider OutRun? No one knows. As quoted by Top Gear, the only spider ever made with the prancing horse emblem was made specifically for Gianni Agnelli, the boss of the Italian automotive giant, Fiat, once they acquired Ferrari back then. It was a silver one with a blue roof.

Ferrari Testarossa Spider OutRun is powered by a 5-liter 12-cylinder inline engine which is said to be capable of providing an output of 375 horsepower with 470 Nm of torque. (Picture from: TopGear)

The unique car with a convertible roof is equipped with a 5-liter 12-cylinder inline engine, which is said to be capable of providing an output of 375 horsepower with 470 Nm of torque. With that much engine power, the Ferrari Testarossa Spider OutRun accelerates from rest to 100 kph in 5.7 seconds and can reach a top speed of 290 kph.

Ferrari Testarossa Spider OutRun accelerates from rest to 100 kph in 5.7 seconds, and is driven up to a top speed of 290 kph. (Picture from: TopGear)

Some of you might be curious about the price. In early November 2022, this one-of-a-kind car was auctioned off by RM Sothebys in London. At the time, the car was still in very good condition, from the exterior to the engine, with a travel record on the odometer of only about 400 kilometers.

 

Not surprisingly, this prancing horse iconic roadster is highly coveted by automotive collectors. The Testarossa Spider OutRun was restored by Pininfarina and Ferrari in Maranello. After a fierce auction process, the red roadster was sold for £1.4 million or around Rp.26 billion. WOW!! It's a kind of precious four-wheeled gem.

This story not only brings nostalgia to those who grew up playing OutRun but also highlights the fascinating intersection of video game fantasy and real-world automotive excellence. The Ferrari Testarossa Spider OutRun stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic arcade games and the timeless allure of Ferrari's design and engineering. It reminds us that dreams, no matter how far-fetched, can sometimes become a reality in the most unexpected and magnificent ways. 😉 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | PCGAMER | TOPGEAR | RM SOTHEBYS | WIKIPEDIA | AUTOGIDS | RED-HEADED ]

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Boano Torino's Legacy: The Iconic 1955 Chrysler Special Corsaire

ONE-OFF - The golden age of American dream cars, infused with the futuristic charm of jets and spaceships, marked an era of innovation and creativity in automotive design during the 1950s. One of the pivotal figures in this captivating narrative was the Italian coachbuilder Boano Torino, a name synonymous with elegance and originality.

The Chrysler Special Corsaire (sometimes referred to as Corvair II) features a sleek design, functional air ducts, and a powerful Chrysler V8 engine, solidifying its status as an instant icon. (Picture from: Coachbuild)

Founded in 1954 in Turin by Mario Boano and his son Gianpaolo, Boano Torino quickly rose to prominence through its unique approach to car design. Mario Boano, with his rich background in collaborating with renowned coachbuilders like Pininfarina and leading Ghia, laid the foundation for Boano's exceptional craftsmanship.

The Chrysler Special Corsaire designed by Gianpaolo Boano, and unveiled at the 1955 Paris Motor Show was a testament to Boano's innovative spirit. (Picture from: OldClassicCars)

The turning point for Boano came with the Alfa Romeo 6C 3000 CM in 1954 commissioned by Juan Perón, showcasing Boano's prowess by achieving remarkable speeds and setting new standards in design. This success was followed by the creation of the Indianapolis for Henry Ford Jr., a masterpiece that captured the automotive world's imagination.

The Chrysler Special Corsaire is adorned with truly innovative design features, including functional air ducts. (Picture from: Coachbuild)

Furthrmore Boano's collaboration with Chrysler further solidified its reputation as an industry leader. The Chrysler Special Corsaire (sometimes referred to as Corvair II) unveiled at the 1955 Paris Motor Show was a testament to Boano's innovative spirit. With its sleek design, functional air ducts, and powerful Chrysler V8 engine, the Corsaire became an instant icon.

The most striking feature of the Chrysler Special Corsaire is its cantilevered roof, supported solely at the rear pillars. (Picture from: Coachbuild)

Gianpaolo Boano's design genius shone through in the Corsaire, captivating audiences and setting new trends in automotive aesthetics. The cantilevered roof, a striking feature of the Corsaire, highlighted Boano's ability to marry form and function seamlessly. | Yz_8Ap_IugI |

Despite Boano's dissolution in 1958, its legacy endured through Gianpaolo Boano's continued contributions to automotive design at Fiat. Today, Boano's creations remain timeless symbols of artistic ingenuity, captivating enthusiasts and historians with their elegance and innovation.

Besides the Chrysler Special Corsaire's rear pillar, its roof simply rests on the frameless curved windshield. (Picture from: Coachbuild)

As we celebrate Boano's legacy, we are reminded of the enduring impact of visionary designers in shaping the automotive landscape. Boano's story serves as an inspiration, urging us to push boundaries and redefine the artistry of automotive design for generations to come. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | COACHBUILD | CARSTYLING.RU | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | OLDCLASSICCAR | VWVORTEX ]

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Ferrari Reveals Secret Testarossa F90 Speciale After 18 Years

Mysterious Breed - The story of the Ferrari Testarossa F90 Speciale is a tale of secrecy, luxury, and automotive passion. Unlike the iconic Ferrari SF90 Stradale, which graced the roads in 2019, the F90 Speciale has a unique origin story that adds to its allure. It all began in 1988 when the HH Sultan of Brunei (some said His Highness' youngest brother) approached Pininfarina with a vision: to create six exclusive supercars based on the Ferrari Testarossa.

1988 Ferrari Testarossa F90 Speciale built by Pininfarina. (Picture from: Autoblog)

The project was veiled in secrecy, catching Ferrari completely unaware of its existence. Behind closed doors, the Italian coachbuilder commenced work on this venture at its headquarters, culminating in a car that bore some resemblance to the Pininfarina Ethos Concept. This endeavor led to the creation of what would become the Ferrari F90 Speciale.

1988 Ferrari Testarossa F90 Speciale built by Pininfarina. (Picture from: Fotki)

Branded as a symbol of Ferrari's trajectory into the 1990s, the F90 Speciale stayed true to its roots with the formidable 4.9-liter flat-12 engine from the Testarossa, boasting 396 horsepower and 490 Nm of torque, propelling the car's rear wheels with impressive force. The Ferrari F90 appears to be built on the Testarossa's chassis, identifiable by the chassis numbers of 83096, 86390, 86626, 86784, 87195 and 88171. Notably, the positions of the wheels and rearview mirrors also remained unchanged in this transition.

1988 Ferrari Testarossa F90 Speciale built by Pininfarina. (Picture from: Autoblog)

Despite its technical similarities to the Testarossa, the F90 Speciale's design was a departure from the norm. Enrico Fumia, then head of R&D at Pininfarina, spearheaded a unique aesthetic direction. The "Edge design," characterized by elliptical motifs, adorned the car's exterior, from taillights to rear wings. A distinctive feature was the roof glass panel that could slide over the rear window.

1988 Ferrari Testarossa F90 Speciale built by Pininfarina. (Picture from: Autoblog)

In 2005, Ferrari acknowledged the existence of six F90 Speciale cars, hailing them as bolder creations than what they had previously ventured. While sightings of the F90 Speciale outside Brunei are rare, enthusiasts catch glimpses through online media and historic publications like the Cavallino magazine.

1988 Ferrari Testarossa F90 Speciale built by Pininfarina. (Picture from: Autoblog)

Enrico Fumia's legacy extends beyond the F90 Speciale, with designs for Alfa Romeo GTV and Spider displaying similarities in aesthetic approach. Yet, the allure of the F90 Speciale lies in its mystique, housed within Brunei's exclusive supercar collection. Enthusiasts can only hope for a day when one of these gems graces public view, captivating automotive aficionados worldwide.

As we reflect on the enduring legacy of the F90 Speciale, our curiosity naturally extends to the other treasures nestled within Brunei's esteemed car collection. The enticing allure of vehicles like the Ferrari F50 Bolide, Ferrari Mythos, and Ferrari FX, as several other jewels in the Sultan's garage, beckons automotive enthusiasts to delve deeper into this realm of automotive opulence and innovation. *** [EKA [02012020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOBLOG | PUBLIC.FOTKI ]

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The BMW 503: An Underrated Classic Car from Germany

Rare ONES - Did you know that the BMW 503 is one of the early models created by the German automotive giant, yet it remains relatively unknown to the public? This elegant two-door 2+2 grand tourer was produced by BMW from 1956 to 1959, a period when the world was recovering from the war and economies were starting to thrive again.

The BMW 503 (pictured in the Cabriolet model of 1956) was an elegant two-door 2+2 grand tourer produced by BMW from 1956 to 1959. (Picture from: BMW Group Classic)

The story of the BMW 503 begins with American car dealer Max Hoffman's request to BMW to create a vehicle that could rival the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL. The 503 made its debut at the 1955 Geneva Motor Show, where it was presented exclusively as a left-hand drive model.

The BMW 503 (pictured in the Cabriolet model of 1956) was designed by the esteemed Count Albrecht Goert, and made its debut at the 1955 Geneva Motor Show, where it was presented exclusively as a left-hand drive model. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

Designed by the esteemed Count Albrecht Goertz, who also designed the iconic Datsun 240Z, the BMW 503 was sold alongside the 501 and 502 sedans. This model marked a significant departure from BMW's pre-war designs, characterized by its tall, narrow engine compartments and curvaceous fenders.

The BMW 503 (pictured in the Cabriolet model of 1956) was a blend of modernity and elegance, featuring flush bodywork with matching doors and fenders. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

The body of the BMW 503 was a blend of modernity and elegance, featuring flush bodywork with matching doors and fenders. The design included a long hood and a short cabin with four windows that could roll down, giving it the appearance of a cabriolet rather than a typical coupe. Its narrow, tall kidney grille paid homage to the last BMW coupes manufactured before World War II.

Inside, the BMW 503 was the epitome of luxury for its time. The interior boasted a clean and sophisticated design, complete with three round gauges and a metal dashboard. The dash was adorned with ivory-colored buttons that enhanced the car's luxurious feel. The cabin could comfortably accommodate four passengers, making it a practical yet stylish choice.

The BMW 503 (pictured in the Coupe model of 1956) featured a narrow, tall kidney grille that paid homage to the last BMW coupes manufactured before World War II. (Picture from: ClassicDriver)

At the time, buyers had the option of choosing between two different steering wheels. One design featured four spokes in an X pattern, while the other had two spokes reminiscent of an airplane's wings. The dashboard included three buttons concealed by a small lip, a unique feature at the time. A centrally located radio added to the car's modern amenities.

The BMW 503 (pictured in the Coupe model of 1956) offered two steering wheel styles, one with four spokes in an X pattern, and featured a centrally located radio that added to the car's modern amenities. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

Under the hood, the BMW 503 was powered by a robust 3.2-liter V8 engine capable of producing up to 140 horsepower. Unlike the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, which utilized a direct injection fuel system, BMW engineers opted for a more traditional carburetor system. This power was delivered to the rear wheels through a 4-speed manual gearbox, providing a thrilling driving experience.

The other steering wheel had two spokes reminiscent of an airplane's wings and was complemented by three round gauges and a metal dashboard. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)

The 503 was available in both coupe and cabriolet body styles, developed alongside the more famous BMW 507 roadster. Unfortunately, both the 503 and 507 were priced significantly higher than initially projected, which meant they did not recoup their development costs. During its production run from May 1956 to March 1959, only 413 units of the BMW 503 were built, including 139 cabriolets. Despite its prestige, the high price tag led to significant financial losses for BMW.

The BMW 503 (pictured in the Coupe model of 1956) was powered by a robust 3.2-liter V8 engine capable of producing up to 140 horsepower, which was delivered to the rear wheels through a 4-speed manual gearbox, providing a thrilling driving experience. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

By the late 1950s, BMW faced financial difficulties, teetering on the brink of bankruptcy. The company managed to turn its fortunes around by focusing on producing smaller, more affordable cars like the Isetta. While these models did not have the power or luxury of the 503, they were more accessible to a broader market and played a crucial role in BMW's recovery.

The BMW 503 stands as a testament to the brand's dedication to innovation and luxury. It is a model that showcases the company's ability to blend style, performance, and elegance, even in challenging times. As we look back at the history of BMW, the 503 remains a symbol of resilience and ingenuity, reminding us of the brand's storied past and its journey towards becoming a leading name in the automotive world. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BMW GROUP CLASSIC | ULTIMATECARPAGE | AUTOFUN | CLASSICDRIVER | WIKIPEDIA | WAY | AUTOEVOLUTION ]

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