The Legend Born - In the world of automobiles, names often carry a rich legacy, sometimes being reused to evoke nostalgia and honor past achievements. One such example is the name "Chiron," which was first associated with the Bugatti 18/3 Chiron, a concept car introduced in 1999 by the renowned French automaker, Bugatti Automobiles. This concept vehicle was the brainchild of Fabrizio Giugiaro of Italdesign, with contributions from Hartmut Warkuß from the Volkswagen design center in Wolfsburg.
The Bugatti 18/3 Chiron honors Louis Chiron, a famed Bugatti racing driver celebrated for his 1927 Grand Prix of France victory in the iconic Bugatti Type 35B. (Picture from: Supercars.net)
⛔Rare GEMS💣 - The 1970s saw an explosion of creativity in the world of VW-based fiberglass kit cars, but few can rival the distinctiveness of the March Hare. This rare and uniquely designed vehicle stands out in automotive history. Whether it resembles a Hot Wheels toy or not, its bold appearance and enhanced engine features make it a fascinating piece of automotive ingenuity.
The March Hare is a creative marvel in the world of VW-based fiberglass kit cars, a rare and uniquely designed vehicle that stands out in automotive history. (Picture from: Blog.HeritagePartsCentre)
In the realm of automotive oddities, the March Hare kit car is a standout creation, marketed with the slogan "Champagne styling at beer money." This quirky vehicle, designed by Jim Edwards and John Marshall, head of Brigham Young University design school, and produced by Pegasus Design in Arlington County, Virginia. Made from fire-retardant resin, the March Hare was based on a shortened Volkswagen Beetle chassis. Its innovative wedge-like profile was ahead of its time, but it did not achieve significant sales, making it a rare find today.
The March Hare designed by Jim Edwards and John Marshall, head of Brigham Young University design school, and produced by Pegasus Design in Arlington County, Virginia. (Picture from: Drive2.ru)
The design and technical characteristics of the March Hare place it close to the iconic Manx SR, yet it stands apart due to its scarcity and distinctive style. While it
shares the classic elements of a strong frame, rear-wheel drive, and a Beetle engine, the plastic body and overall aesthetic make it unique. This car was created for pure enjoyment, promising fun and pleasure to those who appreciate its charm.
With only seven believed to have been produced, the March Hare was designed to ride on a VW chassis and running gear. (Picture from: WeirdWheels)
With only seven believed to have been produced, the March Hare was designed to ride on a VW chassis and running gear, embodying the spirit of the classic Californian beach buggy. Unlike the typical plastic creations of its era, the March Hare offers a more robust and stylish alternative. Its limited production and unique design have made it a coveted item among collectors and enthusiasts of rare vehicles. Only a handful are believed to have survived, some existing only as incomplete kits or mere shells.
This bright orange March Hare was built by Bruce Kirk in St. Louis, MO in 1988 with his teenage son, and sits on a 1965 Volkswagen Beetle chassis and features a 1,641cc engine. (Picture from: Avtomobili)
Old literature and ads for the March Hare occasionally surface on platforms like eBay, providing a glimpse into its storied past. Early advertisements and dealer letters reveal different design iterations, though the original remains the most appealing to many. Despite its limited production, the March Hare has left a lasting impression on the world of kit cars.
The March Hare boasts a '70s supercar-themed interior with vinyl bucket seats inclined to provide a clear view of the steeply raked windscreen, adding to the car's retro charm.. (Picture from: Avtomobili)
One of these rare gems surfaced at Gateway Classics near Saint Louis, presenting an exciting opportunity for collectors. This bright orange March Hare was built by Bruce Kirk in St. Louis, MO in 1988 with his teenage son, and sits on a 1965 Volkswagen Beetle chassis and features a 1,641cc engine.
The March Hare sits on a 1965 Volkswagen Beetle chassis and features a 1,641cc engine. (Picture from: Blog.HeritagePartsCentre)
Although completed in the late 1970s, it retains a '70s supercar-themed interior, complete with vinyl bucket seats. These inclined seats provide a clear view of the steeply raked windscreen, adding to the car's retro charm.
The March Hare as created for pure enjoyment, promising fun and pleasure to those who appreciate its charm. (Picture from: Avtomobili)
Additionally, this rare show car boasts numerous enhancements, including a balanced engine, custom steering wheel, and extensive instrumentation. It has won several trophies in its time and continues to attract attention. With a clean Illinois title and detailed documentation, this March Hare is a testament to the creativity and innovation of its era.
The March Hare shares the classic elements of a strong frame, rear-wheel drive, and a Beetle engine, the plastic body and overall aesthetic make it unique. (Picture from: Blog.HeritagePartsCentre)
As this car waits for its next adventure, the question remains: What would you pay for a rare kit car like the March Hare? Its value lies not just in its components but in the story it tells and the joy it promises to its future owner. The March Hare is more than a car; it's a celebration of innovation, fun, and the timeless appeal of automotive creativity. | mxHfMYnXLOA |
Imagine cruising down the highway in this unique vehicle, turning heads and sparking conversations wherever you go. The March Hare is not just a mode of transportation; it's an experience, a piece of history, and a symbol of a time when creativity and experimentation in automotive design were at their peak. The thrill of driving a rare and distinctive car like the March Hare is unparalleled, making it a prized possession for any car enthusiast. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BLOGHERITAGEPARTSCENTRE | FIBERCLASSIC.ORG | THESAMBA | WEIRDWHEELS | COLLECTORCARADS | BARNFINDS | AVTOMOBILI | DRIVE2.RU ]
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Forgotten ONES - In the realm of automotive history, few cars evoke the intrigue and admiration that the Mandelli Monza does. This exceptional vehicle, created between 1999 and 2001, was a rare and ambitious attempt to revive the legendary Cizeta V16T supercar. The Mandelli Monza is a unique piece of automotive art, distinguished not only by its rarity but also by its innovative design features, including Mitsubishi headlights, tall rearview mirrors, a roof-mounted air intake, and active aerodynamics.
The Mandelli Monza created between 1999 and 2001, was a rare and ambitious attempt to revive the legendary Cizeta V16T supercar. (Picture from: CarsThatNeverMadeItEtc)
Despite the promising prototype, only oneMandelli Monza was ever produced. The car's development was shrouded in mystery, with very little information available apart from a few tantalizing photographs. This lack of information only adds to the allure and mystique of the Mandelli Monza, making it a coveted piece for automotive enthusiasts and collectors alike. Although it remained a prototype, the Monza showcased the bold vision of its creators and hinted at the potential for a groundbreaking vehicle.
The unique Mandelli Monza features include Mitsubishi headlights, tall rearview mirrors, a roof-mounted air intake, and active aerodynamics. (Picture from: CarsThatNeverMadeItEtc)
The story of the Mandelli Monza is intertwined with the legacy of the Cizeta V16T, a supercar that epitomized the excess and innovation of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Designed by the legendary Marcello Gandini, the Cizeta V16T was a marvel of engineering with its quad-turbo V16 engine. Despite its brilliance, only 12 units were produced, making it one of the rarest supercars in existence. Two of these were famously acquired by the Sultan of Brunei, adding to their exclusivity and allure.
The
1999 Mandelli Monza is a heavily modified version of the Cizeta V16,
part of a project aimed at reviving the unsuccessful Cizeta brand. (Picture from: MrMention)
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in reviving the Cizeta brand. Antonio Mandelli, an Italian entrepreneur involved in the luxury import and trading business in Frankfurt, Germany, claims to have acquired the remnants of Cizeta Automobili SRL and renamed the company Mandelli Automobili. With reported funding €40 million from Deutsche Bank, Mandelli announced in late 2022 that a new prototype had already covered its first 50 kilometers. This ambitious project aimed to reintroduce the Cizeta V16T to a new generation of supercar enthusiasts.
This rendering is the envisioned successor to the Cizeta V16T, revealed when Antonio Mandeli announced the revival of the Cizeta brand in late 2022. (Picture from: CarSales.au)
The Mandelli Monza remains an enigmatic chapter in automotive history. Its existence as a lone prototype highlights the challenges and unpredictability inherent in the supercar industry. The potential revival of the Cizeta brand, driven by Mandelli's passion and investment, holds the promise of a return to the glory days of Italian hypercars. As enthusiasts eagerly await further developments, the legacy of both the Mandelli Monza and the Cizeta V16T continues to inspire dreams of what could have been and what might still be possible.
The
Cizeta V16T supercar is built by Cizeta Automobili, the Italian
automotive manufacturer based in Modena and designed by Marcello
Gandini. (Picture from: Dyler)
The future of the Mandelli Monza and the Cizeta brand hinges on a delicate balance of nostalgia, innovation, and the enduring appeal of combustion-engine supercars in a rapidly electrifying world. While the road ahead is uncertain, the passion and vision of those involved in this revival offer a glimmer of hope. The automotive community remains watchful and optimistic, ready to celebrate any milestones that bring these iconic machines back to life. But what we could be done?
The original V16T Cizeta was conceived to sit above every other supercar maker in the world, including Ferrari and Lamborghini. (Picture from: Forbes)
Infact, the Italian brand's revival is increasingly difficult, given the passing of Marcello Gandini on March 13, 2024. Gandini's influence on automotive design is immeasurable, and his death marks the end of an era. This unfortunate event has undoubtedly added a layer of complexity to Mandelli's efforts to revive the brand.
The unique development of the Mandelli Monza is distinguished not only by its rarity but also by its innovative design; however, it appears that only a prototype was made. (Picture from: CarsThatNeverMadeItEtc)
⛔Rare GEMS💣 - The world of cars is vast, with numerous manufacturers producing countless models over the years. Some vehicles gain instant fame, while others remain obscure, known only to a few enthusiasts. One such lesser-known gem is the Vemac RD180, a sports car that stands out not only for its rarity but also for its unique design and engineering of the 2000s.
The Vemac RD180 was a design concept prototype and the styling was a mix of Porsche, Honda and Lotus with an elongated rear end. (Picture from: Supercars.net)
The Vemac Car Company was a low-volume Anglo-Japanese car manufacturer founded in 1998 by Osamu Hatakawa and Masao Ono, two employees of Tokyo R&D. Their goal was to create a road-going version of the Cadwell. It's a lightweight racing car designed by the company, named after Cadwell Park, a club racing circuit in the UK, the Cadwell had seen success on the track. Amateur racers, thrilled by the Cadwell's performance, wanted a similar machine for road use.
The Vemac RD180 featured a targa top similar to the Honda CRX (Del Sol), and even the windscreen could be detached, with a single aero-screen fitted for track use. (Picture from: Forum.Forza.net)
The Vemac RD180 was the first in a planned series of sports cars that were supposed to include the RD200, RD320, and RD350. However, only the RD180 and RD200 made it to limited production, with the RD320 and RD350 never seeing the light of day. Despite this, the RD180's unique characteristics and story make it a fascinating piece of automotive history. Furthermore, Vemac is noted for constructing race cars used in the All Japan Grand Touring Car Championship and its successor, Super GT.
The Vemac RD180 opted for a lightweight space frame chassis, a mid-engined power plant, and a super lightweight body. (Picture from: Forum.Forza.net)
At its core, the RD180 was a design concept prototype, blending the styling cues of Porsche, Honda, and Lotus. Its elongated rear end was not just for aesthetics but had a functional purpose.At the time, Tokyo R&D's owner, with experience in developing the Dome's Le Mans sport racer and several Japanese F1 cars, understood the need for a European touch to make the car successful. He enlisted British designer Chris Craft, an English racer, and developer of the Rocket Sports Car with the famous Gordon Murray, to bring the road car to life.
The Vemac RD180's short rear end typically meant the weight was concentrated there, necessitating careful suspension work to manage the pendulum effect during hard driving. (Picture from: Auta5p.eu)
The design team aimed to create a sports racing car configuration with two seats. They opted for a lightweight space frame chassis, a mid-engined power plant, and a super lightweight body. This design allowed easy configuration for road or race use.
Inside, the Vemac RD180 featured a subdued aesthetic with leather-upholstered seats for a cozy feel, three-spoke steering-wheel, and a center console with parts and switches from the Honda CRX (Del Sol). (Picture from: Supercars.net)
The car featured a targa top similar to the Honda CRX (Del Sol), and even the windscreen could be detached, with a single aero-screen fitted for track use. Sticking to its Japanese roots, the team chose a "local" engine from Honda.
The Vemac RD180 is powered by a 1.8-liter naturally-aspirated Honda VTEC engine that produced 180 hp. (Picture from: Forum.Forza.net)
Achieving the correct weight distribution was crucial. Mid-engined sports cars with lower power ranges often mimic rear-engined vehicles due to their transverse engine with a combined transaxle. The short rear end typically meant the weight was concentrated there, necessitating careful suspension work to manage the pendulum effect during hard driving. The solution came from the Honda Integra Type R, a front-engined, front-drive vehicle. Tokyo R&D placed the block in the middle of the car and repositioned the gearbox behind the block, creating a longitudinal configuration instead of transverse. This decision led to the car's distinctive longer rear section, solving the weight distribution issue effectively.
Thus, the Vemac RD180 was born, named after its 1.8-liter donor motor that produced 180hp and had the characteristic high-revving nature of a Honda VTEC engine. Weighing in at 880 kg, the RD180 was significantly lighter than the Integra, enhancing its performance. Built by the Rocket Car Company in the UK, the RD180 benefitted from the proximity to racing materials and expertise.
The Vemac RD320R in action at the Super GT 2011 Rd.6 Fuji GT 250km with a 4-liter V8 Zytec motor. (Picture from: Supercars.net)
Contemporary reviews praised the RD180's handling and overall driving experience. It excelled on narrow, winding roads, offering a thrilling ride. However, being a limited production vehicle, it was quite expensive and impractical, hindering its commercial success. | 3z4CA2mJnrU |
Production of the sports car ceased in 2004. Reportedly, there were ambitious plans for the RD180 to utilize the Honda S2000 motor, but they never materialized. However, in 2005, the automaker launched a racing variant, the Vemac RD320R, which competed in Japan for several years with a 4-liter Zytec V8 motor. In 2006, they also launched the Vemac RD408H, one of the world’s first hybrid racing cars.
The Vemac RD408H, one of the world’s first hybrid racing cars launched by Vemac in 2006. (Picture from: Supercars.net)
Despite its limited production and commercial struggles, the Vemac RD180 remains a remarkable example of innovative automotive engineering. It showcases the blend of Japanese precision and European design flair, leaving a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to experience it. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SUPERCARS.NET | FORUMS.FORZA.NET | MOTORINGWEEK | WIKIPEDIA | AUTA5P.EU ]
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Forgotten ONES - In the realm of luxury automobiles, few names evoke as much prestige and innovation as Bugatti. From its storied past to its present-day feats of engineering, Bugatti has continually pushed boundaries in speed, elegance, and design.
A unique design chapter of the Walter de'Silva's 1999 Bugatti Veyron Concept. (Picture from: AutoEvolution)
One pivotal moment in Bugatti's modern history came with the introduction of the Bugatti Veyron. However, its journey to iconic status began earlier with the Bugatti EB110 in the late eighties, marking a resurgence for the brand. Acquired by Volkswagen Group in the nineties, Bugatti embarked on a new era of automotive excellence.
The 1999 Bugatti Veyron concept, designed by Walter de'Silva during his tenure as SEAT's head of design, commissioned by Volkswagen Design's Hartmut Warkuss, sparked intrigue and curiosity among automotive enthusiasts. (Picture from: AutoEvolution)
Amidst the evolution, a lesser-known chapter unfolds with the 1999 Bugatti Veyron concept designed by Walter de'Silva, then-head of design at SEAT. Commissioned by Volkswagen Design's Hartmut Warkuss, this concept stirred intrigue and curiosity among automotive enthusiasts.
The 1999 Bugatti Veyron concept, designed by Walter de'Silva, included distinctive side air inlets and a rounded rear that hinted at the future production Veyron's aesthetic.(Picture from: AutoEvolution)
Examining the concept, one cannot help but wonder about de'Silva's vision. Elements seen in this prototype, such as the distinctive side air inlets and rounded rear, hint at what would later define the production Veyron's aesthetic.
Despite its conceptual allure, de'Silva's design faced rejection in favor of another proposal within Volkswagen Group. Ferdinand Piëch, overseeing Bugatti's revival, opted for a different direction, ultimately shaping the Veyron into the masterpiece known today.
The 1999 Bugatti Veyron concept, designed by Walter de'Silva, was later unveiled in Quattroruote, an Italian automotive magazine, offering a glimpse into an alternate Bugatti timeline.(Picture from: BugattiRevue)
While there are similarities between de'Silva's concept and the production Veyron, we appreciate VAG's decision to opt for Warkuss's design. Based on the Giugiaro-styled Chiron 18.3, the Veyron ultimately appeared more sophisticated and elegant. Nonetheless, this concept endures as a footnote in the epic tale of the world's most audacious supercars.
The 2000 Bugatti EB 18/4 Veyron concept, ultimately chosen for production, appeared more sophisticated and elegant. (Picture from: MotorTrend)
Rediscovered years later by Quattroruote, an Italian automotive magazine, the de'Silva concept resurfaced, offering a glimpse into an alternate Bugatti timeline. Though overshadowed by its successor, the concept remains a testament to bold creativity in automotive design.
The 2006 Bugatti Veyron #001 made a mark on automotive history that no exclusive color combos—or even high-performance Super Sport models—could diminish. (Picture from: MotorAuthority)
While de'Silva's concept didn't clinch the Bugatti throne, his career trajectory within Volkswagen Group design has proven resilient. Today, he holds a prominent position, echoing the journey of those who shaped Bugatti's legacy before him.
In the tapestry of Bugatti's history, the de'Silva concept stands as a testament to the ongoing pursuit of automotive excellence. Its legacy lives on, reminding us of the enduring allure and innovation that define Bugatti, a name synonymous with automotive greatness. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOBLOG | DRIVE.COM.AU | MOTORAUTHORITY | BUGATTIREVUE | AUTOEVOLUTION | GTPLANET | MOTORTREND ]
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Unique ONES - In the world of automotive design, few stories are as captivating as that of the Pontiac Mera. Imagine a car that could easily be mistaken for a Ferrari, yet hails from the heart of American innovation. This car is not just an Italian sports car look-alike, but a unique creation born from Pontiac's ambition to blend exotic styling with their engineering prowess. The Pontiac Mera's tale is one of creativity, boldness, and the intriguing intersection of two distinct automotive cultures.
The Corporate Concepts Limited Pontiac Mera was a sportier model of the Fiero, featuring a striking fiberglass body that resembled the sleek curves of a Ferrari, capturing the attention of car enthusiasts and casual observers alike. (Picture from: GMAuthority)
