Cool, Awesome & Amazing Custom/One-off/Prototype Cars
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The Vanishing Boy
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- Vanishing Boy
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- Melbourne
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The Vanishing Boy
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-> This could've been Saturn's first sports car WAAAAAYYYYYY before the Sky was released:
^ Could've been cool if the Fiero had a plastic composite sibling! But, too bad it didn't live past 1989.TestDriveJunkie
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Compilation of some old Volvo prototypes/concepts I discovered:
1966 Volvo P172 Prototype- intended to be the successor to the P1800 and was very close to entering production, but Volvo scrapped the P172 at the last minute. Visually, it seems inspired by large American coupes of the time.
1969 Volvo GTZ 3000 by Zagato- This sporty concept was the result of Motauto (Volvo's Italian importer) wanting the brand to have a performance coupe to give Italian marques like Alfa Romeo and Lancia a run for their money. The GTZ 3000 would be based off P1800 mechanicals. It used a 3.0L inline six-cylinder making 190 horsepower and could reach speeds of 125mph. Unfortunately, this car never reached production since Volvo thought it was unnecessary to make a P1800 offshoot and would rather focus mostly on family cars.
1971 Volvo 1800 ESC Viking by Coggiola- Yet another Volvo concept designed by an Italian firm, the 1800 ESC Viking was supposed to be a sporty, luxurious tourer using P1800 mechanicals. Volvo was going to originally produce it, yet that all changed once the oil crisis hit.
Volvo P1800 Fastback Prototype, circa mid-1960s. Never made it passed the prototype stage.
1952 Volvo P179- No information found on this beauty, unfortunately.
1952 Volvo Elisabeth by Vignale- Radically designed concept car by the Italian coachbuilder Vignale using PV444 mechanicals. The front of the car was clearly based off of Alfa Romeo designs of the type, and the Volvo Amazon of the 1960s was inspired by this concept.
1986 Volvo Project G13- Precursor to the Volvo 480 which did end up being produced.
1952 Volvo Philip- This was Volvo's first attempt at trying to build a car for the American market; the styling was obviously inspired by a 1951 Kaiser. Also very American, the car used a 3.6L V8 making 120hp, which was Volvo's first ever V8. Unfortunately, the board at Volvo decided not to produce the Philip, saying it was too closely related to other American cars of the time.
1966 Volvo P172 Prototype- intended to be the successor to the P1800 and was very close to entering production, but Volvo scrapped the P172 at the last minute. Visually, it seems inspired by large American coupes of the time.
1969 Volvo GTZ 3000 by Zagato- This sporty concept was the result of Motauto (Volvo's Italian importer) wanting the brand to have a performance coupe to give Italian marques like Alfa Romeo and Lancia a run for their money. The GTZ 3000 would be based off P1800 mechanicals. It used a 3.0L inline six-cylinder making 190 horsepower and could reach speeds of 125mph. Unfortunately, this car never reached production since Volvo thought it was unnecessary to make a P1800 offshoot and would rather focus mostly on family cars.
1971 Volvo 1800 ESC Viking by Coggiola- Yet another Volvo concept designed by an Italian firm, the 1800 ESC Viking was supposed to be a sporty, luxurious tourer using P1800 mechanicals. Volvo was going to originally produce it, yet that all changed once the oil crisis hit.
Volvo P1800 Fastback Prototype, circa mid-1960s. Never made it passed the prototype stage.
1952 Volvo P179- No information found on this beauty, unfortunately.
1952 Volvo Elisabeth by Vignale- Radically designed concept car by the Italian coachbuilder Vignale using PV444 mechanicals. The front of the car was clearly based off of Alfa Romeo designs of the type, and the Volvo Amazon of the 1960s was inspired by this concept.
1986 Volvo Project G13- Precursor to the Volvo 480 which did end up being produced.
1952 Volvo Philip- This was Volvo's first attempt at trying to build a car for the American market; the styling was obviously inspired by a 1951 Kaiser. Also very American, the car used a 3.6L V8 making 120hp, which was Volvo's first ever V8. Unfortunately, the board at Volvo decided not to produce the Philip, saying it was too closely related to other American cars of the time.
Joey D
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It was also called the Volvo Margaret Rose.
You can read more about it here: https://www.hemmings.com/magazine/hsx/2006/04/The-Experimental-Volvos/1281888.html
MedigoFlame
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Curious as to what happened to the IS-F convertible prototype/test mule.
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1967 Exemplar 1 Concept Car
Commissioned by Bridgeport Brass Company and the Copper Development Association to show that Brass and Copper could be useful on cars. Built on a Buick Riviera chassis by Carrozzeria Coggiola. After a few years on the show circuit, it was put away, hidden for decades. It was restored and went to auction in 2015, but did not sell. Now it tours Concourses.
More Pictures: https://www.dragoneauctions.com/the-1967-exemplar-1-concept-car
Commissioned by Bridgeport Brass Company and the Copper Development Association to show that Brass and Copper could be useful on cars. Built on a Buick Riviera chassis by Carrozzeria Coggiola. After a few years on the show circuit, it was put away, hidden for decades. It was restored and went to auction in 2015, but did not sell. Now it tours Concourses.
More Pictures: https://www.dragoneauctions.com/the-1967-exemplar-1-concept-car
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The late '90s was a time when retro-styling was becoming "in" and cars like the PT cruiser and Plymouth Prowler came along. But there was more than just Hot-rod nostalgia driving it. Here's the 1999 Bugatti EB112, which was only a concept to remind people Bugattis were luxurious people-movers in addition to race cars.
But making that look good in comparison is the 1999 Packard Twelve concept. Unlike the Bugatti, it was not made by the actual company, which was long dead by 1999, but by a man with too much money, and legal problems ensued. It did have a 540 horsepower engine, though.
But making that look good in comparison is the 1999 Packard Twelve concept. Unlike the Bugatti, it was not made by the actual company, which was long dead by 1999, but by a man with too much money, and legal problems ensued. It did have a 540 horsepower engine, though.
- 20
- Castelbellino stazione
Ferrari P4/5 Pininfarina
This Ferrari is one of the most beautiful ferrari (in my opinion) ; this beast can accelerate 0-100 in 3.0 and the top speed is 375 km/h ; The engine is the Ferrari F140, the same as the Enzo, and has 660cv
This Ferrari is one of the most beautiful ferrari (in my opinion) ; this beast can accelerate 0-100 in 3.0 and the top speed is 375 km/h ; The engine is the Ferrari F140, the same as the Enzo, and has 660cv
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- Where horsepower echoes in the mountains
If only...
2003 Lancia Fulvia Coupè Concept. I saw this one at the Bologna Motor Show back in 2003 and immedeatly fell in love with it:
140 PS for 990 kg sure sounds like fun, especially it it were to have the chuckability (don`t even know if that`s a word) of the original one.
2003 Lancia Fulvia Coupè Concept. I saw this one at the Bologna Motor Show back in 2003 and immedeatly fell in love with it:
140 PS for 990 kg sure sounds like fun, especially it it were to have the chuckability (don`t even know if that`s a word) of the original one.
- 20
- Castelbellino stazione
Lamborghini Egoista
This crazy concept car is a 2013 One Off ; the Egoista is based on the Gallardo and has a powerful 5.2L V10 Engine producing 600Hp.
The Egoista a pure "one-seat car" similar to a Jet , also has a removable canopy door.
This crazy concept car is a 2013 One Off ; the Egoista is based on the Gallardo and has a powerful 5.2L V10 Engine producing 600Hp.
The Egoista a pure "one-seat car" similar to a Jet , also has a removable canopy door.
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- a baby, candy, it's like taking.
- TexRex72
It's such a shame nothing came of this thing. Even with less power and more weight, its styling is still fantastic and there's little that wouldn't work from a production perspective.If only...
2003 Lancia Fulvia Coupè Concept. I saw this one at the Bologna Motor Show back in 2003 and immedeatly fell in love with it:
140 PS for 990 kg sure sounds like fun, especially it it were to have the chuckability (don`t even know if that`s a word) of the original one.
Anyway, howsabout a
Built by Coggiola atop a stretched Jalpa chassis with the Jalpa's V8 and 5-speed mounted behind the rear seats. The car debuted at Frankfurt in 1987.
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It's such a shame nothing came of this thing. Even with less power and more weight, its styling is still fantastic and there's little that wouldn't work from a production perspective.
Anyway, howsabout aDodge IntrepidLamborghini Portofino?
Built by Coggiola atop a stretched Jalpa chassis with the Jalpa's V8 and 5-speed mounted behind the rear seats. The car debuted at Frankfurt in 1987.
I can attest the engine-less Portofino concepts were doing the rounds at auto shows in 1986.
(My photographic skills
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- TexRex72
With the "completed" car (engine included) being introduced in 1987 in Frankfurt? While I was previously aware of the car, the information provided came from the Wikipedia entry.
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- StreetHawk555
Oldsmobile Expression Concept (1990)
A 4-door wagon with fiberglass exterior panels w/6 passenger seating. Despite on rolling on a 104.9 inch wheelbase, it was built on the GM10 platform & equipped with a supercharged 2.3L Quad 4 mated to electronic 4spd automatic.
One of its biggest highlights is that it has a built in Nintendo Entertainment System in the back of the car, as well as a mini TV, a VCR, and a CD player for good measure. The Expression also came equipped with 4-wheel steering and ABS on all four disc brakes.
Third Seat Entertainment Center
Interior
Its array of innovative technical features range from a flat screen color CRT screen, a navigation system, integrated hot/cold storage box, and integrated vacuum cleaner.
Debuted at the 1990 Chicago Auto Show, it was very sleek and slippery car that gave people exactly what it was named for. This car unfortunately never made it into production in 1992 despite it having very intriguing ideas & features that would make their way into automobiles in the 21st century. The Expression's design cues, specifically the exterior will later be influenced on the Oldsmobile Aurora where its styling is taken from the Expression Concept. If you take a closer look at their designs, the Expression showed the preview of how Oldmobile's lineup of cars were gonna look in the 90's.
The rear styling of the Expression will also be influenced on the third gen Ford Taurus Wagon.
Coming to think of it, I think it copied the Oldsmobile Aurora.
A 4-door wagon with fiberglass exterior panels w/6 passenger seating. Despite on rolling on a 104.9 inch wheelbase, it was built on the GM10 platform & equipped with a supercharged 2.3L Quad 4 mated to electronic 4spd automatic.
One of its biggest highlights is that it has a built in Nintendo Entertainment System in the back of the car, as well as a mini TV, a VCR, and a CD player for good measure. The Expression also came equipped with 4-wheel steering and ABS on all four disc brakes.
Third Seat Entertainment Center
Interior
Its array of innovative technical features range from a flat screen color CRT screen, a navigation system, integrated hot/cold storage box, and integrated vacuum cleaner.
Debuted at the 1990 Chicago Auto Show, it was very sleek and slippery car that gave people exactly what it was named for. This car unfortunately never made it into production in 1992 despite it having very intriguing ideas & features that would make their way into automobiles in the 21st century. The Expression's design cues, specifically the exterior will later be influenced on the Oldsmobile Aurora where its styling is taken from the Expression Concept. If you take a closer look at their designs, the Expression showed the preview of how Oldmobile's lineup of cars were gonna look in the 90's.
The rear styling of the Expression will also be influenced on the third gen Ford Taurus Wagon.
Coming to think of it, I think it copied the Oldsmobile Aurora.
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These following prototypes were 1 offs and are nowhere to be found
1965 Volkswagen EA 141 (Second Generation VW Bus Prototype [T2])
Production model VW Type 2 (T2) 1967/68
1979 Volkswagen T3 Prototype (Third Generation VW Bus Prototype [T3])
Production model Volkswagen Type 2 (T3) 'Vanagon' 1979/80
1965 Volkswagen EA 141 (Second Generation VW Bus Prototype [T2])
Production model VW Type 2 (T2) 1967/68
1979 Volkswagen T3 Prototype (Third Generation VW Bus Prototype [T3])
Production model Volkswagen Type 2 (T3) 'Vanagon' 1979/80
- 29,748
- a baby, candy, it's like taking.
- TexRex72
So...I have a thing for European GTs, sports cars and sedans with big American V8s.
Chevrolet engines found their way into numerous Isos, such as the Rivolta, Grifo (A3 L, Lusso GL and 7 Litri), Fidia S4 and Lele, as well as the Bitter CD in Germany and the Grifo-derived Bizzarrini AC/3.
Fords were a bit more common, ending up in the obvious AC Cobras, Lola-based GT40s and numerous De Tomasos (Pantera, Mangusta, Longchamp, Deauville, late Guaràs and the Biguá that would end up being sold as the Qvale Mangusta) but also Sunbeam Alpines, more Isos, such as the Grifo IR8 and Can Am, Fidia IR10, Lele IR6 and the mid-engined Varedo prototype, and even early TVRs before the switch to Rover V8s (which were themselves derived from Buick engines).
Chrysler engines saw widespread use in [British] Bristol 407 and 408s (after the venerable BMW-derived 6 was deemed inadequate) and Jensen CV8s, Interceptors and the FF, the [French] Facel Vega HK500, Excellence and Facel II, as well as the Monica 560*, [Italian] Ghia's own Ghia L 6.4 (a remnant of the Dual-Motors venture that was fizzling away) and, last but not least, Monteverdi in Switzerland.
Established in Binningen, Switzerland, Peter Monteverdi, a Ferrari importer, saw reasonable success with his own Monteverdi High Speed 375s (S, L, C and the 375/4 saloon), but he also ventured to create a halo car for his brand, in the form of the Monteverdi Hai 450.
German for "shark", the Hai 450 SS and GTS were mid-engined supercars that bowed in 1970 with production Chrysler V8s rated at 450PS, or about 444hp.
The knowledgeable out there may have an idea where this is going. While all of the other cars listed possessed potent but pretty standard V8s, the Hai 450 got something special--a 426 Hemi sat right behind the passenger compartment...*cough*...sort of.
Yeah...it's ten pounds of meat in a five pound bag. Things don't get much better with the seats in place, either.
Despite the rather futuristic styling and the powerhouse of an engine, everything underneath was tried-and-true.
All that power was transferred through a ZF 5DS-25/1 gearbox--the very same unit used in the GT40 (and then flipped over for use in the Pantera as the /2 model)--and to the tires via a De Dion tube suspension with parallel 4-links and a Watts bellcrank linkage controlling lateral movement.
Monteverdi later produced a "Safari" SUV, utilizing International Harvester Scout components and both Scout and Chrysler engines.
*Edit to add.
Chevrolet engines found their way into numerous Isos, such as the Rivolta, Grifo (A3 L, Lusso GL and 7 Litri), Fidia S4 and Lele, as well as the Bitter CD in Germany and the Grifo-derived Bizzarrini AC/3.
Fords were a bit more common, ending up in the obvious AC Cobras, Lola-based GT40s and numerous De Tomasos (Pantera, Mangusta, Longchamp, Deauville, late Guaràs and the Biguá that would end up being sold as the Qvale Mangusta) but also Sunbeam Alpines, more Isos, such as the Grifo IR8 and Can Am, Fidia IR10, Lele IR6 and the mid-engined Varedo prototype, and even early TVRs before the switch to Rover V8s (which were themselves derived from Buick engines).
Chrysler engines saw widespread use in [British] Bristol 407 and 408s (after the venerable BMW-derived 6 was deemed inadequate) and Jensen CV8s, Interceptors and the FF, the [French] Facel Vega HK500, Excellence and Facel II, as well as the Monica 560*, [Italian] Ghia's own Ghia L 6.4 (a remnant of the Dual-Motors venture that was fizzling away) and, last but not least, Monteverdi in Switzerland.
Established in Binningen, Switzerland, Peter Monteverdi, a Ferrari importer, saw reasonable success with his own Monteverdi High Speed 375s (S, L, C and the 375/4 saloon), but he also ventured to create a halo car for his brand, in the form of the Monteverdi Hai 450.
German for "shark", the Hai 450 SS and GTS were mid-engined supercars that bowed in 1970 with production Chrysler V8s rated at 450PS, or about 444hp.
The knowledgeable out there may have an idea where this is going. While all of the other cars listed possessed potent but pretty standard V8s, the Hai 450 got something special--a 426 Hemi sat right behind the passenger compartment...*cough*...sort of.
Yeah...it's ten pounds of meat in a five pound bag. Things don't get much better with the seats in place, either.
Despite the rather futuristic styling and the powerhouse of an engine, everything underneath was tried-and-true.
All that power was transferred through a ZF 5DS-25/1 gearbox--the very same unit used in the GT40 (and then flipped over for use in the Pantera as the /2 model)--and to the tires via a De Dion tube suspension with parallel 4-links and a Watts bellcrank linkage controlling lateral movement.
Monteverdi later produced a "Safari" SUV, utilizing International Harvester Scout components and both Scout and Chrysler engines.
*Edit to add.
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