Sunday, April 28, 2024

1953 Allstate


 Sears sold the Kaiser Henry J rebadged as an Allstate

Saturday, April 27, 2024

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

1965 Bugatti 101C roadster




 The original Bugatti car company died in 1952. Virgil Exner, an American designer,  was assigned the task of resurrecting the marque. It looks like he started by using a Bugatti radiator shell from the 1930's. This 101C concept was built by Ghia.

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Mr. Graham's three wheeled car


 Apparently Mr. Graham built this car and the photo was taken as he and his bride we leaving on their honeymoon. I was unable to find an additional information.

Monday, April 22, 2024

1954 Chevrolet Corvair Corvette concept

Poor number  of sales after introduction nearly caused Chevrolet to discontinue Corvette production. Only 300 examples of the 1953 model were made. The idea of introducing a fastback version of the car was quickly shelved. Apparently there were five Corvairs made but none of the originals survived. Blue Flame Restorations created a replica of the 1954 Corvair. The story and more photos is here on silodrome.com

Sunday, April 21, 2024

1940 A81

During WWII Volkswagon Hired Ferdinand Porsche to design a number of light military vehicles. The A81 was 2 wheel drive and powered by a 1000cc engine. The army specified that with four combat ready troops on board it could weigh no more than 2100 pounds.


Friday, April 19, 2024

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Down Rio way


Early 50's Borgward Hansa 1500 Isabella 

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Monday, April 15, 2024

Gentleman's tractor


 1938-41 Minneapolis Moline ULDX Comfortractor

Sunday, April 14, 2024

Thursday, April 11, 2024

Piaggio Ape


Another example of providing war torn Europe with affordable forms of transportation. Introduced in Italy in 1947 it came in different configurations with various engines from 50cc to 175cc. Cabs weren't added until 1964. Read more here.

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Rhodesian Security Leopard


Based on 70's VW Beetle. This V-hull design was an early attempt at directing the force of a land mine out and around the passenger compartment. 


Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Volvo Venus Bilo


 

The Venus Bilo was a concept car from 1933. It had nine specifically designed suitcases for compartments in the vehicle. It had two spare tires one of which served as a rear bumper. It rode on a PV655 chassis. The design led to the Volvo PV36 Carioca production car (pictured below) from 1935-38. The fate of the concept is unknown. After WWII it was sold to a scrap yard where it was turned into a truck.



Saturday, April 6, 2024