Automobiles

Subject: Automobiles Thu Feb 28, 2019 10:02 pm

Hispano Suiza returns to production with electric Formula E racing powertrain and classic styling
Jim O'Clair on Feb 25th, 2019

Automobiles 1939-H-S-Dubonnet-970x646

Although we probably won’t see a complete picture of the new Hispano Suiza Carmen model until the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show in mid-March, we have seen some preliminary images. They seem to indicate that the limited-production Carmen, named after the granddaughter of the founder of Grup Peralada’s co-owner Suque Mateau, will resemble, in many ways, the 1938 Hispano-Suiza Xenia Dubonnet.

Grup Peralada is a Spanish manufacturing and entertainment conglomerate that owns casinos, hotels, and spas. It also manufactures food-grade polypropylene and raises cultivated oysters in addition to (now) producing Hispano Suiza automobiles.

Automobiles Souza-1-970x1099

The original company Hispano-Suiza was started by Mark Birkigt and produced autos, airplane engines, and airplanes from 1904 until 1943, and continued after WWII with production of airplane engines and airplane parts. It is still operating now as part of the Safran S.A. aircraft company in Paris. We have seen many of the original Hispano-Suiza airplane engines transplanted into custom vehicles since the company stopped producing cars. An example of a four-cylinder “Hisso” dragster and other race cars using the Hispano-Suiza engines are listed here.

Automobiles Hispano-1-970x1100

There were rumblings at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show that automotive production would resume, with the showing of a prototype using an Audi R8 V-10 FSI drivetrain under a redesigned carbon fiber body, however, the car never came to fruition, aside from the displayed prototype.

Current plans are to only produce 19 of this model featuring a QEV Technologies electric powertrain, with production taking place in Barcelona, where the new model was designed and where the original company was headquartered. QEV is best known for producing Formula E racing motors and combustion engine to electric conversion drivetrains, and offering technical support to the Mahindra FIA Formula E race team. Formula E is the first fully electric powered race car series worldwide.

With the recent releases of fully electric performance models from Tesla, Jaguar, Fisker, and others, Hispano Suiza may have been smart to wait a few more years before its idea of electric autos following classic design queues would be more warmly welcomed. We certainly look forward to further information about the H S Carmen.

Further information on Hispano Suiza is online at GrupPeralada.com. QEV Technologies’ website at QEVTech.com has more on the drivetrain, plus be sure to check out Jittney electric conversion in the “E-Kits” section.

https://www.hemmings.com/blog/2019/02/25/hispano-suiza-returns-to-production-with-electric-formula-e-racing-powertrain-and-classic-styling/

Subject: Re: Automobiles Thu Feb 28, 2019 10:06 pm

1953 GLASSPAR G2 ROADSTER

The Corvette wasn't the only fiberglass-bodied roadster available in 1953. Southern California marine architect Bill Tritt drew on his experience with boats when he designed the Glasspar G2, a two-seater with a fiberglass body that came as either a kit or completed car.

The chassis was designed to take just about any American V8 available at the time; Emilio Pistoresi chose a DeSoto Hemi and 1940 Ford transmission and rear axle for his kit version.

The G2 remained with the Pistoresi family until 2010, when auto restorer Gary Hatfield bought the disassembled car and meticulously brought it back to its original glory.

Only around 30 G2s are believed to exist, making it one of the rarest American cars you can get, and an excellent example of 1950s American sports car design.

https://uncrate.com/1953-glasspar-g2-roadster/

Subject: Re: Automobiles Thu Feb 28, 2019 10:09 pm

1937 BUGATTI TYPE 57SC ATALANTE COUPE

Among automobiles, there are few true Holy Grails. The Ferrari 250 GTO, 1950s Jaguars and Aston Martins with their racing histories and early Rolls-Royces are a few examples. But few road cars can compete with Bugatti's Type 57SC Atalante.

Designed by Ettore Bugatti's son Jean, the Type 57 debuted at the London Motor Show in 1935. Only 48 Type 57S's would be built, and only 17 would be bodied with the Atalante coachwork seen on the car here.

This Atalante is the first of four made with the "low-headlight" design that appeared on the prototype at the 1937 Paris Auto Show. The twin-cam straight-eight motor is an advanced design based on the Type 49 and has been brought to Type 57SC specs with a period-correct supercharger.

With a completely documented history since new and retaining much of its original parts, this Type 57 is a very valuable piece of early automotive history.

More pics at https://uncrate.com/1937-bugatti-type-57sc-atalante-coupe/