Rare GEMS - In the world of automotive history, the tale of the Iso Rivolta Fidia is a fascinating chapter that exemplifies the blend of aspiration and misfortune. In the early 1960s, Maserati carved out a niche for Italian sports saloons with the Quattroporte, paving the way for other manufacturers to follow suit. Among them was Iso, under the direction of Piero Rivolta, who aimed to introduce a luxurious yet speedy four-door vehicle into the market.
The Iso Rivolta Fidia, originally designated the 'S4,' was crafted by the renowned designer Giorgetto Giugiaro and built by Carrozzeria Ghia. (Picture from: ClassicDriver)
The Iso Rivolta Fidia, originally designated the 'S4,' was crafted by the renowned designer Giorgetto Giugiaro and built by Carrozzeria Ghia, capturing the imagination of car enthusiasts. However, despite its promising design and concept, the Fidia faced a series of challenges that hindered its success.
This is an image of an early production Iso Rivolta Fidia from one of the company’s period brochures. (Picture from: Silodrome)
The launch of the Iso Rivolta Fidia took place in Athens and quickly became notorious for its unfortunate circumstances. The car’s debut was marred by technical issues stemming from the local fuel, which did not meet the necessary octane requirements for the vehicle. Journalists driving the Fidia reported problems such as "horrible pinking," leading to negative reviews that stuck with the model long after its introduction. This incident tarnished the car's reputation right from the start, despite the excitement it initially generated.
Piero Rivolta resting on an Iso Rivolta IR300 – the first luxury GT car built by Iso. (Picture from: Silodrome)
The Fidiamarked a significant milestone for Piero Rivolta, who took the helm of the company after his father, Renzo, passed away in 1966. It was Piero Rivolta's first project, and he envisioned a powerful saloon that would appeal to those seeking both performance and style. The initial models were equipped with a robust 5.4-litre Chevy V8 engine, delivering an impressive 355 horsepower and allowing the car to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds. However, in 1973, the Fidia transitioned to a 5.8-litre Ford V8 engine, producing 325 horsepower, which, while slightly less powerful, still maintained a respectable performance for the era.
In terms of design, the Iso Rivolta Fidia was a unique creation, showcasing a diverse range of influences that reflected the eclectic automotive styles of the late 1960s. (Picture from: ClassicDriver)
In terms of design, the Fidia was a unique creation, showcasing a diverse range of influences that reflected the eclectic automotive styles of the late 1960s. Its bold front end drew comparisons to the Iso Grifo and the De Tomaso Mangusta, while the silhouette featured a rising window line, a prominent C-pillar, and a gracefully sloping rear. This combination of elements made the Fidia a visually striking vehicle, but also one that lacked the cohesive design language found in some of its competitors.
The interior of the car was as good or better than any luxury GT car in the world at the time, and many luxury features that were options in other cars came standard in the Fidia. (Picture from: ClassicDriver)
The Frankfurt Motor Show in autumn 1967 served as the stage for the Fidia's debut, where it was initially referred to as the Iso Rivolta S4. Following the chaotic press launch in Athens, the name was changed to Fidia, a tribute to the ancient Greek sculptor Phidias. Despite the troubled launch, the car attracted attention from celebrities, including John Lennon, who famously purchased the second Fidia ever made. This was followed by other notable figures such as Pete Townshend, Sonny Bono, and James Last, all of whom contributed to the vehicle's cachet, even as it struggled in the market.
The Frankfurt Motor Show in autumn 1967 served as the stage for the Fidia's debut, where it was initially referred to as the Iso Rivolta S4. (Picture from: ClassicDriver)
As production costs escalated, Rivolta found himself compelled to raise the Fidia's price, bringing it to a point where it competed with prestigious brands like Rolls-Royce. This pricing strategy proved to be a double-edged sword; while it positioned the Fidia among the elite, it also limited its accessibility to a broader audience. Ultimately, the Iso Rivolta Fidia production ended in 1974, with just over 190 units built, including a special edition featuring an interior inspired by the Iso Lele, introduced in 1969. | Gwf9xulmBkg |
Today, the Iso Rivolta Fidia stands as a sought-after collector’s item, cherished not only for its rarity but also for its unique place in automotive history. Its four seats may no longer offer the fastest experience on the road, but the charm of the Fidia lies in its rich backstory and the blend of innovation and misfortune that marked its journey. The Fidia serves as a reminder of a bold vision that, despite its challenges, captured the essence of an era defined by ambition and creativity in the world of luxury automobiles. *** [EKA } FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CLASSICDRIVER | SILODROME ]
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Rarely SEEN - For decades, enthusiasts have expressed a desire for the Mazda Miata to be offered in a coupe variant alongside its beloved roadster form. This vision was more than just a dream; it was once seriously considered by Tom Matano, the original designer of the Miata. Back in the 1990s, he presented the concept of a Miata coupe to Mazda’s upper management. The culmination of this vision was showcased in 1996 with the unveiling of the Miata M-Coupe Concept at the New York Auto Show.
A rarely-seen Mazda Miata (NA) M-Coupe Concept developed by Mazda, and had debuted in 1996. (Picture from: GTPlanet)
The M Coupe garnered significant attention at the event, captivating the hearts of Miata fans and curious visitors alike. Powered by a 1.8-liter engine delivering 133 horsepower, the coupe stood as a striking alternative to the traditional roadster. Unfortunately, despite its appeal, the M-Coupe was never approved for production. The reasons for this remain frustratingly elusive, but it's rumored that the decision-makers at Mazda were not swayed by the excitement surrounding the concept. Four years later, the M-Coupe made a return to the New York Auto Show, but only because Mazda lacked other intriguing projects to display.
A rarely-seen Mazda Miata (NA) M-Coupe Concept posed along with its creator Tom Matano (second from right) and his team. (Picture from: RoadAndTrack)
For true Miata aficionados, a recent video by Savage Geese has brought this concept back to life. The video not only resurrects the M-Coupe but also features Tom Matano himself. Matano, who played a pivotal role in developing the original Miata in the 1980s, had a vision that extended beyond the roadster. In collaboration with product planner Bob Hall, he envisioned a family of Miata variants, which included both a coupe and a speedster. After the success of the first-generation Miata (NA), Matano crafted a full-size model of the coupe in 1992 and sent it to Japan for evaluation.
A rarely-seen Mazda Miata (NA) M-Coupe Concept with a new design featured a fiberglass fixed roof, complemented by a subtle double-bubble design and generous rear glass. (Picture from: RoadAndTrack)(Picture from: Motor1)
In his interview, Matano elaborates on the rationale behind the M-Coupe. He aimed to demonstrate that the Miata could thrive as more than just a roadster. The new design featured a fiberglass fixed roof, complemented by a subtle double-bubble design and generous rear glass. He also modified the rear fenders, raising them to harmonize with the new proportions of the vehicle. While the M-Coupe retained its 1.8-liter engine, a Remus exhaust system was one of the few modifications made to the powertrain.
Inside of a rarely-seen Mazda Miata (NA) M-Coupe Concept, unique touches included custom seats adorned with M logos, suede door panels, and Momo pedals and gearshift. (Picture from: RoadAndTrack)
The interior of the M-Coupe showcased the advantages of a fixed roof. Without the need for a folding mechanism, Matano's design allowed for a parcel shelf, enhancing the overall storage capacity. Inside, unique touches included custom seats adorned with M logos, suede door panels, and Momo pedals and gearshift. The distinctive double-bubble roof, though made of fiberglass, contributed to a sleek aesthetic without significantly increasing the car’s rigidity. The altered proportions and the new custom rear window and modified bumper added to the vehicle's appeal.
A rarely-seen Mazda Miata (NA) M-Coupe Concept powered by 1.8-liter engine, mated a Remus exhaust system was one of the few modifications made to the powertrain.(Picture from: GTPlanet)
While today's Miata models, such as the ND generation, have embraced innovative designs like the RF targa, the classic notion of a non-folding hardtop remains tantalizing. Many Miata enthusiasts have opted to create their own coupes by installing fiberglass roofs. This process is not overly complicated or costly, though it may lead to minor issues like extra panel gaps, which can be bothersome for those who appreciate meticulous craftsmanship.
A rarely-seen Mazda Miata (NA) M-Coupe Concept featured a fiberglass fixed roof, complemented by a subtle double-bubble design and generous rear glass.. (Picture from: GTPlanet)
Mazda's past explorations into alternative Miata designs remind us of the brand's innovative spirit and commitment to the enthusiast community. The Miata remains a symbol of automotive joy, and the concept of a coupe variant continues to capture the imagination of fans around the world.
As we look ahead, the legacy of the Miata, with its combination of simplicity, performance, and open-air driving, leaves us wondering what new iterations and designs could emerge in the future. The Miata story is far from over, and as long as there are enthusiasts dreaming of coupes, the spirit of innovation and excitement will keep it alive. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SAVAGE GEESE | MIATA IN REDDIT | MOTOR1 | ROADANDTRACK | GTPLANET ]
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Weird ONES - Jan Anderlé, a pioneering Czech engineer who worked at the Aero aircraft factory, left an indelible mark on the world of motorcycle design with his creation of the dálník. This unique vehicle was not just a motorcycle but a symbol of innovation, resilience, and the era it represented. The goal behind the dálník was simple yet ambitious: to create an affordable, two-wheeled vehicle that could be accessible to the masses. In post-World War II Eastern Europe, where resources were scarce, this concept resonated deeply with workers and individuals seeking practical transportation solutions.
In the 1950s NSU produced a feet forward fully enclosed monocoque construction record breaker dálník called 'Flying Hammock'. (Picture from: Cycleart)
Jan Anderlé (1900 - 1982). (Picture from: Wikipedia)
The dálník, with its streamlined design, showcased the possibilities of engineering creativity, making it a notable part of automotive history. Anderlé’s idea was revolutionary, as it combined affordability with practicality. The dálník became a reflection of how resourcefulness can lead to remarkable innovation, even in challenging times. By focusing on creating a vehicle that bridged the gap between motorcycles and cars, Anderlé demonstrated that constraints can often fuel creativity. His work continues to inspire and remind us that even modest beginnings can lead to significant advancements.
The cut-away and ghosted views clearly show the internal structure and seating position of the NSU Flying Hammock. (Picture from: Cycleart)
In the broader context of automotive history, there were companies that embraced and even popularized the dálník concept. One of the most notable examples is NSU, a company based in what was once East Germany. NSU played a major role in pushing the dálník concept to new heights during the 1950s, creating several remarkable record-breaking motorcycles. Among these was the iconic Flying Hammock, a streamlined dálník that set numerous world records in speed and fuel efficiency. This was no accident, as NSU’s meticulous design, perfected in their wind tunnel, made the dálník's teardrop shape incredibly aerodynamic, enhancing its performance.
HP ‘Happy’ Müller pilots the 100cc Baumm II streamliner to 150.3mph – the two small bumps ahead of the windscreen are for his knees! He is prone in his ‘hammock’ seat, and steers the handlebars beneath his knees. (Picture from: TheVintagent)
NSU’s contribution to the legacy of dálníks is significant, showing how this concept had the potential to break barriers in terms of speed and efficiency. The Flying Hammock wasn’t just a motorcycle; it became a symbol of engineering excellence, showing how even niche ideas can achieve global recognition. The way NSU refined and advanced Anderlé's initial vision proved that the dálník was more than a product of its time—it had the potential for greatness.
Fast forward to the modern era, and dálníks continue to evolve and thrive. One standout example is the Swiss company Peraves, which developed the MonoRacer, a modern take on Anderlé’s original idea. Powered by a 4-cylinder BMW motorcycle engine, the MonoRacer represents the pinnacle of dálník development. Unlike its predecessors, this two-seater motorcycle boasts a fully enclosed cabin, complete with a roll-cage for added safety. Its agile and fast performance has captivated those who seek innovation and unique transportation solutions.
Arnold Wagner, the founder of Peraves, described the MonoRacer, as the closest thing to flying on land—a bold statement that speaks to the incredible engineering behind this modern dálník. What makes this connection even more special is that, shortly before his passing, Jan Anderlé himself was rediscovered by Peraves and invited to serve as a design consultant. The opportunity to work on a project that carried his original vision into the 21st century must have been deeply satisfying for Anderlé. It’s a fitting tribute to his life's work, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of engineers and designers.
The story of the dálník is one of perseverance and the enduring power of a simple yet transformative idea. From its humble beginnings in post-war Europe to its modern evolution with companies like Peraves, the dálník remains a testament to human ingenuity. As long as there are innovators who look to the past for inspiration, the dálník will continue to evolve, leaving its mark on the future of transportation.
Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops......*** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | PARAVES | HEDONIA | CYCLEART | REDDIT | THEVINTAGENT | MOTORCYCLE PHOTO OF THE DAY ]
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Unique ONES - The automotive world is often filled with surprises, where unique creations from all corners of the globe can capture the attention of enthusiasts. Whether from traditional manufacturers or independent designers, each new model brings its own innovation, pushing the boundaries of what is possible. One such remarkable creation comes from Russia, a country not commonly associated with the production of sports cars. However, the Cardi Curara, a standout two-seater sports car, demonstrates that the unexpected can sometimes deliver extraordinary results.
The Cardi Curara is a standout two-seater sports car, demonstrates that the unexpected can sometimes deliver extraordinary results. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
Russia, a land known for its challenging weather conditions and vast terrains, might not seem like the ideal birthplace for a sleek, retro-inspired sports car. Yet, the Cardi Curara defies expectations. Built by Moscow-based Cardi Design Studio, this car takes inspiration from classic Italian barchettas, blending that nostalgic style with a modern twist. Finished in a striking two-tone red and silver color scheme, the Curara reflects the elegance and racing spirit often associated with European sports cars.
Finished in a striking two-tone red and silver color scheme, the Cardi Curara reflects the elegance and racing spirit often associated with European sports cars. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
Barchetta-style vehicles have always held a special place in the hearts of automotive enthusiasts, particularly those who enjoy spirited weekend drives on scenic roads. The Cardi Curara follows in this tradition, offering a driving experience that is as exhilarating as it is refined. Its design is centered around simplicity and performance. A long, sweeping hood, a compact cabin positioned toward the rear, and short front and extended rear overhangs give the car a distinct silhouette, making it instantly recognizable on the road.
The Cardi Curara features a long, sweeping hood, a compact cabin positioned toward the rear, and short front and extended rear overhangs give the car a distinct silhouette, making it instantly recognizable on the road. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
The journey of Cardi Design Studio began in 1995, when the company introduced its first creation, the Body roadster. Since then, Cardi has continued to produce unique and limited-run models, each more ambitious than the last. The Curara, first unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 1998, marks one of the studio’s most celebrated achievements. Its neoclassical design, combined with advanced technical features, sets it apart from other vehicles in its class.
The Cardi Curara impresses with its minimalist yet luxurious interior, showcasing Cardi’s meticulous attention to detail through the use of English Connolly leather and polished metal. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
One of the most striking features of the Cardi Curara is its minimalist yet luxurious interior. Cardi’s attention to detail is evident in the choice of materials, with English Connolly leather and polished metal creating an atmosphere of understated elegance. The car's cabin is simple but refined, with a McIntosh Hi-End sound system integrated into the central console, providing both functionality and style. Every element inside the vehicle reflects Cardi’s dedication to craftsmanship.
The Cardi Curara's cabin is simple but refined, with a McIntosh Hi-End sound system integrated into the central console, providing both functionality and style. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
The Curara’s design was met with widespread acclaim in Paris. Not only did the car capture the attention of industry experts, but it also received glowing praise from automotive media. The French magazine Automobiles Classiques featured the Curara, commending its combination of Russian ingenuity and European styling. The reception underscored Cardi’s growing reputation as a studio capable of producing vehicles that could stand alongside established European brands.
Beneath its elegant exterior, the Cardi Curara houses a powerful BMW V12 engine that delivers an impressive 300 horsepower. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
Beneath its elegant exterior, the Cardi Curara is a performance machine. At its heart is a powerful BMW V12 engine, capable of producing an impressive 300 horsepower. This engine, paired with a sports suspension system developed from the ground up, ensures that the Curara is not just a showpiece but also a car built for the road. Ventilated brakes and lightweight Antera alloy wheels complete the package, contributing to its exceptional handling and responsiveness.
The Cardi Curara also featured with a new suspension system with horizontal shock absorbers and updated rear lighting will further improve the vehicle’s performance and compliance with road regulations. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
While the prototype displayed in Paris wowed audiences, Cardi did not rest on its laurels. The studio continued to refine the design, preparing the Curara for limited production. The planned upgrades include a carbon fiber body using advanced sandwich panels, enhancing both strength and weight reduction. A new suspension system with horizontal shock absorbers and updated rear lighting will further improve the vehicle’s performance and compliance with road regulations.
As Cardi continues to work on bringing the Curara to a wider audience, it remains a testament to what is possible when passion and creativity meet technical expertise. The Curara is more than just a car; it is a symbol of Russia’s emerging presence in the global automotive scene. In a world where innovation often comes from the most unexpected places, the Cardi Curara proves that even in challenging environments, automotive excellence can flourish. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARDI.RU | CLASSICDRIVER | STORY-CARS | CARSTYLING.RU ]
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Artistic Powerhouse - For anyone who values exclusivity and elegance in their possessions, owning a car that stands apart from the rest is a statement of individuality. Cars, much like art, can transcend their function to become icons of craftsmanship and ingenuity. The Dodge Challenger Special, reimagined by the renowned Italian designer Pietro Frua, is a perfect embodiment of this philosophy. Born out of a desire to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary, this one-off masterpiece remains a symbol of unparalleled style and innovation.
The Dodge Challenger Special, crafted by Pietro Frua, emerged from a visionary collaboration between Dr. Alfred Schäfer and Walter Haefner. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italini)
The origins of this exceptional creation trace back to the early 1970s when Dr. Alfred Schäfer, a director at Schweizer Bankgesellschaft, envisioned a car that blended American muscle with European refinement. Schäfer's collaboration with Walter Haefner, a Swiss entrepreneur and Chrysler importer, set the stage for a project that would become legendary. Their shared vision led them to Pietro Frua, a celebrated designer known for crafting unique, bespoke vehicles. Frua had already established a reputation for brilliance in automotive design, and this project allowed him to push the boundaries of creativity.
The Frua Dodge Challenger Special began its transformation from a standard Dodge Challenger R/T SE 383, a car known for its raw power and quintessential American design. (Picture from: Coachbuild)
The transformation began with a standard Dodge Challenger R/T SE 383, a car known for its raw power and quintessential American design. Frua's expertise elevated the vehicle to an entirely new level, crafting a sleek Italian body that exuded sophistication. The Challenger was further refined with a blend of European car components, resulting in a seamless marriage of power and elegance. It was as if the car donned a tailored dinner jacket, presenting a bold statement of luxury and performance.
The Dodge Challenger Special was refined with European car components, seamlessly blending power and elegance, like a tailored dinner jacket that exuded luxury and performance. (Picture from: Story-Cars)
The journey to create this masterpiece, however, was fraught with challenges. Schäfer and Haefner’s commitment to perfection led them to Turin, Italy, where Frua meticulously worked on the vehicle. During one of their trips back from a meeting with the designer, the two narrowly escaped disaster when their plane was forced to make an emergency landing. This close call almost brought the project to an abrupt end. Nevertheless, their determination ensured the Challenger's completion, and the result was nothing short of breathtaking.
The Dodge Challenger Special, under Frua's expertise, was elevated to an entirely new level with a sleek Italian body that exuded sophistication. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italini)
By the time the Frua Challenger was completed, it was already a marvel of its time. However, its story did not end there. In 1977, the car was sold to Nicolas Leutwiler Zumikon, another notable Swiss figure. Despite the car being only seven years old, Zumikon sought to enhance its charm further. He commissioned a comprehensive restoration, giving it a fresh interior with white cream leather and making aesthetic changes such as chroming the radiator grill, removing bumper overriders, and replacing the original wheels with elegant wire ones. These updates enhanced the car’s already striking appearance, cementing its status as an icon of design and engineering.
The Dodge Challenger Special's journey through decades has left it in pristine condition, a feat that speaks to the care and admiration it has received from its owners. (Picture from: Coachbuild)
Today, the Frua Challenger stands as a timeless masterpiece, a rare fusion of Italian craftsmanship and American muscle. Its journey through decades has left it in pristine condition, a feat that speaks to the care and admiration it has received from its owners. The car’s legacy was celebrated in 2007 at the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza di Villa d’Este, where it was displayed as a testament to the brilliance of bespoke automotive design. Apologies, we couldn't find a video of this beautiful car, but we have a video featuring its 1:43 scale model. | uP7wtSv-k3c |
For those fortunate enough to witness or own such a vehicle, the Frua Challenger is more than just a car; it is a work of art. It represents an era when creativity and craftsmanship were paramount, a time when a vision could transform steel and leather into something extraordinary. This one-of-a-kind creation continues to inspire, reminding us of the beauty that can emerge when passion and precision come together. In every sense, the Frua Challenger is a masterpiece that transcends time, a celebration of what it means to dream big and execute with excellence. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | PIETRO-FRUA.DE | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | STORY-CARS | CARSTYLING.RU | COACHBUILD ]
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Forgotten ONES - In the realm of concept cars, few can capture the imagination quite like the Mazda E-Go, a futuristic two-seater introduced by Mazda in 1990. Concept cars often push the boundaries of design and engineering, and the Mazda E-Go was no exception. Although it may not have reached mass production, its unique characteristics and advanced technology left a significant mark on automotive history, influencing other designs in the years that followed. The car’s striking features, powered by a rotary engine and built with unconventional elements, made it an intriguing glimpse into what could have been. Understanding its origins and design details highlights how groundbreaking the E-Go was for its time.
The Mazda E-Go, a visionary and futuristic two-seater concept car, was introduced by the Japanese automaker Mazda in 1990, showcasing the brand's innovative approach to design and technology during that era. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)
At its core, the Mazda E-Go was designed with an ambitious goal: to merge performance with cutting-edge design. The mid-engine concept of this vehicle set it apart, giving it a distinctive power distribution. This was enhanced by its rotary engine, specifically a 170 horsepower, 2-rotor Wankel engine, which propelled the lightweight car with remarkable speed. Weighing just 550 kg, the E-Go’s power-to-weight ratio was impressive, providing excellent agility and acceleration. With a 2,616 cc engine capacity, it had the strength to rival even larger sports cars, making it a formidable player in terms of performance.
The Mazda E-Go’s exterior boasted sleek, dramatic bodywork, which not only emphasized its aerodynamic design but also gave the vehicle a bold, futuristic appeal that stood out as a showcase of cutting-edge automotive styling. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)
One of the most captivating aspects of the Mazda E-Go is its design, which immediately commands attention. The vehicle’s exterior featured sleek, dramatic bodywork that gave it a futuristic appeal. The low-slung profile, with a length of 3,600 mm, width of 1,700 mm, and a height of only 1,090 mm, contributed to its aerodynamic form. The compact dimensions made it not only visually striking but also highly functional in terms of handling. Its carbon fiber tub was another key innovation, reducing weight while ensuring the necessary structural rigidity. This focus on lightweight materials and sleek design underscored Mazda’s dedication to pushing the limits of what a car could be.
One of the most distinctive features of the Mazda E-Go was its motorbike-inspired tandem seating, with the driver seated centrally and a second seat directly behind, all under a fighter jet-style glass canopy. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)
A particularly unusual aspect of the E-Go was its seating arrangement. Unlike traditional cars, it featured a tandem seating layout, inspired by motorbikes. The driver sat in a central position, with the second seat placed directly behind. This layout was covered by a glass canopy, reminiscent of a fighter jet cockpit, enhancing the feeling of being in control of something far more than an ordinary car. This seating configuration wasn’t just about style—it also contributed to better weight distribution and aerodynamics, as the central positioning lowered the car’s center of gravity.
When looking at the influence of the Mazda E-Go, it’s clear that it played a role in inspiring later concept cars. The Yamaha OX99-11, introduced in 1991, and the Rinspeed E-Go Rocket from 1998 both seem to have drawn design cues from this Mazda concept. These cars, like the E-Go, explored unconventional seating and aerodynamic designs that pushed the boundaries of what was considered possible in automotive engineering at the time. The E-Go, with its innovative approach to performance, materials, and design, laid the groundwork for many of the bold ideas that would later be explored by other manufacturers.
The seating configuration of the Mazda E-Go Concept improved both weight distribution and aerodynamics by lowering the car's center of gravity. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)
Despite its striking design and impressive engineering, the Mazda E-Go never made it to mass production. Concept cars often serve as experiments, testing new ideas and technologies, and while not all of them make it to the showroom, they often leave a lasting legacy in the automotive world. The E-Go demonstrated Mazda’s ability to think outside the box, showing that a small, lightweight car could deliver both performance and aesthetic appeal.
Mazda,
a Japanese automaker, was once the only car manufacturer in the world
to utilize Wankel rotary engine technology in its vehicles, including
the Mazda E-Go Concept. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
In the world of concept cars, the Mazda E-Go stands as a testament to innovation and creativity. Its unconventional design, rotary engine, and unique seating arrangement set it apart as a bold experiment in automotive engineering. While it may not have reached the roads, its influence on car design is still felt today. Mazda’s willingness to explore new ideas and challenge traditional automotive norms is what makes the E-Go such a fascinating chapter in the company’s history. The car remains a symbol of Mazda’s forward-thinking vision and serves as a reminder of the exciting possibilities that concept cars can offer. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MAZDA | ALLCARINDEX | CARTHATNEVERMADEITETC | WIKIPEDIA ]
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The Iso Rivolta Fidia, originally designated the 'S4,' was crafted by the renowned designer Giorgetto Giugiaro and built by Carrozzeria Ghia, capturing the imagination of car enthusiasts. However, despite its promising design and concept, the Fidia faced a series of challenges that hindered its success.
Today, the Iso Rivolta Fidia stands as a sought-after collector’s item, cherished not only for its rarity but also for its unique place in automotive history. Its four seats may no longer offer the fastest experience on the road, but the charm of the Fidia lies in its rich backstory and the blend of innovation and misfortune that marked its journey. The Fidia serves as a reminder of a bold vision that, despite its challenges, captured the essence of an era defined by ambition and creativity in the world of luxury automobiles. *** [EKA } FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CLASSICDRIVER | SILODROME ]
