Unique ONES - In the world of automotive design, concept cars often act as imaginative showcases, blending artistry and engineering to give enthusiasts a glimpse into the future. The Ford Corrida Concept by Ghia is one such car, representing Ford’s exploration of small sports coupe possibilities and featuring Ghia’s signature design influence.
The Ford Corrida Concept by Ghia built on a Fiesta platform with a 90-inch wheelbase, included gull-wing doors, hinged at the top and folding in the middle. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)
ARTWORK - In the world of automobiles, where innovation meets heritage, the allure of classic cars often brings about fascination and reverence. Among these iconic vehicles, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL stands out as a symbol of both elegance and engineering excellence. Known for its sleek design and groundbreaking features, this two-seater coupe has captivated car enthusiasts and collectors alike. The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL is not just a car; it's a piece of automotive history, cherished for its rarity and performance.
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, cherished for its rarity and performance, has inspired enthusiasts and artisans to create replicas that honor its legacy. (Picture from: id.Motor1)
Manufactured in limited numbers, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL is a testament to the exclusivity of its era. With only a thousand units produced, each car represents a significant achievement in automotive design. Notable figures such as legendary racer Juan Manuel Fangio and former Indonesian President B.J. Habibiehave owned versions of this remarkable vehicle, further cementing its place in automotive lore.
Woodworking Art's detailed wooden Mercedes 300 SL model with functional gullwing doors. (Picture from: Woodworking Art's Youtube Channel)
Adding to its mystique, the 1956 Mercedes 300 SLR Uhlenhaut coupe has recently garnered attention as one of the most valuable cars in the world. With a staggering auction price of $142 million, this rare road-going race car has surpassed the previous record set by the Ferrari 250 GTO. Such figures highlight the unparalleled value and prestige associated with these classic cars.
This Mercedes 300 SL wooden
model is not merely a decorative piece; it incorporates moving parts
and intricate details that honor the original’s craftsmanship.(Picture from: Woodworking Art's Youtube Channel)
Despite their rarity, the 300 SL's influence extends beyond its original form. Enthusiasts and artisans alike have created replicas to celebrate and preserve its legacy. One such extraordinary replication comes from the world of woodworking. Imagine a replica model of the 300 SL meticulously crafted from wood, complete with functional gullwing doors that mirror the original’s unique design. This wooden masterpiece is not merely a decorative piece; it incorporates moving parts and intricate details that honor the original’s craftsmanship.
Its detail and precision offer a unique parallel to the Mercedes 300 SL, underscoring the diverse ways in which classic cars can be celebrated through craftsmanship.(Picture from: Woodworking Art's Youtube Channel)
The YouTube channel Woodworking Art has dedicated itself to bringing this wooden replica model of the Mercedes 300 SL to life. Their dedication to detail is evident in the functional gullwing doors and the ability to open the hood and trunk. This scaled-model replica goes beyond aesthetic mimicry, offering a tactile experience that pays homage to the classic sports car’s engineering.
Woodworking Art's craftsmanship showcases the intersection of traditional woodworking skills and classic automotive design, creating a piece that is both functional and historically significant. (Picture from: Woodworking Art's Youtube Channel)
Woodworking Art's project demonstrates a profound respect for the 300 SL, transforming it from a cherished memory into a tangible work of art. Their craftsmanship showcases the intersection of traditional woodworking skills and classic automotive design, creating a piece that is both functional and historically significant. | LOI3M3PGqqI |
Wooden replicas of cars are not uncommon, but few reach the level of artistry found in this wooden Mercedes Gullwing. Another remarkable example is the Wooden Karmann Ghia Cabriolet from Jepara in real-size. This intricately crafted replica also showcases the incredible talent of artisans who blend automotive design with woodworking excellence. Its detail and precision offer a unique parallel to the Mercedes 300 SL replica, underscoring the diverse ways in which classic cars can be celebrated through craftsmanship.
Other wooden automotive creations by Jepara craftsmen include a full-scale, driveable teak replica of the 1964 Karmann Ghia. (Picture from: OtoTrend)
In a world where classic cars often remain out of reach for many, such replicas offer a way to connect with automotive heritage. They serve as reminders of the beauty and innovation that defined an era, allowing enthusiasts to experience a piece of that history in a new and creative form. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WOODWORKINGART | ID.MOTOR1 | OTOTREND| MURIA NEWS | OTO DETIK | TRIBUNNEWS JOGJA]
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Forgotten GEMS - The world of classic cars is often associated with European brands like Ferrari, Lotus, and Rolls Royce, but unique gems emerge from other corners of the globe, bringing distinct character and ambition. Among these unique vehicles is the Pellandini Sports Coupe, a rare Australian creation designed by Peter Pellandine. Known for its striking looks and remarkable engineering, the Pellandini has carved out a special place in the history of motor racing and automotive innovation in Australia. Its story is not only one of performance but also of inspiration drawn from the automotive greats of Europe, blended with the ingenuity and determination of its Australian roots.
The Pellandini Coupe was produced by Pellandini Cars Ltd, a kit car manufacturer founded by Englishman Peter Pellandine in 1970, located in South Australia. (Picture from: BollyBlog)
Peter Pellandine, the creative mind behind the Pellandini, was no stranger to high-end car design, having worked with H.J. Mulliner, a renowned British coachbuilder for Rolls Royce. He dedicated years to crafting post-war luxury car bodies, giving him a solid foundation in precision engineering and a taste for elegance. His journey took a significant turn when he shifted his focus to fiberglass body design in the mid-1950s, founding companies like Ashley Laminates and Falcon Shells in the UK. Pellandine’s work in fiberglass ultimately shaped his vision for the Pellandini, bringing him closer to his dream of creating a lightweight yet powerful sports car at a price point that was accessible to passionate young drivers.
You would never have guessed that the Pellandini Coupe sports car was built upon the foundation of a BMC Mini model, as its sleek design and performance capabilities set it apart from its humble origins. (Picture from: MaximumMini)
In designing the Pellandini, Pellandine found inspiration in the lightweight, high-performance models of Lotus, especially the Lotus Elan and Lotus 23. He took cues from these models' efficient design and then set out to apply similar principles to a sports car that would be built entirely in Australia. His vision was to make a streamlined, competitive vehicle with a monocoque fiberglass chassis that would drastically reduce production costs and weight. The result was a vehicle that weighed under 1,000 pounds, a true featherweight for its power class, with a low center of gravity that allowed it to hug the road in sharp corners.
Peter Pellandine drew inspiration for his Pellandini from Ferrari's iconic Dino, which influenced his design approach and vision for creating a lightweight, high-performance sports car. (Picture from: MaximumMini)
The Pellandini’s construction was as innovative as its inspiration. Instead of merely adapting an existing car’s body, Pellandine created a specialized chassis that could integrate the power unit, steering, and brake components from a range of Mini models, including the Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S. This modular approach made the car attractive to hobbyists and enthusiasts with mechanical skills, as the parts could be installed with relative ease. The car's power unit sat just ahead of the rear wheels, a strategic placement that not only optimized balance but also made servicing and component swaps straightforward. The Pellandini's adaptability allowed it to be fitted with different engines to suit the preferences of its owner, giving it a versatility that was rare in other performance cars of the time.
The Pellandini Coupes, previously owned by Max Kinsmore, were sold in December 2018.(Picture from: BollyBlog)
The design paid off in terms of handling as well. Pellandine incorporated double wishbone suspension with coil springs and Armstrong telescopic shock absorbers, which, combined with the mid-mounted engine, allowed the car to corner smoothly and maintain stability at high speeds. Early tests of the Pellandini revealed that it handled exceptionally well for a car in its class, even matching the performance standards of established competitors. With a top speed of 130 mph, it held its own as both a road car and a racing machine, defying expectations for a vehicle of its size and price.
The Pellandini Coupes, previously owned by Max Kinsmore, were sold in December 2018. (Picture from: BollyBlog)
Pellandine’s vision extended beyond just the performance aspect. He wanted the Pellandini to become the foundation of a thriving Australian sports car industry, much like the Lotus brand in England. While building the car in his Adelaide garage with the help of his two sons, Nicholas and Paul, he worked tirelessly to reduce production costs by creating an integrated chassis-body design, which eliminated the need for an expensive space frame. His success was a testament to the practicality and potential of fiberglass in car manufacturing, something he had initially doubted when first experimenting with the material in England.
The Pellandini Coupe showcases its compact interior with a three-spoke racing steering wheel and a dashboard featuring only a few essential instrument panels and buttons. (Picture from: BollyBlog)
The first Pellandini sports coupe featured a unique badge design and sported a bright lime green finish, making it a distinctive sight on Australian roads. Over time, the car's unique features evolved, from its push-up headlights to its gull-wing doors and Perspex windscreen, all of which contributed to its exotic look and appeal among enthusiasts. Some models were customized further by owners, with details like specially designed aluminum rear uprights and unequal length wishbone suspension for advanced handling. For those who loved racing, the car’s lightweight structure made it ideal for hill climbs and track events, where it became known for its agility and competitive spirit.
The Pellandini Coupe was displayed at the 'Hot Bricks' event of the Modified Minis Car Club in Adelaide during the 1970s. (Picture from: BollyBlog)
Despite Pellandine's dedication and the car’s performance capabilities, the Pellandini sports coupe faced challenges in the market. Limited production numbers and the difficulty of scaling up manufacturing in a small operation meant that the car remained a niche product. Nevertheless, Pellandine continued to pursue his passion, accepting orders for custom builds and maintaining his vision of a true Australian sports car.
The Pellandini Coupe's off-line remote linkage gear-change, routed around the left side of the engine into the central tunnel, was often tricky to adjust but worked well with minimal movement once properly set up. (Picture from: BollyBlog)
Pellandine introduced a roadster version in 1974, but it was less popular than the original design. In total, seven coupés were sold, and most of these cars are still in existence today. Many owners of the Pellandini appreciated its unique history and engineering, often customizing their vehicles further to enhance performance or adapt the design to personal tastes.
This Pellandini car, powered by a Cooper 'S' engine with a 45 DCOE Weber carburetor, was tested by Barry Cartwright of Sports Car World magazine when it was new in 1973. (Picture from: BollyBlog)
Even today, the Pellandini coupe holds a special place in the hearts of collectors and automotive enthusiasts, particularly in Australia. Some owners have preserved their cars over the years, restoring them or modifying them to keep them roadworthy. Stories of these cars continue to emerge, with owners sharing their experiences and memories of this rare vehicle. The Pellandini represents a piece of Australia’s automotive heritage, embodying a spirit of innovation and ambition that reflects both Pellandine's legacy and the aspirations of the local car industry during that era.
Considering, the Pellandini Sports Coupe is so rare that no videos exist about it, so instead, here is a video featuring another eight super rare Australian sports cars.
The Pellandini sports coupe remains a symbol of what can be achieved with passion, creativity, and resilience. It stands as a tribute to Peter Pellandine’s vision and his drive to create something unique, blending the performance ideals of European sports cars with a distinct Australian identity. Though it never reached the heights of Lotus or Ferrari in terms of mass production, the Pellandini has left a lasting impression on those who have encountered it, embodying a bold chapter in the story of Australian automotive engineering. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | PELLANDINI IN FACEBOOK | MAXIMUMMINI | BOLLYBLOG | ALLCARINDEX | PINTEREST ]
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Forgotten Wedge-Styled Car - In the late 1960s, car design underwent a dramatic transformation with the advent of wedge-shaped vehicles. This bold design trend was more than just a stylistic experiment; it represented a shift toward streamlined, futuristic cars that prioritized aerodynamic efficiency and visual impact. This era produced several iconic models, each bringing something unique to the automotive world, from the Alfa Romeo Carabo in 1968 to the Lamborghini Countach in 1971. These designs were statements of ambition, creativity, and the pursuit of speed. While some models, like the Countach, achieved widespread fame, others, despite being groundbreaking, remained lesser-known treasures.
The Alfa Romeo Delfino by Bertone was a unique creation led by designer Marc Deschamps, aimed to capture the essence of refined elegance within a futuristic coupe.. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)
Alfa Romeo, a brand synonymous with Italian flair and high-performance engineering, played a notable role in this era’s design evolution. Known for its dynamic sports cars and sleek coupes, Alfa Romeo represented a lineage of racing spirit blended with sophisticated design. However, as the 1980s arrived, the brand's sporty image was occasionally subdued under corporate decisions by Alfa and its later parent company, Fiat. Alfa enthusiasts and independent designers, however, were unwilling to let go of the brand’s sporty DNA. As a result, two Alfa Romeo-based prototypes—the Zeta 6 Zagato and Bertone Delfino—debuted at the 1983 Geneva Motor Show, exemplifying efforts to rekindle the brand’s sporting heritage and charm.
The Alfa Romeo Delfino featured a reimagined front with a large scudetto grille, blending Alfa Romeo’s iconic cues with Bertone’s unique touch.(Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)
The Zeta 6 Zagato concept, crafted by the distinguished Giuseppe Mittino at Zagato, was a sleek, compact two-seater coupe. Called the AZ6 Sperimentale, this car bore Zagato’s distinctive style, merging Alfa’s sporty allure with Italian craftsmanship. On the other hand, Bertone’s Alfa Romeo Delfino concept, a unique creation led by designer Marc Deschamps, took a different path. Unlike Zagato’s proposal, which embraced Alfa’s performance-oriented image, the Delfino aimed to capture the essence of refined elegance within a futuristic coupe.
The Alfa Romeo Delfino's horizontal lines and angular elements reflected the contemporary design ethos of the 1980s, sharing a visual connection to the Citroën BX, a Gandini-attributed model of 1983.(Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)
Designed as a showcase of Bertone's aesthetic sensibilities, the Delfino was conceived under Deschamps’ direction, who had taken over after the legendary Marcello Gandini’s departure. Gandini, known for his innovative designs, had influenced Bertone’s design language significantly, and the Delfino carried forward some of this legacy. The car’s horizontal lines and angular elements reflected the contemporary design ethos of the 1980s, sharing a visual connection to the Citroën BX, a Gandini-attributed model of 1983. The influence was clear, with similarities in the wheel arches, canopy design, and even the wheels themselves, which mirrored those of the BX. This shared design language underscored Bertone’s approach to car design as both artistic and functional, adapting to the evolving trends without compromising style.
The Alfa Romeo Delfino was utilized Alfa Romeo’s robust mechanical engineering, based on the Alfa 6 platform.(Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)
Underneath the Delfino’s futuristic exterior was Alfa Romeo’s robust mechanical engineering, based on the Alfa 6 platform, which reinforced its sporty credentials. This collaboration between Bertone and Alfa was no mere coincidence, as the two brands shared a long history of creating memorable models. Classic Alfa Romeo designs like the Giulietta Sprint and the 2000/2600 Sprint Coupés served as inspirations, setting a high bar for the Delfino to achieve. These predecessors were revered not only for their performance but also for their timeless style, a legacy that the Delfino sought to uphold.
The Alfa Romeo Delfino showcased more than just Bertone’s aesthetic vision; its design featured innovative interior concepts that were cutting-edge for the 1980s.(Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)
Bertone’s design for the Delfino extended beyond mere aesthetics; it also included innovative ideas for the interior, showcasing what was considered cutting-edge in the 1980s. The dashboard design, inspired by concepts from Vélizy, emphasized control pods arranged around the steering wheel, a layout that predicted modern vehicle control interfaces. This feature foreshadowed elements we see today in some of the latest cars, particularly in high-end brands like Mercedes-Benz, blending futuristic technology with user-friendly design.
The Alfa Romeo Delfino’s exterior also embraced simplicity with a clear vision, combining ample glass surfaces and integrated body panels to create a cohesive look.(Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)
The Delfino’s exterior also embraced simplicity with a clear vision, combining ample glass surfaces and integrated body panels to create a cohesive look. The window surfaces were notably large, enhancing visibility and giving the cabin a sense of openness, a rare feature for a sporty coupe of its time. The car’s overall shape and proportions remained classic, adhering to the front-engine, rear-wheel-drive setup that maintained the balance and driving dynamics Alfa was known for. Bertone’s attention to detail was evident, especially in the styling of the trunk area, where unique design elements set it apart from other models, hinting at the brand’s commitment to redefining established norms.
The Alfa Romeo Delfino highlighted Bertone’s attention to detail, especially in the trunk area, where unique design elements set it apart and reflected the brand’s commitment to redefining established norms. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)
At the front, the Delfino presented a reimagined version of Alfa Romeo’s signature design cues, integrated with Bertone’s distinctive touch. The scudetto—a familiar Alfa Romeo grille feature—was generously proportioned, representing a subtle nod to the brand’s identity. Bertone’s design emphasized both the sporty and refined sides of Alfa, presenting a car that was unmistakably modern yet deeply rooted in its heritage. This design fusion resulted in a vehicle that exuded both grace and agility, embodying Bertone’s vision of a high-performance GT that appealed to sophisticated tastes.
Since there is no video available about the Alfa Romeo Delfino, here are the Bertone car creations on display at the Volandia Aerospace Museum in Milan.
Through the Delfino, Bertone demonstrated a masterful balance between tradition and innovation. The car’s aesthetic language captured the essence of Alfa Romeo’s sporty soul while presenting it in a form that was strikingly modern. This design approach made the Delfino a symbol of Bertone’s enduring influence in automotive design, standing as a tribute to Italian craftsmanship and vision. Though the Delfino never reached mass production, it remains a testament to a period in automotive history where creativity and passion led the industry toward bold new directions.*** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DRIVENTOWRITE | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | CARDESIGNNEWS | STORY-CARS ]
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All-Terrain BEAST - In the world of supercars, where speed and sleek designs often steal the spotlight, the Aixam Mega Track stands out as a curious exception. This French marvel, crafted by Aixam Mega, presents a blend of unconventional features that make it both fascinating and elusive. Created by a company more renowned for compact cars and quadricycles, the Mega Track emerged as a bold deviation from its origins, capturing the imaginations of car enthusiasts in an unexpected way.
The Aixam Mega Track designed to challenge conventional notions of high performance and off-road capability. (Picture from: Aixam)
Founded in 1983 in Aix-les-Bains, France, Aixam initially focused on producing microcars and quadricycles. These vehicles were lightweight and low-speed, catering to a niche market where driving licenses were not always required. This focus on compact vehicles laid the groundwork for Aixam’s transition to something entirely different: a supercar designed to challenge conventional notions of high performance and off-road capability.
The Aixam Mega Track presents a blend of unconventional features that make it both fascinating and elusive supercar. (Picture from: Drive.com.au)
The Mega Track was born from this adventurous spirit. Launched in 1992, it marked the debut of the "Mega" brand, a new venture for Aixam into the realm of sports cars. The Track was unlike anything seen before. Its dimensions were enormous, measuring 199.6 inches in length and 88.6 inches in width.
The Aixam Mega Track featured a fully instrumented and elaborately trimmed interior, paired with a powerful climate control system, high-end stereo, power windows, and more. (Picture from: FastestLaps)
This size, coupled with an adjustable clearance that ranged from eight to thirteen inches, contributed to its unique presence. Despite its large footprint and a hefty weight of around 5,000 pounds, the Mega Track boasted a powerful 6.0-liter Mercedes-Benz V12 engine that delivered an impressive 400 horsepower and a top speed of 155 mph.
The Aixam Mega Track offered four comfortable seats, with the wide coupe doors revealing a second row of seating that provided surprisingly generous legroom.(Picture from: RareFrenchSportscars)
Yet, the Mega Track's story is not merely about its specs. It’s about the curious decisions and unanticipated outcomes that followed its creation. Designed with off-road capabilities, a feature unusual for supercars, the Track was intended to be versatile. However, the car's pricing was another standout feature, set at about $300,000 in 1992, reflecting its high-end status despite its unorthodox design. No wonder, only five or six examples were built during 1992 to 2000.
The Track's development and production were fraught with challenges. Aixam’s ambition led them to incorporate features that, while innovative, also resulted in a production bottleneck. The company anticipated limited demand for such an unusual vehicle, which led to a slow production pace. In the end, only five units were made. This limited production, combined with the long wait time, meant that by the time the Mega Track was available, public interest had waned.
The Aixam Mega Track measuring 199.6 inches in length, 88.6 inches in width, and a hefty weight of around 5,000 pounds. (Picture Mini.43.fr)
The Mega Track’s appeal was evident at events like the Paris Motor Show, where its unusual features and high price tag did little to deter the fascinated audience. Despite the initial enthusiasm, the reality of producing only a handful of units meant that the car did not achieve long-term success. The Mega Track became a collector’s item, remembered more for its audacity than for its market impact.
The Aixam Mega Track boasted a powerful 6.0-liter Mercedes-Benz V12 engine that delivered an impressive 400 horsepower and a top speed of 155 mph.(Picture from: FastestLaps)
Aixam Mega's attempt to make a mark in the supercar world with the Mega Track was both bold and unique. It was a vehicle that defied expectations and blended luxury with practicality in a way that was both intriguing and impractical. As automotive history moved on, the Mega Track quietly slipped into obscurity, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and curiosity. | RnVltPvoQFc |
In the end, the Mega Track serves as a reminder of how innovation and bold design can sometimes create vehicles that are ahead of their time, or simply too unusual for widespread acceptance. The story of the Aixam Mega Track is one of daring to be different in a world that often values the conventional. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AIXAM | HOTCARS | DRIVE.COM.AU | FASTESTLAPS | RAREFRENCHSPORTSCARS | MINI.43.FR | WIKIPEDIA ]
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Mini Monster - Japan is known for its innovation and creativity in the automotive world, and nowhere is this more evident than in the delightful variety of small, uniquely styled vehicles that roam the streets. Known as 'kei cars,' these compact vehicles are manufactured by nearly every major Japanese brand, including Daihatsu, Honda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Suzuki, and Toyota. These small cars have a charm that’s hard to overlook, thanks to their petite size and characteristic designs.
The RE Amemiya GReddy 6-AZ1 was rebuilt in 2000, emerging in its final form with a striking white finish. (Picture from: GTSupreme)
