Rare GEMS - In the rich tapestry of automotive history, certain vehicles stand out not only for their performance but also for the stories behind them. The Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint is one such vehicle that has left an indelible mark on car enthusiasts since its debut at the Turin Motor Show in April 1954. When the Blue Giulietta Sprint prototype was unveiled, it caught the eye of many, leading to a demand that took Alfa Romeo by surprise, resulting in the suspension of orders just days later. This unexpected success set the stage for what would become one of the most beloved sports cars of its time.
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint's design is a testament to the artistry of Carrozzeria Bertone, renowned for its ability to create visually stunning automobiles. (Picture from: Fast&Ferocious on X)
ONE-OFF - In the world of sports cars, some vehicles gain legendary status, while others remain as fascinating, one-off projects. The Lombardi VW 1600 Super Sport is a prime example of the latter. Unveiled by Francis Lombardi at the 1970 Turin Motor Show, this unique sports car, captured the imagination of car enthusiasts with its bold design and innovative features. Despite its promising introduction, the Lombardi VW 1600 SS never saw mass production. Still, its story continues to captivate those who appreciate automotive history and innovation.
The Lombardi VW 1600 SS was a two-seater sports car that attracted attention not only for its performance but also for its striking appearance. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
The Lombardi VW 1600 SSwas a two-seater sports car that drew attention not only for its performance but also for its eye-catching appearance. The car was built on the iconic VW Beetle platform, but Lombardi reimagined it as a sleek, wedge-shaped coupé that looked radically different from the original. One of its most distinctive features was its angular, wedge-like design, which set it apart from other cars of its time. The rear of the car was elevated, accommodating the rear-mounted flat-four-cylinder engine that produced an impressive 85 horsepower at 5,500 rpm. This engine, known for its reliability and simplicity, provided the Lombardi VW 1600 SS with the power it needed to compete in the sports car market.
Francis Lombardi's Volkswagen 1600 SS debuted at the 1970 Turin Motor Show. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
Beyond its engine, the Lombardi VW 1600 SS had several other design elements that made it stand out. The pop-up headlights were one of the most striking features. Unlike traditional headlights, these rotated in a manner reminiscent of the Opel GT, adding a futuristic touch to the car’s aesthetic. Another unusual feature was the positioning of the fuel filler cap, which was located near the windshield and extended outward, a design choice rarely seen in other vehicles. The car also had a curved shoulder line, contributing to its streamlined, dynamic look. Lombardi even integrated a safety arc into the body, adding a layer of protection while maintaining the car’s sleek silhouette.
Among the various design elements that made Francis Lombardi's Volkswagen 1600 SS stand out, the pop-up headlights were particularly striking. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
Measuring 3.93 meters in length, 1.65 meters in width, and standing only 1.125 meters high, the Lombardi VW 1600 SS was compact yet aggressive in its appearance. It was strictly a two-seater, emphasizing the car's focus on performance and style over practicality. Despite its small size, the vehicle gave off a powerful presence, and its sharp lines hinted at its capability on the road. The compact design, combined with its relatively lightweight body, allowed the car to take full advantage of the engine’s power, promising an exhilarating driving experience.
Measuring 3.93 meters in length, 1.65 meters in width, and standing just 1.125 meters high, Francis Lombardi's Volkswagen 1600 SS was compact yet had an aggressive appearance. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
However, despite its promising attributes, the Lombardi VW 1600 SS never reached series production. While the car had a lot to offer in terms of style, performance, and innovation, Lombardi faced significant challenges in bringing it to market. The main issue was the cost of production, which Lombardi could not reduce to a competitive level.
Aside from accommodating two people, the cabin of Francis Lombardi's Volkswagen 1600 SS featured a sporty interior with a three-spoke steering wheel and a driver-focused dashboard. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
Sports car enthusiasts had other options at the time, and without the ability to lower costs, Lombardi was unable to secure a place for the VW 1600 SS in a highly competitive market. As a result, the Lombardi VW 1600 SS remained a one-off, a unique piece of automotive history that never had the chance to fully realize its potential.
Francis Lombardi's Volkswagen 1600 SS powered by a rear-mounted flat-four-cylinder engine that produced an impressive 85 horsepower at 5,500 rpm. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
The whereabouts of the Lombardi VW 1600 SS remain a mystery. No one seems to know what happened to the car after its appearance at the 1970 Turin Motor Show. It’s possible that the vehicle is tucked away in a private collection or has been lost to time, but its legacy lives on through the stories and photos that have surfaced over the years. While it may never have achieved mass production, the Lombardi VW 1600 SS serves as a reminder of the creativity and ambition that defined the automotive industry during that era.
Though it only existed as a prototype, the Lombardi VW 1600 Super Sport is still celebrated by automotive enthusiasts today. It stands as a symbol of what could have been—a sports car with striking design, capable performance, and innovative features that might have left a lasting mark on the industry. Its story, while brief, is a testament to the creativity and boldness of its creator, Francis Lombardi, and the enduring fascination with rare and unique cars.
Francis Lombardi's Volkswagen 1600 SS featured a curved shoulder line that contributed to its streamlined, dynamic look, with an elevated rear to accommodate the rear-mounted flat-four-cylinder engine. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
In the end, the Lombardi VW 1600 SS is a car that leaves us wondering what might have been if circumstances had been different. Its bold design and engineering choices made it stand out in its time, and it continues to inspire admiration even decades later. Though it never reached the production line, its place in automotive history is secure, a rare gem from a bygone era that remains a source of fascination for car lovers around the world. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ZWISCHENGAS | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | CARSTYLING.RU | STORY-CARS | COACHBUILD | ALLCARINDEX ]
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Unique ONES - The 1960s were a pivotal time for car enthusiasts, characterized by ambitious modifications that fused European elegance with American power. Among the remarkable creations of this era was the Jaguar E-Type “EGAL”— with 'E' representing E-Type and 'Gal' signifying Galaxie. This bold hybrid combined the sleek design of the Jaguar E-Type with the immense power of a Ford Galaxie V8 engine. While other models, like the Shelby Cobra, gained widespread fame, the EGAL emerged as a unique engineering marvel, showcasing the creativity and expertise of its creators.
The fearsome Jaguar E-Type 'EGAL,' created by Rob Beck and Geoff Richardson, was a bold hybrid that fused the sleek design of the E-Type with the immense power of a Ford Galaxie V8 engine. (Picture from: Fiskens)
The EGAL was the result of the collaboration between Rob Beck and Geoff Richardson, two experienced racers and engineers. Before embarking on the EGAL project, they had already worked on a highly modified Jaguar XK120, which had earned them a reputation for maximizing Jaguar’s engine capabilities. By 1964, however, they felt they had reached the limits of what they could achieve with Jaguar’s traditional powerplants. Their next step was more daring—fitting a larger American engine into a Jaguar E-Type. Having gained experience with oversized American engines, particularly a 3.5L Buick V8 in a Cooper Formula Junior car, they set their sights on creating a V8-powered E-Type.
The masterminds behind Jaguar E-type 'EGAL' were Rob Beck and Geoff Richardson, both seasoned racers and engineers.(Picture from: Fiskens)
To begin their project, Rob and Geoff secured a 7-liter NASCAR-spec Ford Galaxie 427ci engine, capable of producing over 470 horsepower, from Holman & Moody, a well-known American race preparer. To house this massive engine, they acquired a used Jaguar E-Type with chassis number 850450. The challenge of fitting such a large engine into the narrow frame of the E-Type, originally designed for a 3.8-liter straight-six, was significant. They had to modify the top tubes of the space frame to create enough room, but the engine fit more smoothly than expected, showing the duo’s engineering prowess.
In
1972, the Jaguar E-Type 'EGAL' underwent further modifications,
including the installation of wider JA Pearce alloy wheels, which
enhanced both traction and braking performance.(Picture from: Fiskens)
The original Jaguar gearbox was kept, but a new twin-plate Borg and Beck clutch, similar to those used in Shelby Cobras, was added to handle the increased power. Cooling the massive engine posed another challenge, as the Jaguar’s standard radiator couldn’t cope. They replaced it with a Gallay radiator and oil cooler, along with a revised bonnet featuring air ducts styled after the Ferrari 250 GTO. With these modifications, the EGAL was finally ready for the track.
To cool its massive engine, the Jaguar E-Type EGAL is equipped with a Gallay radiator and oil cooler, complemented by a revised bonnet featuring Ferrari 250 GTO-inspired air ducts, making it track-ready.(Picture from: Fiskens)
The EGALmade its racing debut in 1964 at Silverstone during a mid-summer meeting organized by the Nottingham Sports Car Club. It quickly made an impression, winning both the sports car and Formula Libre events. Its success continued later that year, when it went up against two Ferrari 250 GTOs at Castle Combe, beating them in an impressive display of power and handling. Rob Beck handled the driving, while Geoff Richardson took care of the pits. The car’s power was undeniable, but its Jaguar brakes struggled with the challenge of slowing the vehicle down from speeds of up to 150 mph.
Despite its monstrous power, the Jaguar E-Type 'EGAL' isn’t as intimidating on public roads as you might expect—in dry conditions, at least.(Picture from: ClassicAndSportsCar)
Despite the brake issues, the EGAL continued to perform well. However, Rob Beck eventually passed the driving duties to Barrie "Whizzo" Williams, an experienced rally driver. Barrie’s ability to handle drift-prone cars made him an excellent fit for the EGAL, and under his control, the car continued to win races and podium finishes at various events and hill climbs throughout Britain. However, by 1968, the car began to lose its competitive edge, primarily due to braking limitations caused by the Borrani wheels, which restricted the size of the brakes that could be used.
A roll cage makes the Jaguar E-Type EGAL's already tight cabin feel even more snug, providing added safety while enhancing the sense of being securely enveloped within the car's sporty compact interior.(Picture from: Fiskens)
In 1972, Bob Kerr of Loch Lomond, Scotland, bought the EGAL and made further modifications, including fitting wider JA Pearce alloy wheels, which improved both traction and braking. Bob continued to race the EGAL in local hill climbs, including the Doune Hill Climb. Over the years, the car passed through various hands and eventually found its way to the United States in the late 1980s, where it took part in vintage racing events at tracks like Watkins Glen and Laguna Seca.
The Jaguar E-type EGAL’s front subframe tubes had to be tweaked to make way for the vast V8 engine.(Picture from: Fiskens)
During its time in the U.S., the EGAL received further upgrades, including having its engine bored out to 8.5 liters, pushing its power to over 650 horsepower and 605 lb-ft of torque. The car’s performance was so impressive that Warren “Woody” Southwell, one of its owners, reported that the EGAL could keep up with GT40s on straightaways. This increase in power only added to the car’s already legendary status on the track.
The
Jaguar E-Type EGAL is equipped with massive 26.5x8.0-15 front tires
that effortlessly follow every camber in the road, providing exceptional
grip and stability during drives.(Picture from: Fiskens)
In 2018, the EGAL returned to the UK, where its current owner entrusted it to Chris Keith Lucas, a Jaguar specialist at CKL Developments, for restoration. After its restoration, the EGAL reappeared at British motorsport events, including the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Shelsley Walsh in 2021, marking its first appearance in the UK in over 40 years. Its return to the track brought the EGAL back to the forefront of British motorsport, where it once again thrilled crowds with its raw power and unique design.
The EGAL’s journey is a testament to the boldness and ingenuity of its creators. By combining British elegance with American muscle, Rob Beck and Geoff Richardsoncreated a one-of-a-kind racing machine that pushed the boundaries of automotive design. Today, the EGAL continues to inspire car enthusiasts and racers, reminding them of an era when anything seemed possible in the world of high-performance automobiles. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CLASSICANDSPORTSCAR | FISKENS ]
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Rare ONES - When you think of a banjo, the first thing that comes to mind is probably the lively twang of country music, echoing through the America. But in the late 1960s, the word "Banjo" took on a different meaning in the automotive world. From being a beloved musical instrument, it became the name of a rare sports car—the Banjo GT, designed to capture the imagination of car enthusiasts with its unique design and impressive performance.
The Banjo GT, shown here as model #4, was built to make an impact in the sports car market, combining American muscle with a lightweight fiberglass body.(Picture from: Wikipedia)
The Banjo GT was born out of the vision of William Bruce-Phillips and produced by Banjo Corporation in Ohio between 1968 and 1970. This car stood out not only because of its limited production but also due to its innovative approach to design. Built on a modified Chevrolet chassis from the mid-1950s, the Banjo GT was intended to accommodate powerful American V8 engines.
The Banjo GT was born out of the vision of William Bruce-Phillips and produced by Banjo Corporation in Ohio between 1968 and 1970. (Picture from: BanjoRun)
It was a vehicle designed to make an impact in the sports car market, blending American muscle with a lightweight fiberglass body, a material that was both durable and aerodynamic for its time. The exterior design of the Banjo GT was as striking as it was functional. Its fiberglass body provided a smooth and streamlined silhouette, comparable in size to the Corvette but with distinct styling elements that set it apart.
Built on a modified Chevrolet chassis from the mid-1950s, the Banjo GT was intended to accommodate powerful American V8 engines. (Picture from: Perico001 in Flickr)
The car’s sleek shape was enhanced by parts sourced from other vehicles, such as tail lights from the Ford Mercury Comet, giving it a look that was both bold and contemporary. The focus was on creating a car that could house large engines like the 289 Ford V8 while maintaining a lightweight structure, ensuring that the Banjo GT had both speed and visual appeal.
The Banjo GT's cabin offered ample space, with a simple interior that kept the focus on the road and the car’s performance. (Picture from: BringATrailer)
Inside, the Banjo GT offered a straightforward yet driver-focused interior. Unlike many luxury sports cars, the emphasis was not on lavish details but rather on functionality and performance. The layout was minimalistic, providing just what was necessary for the driving experience. The cabin was designed to be spacious enough to accommodate the large V8 engines, but the simplicity of the interior allowed drivers to focus on the road and the car’s performance. It was an approach that reflected the Banjo GT’s mission: to deliver a thrilling driving experience rather than excess comfort.
The Banjo GT powered by a 289 Ford V8 drivetrain to deliver a thrilling driving experience rather than excess comfort. (Picture from: BringATrailer)
Today, the Banjo GT is an incredibly rare car, with only an estimated 10 to 15 units ever produced. Its scarcity makes it a prized possession for collectors. One well-known model, the Banjo GT Coupe number #4, underwent a full restoration between 2005 and 2007 before being transported to Germany for additional cosmetic enhancements. It is now in the hands of a German collector, one of the few surviving examples of this unique sports car. The rarity and historical significance of the Banjo GT make it a valuable piece of automotive history.
The Banjo GT’s sleek shape was enhanced by parts sourced from other vehicles, such as tail lights from the Ford Mercury Comet, giving it a look that was both bold and contemporary. (Picture from: BringATrailer)
As of today, finding a Banjo GT for sale is nearly impossible due to its limited production. However, one of these rare vehicles was listed for €59,900 (around $72,000) in Germany, highlighting the value and allure of owning such a distinctive car. The Banjo GT remains a testament to American automotive creativity and continues to captivate car enthusiasts with its combination of innovative design and impressive performance.
The Banjo GT remains a testament to American automotive creativity and continues to captivate car enthusiasts with its combination of innovative design and impressive performance. (Picture from: Perico001 in Flickr)
From a musical instrument to a high-performance sports car, the Banjo name has been reimagined in a way that few could have predicted. The Banjo GT’s rarity, sleek design, and connection to American muscle cars ensure its place in the world of classic automobiles, cherished by those fortunate enough to own one. Curious about more forgotten American icons? Let’s dive in!*** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOU RCES | BANJORUN | BRINGATRAILER | UNDISCOVERED CLASSIC | OCTANE-MAGAZIN | CLASSIC ANDRECREATION SPORTSCARS ]
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New ROAD&TRACK BEAST - The Jaguar C-X75 has finally become a road-legal supercar, 14 years after its debut as a futuristic concept. First introduced at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, the C-X75 captured global attention with its impressive engineering and sleek design. Originally, Jaguar intended to put this high-performance car into production, targeting a powerful hybrid system combining a 1.6-liter twin-turbocharged petrol engine with two electric motors to generate an astounding 888 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque.
Ian Callum transforms the Jaguar C-X75, blending advanced technology with a luxurious, redesigned interior for a powerful, modernized revival. (Picture from: Autocar)
However, the ambitious project faced an abrupt halt when Jaguar’s leadership deemed the timing unfit for launching an €800,000 supercar amid a period of global financial uncertainty. But the story of the C-X75 was far from over. Despite its brief setback, the C-X75 soon found itself in the limelight once again when it appeared as the villain's car in the 2015 James Bond movie Spectre, driven by Mr. Hinx, a character portrayed with calculated menace.
The first Jaguar C-X75 road-legal version by Callum made its first public appearance in April 21, 2024, at the Bicester Scramble car meeting in Oxfordshire. (Picture from: BicesterHeritage.co.uk)
For this cinematic role, Jaguar enlisted Williams Advanced Engineering to create several stunt versions of the C-X75, featuring a modified chassis and a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine instead of the concept’s hybrid system. The stunt car allowed the C-X75 to perform dramatic, high-speed stunts that showcased its versatility and eye-catching design, reigniting enthusiasm among car aficionados worldwide.
The Jaguar C-X75 was further enhanced by Callum with reduced panel gaps, a smoother carbon fiber exterior, and refined suspension for an improved ride. (Picture from: Autocar)
Following the filming of Spectre, one of these stunt cars was acquired by an unnamed collector who was captivated by the idea of making the C-X75 roadworthy. The collector commissioned Callum, a design and engineering consultancy led by famed automotive designer Ian Callum, to adapt the stunt car for road use. This process required significant modifications to ensure the car met UK regulations for road safety and functionality.
The revamped Willow Green C-X75 features an upgraded interior inspired by luxury hypercars like the Bugatti Chiron and the Tourbillon, adding sophistication to its design.(Picture from: Autocar)
Changes included the addition of quieter exhausts with catalytic converters, E-marked glass, and genuine wing mirrors to replace the lightweight foam props used in the film. Callum also focused on reducing panel gaps, smoothing the carbon fiber exterior, and refining the suspension for a smoother ride. Additionally, an active aerodynamics package, including an airbrake,
enhances stability at high speeds, while a hydraulic nose lifter eases
driving over bumps and rough roads.
The revamped Jaguar C-X75 steering wheel was machined from a billet and the leather upholstery was sourced from renowned Scottish firm Bridge of Weir. (Picture from: Autocar)
The re-engineered C-X75 made its first public appearance in April 21, 2024, at the Bicester Scramble car meeting in Oxfordshire, thrilling spectators and affirming its place in automotive history. Callum’s engineering director, Adam Donafresco, described the road-legal C-X75 as a unique blend of performance, nostalgia, and cutting-edge design. This meticulous transformation allowed enthusiasts to witness the car’s unique charm, typically reserved for on-screen action, up close.
The road-legal Jaguar C-X75 by Callum features a luxurious green and cream interior, upholstered in premium leather from Scotland’s renowned Bridge of Weir.(Picture from: Autocar)
Not only did Callum succeed in creating a road-ready Jaguar C-X75, but the team also took steps to restore much of the high-performance functionality that the car would have boasted had it entered mass production. This included Callum’s own in-house control software, which offers drivers two driving modes, switching seamlessly between a street-friendly setup and a high-performance track mode. The track mode optimizes throttle response, sharpens gear shifts, and fully opens the exhaust for a thrilling, race-inspired experience.
The road-legal Jaguar C-X75 by Callum is powered by a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine, now paired with a modern seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.(Picture from: Autocar)
The revamped Willow GreenC-X75 also boasts a refreshed interior that draws inspiration from luxury hypercars like the Bugatti Chironand Tourbillon. Three compact touchscreens, with Apple CarPlay compatibility, line the center console in a sleek vertical stack, while key controls are strategically positioned on an overhead console. Designed for both functionality and elegance, the interior features leather from Bridge of Weir, an esteemed Scottish supplier known for its premium quality. The steering wheel, crafted from a single billet, adds to the car’s bespoke feel, while small details like refined door seals contribute to a driving experience that’s as comfortable as it is exhilarating.
the road-legal Jaguar C-X75 as a unique blend of performance, nostalgia, and cutting-edge design. (Picture from: Autocar)
Balancing luxury features like air conditioning and an upgraded audio system with the rugged performance expected of a supercar posed a rewarding challenge for the Callum team. Their efforts culminated in a vehicle that not only upholds the legacy of the C-X75 but also allows for daily usability without sacrificing its aggressive sound and feel. For Ian Callum, transforming the C-X75 into a road-ready car was a satisfying accomplishment, describing it as the realization of a vision that nearly slipped away.
Today, the Jaguar C-X75 stands as a testament to innovation and resilience in automotive design, embodying the high aspirations and skillful engineering that brought it from concept to reality. Now road-legal, this one-of-a-kind supercar serves as a bridge between its cinematic heritage and a new life as a rare gem on the road. The C-X75 is not only a tribute to Jaguar's storied past but also a reminder of the dreams and possibilities that drive the world of automotive engineering forward. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOCAR | TOPGEAR | BICESTERHERITAGE.CO.UK]
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Less KNOWN - Miura may not be a name that instantly sparks recognition in the minds of global car enthusiasts, but for those in Brazil, it represents a significant chapter in the nation's automotive history. While most associate the name "Miura" with the legendary Italian Lamborghini supercar, there was another Miura that roared to life in the 1970s, far from the luxury of European roads.
A selection of Miura cars throughout the brand's history, from left to right: Miura Top Sport, Miura Targa, Miura Sport, and Miura MTS. (Picture from: RareComponentCars in Facebook)
