The Timeless Elegance of the OSCA MT4 Berlinetta Vignale

Classic Rares - Curiosity often leads us to discover fascinating and unique automobiles, and the OSCA MT4 Berlinetta Vignale is one such captivating find. Our initial encounter with this exceptional car happened while surfing the internet, sparking a desire to delve deeper into its history and share its story with you.

The OSCA MT4 Berlinetta Vignale is a remarkable piece of automotive history that traces its roots back to the Maserati brothers and Carrozzeria Vignale. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

The OSCA MT4 Berlinetta Vignale is a remarkable piece of automotive history that traces its roots back to the Maserati brothers. The name "MT4" stands for "Maserati Tipo 4 Cilindri," highlighting the heritage and engineering prowess behind its creation. OSCA, which stands for Officine Specializzate Costruzione Automobili, was founded in 1947 by three Maserati brothers with a vision to build small, high-performance racing cars.

The OSCA MT4 Berlinetta Vignale features with distinctive styling elements such as cutaway flanks, a zig-zag waistline, a crisply outlined nose, and minimal front overhang. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

Their innovative approach led them to develop engines based on Fiat’s 1092cc block, enhanced with OSCA’s own aluminum cylinder head. By 1950, they introduced a new twin-cam head, boosting the engine's power to an impressive 100 bhp. This marked the beginning of a broader range of car bodies, expanding from barchetta designs to elegant berlinettas crafted by renowned designers Frua and Vignale.

The OSCA MT4 Berlinetta Vignale made its debut at the 1955 Turin Motor Show, and highlighting the heritage and engineering prowess behind its creation. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

The OSCA MT4 quickly became a symbol of Italian sports car excellence. The Maserati brothers, despite selling their original company and losing the right to use their name, continued to showcase their engineering talent through OSCA. One of the most stunning examples of their work was the MT4 Berlinetta Vignale, which made its debut at the 1955 Turin Motor Show. This all-alloy coupe captured the attention of its first owner, Monsieur J.C. Abreu, a French enthusiast who appreciated the car's unique design and performance.

The OSCA MT4 Berlinetta Vignale all-alloy coupe captured the attention of its first owner, Monsieur J.C. Abreu, a French enthusiast who appreciated the car's unique design and performance. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

Only four original Berlinettas were produced by OSCA, with three featuring Vignale coachwork (chassis 1120, 1136, and 1153) and one with Frua coachwork (chassis 1113). Each car boasted exquisite details, such as rare OSCA and Vignale badging, king-size Jaeger instrumentation, the original horn button in the steering wheel, and Marchal lights. The factory even fitted the car with custom-made luggage, complete with the original keys, a plexiglass rear screen, bespoke rear lights, an alloy filler cap in the boot, and an original tool bag and kit with the chassis number stamped on it.

The OSCA MT4 Berlinetta Vignale features with distinctive styling elements such as cutaway flanks, a zig-zag waistline, a crisply outlined nose, and minimal front overhang. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

OSCA cars were renowned for being small, lightweight, reliable, and expensive. The MT4, in particular, was a standout model developed for both Formula Libre (F2) and sports car racing. It achieved significant success on the track, dominating its class in prestigious races like the Mille Miglia, Targa Florio, and Le Mans. One of the most notable victories came at the 12 Hours of Sebring, where an MT4 driven by Lloyd Cunningham and Stirling Moss clinched a glorious win for Cunningham's team.

The OSCA MT4 Berlinetta Vignale also adorned with a plexiglass rear screen, bespoke rear lights, an alloy filler cap in the boot. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

The Berlinetta Vignale's design was the work of the carrozzeria Michelotti, known for its distinctive styling elements such as cutaway flanks, a zig-zag waistline, a crisply outlined nose, and minimal front overhang. This particular model was commissioned by Turin chemist Mario Damonte to compete in the 1952 24 Hours of Le Mans. Unfortunately, Damonte and his co-driver Fernand Lacour retired after 19 hours due to clutch trouble. However, the following year, Damonte returned with co-driver Pierre-Louis Dreyfus, and they secured a win in the 1100 cc class.

The OSCA MT4 Berlinetta Vignale also adorned with a plexiglass rear screen, bespoke rear lights, an alloy filler cap in the boot. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

Ownership of this unique car passed to Maria Luisa Zamberini, another Turin resident, in 1954. The car then disappeared into a private collection from 1956 until it resurfaced in Japan in 1997, adding another layer of intrigue to its storied past, and was acquired by its previous owner in 2005. The most important aspect of this car is that it is entirely original, and has never been restored. It is a 'time warp' machine with an elegant body style and a wonderful patina. The current owner purchased the car twice - once in 2010 and again in 2016 after it was owned by OSCA collector Elad Shraga.

One of only three, the 1955 OSCA MT4 Berlinetta Vignale with chassis number 1153. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

The OSCA MT4 Berlinetta Vignale stands as a symbol of resilience and ingenuity, embodying the Maserati brothers' ability to overcome financial obstacles and continue producing extraordinary vehicles. Its story, from its conception by talented engineers to its victories on the race track and its journey across continents, reflects the enduring passion and creativity that drive automotive innovation.

Exploring the history of the OSCA MT4 Berlinetta Vignale has been a journey through time, showcasing the brilliance and determination of the Maserati brothers. This car not only represents a significant achievement in automotive engineering but also serves as a reminder of the spirit of innovation that continues to inspire car enthusiasts and designers around the world. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | CONCEPTCARZ | SUPERCARS.NET | ULTIMATECARPAGE ]

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Ford's Overlooked 4WD Mustang

What If - When the 1965 Mustang hit the market and set unprecedented sales records, Ford was already envisioning the future, exploring design concepts that ranged from two-seaters to the possibility of a four-door model. However, while Ford was dreaming big, a more radical idea was brewing across the Atlantic in England. 

The 1965 Ford Mustang that benefited from the Ferguson all-wheel-drive system and received early ABS brake system, sat on display at the Tampa Bay Auto Museum. (Picture from: Wikimedia)

This idea wasn't just about redesigning a car; it was about completely rethinking how a car should perform on the road. The concept came from Ferguson Research, a company that was backed by Harry Ferguson, the man behind Massey Ferguson tractors. At the heart of this innovative company were two former race drivers, Fred Dixon and Tony Rolt.

The 1965 Ford Mustang that benefited from the Ferguson all-wheel-drive system and received early ABS brake system,  looked just like any other Mustang on the outside. (Picture from: Hagerty)

They were the masterminds behind a groundbreaking four-wheel-drive (4WD) system, designed specifically for passenger cars. But their innovation didn't stop there. They also adapted Dunlop’s Maxaret anti-skid braking system, initially developed for aircraft landing gear, for automotive use. This adaptation laid the foundation for what we know today as the ABS system.

The 4WD system developed by Ferguson and installed in the 1965 Ford Mustang was a full-time system, meaning power was continuously sent to all four wheels. (Picture from: BringATrailer)

Their 4WD system, known as the Ferguson Formula, wasn’t just an idea on paper. It was put to the test in 1961 with the Ferguson P99 Formula One racecar. With Stirling Moss at the wheel, the car won the Oulton Park race, proving the effectiveness of the technology. Despite this success, Ferguson Research wasn’t content with just proving their system on the track. They wanted to see it adopted by car manufacturers around the world. Ford, always on the lookout for the next big thing, took notice.

The Ferguson P99 4WD Formula 1 racing car led legendary driver Stirling Moss to victory in the non-championship Formula One Gold Cup at Oulton Park in 1961. (Picture from: FergusonClub)

In December 1964, Ford sent two identical blue Mustangs, both equipped with the A-code 289-cid V-8 engine and automatic transmission, to Ferguson in England. The plan was simple: convert one of the Mustangs to 4WD while keeping the other one in its original state for comparison. This was no ordinary conversion. The 4WD system developed by Ferguson was full-time, meaning that power was sent to all four wheels at all times. Clutches within the system allowed the car to turn smoothly, ensuring that the Mustang could handle all kinds of driving conditions with superior traction.

The Ferguson P99 4WD Formula 1 racing car with Stirling Moss at the wheel, testing at British Grand Prix 1961. (Picture from: FergusonClub)

The Ferguson Formula system utilized a planetary center differential, which provided a 37:63 front-to-rear torque split. This clever design allowed the front and rear wheels to turn at different speeds, keeping the 4WD system engaged at all times. To accommodate this sophisticated system, the Mustang needed some modifications, including a change from coil springs to torsion bars in the front suspension.

Interior view of the 1965 Ford Mustang that benefited from the Ferguson all-wheel-drive system and received early ABS brake system.. (Picture from: BringATrailer)

Despite these changes, the Mustang looked just like any other Mustang on the outside. But when it came to handling, it was a different story. Tests at the time reported that the 4WD Mustang performed exceptionally well, especially on slippery surfaces where it outshined its two-wheel-drive counterparts. The Maxaret anti-skid braking system, although purely mechanical and not as advanced as the electronic ABS systems that came later, played a key role in improving the car's safety and performance.

The Ferguson 4WD system installed in the 1965 Ford Mustang utilized a planetary center differential, which provided a 37:63 front-to-rear torque split. (Picture from: BringATrailer)

If this all sounds familiar, it’s because the same Ferguson Formula 4WD system later found its way into the world’s first production car with full-time 4WD: the 1966 Jensen FF. This model was an offshoot of the Jensen Interceptor luxury coupe, and the “FF” in its name stood for Ferguson Formula, a nod to the innovative technology that powered it.

The 1965 Ford Mustang was equipped with Ferguson's 4WD system, powered by an A-code 289-cid V-8 engine and an automatic transmission. (Picture from: BringATrailer)

Ford's reaction to the 4WD Mustang's performance is not fully known, but the likely reason it never made it to production was cost. Adding the 4WD system would have likely increased the price by over $500—a significant amount at the time. For context, the Mustang's most expensive engine option, the K-code high-performance 289-cid V-8, was priced at $328 and was rarely ordered. The cost likely made the 4WD option an impractical choice for mass production.

The Jensen FF, where "FF" stands for "Ferguson Formula," was the first production car to adopt the Ferguson Formula 4WD system and was produced between 1966 and 1971. (Picture from: BringATrailer)

After its brief moment in the spotlight, the 4WD Mustang prototype returned to the United Kingdom and was stored in Ferguson’s museum on the Isle of Wight until 2007. It then changed hands and found a new home at the Tampa Bay Auto Museum in 2009, where it remains a working piece of automotive history. The museum, owned by Alain Cerf, celebrates innovation in automotive design and technology. Cerf, who also runs Polypack, Inc., a company that manufactures high-tech packaging machinery, has a deep appreciation for technological advancements.

Rear three-quarter view of the 1965 Ford Mustang that benefited from the Ferguson all-wheel-drive system and received early ABS brake system. (Picture from: Wikimedia)

Among the other innovative vehicles in the Tampa Bay Auto Museum is one of the 22 English Ford Zephyr sedans that Ferguson Research converted to 4WD for testing by British police forces in the late 1960s. This collection, including the unique 4WD Mustang, stands as a testament to the forward-thinking minds that dared to push the boundaries of automotive engineering. | 3iC9eHF1Hck |

In a world where the Mustang is celebrated for its iconic design and performance, it’s fascinating to think about what could have been if Ford had chosen to embrace Ferguson’s vision. The 4WD Mustang, although never mass-produced, remains a symbol of innovation and the relentless pursuit of better performance, even if that pursuit sometimes takes us down roads less traveled. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FERGUSONCLUB | TAMPA BAY AUTO MUSEUM | MUSTANGSPECS | HAGERTY | BRINGATRAILER | MOTORAUTHORITY ]

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DKW-Vemag Carcará: Brazil's Forgotten 1960s Speed Record Breaker

Forgotten ONES - In the mid-20th century, the Brazilian automotive industry experienced a remarkable surge, particularly in competitive racing. The 1960s saw a fierce rivalry among brands like DKW-Vemag, Willys, and Simca on racetracks scattered across the nation. This era was synonymous with speed, but no vehicle epitomized this better than the DKW-Vermag Carcará. Named after a Brazilian endemic predatory bird, the Carcará set the Brazilian land speed record in 1966, clocking an astonishing 231 km/h. 

The DKW-Vemag Carcará had set the Brazilian land speed record in 1966, clocking an astonishing 231 km/h. (Picture from: WeirdWheels)

Hunaudières: The Lost Supercar That Never Hit the Production Line

One-Off - Bentley is a name synonymous with British luxury and automotive excellence. Headquartered in Crewe, Bentley is celebrated for its distinctive luxury vehicles, each exuding an air of exclusivity. Among these, one remarkable concept stands out, signaling a bold new direction for the marque: the Bentley Hunaudières Concept.

The name Bentley Hunaudières pays homage to the famous straight of Circuit de la Sarthe, where Sir Tim Birkin in a "Blower Bentley" overtook Rudolf Caracciola in a Mercedes-Benz SSK at 125 mph (201 km/h) with one wheel on the grass. (Picture from: Intersport.id)

Named after the famous Hunaudières straight of the Circuit de la Sarthe, Le Mans France, the car pays homage to Bentley's storied racing heritage. In the 1920s, Sir Tim Birkin, a legendary racer in the Bentley Blower, famously sped down this stretch at 201 kph, overtaking a Mercedes-Benz SSK with one wheel on the grass.

The Bentley Hunaudières is a concept car built by Bentley for the 1999 Geneva Salon International de l'Auto. (Picture from: Pedal2TheMetal)

The Bentley Hunaudières represented Bentley's ambitious endeavor to redefine itself, proving its capability to create cutting-edge supercars while upholding its aristocratic legacy. Despite its relative obscurity, the car's audacious design and innovative approach marked Bentley's venture into sportier automotive designs, although it never made it to production.

1929 Bentley Blower racing car driven by Sir Tim Birkin and raced at the 24 Heures du Mans (24 Hours of Le Mans). (Picture from: Intersport.id)

Unveiled at the 1999 Geneva Salon International de l'Auto (Geneva International Auto Show), the Hunaudières was the brainchild of Ferdinand Piëch, grandson of Ferdinand Porsche. Built on a modified Lamborghini Diablo VT chassis, and featured Volkswagen's W16 engine and advanced four-wheel-drive technology.

The Bentley Hunaudières Concept is actually the work of Ferdinand Piëch, who is none other than the grandson of Ferdinand Porsche, the founder of the Porsche brand. (Picture from: Pedal2TheMetal)

The specifications of the Hunaudières were impressive, boasting an 8,000 cc naturally-aspirated W16 engine capable of delivering 623 hp at 6,000 rpm and 760 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. These figures translated into a top speed of 350 kph, making it a formidable supercar. Despite the enthusiasm surrounding it, the Bentley Hunaudières never entered production.😢 Instead, its innovative design and engineering concepts lived on, influencing the creation of the Bugatti Veyron in 2005.

The Bentley Hunaudières features luxurious interior with a cabin swathed in Nubuck and Connolly leather. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)

The transition from Hunaudières to Veyron involved significant enhancements. The Veyron not only adopted a new bodywork but also upgraded from a 5-speed manual to a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission. These changes, coupled with increased power output to 1,000 hp, allowed the Veyron to achieve unprecedented speeds of up to 430 kph, surpassing the Hunaudières' capabilities.

The Bentley Hunaudières Concept is powered by a Volkswagen W16 engine has a capacity of 8,000 cc, naturally-aspirated which is capable of producing 623 hp at 6,000 rpm and 760 nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. (Picture from: Otosia)

How did this happen? As the saying goes, nothing is impossible in this world. Especially when you consider that Bentley and Bugatti are currently under the banner of the Volkswagen Group, making such a development entirely plausible.

Nevertheless, the Bentley Hunaudières Concept stands as a testament to Bentley's innovative spirit and commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive design. Interestingly, the Bentley Hunaudières remains a hidden gem in the gaming world. It appears as a secret car in the TOCA World Touring Cars game for Sony PlayStation and Game Boy Advance consoles, offering a rare virtual glimpse of this extraordinary concept.

While it never saw the production line, its legacy endures, influencing modern supercars and reminding us of the exciting possibilities that arise when tradition meets innovation. Bentley's bold vision in creating the Hunaudières continues to inspire automotive enthusiasts and designers alike, cementing its place in the annals of automotive history. *** [EKA [30122021] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ULTIMATECARPAGE ]

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Honda's Innovative Spocket Concept: A Multifunctional Marvel

Wild ONES - Imagine a world where car manufacturers bring the wildest, most unusual ideas to life. While this might seem far-fetched, Honda, the renowned Japanese automotive giant, has already ventured into this realm with a remarkable concept car in 1999. This extraordinary vehicle, although just a concept, showcases Honda's innovative spirit and willingness to push the boundaries of automotive design.

The Honda's Innovative Spocket Concept is a versatile marvel that can morph into a convertible, a pickup, and a sports car, all at the push of a button. (Picture from: Supercars.net)

Honda's research and development entity, Honda R & D Americas, Inc., based in Torrance, transformed an audacious idea into reality. This concept vehicle, known as the Honda Spocket, is a versatile marvel that can morph into a convertible, a pickup, and a sports car, all at the push of a button. With the touch of a button, the Spocket transitions from four seats to two, and its clamshell top retracts, offering an exhilarating open-air driving experience.

Honda's research and development entity, Honda R & D Americas, Inc., based in Torrance, transformed an audacious idea into reality. This concept vehicle, known as the Honda Spocket Concept. (Picture from: Motor1)

The journey to create the Honda Spocket was a swift one, taking only eight months from design to completion. The inspiration behind this futuristic vehicle traces back to Honda’s T360 mid-engine pickup truck, the company’s first mass-produced vehicle launched in 1963. The T360 boasted a high-revving, 4-cylinder DOHC engine with four carburetors, a mid-engine layout, and a cab-over design, all contributing to its ample cargo and cabin space.

Honda's research and development entity, Honda R & D Americas, Inc., based in Torrance, transformed an audacious idea into reality. This concept vehicle, known as the Honda Spocket Concept. (Picture from: Motor1)

The Spocket stands out with its angular, lightweight body, dramatic tilt-up doors, and a striking bright-red over gun-metal gray color scheme. The interior is designed to be both durable and stylish, featuring bucket seats made from weather-resistant fabrics. This ensures that the car can withstand various environmental conditions while maintaining a sleek appearance.

The Honda Spocket Concept stands out with its angular, lightweight body, dramatic tilt-up doors, and a striking bright-red over gun-metal gray color scheme. (Picture from: CarsThatNeverMadeItEtc)

One of the most impressive aspects of the Honda Spocket is its advanced four-wheel-drive system. This system includes a hybrid gasoline-electric engine powering the front wheels and two in-wheel electric motors for the rear wheels, providing full-time four-wheel drive. Additionally, the vehicle boasts a semi-automatic, five-speed transmission with shift buttons conveniently located on the steering wheel.

Inside the Spocket, innovation continues with waterproof bucket seats equipped with five-point seatbelts for safety and comfort, complemented by Honda’s GPS Navigation system and electric controls to enhance the driving experience. (Picture from: Supercars.net)

Inside the Spocket, the innovation continues with bucket seats equipped with five-point seatbelts, ensuring safety and comfort. The interior is completely waterproof, a testament to its versatility. Further enhancing the driving experience, the Spocket features Honda’s GPS Navigation system and electric controls. Instead of traditional side-view mirrors, the car is equipped with cameras that project rear images onto a heads-up display on the front windshield.

At the touch of a button, the Honda Spocket Concept transitions from four seats to two while its clamshell top retracts, offering an exhilarating open-air driving experience. (Picture from: Supercars.net)

The Honda Spocket is not just about sporty performance; it embodies versatility and practicality. Whether you're loading up sports gear for an adventurous day out or enjoying a leisurely drive, this concept car caters to an active lifestyle. The Spocket is a shining example of Honda's commitment to innovation, pushing the boundaries of what a vehicle can be.

The original Honda Spocket Concept is still around, and sits on display at the American Honda Museum in Torrarnce as one of Honda’s collections. (Picture from: ConceptCars)

Honda says the original Spocket concept is still around, and sits on display at the American Honda Museum in Torrarnce as one of Honda’s collections. Perhaps one day, we’ll have the opportunity to see it in person. Until then, we can only dream of what might have been. As a fast, sporty convertible capable of handling various activities, the Honda Spocket would undoubtedly be a lot of fun to drive. | lmXhPuaj4x4 |

In a world where the extraordinary often seems unattainable, the Honda Spocket reminds us that with creativity and determination, even the wildest ideas can come to life. As we look to the future, we can only imagine what other groundbreaking concepts Honda and other innovators will bring to the automotive world. The journey of the Spocket is a testament to the power of imagination and the endless possibilities that lie ahead. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HONDA | SUPERCARS.NET | MOTOR1 | WIKIPEDIA | CONCEPTCARS ]

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The Forgotten Masterpiece: Sbarro Stash’s Unique Legacy

Forgotten ONES - In the world of unique and rare automotive designs, the Sbarro Stash stands out as a fascinating example, though it's a vehicle that many have never heard of. Revealed to the public for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show in 1974, the Stash was a striking three-seater coupe built on the platform of the Canadian-made Bricklin SV1. 

The Sbarro Stash coupe was built on the platform of the Canadian-made Bricklin SV1, and revealed to the public for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show in 1974. (Picture from: Coachbuild)

The car’s foundation, reminiscent of the SV1, includes a central beam connected to a reinforced tubular frame, surrounded by a double roll bar, and all of this was integrated into two polyester monocoques. The Stash's construction wasn't just about aesthetics; it also ensured safety with features like a reinforced roll cage.

The Sbarro Stash coupe features a different profile with a very high rear end. (Picture from: FrancoSbarro)

The car's engineering also highlighted practicality. Braking power came from four disc brakes, with optional sprinklers available for enhanced performance. Despite its sleek and sporty appearance, the Stash offered more storage capacity than one might expect from a car of its kind, with two luggage compartments—one at the front with a capacity of 290 liters and another at the rear with 140 liters. This made the Stash not just a beauty on the outside but also a functional vehicle.

The Sbarro Stash targa cabriolet HS model aka Super Stash of 1978 powered by a 6.9-liter Mercedes-Benz V8 engine. (Picture from: FrancoSbarro)

Customers had the choice between two body styles: a classic coupe and a targa cabriolet known as the HS aka Super Stash. The car’s name, Stash, was derived from Stanislas Klossowski, the vehicle's sponsor, adding a personal touch to the vehicle's identity. Moving away from the Bricklin SV1's rotary engine, the Stash came with a range of engine options. 

Franco Sbarro was behind the wheel of a Super Stash HS with a 6.9-liter Mercedes V8 engine. (Picture from: FrancoSbarro)

The base model was powered by a Volkswagen 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder K70 engine. For those seeking more power, there was the option of a Mercedes 450 SE 6.9-liter V8 engine that boasted 286 bhp, allowing the car to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.4 seconds.

The interior of the Sbarro Super Stash HS, much more classic than that of the Cardin. (Picture from: FrancoSbarro)

In some unique instances, the Stash was fitted with different engines to suit specific requests. For example, a Greek businessman named Jean Arvanitis had a Stash equipped with a Porsche engine, demonstrating the car's versatility. There's also mention of a possible version with a BMW 3-liter 6-cylinder engine, although this hasn’t been confirmed.

The Sbarro Super Stash HS's rear lights hidden behind a grille were often used by Franco Sbarro. (Picture from: FrancoSbarro)

Although these power figures might not seem impressive by today’s standards, it’s important to consider the context of the time. During the 1970s, many sports cars had far less power. For example, the Alpine A110 produced only 95 hp, and even a Ferrari 308 managed just 255 hp. Against this backdrop, the Stash’s performance was quite impressive. The version fitted with the Mercedes 6.9-liter engine could reach a top speed of 240 km/h, putting it on par with contemporary sports cars like the Ferrari 308.

A year after its debut, in 1975, the Stash caught the attention of famed fashion designer Pierre Cardin. He presented his version of the Stash at the Salon de Paris, adding his signature touch to the vehicle. While the exterior changes were minimal—marked mainly by a blue band on the side featuring Cardin's signature—the interior received a significant makeover.

The Sbarro Stash Cardin made its debut at the 1975 Salon de Paris. (Picture from: FrancoSbarro)

The dashboard was now made of painted lamellar rubber, and the seats, carpets, and roof lining were adorned with stylish stripes, adding a luxurious and modern feel to the car’s cabin. Despite these changes, the Volkswagen mechanics remained unchanged, indicating that the modifications were primarily focused on aesthetics rather than performance.

The Sbarro Stash Cardin features minimal exterior changes, marked mainly by a blue band on the side featuring Cardin's signature. (Picture from: GTPlanet)

Cardin’s involvement in the design of the car was emphasized in promotional materials, with brochures claiming that the car was created by Pierre Cardin in collaboration with Sbarro. This led to some tension, as Sbarro himself likely didn't appreciate this assertion, considering that the modifications were largely superficial. However, in the eyes of many, the Stash and Pierre Cardin became closely associated, further elevating the car’s unique status.

Pierre Cardin designed a painted lamellar rubber interior and striped carpets for the Stash. (Picture from: FrancoSbarro)

Unfortunately, the Sbarro Stash was never produced in large numbers. Only five units were ever sold, making it an extremely rare vehicle today. Despite its practical design, appealing looks, and relatively affordable price, the Stash didn't achieve widespread recognition. Its scarcity only adds to the mystique surrounding it, and today, these cars are nearly impossible to trace, with their current whereabouts remaining a mystery. | iIbWPPJ_qLo |

The story of the Sbarro Stash is a reminder of the many hidden gems in the automotive world that, despite their potential, never reached the prominence they deserved. Yet, for those who know about it, the Stash remains a symbol of innovative design and rare beauty, a car that continues to intrigue and inspire, even as it slips further into the shadows of history. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SBARRO.PHCALVET.FR | GTPLANET | LOTUSESPRITTURBO | AUTOMOBILE-CATALOG | HISTORICAUTOPRO | COACHBUILD | WIKIPEDIA ]

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