Cagiva-Powered Lomar Honey: The Unique Three-Wheeled Mini Car

Unique Creation - In the world of automotive history, there are certain vehicles that stand out due to their distinctiveness, often resulting from collaborations that merge different industries. One such unique creation came from the merging of Italian motorcycle expertise and automotive innovation. It was the collaboration between Cagiva, an iconic Italian motorcycle manufacturer, and Lomar, a small but ambitious car company, that birthed the remarkable three-wheeled car known as Honey. This unusual vehicle, which used a motorcycle engine and was targeted at a niche market, quickly gained attention for its innovative design and functionality, although it would not see widespread production. Despite its short-lived commercial existence, the Honey has since become an intriguing piece of automotive history.

The Lomar Honey was presented by Giampiero Lombatti (left) to a visitor at the stand during the 1985 Salone del Ciclo e Motociclo di Milan (Milan Motorcycle Show). (Picture from: AutoTecnica)

The story behind the creation of the Honey car begins with the two founders of Lomar, Giampiero Lombatti and Fulvio Martini, both from Parma, Italy. The name "Lomar" is actually an acronym derived from their surnames. Lombatti hailed from a family with a strong connection to the automotive world, specifically Fiat’s historic dealerships. On the other hand, Martini came from the Coenzo family, known for their involvement with expanded resins. Their diverse backgrounds would contribute to the creation of a lightweight car that was quite ahead of its time. Their collaboration was made even more interesting by the support they received from Cagiva, a well-known name in the world of motorcycles.

The Lomar Honey was equipped with two gull-wing doors that could be easily removed during the summer months, transforming the car from a coupé to a convertible. (Picture from: AutoTecnica)

The design of the first Honey prototype was overseen by Walter Cugini, a skilled designer with experience in the automotive world. The chassis was developed by a studio already working with renowned car manufacturers in Modena, a city famous for its automotive legacy. Initially, the bodywork was crafted using steel sheet metal, meticulously hand-stroked by Gianni Gobbi, an experienced bodyworker from Italcar. However, as the project progressed, the design switched to fiberglass and polyester resin, a decision that allowed for significant weight reduction, making the vehicle more agile and efficient.

The Lomar Honey, approved as a motor-carriage, was powered by a 20-horsepower, liquid-cooled Cagiva 125 motorcycle engine and required an A-carriage license to drive. (Picture from: AutoTecnica)

The car’s debut at the 1985 Salone del Ciclo e Motociclo di Milan (Milan Motorcycle Show) caught the attention of many visitors and industry professionals. It was instantly recognized for its innovative use of a small three-wheeled layout, powered by a single-cylinder 125cc engine from Cagiva. This engine, a two-stroke design, was already popular in Cagiva’s motorcycles, particularly the Aletta Rossa 125 model. With a maximum power output of around 20 horsepower, the engine was capable of propelling the Honey to a top speed of 90 kilometers per hour, which was impressive for a vehicle of its size and design.

The Cagiva Aletta Rossa, shared the single-cylinder two-stroke 125cc engine and the modified gearbox with the Lomar Honey. (Picture from: DannataVintage)

One of the most eye-catching features of the Honey was its streamlined, modern coupé design. The body of the vehicle was compact, measuring just 3.6 meters in length and 1.6 meters in width. Its low height of 1.25 meters gave it a sleek profile. The Honey was equipped with two gull-wing doors that could be easily removed during the summer months, transforming the car from a coupé to a convertible. This unique feature added to the vehicle's appeal, as it combined the practicality of a small car with the fun of an open-air driving experience. The vehicle’s frame was made of steel tubes, ensuring strength and durability, while the use of fiberglass for the body panels kept the overall weight to just 300 kilograms.

The Lomar Honey featured a well-appointed interior with a sports steering wheel, and a dashboard with complete instrumentation. (Picture from: AutoTecnica)

The Honey was designed with comfort in mind, offering a well-appointed cockpit for its passengers. Inside, the car featured two comfortable armchairs, a sports steering wheel, and a dashboard with complete instrumentation, similar to what you might find in more mainstream vehicles like the Fiat Ritmo. The gear lever was located on the central tunnel, making the driving experience more intuitive. The car's design was clearly intended to appeal to a younger audience, particularly those aged 16 and above, who would only need an "A" license in Italy to drive it.

The Lomar Honey featured a well-finished, elegant interior with two seats designed in a sporty and ergonomic shape, enhancing both style and comfort. (Picture from: AutoTecnica)

However, despite the initial enthusiasm and interest from both the public and the industry, the Honey faced significant challenges when it came to production. The costs of industrializing the car proved to be far too high for Lomar and its small-scale operations. The two founders, unable to secure the necessary capital, had no choice but to abandon their dream of becoming car manufacturers. The Honey, which had been created with so much promise, remained a one-of-a-kind prototype and has since become a rare collector's item.

The Lomar Honey's bodywork was initially crafted from steel sheets by Gianni Gobbi, but during the start of series production, it transitioned to fiberglass and polyester resin. (Picture from: AutoTecnica)

Although the Honey was not destined for mass production, it remains an intriguing part of automotive history. The combination of Cagiva’s motorcycle engineering and Lomar’s car design was a bold attempt to break the mold and offer a unique solution to the challenges of urban mobility. Today, the Honey is still carefully preserved, a testament to the vision of its creators and the potential that could have been. The vehicle represents an early example of a light, compact car that could have paved the way for future innovations in small-scale transportation.

The Lomar Honey featured a compact body measuring 3.6 meters in length, 1.6 meters in width, and a low height of 1.25 meters, giving it a sleek profile. (Picture from: AutoTecnica)

The story of the Honey serves as a reminder of the often unpredictable nature of automotive innovation. While the car did not achieve commercial success, its design and engineering principles have influenced later developments in the field of small vehicles and microcars. The Honey's legacy lives on in the form of its unique engineering, the ingenuity of its creators, and the fascination it continues to inspire in automotive enthusiasts. It is a shining example of how bold ideas, even when faced with insurmountable obstacles, can leave a lasting impression on the world. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DANNATAVINTAGE | AUTOTECNICA | ALLCARINDEX | WIKIPEDIA ]

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Renault Filante: Retro-Futuristic EV Aiming for Record-Breaking Range

Record Chaser - Renault has always been a brand known for pushing the boundaries of innovation. From practical city cars to high-performance race machines, the French automaker continues to surprise the world with bold ideas. The latest creation, the Filante Record 2025, is no exception. This futuristic single-seater electric vehicle is not just another concept car—it is a machine designed with one purpose in mind: to achieve ultimate efficiency while breaking records.

The Renault Filante Record 2025 is a machine designed with one purpose in mind: to achieve ultimate efficiency while breaking records. (Picture from: Carscoops)

Unlike conventional EVs that focus on power and luxury, the Filante Record 2025 is built to push the limits of aerodynamics and energy consumption. Equipped with an 87-kWh battery pack, it aims to set new benchmarks for power efficiency and driving range. However, beneath its ultra-modern shell lies a deep connection to Renault's rich history of land speed record cars.

Here's the 3 legendary predecssors of the Renault Filante Record 2025, from left to right, the 1934 Renault Nervasport des Records, the 1925 Renault 40 CV des Records, and the 1956 Renault Etoile Filante. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

At first glance, the car’s design looks straight out of a sci-fi movie. Its sleek, elongated shape isn't just for show—it is crafted to cut through the air with minimal resistance. Measuring 201.5 inches (5.12 meters) in length, it is undeniably a large vehicle. Yet, despite its imposing size, it weighs only 2,204 pounds (1,000 kilograms). That’s a remarkable feat, considering that its battery alone contributes 1,322 lbs (600 kg) to the total weight. This lightweight construction plays a crucial role in achieving high efficiency, allowing the car to maximize every kilowatt-hour of energy.

The Renault Filante Record 2025 is built to push the limits of aerodynamics and energy consumption. (Picture from: Carscoops)

The inspiration behind the Filante Record 2025 isn’t random. Renault has drawn from three of its legendary record-breaking models. The round headlights echo the classic 40 CV des Records from the 1920s, while its unique wheel placement pays homage to the 1934 Nervasport des Records. Additionally, the flowing arches are a tribute to the 1956 Etoile Filante, a gas turbine-powered wonder that once attempted to break speed records.

The Renault Filante Record 2025's sleek, elongated shape isn't just for show—its 201.5-inch (5.12-meter) length is designed to minimize air resistance. (Picture from: Carscoops)

Efficiency isn’t just about lightweight materials; aerodynamics play an equally important role. Renault engineers designed every inch of the Filante Record 2025 to reduce air resistance. It is only 67.3 inches (1.71 meters) wide and sits at a mere 46.8 inches (1.19 meters) tall. This streamlined body allows the car to slice through the air effortlessly, helping it achieve greater range without consuming excessive energy.

The Renault Filante Record 2025, a futuristic single-seater EV, is more than just a concept—its lightweight design maximizes every kilowatt-hour of energy. (Picture from: Carscoops)

To achieve such an astonishingly low weight, Renault had to think outside the box. The chassis is built using a cutting-edge blend of aluminum, carbon fiber, and steel alloys. Engineers also leveraged 3D printing with high-strength aluminum, ensuring the structure remains both light and rigid. Additionally, advanced AI-driven simulations were used to identify unnecessary materials, allowing Renault to further refine the design without compromising strength.

The Renault Filante Record 2025 features a futuristic cockpit inspired by aviation and space travel, adopting an F1-style driving position. (Picture from: AutocarIndia)

One of the most impressive weight-saving techniques lies within the battery itself. Unlike traditional EVs, where cells are placed within bulky modules, Renault integrated the battery cells directly into the pack. This eliminates excess weight while maintaining structural integrity. The battery pack is encased in carbon fiber, ensuring both durability and reduced mass.

The Renault Filante Record 2025 features an unconventional, gaming controller-shaped steering wheel that integrates all essential functions, utilizing steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire technologies. (Picture from: Carscoops)

Tires also play a crucial role in an EV's efficiency, and Renault has left no stone unturned. The Filante Record 2025 rides on bespoke 19-inch Michelin tires, specifically designed to minimize energy dissipation. These specially developed tires flatten the contact patch, reducing rolling resistance and further enhancing range.

The Renault Filante Record 2025 maximizes EV efficiency with bespoke 19-inch Michelin tires, specifically designed to minimize energy dissipation. (Picture from: Carscoops)

The benchmark for efficiency in concept EVs has long been held by the Mercedes Vision EQXX, which achieved 8.4 miles (13.5 kilometers) per kWh. However, with its radical weight reduction and superior aerodynamics, Renault's Filante Record 2025 is expected to outperform even the most advanced efficiency-focused cars. | Lv7ozWm7Nmg |

Renault is set to test the Filante Record 2025 in the first half of the year, and expectations are high. If all goes according to plan, it could set new records in the EV world, proving that efficiency and performance can go hand in hand. This car isn't just a glimpse into the future—it is a statement that innovation knows no limits. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | RENAULT | CARSCOOPS | AUTOEVOLUTION | MOTOR1 | INSIDEEVS | AUTOCARINDIA ]

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Buick Riviera Boattail: 1970s Icon That Divides Opinions

Iconic and Divisive - Few cars in automotive history have sparked as much debate as the Buick Riviera Boattail. This car, introduced for the 1971 model year and continuing until 1973, has been a subject of both admiration and controversy. Some see its design as a bold statement, while others argue it lacked the finesse expected of a luxury vehicle. But what can’t be denied is its ability to stand out, much like other creations that bear the mark of a visionary—whether celebrated or criticized, the Riviera Boattail continues to evoke strong opinions to this day.

The Buick Riviera Boattail, as seen in the 1971 model, was the brainchild of Bill Mitchell, General Motors' Design Chief in the early 1970s. (Picture from: Motorcities.org)

Classic Art-Deco Labatt Brewery Truck: A Timeless Icon

🍻Brewed Icons - The history of innovation often leads us to stories that blend creativity, engineering, and resilience. One of the most unique examples of this is the Labatt Streamliner, a striking and futuristic delivery vehicle that doubled as a moving advertisement. Born out of necessity during a time of strict advertising restrictions, the Streamliner is not just a vehicle—it’s a symbol of ingenuity and timeless design. Its creation and eventual preservation tell a remarkable story of vision, artistry, and dedication.

When a sip of beer evokes a taste of history, the Labatt Streamliner—created out of necessity during a time of strict advertising restrictions—comes to mind, designed by Count Alexis de Sakhnoffsky, a Russian-born automotive designer. (Picture from: Forum.AACA.org)

After Ontario’s Prohibition ended in 1927, the Labatt Brewing Company faced a unique challenge. Despite the legalization of alcohol, advertising beer in traditional media was still prohibited. Instead of being stymied by these restrictions, Labatt found a groundbreaking solution. They envisioned a fleet of delivery trucks that would serve as mobile advertisements, combining practical beer transport with stunning visual appeal.

The Labatt Streamliner’s cab-over-engine tractor featured a beautifully curvaceous shape, with the rear sweeping down in a steep, unbroken line to fully skirted dual wheels, and one restored 1947 model still exists, owned by Labatt Brewing Co. (Picture from: SimanaItIsSays)

To realize this ambitious idea, Labatt enlisted Count Alexis de Sakhnoffsky, a Russian-born designer renowned for his expertise in automotive and industrial design. In 1935, de Sakhnoffsky created the first generation of the Labatt Streamliner. The bodywork of each Streamliner was fabricated by Smith Bros. of Toronto, with aluminum sheathing tacked to a wooden superstructure. Beneath this were a White Motor powerplant and Fruehauf drop frame chassis.

The Labatt Streamliner’s first model from 1937 featured rather conventional cabs, with the exception of the distinctive running boards and fender skirts, which added a unique touch to its design. (Picture from: SimanaItIsSays)

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Streamliner was a technical marvel. Powered by a 6.3-liter six-cylinder engine, it could carry up to 8.5 tonnes of beer and reach speeds of 80 km/h, outperforming the average trucks of the era. It was also one of the first Canadian vehicles to feature advanced safety innovations, such as air brakes and a fifth-wheel anti-jackknifing system. These features highlighted Labatt’s commitment to combining style with functionality.

One of the Labatt Streamliner’s second-generation models won a prestigious design award at the 1939 New York World’s Fair, highlighting its innovative and forward-thinking design. (Picture from: SimanaItIsSays)

These vehicles were revolutionary in appearance and function, featuring smooth, aerodynamic lines that were unprecedented for trucks of the time. Vibrant red paint, accented with genuine gold-leaf lettering, made the Streamliner stand out on the road, turning heads wherever it went.

The trailer of a Labatt’s Streamliner enclosed a volume of approximately 825 cu. ft. or 8 1/2 tons of beer. (Picture from: SimanaItIsSays)

The Labatt Streamliner wasn’t just about beer delivery—it also reflected the company’s focus on community engagement. Labatt trained its drivers to act as Good Samaritans on the road, assisting stranded motorists with tasks like changing tires or handling minor accidents. This “Highway Courtesy Program” earned the company widespread goodwill, making the Streamliner not only a marketing tool but also a symbol of kindness and service.

The Labatt Streamliner’s fourth model from 1947, the last of de Sakhnoffsky’s designs, was the most flamboyant of all the Streamliners, featuring bold and striking aesthetics; one of these models has since been expertly restored and continues to make appearances on the show circuit. (Picture from: Richard Spiegelman on Flickr)

Total 18 units of the Streamliner ever crafted, and evolved through several iterations, with the most iconic being the 1947 model. This version featured bold curves of Art-deco style, fully skirted wheels, and a signature dorsal fin, embodying the height of mid-century automotive design. However, by the mid-1950s, the era of the Streamliner came to an end. Advances in logistics and advertising rendered the vehicles less practical. Their limited cargo space, side-opening doors, and high production costs were no longer viable in a changing industry. By 1955, the Streamliners were retired, fading into obscurity.

The Labatt Streamliner’s fourth model from 1947 was restored by Joe Scott, a retired president of White Truck Sales in London, Ontario, with the help of his brother, Bob Scott, and financial support from Labatt Brewing Company. (Picture from: Richard Spiegelman on Flickr)

That obscurity, however, did not last forever. In 1977, Joe Scott, a retired president of White Truck Sales in London, Ontario, decided to preserve this unique piece of Canadian history. With financial support from Labatt Brewing Company and the help of his brother, Bob Scott, Joe began the painstaking process of restoring a 1947 Streamliner. The restoration effort was monumental. While six trailers were located in Ontario, they were in poor condition, including one that had been repurposed as a construction site office.

The Labatt Streamliner’s fourth model from 1947, the last of de Sakhnoffsky’s designs, was the most flamboyant of all the Streamliners, featuring bold and striking aesthetics; one of these models has since been expertly restored and continues to make appearances on the show circuit. (Picture from: Richard Spiegelman on Flickr)

The tractor portion of the vehicle posed an even greater challenge—it was missing entirely. Undeterred, the Scott brothers used vintage photographs and technical blueprints to recreate the tractor cab with precision. They sourced aluminum sheets from England and applied traditional metal-shaping techniques to ensure the restoration stayed true to the original design. After years of dedication and meticulous craftsmanship, the project was finally completed in 1983, bringing the 1947 Labatt Streamliner back to life.

The Labatt Streamliner’s legacy was further cemented in 1996 when it was prominently featured on a Canadian postage stamp, celebrating its historical significance and lasting impact on Canadian culture. (Picture from: PostageStampGuide)

The restored Streamliner became an instant icon once more. It made appearances at fairs, exhibitions, and public events, where it was celebrated as a piece of Canada’s industrial and cultural heritage. In 1996, its legacy was further cemented when it was featured on a Canadian postage stamp. To this day, the restored Streamliner serves as a roving ambassador for Labatt, delighting audiences with its retro charm and its horn, which amusingly plays the tune “How Dry I Am.”

The Labatt Streamliner’s story is a testament to the power of creativity and determination. What began as a clever solution to advertising restrictions evolved into a timeless symbol of innovation. Its restoration completion in 1983 ensured that this piece of Canadian history would continue to inspire future generations. From its early days as a stylish delivery truck to its current role as a celebrated artifact, the Labatt Streamliner remains a shining example of how imagination and dedication can leave an enduring legacy. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TIMESCOLONIST | SIMANAITISSAYS | FORUM.AACA.ORG | WEIRDWHELLS | HOTTEST MACINES ON FACEBOOK | POSTAGESTAMPGUIDE | WIKIPEDIA ]

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Aston Martin Valiant: 38 Units Inspired by Formula 1 Innovation

F1 Heritage - This is one of the unique cars crafted by Aston Martin, which I first came across through CarMan's post on X. Aston Martin has long been associated with cutting-edge automotive engineering, blending unmatched luxury with exhilarating performance. For those who appreciate both speed and style, the British automaker has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of luxury sports cars. With the release of the Aston Martin Valiant, the automaker set a new milestone in June 2024, debuting an extraordinarily limited-edition hypercar designed for extreme customization. Its origins trace back to a collaboration with the legendary Formula 1 driver, Fernando Alonso.

One of the 38 Aston Martin Valiant units, valued at around £2 million, is owned by Gordon Ramsay, a renowned British chef and car enthusiast. (Picture from: CarMan on X)

Volgatti: A Mind-Blowing Garage-Built Masterpiece

Garage Genius - In the world of automotive engineering, where creativity meets precision, there exists a unique niche for custom car projects that challenge the norm. Among these ambitious ventures, one particularly captivating creation has emerged: the Volgatti. A blend of historical charm and modern extravagance, the Volgatti is a testament to the imagination and craftsmanship of its creators, Axes: Garage—a team of Russian automotive enthusiasts. This car stands as a fusion of iconic designs from different eras, showcasing what happens when tradition and innovation collide in a most unexpected way.

The Volgatti, built by Axes: Garage, embodies a vision that fuses the elegance of a 1960s Soviet GAZ-21 Volga with the striking aesthetics of a Bugatti Chiron. (Picture from: AutoEvolution)

The story of the Volgatti begins with a vision to merge the elegance of a 1960s Soviet GAZ-21 Volga with the sheer performance and aesthetic allure of the Bugatti Chiron, one of the most luxurious hypercars ever made. However, the base for this marvel wasn’t a Bugatti, as one might expect, but a BMW 6-Series Coupe (E63). By using the BMW as the foundation, the Axes: Garage team transformed the shell of an ordinary car into something extraordinary. Over the course of three painstaking years, they turned this idea into reality, crafting a car that is both a tribute to the past and a reimagining of the future.

The Volgatti wasn’t built on a Bugatti, as one might expect, but rather on a repurposed BMW 6-Series Coupe (E63), transformed over three years. (Picture from: RealUNICARNS on X)

The project’s roots lie in the cultural and automotive landscapes of Belarus and Russia, where enthusiasm for rebuilding and reimagining vehicles has steadily grown. The Volga, produced between the 1950s and 1970s in the Soviet Union, was a symbol of practicality and mass production, with over 600,000 units made. It boasted a modest 80-horsepower engine and was never intended to be a sports car. Meanwhile, the Bugatti Chiron, with its W16 engine producing 1,500 horsepower and a top speed of 380 km/h, represents the pinnacle of modern automotive engineering. Combining these two vastly different vehicles might seem like an impossible dream, but for Axes: Garage, it was an irresistible challenge.

The Volgatti boasts a strikingly unique look, featuring the classic silhouette of the GAZ-21 Volga at the front, seamlessly merged with the rear of a Bugatti Chiron. (Picture from: RealUNICARNS on X)

The creation process involved intricate planning and design work. The team carefully replicated the rear end of the Bugatti Chiron, crafting custom fiberglass molds and components to achieve the car’s distinctive shape. The front end retained the classic silhouette of the GAZ-21 Volga, resulting in a harmonious blend of old and new. Every detail was meticulously designed, from the sleek paintwork and chrome finishes to the modified cooling and suspension systems. The transformation also required significant structural modifications to the BMW base, ensuring it could support the weight and design of the Volgatti’s unique frame.

The Volgatti’s transformation required extensive structural modifications to the BMW base to support its weight and uniquely crafted design. (Picture from: ГАЗ-21-is Gijebi Group on Facebook)

Building the Volgatti wasn’t just a test of skill but also a financial challenge. As quoted of The Supercar Blondie, the project’s total cost reached an estimated $106,995, including materials, labor, and workshop expenses. Among these costs were the $1,000 BMW donor car, a $400 Volga shell, and countless custom parts, such as wide wheels, air suspension, and fiberglass molds. Despite the high price tag, the team’s dedication and resourcefulness made the dream a reality.

The Volgatti defies categorization, with a Bugatti-inspired rear and a front that pays homage to Soviet automotive history. (Picture from: RealUNICARNS on X)

The end result is a car that defies categorization. From the rear, the Volgatti is unmistakably Bugatti-inspired, while the front pays homage to Soviet automotive history. Yet, the foundation of the BMW ensures that this hybrid creation offers reliable performance and a solid driving experience. The Volgatti’s bold design even evokes the spirit of American muscle cars from the 1950s, creating a strange but captivating blend of cultural influences.

The Volgatti’s bold design echoes the spirit of 1950s American muscle cars, resulting in a striking yet unconventional fusion of automotive cultures. (Picture from: RealUNICARNS on X)

Though the Volgatti is a finished masterpiece in many respects, its journey isn’t over. The creators are still refining elements such as the custom suspension, wheels, and other features, appealing for support from the automotive community to bring their vision to full fruition. As it stands, the Volgatti has already captured the imagination of car enthusiasts worldwide, drawing attention for its daring design and the story behind its creation.

The Volgatti is more than just a car—it’s a symbol of creativity, perseverance, and the ability to think outside the box. It challenges the boundaries of what’s possible in automotive design and inspires others to reimagine what cars can be. Whether admired for its audacity or its craftsmanship, the Volgatti leaves an indelible mark on the world of custom car projects. From a modest idea in a Russian garage to a stunning reality, the Volgatti proves that with passion and determination, even the wildest dreams can hit the road. If you are curious, here is the link to The Final video. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | @DASHINGAXE ON YOUTUBE | SUPERCARBLONDIE | AUTOEVOLUTION | GATSBYONLINE | AUTOPLUS.FR | BLIKK.HU | YANDEX.RU | REAL UNICARNS ON X | SUPERCARBLONDIE GROUP ON FACEBOOK | ГАЗ-21-IS GIJEBI GROUP ON FACEBOOK | 9AGENCY REEL ON FACEBOOK | DIY & CRAFT ON FACEBOOK ]

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