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O.S.I. Silver Fox 1967 During the mid fifties Piero Taruffi – a race driver - got the idea to build a car with two hulls. The driver was sitting in one of tham the emgine was in the other one. They were connected and there was the radiator. It named ˇbisiluro” what takes twin-torpedo in italian. The Silver Fox is built according the same precept. The engine is placed behind the seat left slantwise. The driver seated right side. The two hulls are connected by the driver's cab and three tail units in the form of wings. The first of these can be adjusted as required while the vehicle is stationary in order to determine the strength of the downforce. The middle one can be adjusted while driving, the rear one is fixed. The ready prototype was never tested because the manufacturer went bankrupt. The model made by a No Name manufacturer in 3” size. They made a little misstake by placing the engine in the middle of car. The model is repainted and detailed by some decals and metal mesh before the radiator.

Many thanks for the nice comment Gary. I curved only one in 1:24 scale not from wood but from styrofoam. And that was not the model only a template to make the model. More details you can find in the forums Under Glass section - WOLOMOPRO Lamborghini Marzal.

1:75 story 02 Citroen DS 21 1968 The Citroen DS was not a rare car. There was nearly 1,5 million built in 20 years. But this was the first mass production car equipped with hydropneumatic suspension, as well as disc brakes. I remember the funny behavior of the rear at braking: the back of the car lifted high suddenly and than sinked elegant slow back to normal level. The responsibel for all these is the brake button on the pedal and the connceted hydraulic system of steering, brakes and suspension. The brake button has only about 3/8 inch to travel from zero to full stop. As the car tilted forward by braking the high hydraulic pressure (the same in brake- and suspension system) lifted the rear extra and gave the tires more load for better braking. An effect like ABS. I found a side view drawing in a magazin and with the help of dimensions data and photos I made a blueprint. The model curved from wood , the head lights made of plexi, the rear lights from transparent red plastic of a toothbrush handle. The model has an elastic suspension made with plastic foam. I glued a piece of leaden in bottom to give some load and so the model rolled perfect on uneven surface too. With time the foam is compacted and the car sinked to a „low-rider” level. Similar as the 1:1 car did after switch off the engine. Ford J Car 1966 The first Ford J-Car, with a lightened chassis and fiberglass body, was completed in March of 1966, and it made its first public appearance at the Le Mans Trials where it recorded the fastest time. Because of modifications in track layout to make it safer and safer the lap times are increased and the record is today the same perhaps. After Ford GT40’s 1-2-3 win at LeMans in 1966 the J-car project was put on hold. Later after some transformation the J-Cars officially became known as the Ford GT MK IV. I found a blueprint of the car in a hungarian modeling magazine and immediately began to curve. The paintwork is made by brushable enamel for bicycles. I experimented with longitudinal swingarms suspension but the model didn`t rolling well. Sorry it`s a shame for a Ford J model. Mc Laren M6A 1967 The M6A had the first monocoque chassis constructed by McLaren. The team created a fuel injection system for their Chevrolet V8 engines and they changed the tyre supplier from Firestone to Goodyear. The car was a winner from the begining and they winn the 1967 Can-Am Challenge Cup with Bruce McLaren and Danny Hulme as first and second. The Mc Laren M6A was in the modeling magazine too but with a type mark M8A mistaken . I prepared the model same way as the other ones. Only the suspension is now wishbons A form. The rolling isn`t better as the Ford.

Cadillac V-16 Concept 2003 Built for the 2003 Detroit Auto Show a one-off concept car that payed hommage to the V16 cars of Cadillac’s past. Additional original design elements were provided by an in-house design competition. The engine was said to produce a minimum of 1,000 bhp 13577 cc. It is mated to a four-speed, electronically controlled, automatic transmission driving the rear wheels. The engine features fuel-saving Active Fuel Management "Displacement on Demand" technology,which could shut down either twelve or eight of the cylinders when the full output was not needed. The car itself weighs about 2,270 kg. The Sixteen has hand-stitched, Tuscany leather upholstered seats, warm, hand-woven silk carpets the floor. The dash, door panels, and front and rear consoles are trimmed with walnut burl veneer inlays. There is a Cadillac logo carved out of solid crystal on the steering wheel and a Bulgari clock on the middle of dashboard. Due to the experimental nature of the car, an electronically imposed 40 mph was the top speed. Top Gear reviewed the Cadillac 16 with its presenter James May. He praised the Sixteen as "exactly what a Cadillac should be". The model made by West Coast Precision Diecast 1:24 scale. I think the pictures tell everything. West Coast Precision Diecast done a good job. Enjoy the pictures.

Alfa Romeo Carabo 1968 The Carabo is often considered the winner of the 'Wedge War' award of 1968 and as the direct predecessor of the Lamborghini Countach and having heavily influenced many car designs to follow well into the next decade. The prototype was built on the chassis of an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale. It was designed by Marcello Gandini, working for the Bertone design studio. It was never intended for production but was fully functional. The mid-mounted 2.0 L V8 engine made 230 bhp, able to reach a top speed of 250 km/h. The model is made by Hotwheels in the „Red Line”. I painted the heavely play worn car according the original. Oh good old days, when a one dollar toycar had scissors doors operable. Enjoy the pictures.

1:75 story 01 I curved some of my toys from wood 8 – 10 years old soon. I liked the cars mostly and drew own designs. In 1959 I got a medical scalpel from a coleague and it was my first special tool. So I started to curve autos with it. The first 3 cars were made in 1960 and they are my designs inspired by the cars that time. The body is curved from wood . The wood was water-coloured and enamelled with boat coatings. The silver colour made of a heat resistant paint for stovepipes. The sizes of the models was determined by the lenght of the pins I used as axles. The wheels are made of rubber eraser. The head lights were the result of hole a plastic sheet, the rear lights are made of transparent red plastic of a toothbrush handle. The black&white photos from that time are showing the cars in new condition. The cars after 62 years shown in colour. Enjoy the pictures.

Yes, it may be that this car will be famous. But sure not for its beauty.

Rolls Royce Sweptail 2017 In 1973 a client wished a one-off car according his ideas. The result is the Sweptail. It is a Rolls-Royce – but like no other before. „Rolls Royce Coachbuild is the automotive equivalent of haute couture” said Giles Taylor, director of design „and an extraordinary design collaboration between patron and artisan”. The design team developed a car that looked back to the coach-built Rolls-Royces of the 1920s and 1930s, while also incorporating secret compartments to store the client's belongings and favourite luxury items. Rolls-Royce's iconic grille has also been included in the design in milled aluminium, with the company claiming it to be the "largest grille of any modern-era Rolls". The car based on the RR Phantom Coupe with the 6.75 l V12, 453 bhp, connected to a ZF 8-speed automatic gear box. The car was produced hand-made in four years. Total production: 1. That time it was the most expensive new automobile in the world, costing around US$12.8 million. (two years later was overtaken by the Bugatti La Voiture Noire which sold for US$18.7 million. The model is made by XLG, China 1:24. Nice little specialities: there is a little button under the engine to help open the hood. The Spirit of Extasy can be removed for safety of tham. Moreover an extra spare one in a little plastic bag is in the box too. Enjoy the pictures.

Hi Carl, thank you for the nice comment. I hope I can show furthermore items you like.

Renault Alpine A441 Group 5 1974 At the Circuit Paul Ricard, April 7th, the opening round of the 1974 European 2-litre Sports-Car Championship saw the young Alain Cudini, score three significant “firsts”, when he won the 68-lap event. It was his first 2-litre sports-car drive, the first occasion the new A441 model had raced, and the first Championship points the manufacturer had scored since first contesting the Championship. It was great time for Renault ! The car was powered by a Renault-Gordini Type CH1B V6 cylinder petrol engine, 1997 cc with 295 HP and a top speed of 320 kmh. Next year they started in Le Mans 24h. Lella Lombardi (later lady driver in F1) and Marie-Claude Beamont were the 9th fastest qualifier but did not finish because of fuel feed problems. There was 2 cars built only. The model made by Polistil 1:55 scale. The original was yellow and I modified to the Lombardi car dark blue Enjoy the pictures..

Hi, I`m glad to hear you want to see my „curved” models too. I think these ones are interesting for a few enthusiasts who are making similar 100% DIY models small or greater ones. These models are not available in commerce and so the interest for a such tread would be very low. I think the best would be if I show tham between my rare auto models time to time. Perhaphs in chronology of making. So one can see some developing in modeling skills and technology. I checked my models and documentation: models are there – photos few and in old quality. But I shall do my best what free time allows. Thanks for the nice inspiration.

Hi Gary, oh yes ! The prices are gone in haeven in the last time. Some seller makes an irreal high price. (1:64 toycar for more than $20.00 + post)

Rolls Royce Phantom VII. 2003 It was the first Rolls-Royce developed and introduced after BMW purchased the right to use the Rolls-Royce name and logo in 1998. The car built according the motto „Design without compromise – Rolls Royce Facts.” It is a full-sized luxury saloon car built in the RR factory near to the Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit. The body is mostly aluminium. The aluminium extrusions that are used to construct the aluminium spaceframe are produced in Norway using hydroelectric power, shaped and machined in Denmark and finally hand-welded in Germany. In the RR factory are only three robots in the factory. They are painting the body ; all further works are hand made. In accordance with tradition. A bit traditional are the rear doors rear-hinged , a style commonly referred to as suicide doors, but called 'coach doors' by Rolls-Royce. The base of Spirit of Extasy (pet name Emily)contains a sensor that detects movement, and retracts if someone tampers with it. The 2,485 kg heavy car powered by a 6,749 cc V12 engine 460 PS. And it accelerate to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. There is a special edition : Naples Winter Wine Festival 2005. Built for the festival in Florid in burgundy colour body. It included some extra design details and a mini wine cellar at the floor of the boot. It was sold at a charity auction in the US for $800,000. The model made by XLG/China 1:24 scale in burgundy colour. A little help for open the hood : there is a little button under the engine to lift it a bit. Emily has no protection against tampering. Enjoy the pictures.

Jaguar XJ-C V12 Broadspeed Racing 1975 In 1975, Ralf Broad got a contract to prepare Jaguar XJ Series II V12 Coupes for entry in the Group 2 class of the European Touring Car Championship. They tuned the 5.4 litre V12 engine to some 560 hp, gave massive AP brakes cooled by special ducts at all four corners and used specially cast suspension components to cope with racing loads. Its pace was fearsome as a string of strong qualifying performances proved, but engine failures, gearbox seizures, broken driveshafts and lost wheels caused countless retirements. In spite of using top drivers, such as Derek Bell, the cars were not successful. The model made by Guisval Spain scale 1:64 (about). It was a fleemarkt find and in wrong condition. The casting had the expanded wheel arches so I repainted it and made the racing version with rhe first Broadspeed liveria by decals.

Hi Gary, thanks for the nice comment. I have about 50 such curved 1:75 models. I don`t know may I show tham in this forum or any other ? Some of tham are from the begining my modeling before more than 50 years (they are a bit simple) the newer ones are similar what I showed in connection with diecast variants soon.

General Motors LeSabre Concept 1951 General Motors’ LeSabre was legendary design chief Harley Earl’s tour de force that had massive influence on car design for a decade. Probably it was the most important show car of the 1950s. The design was influenced by the jet Le Sabre F-86 and had a lot new features never seen before: the first appearance of GM’s famed wrap-around windshield, a console-mounted sensor automatically raised its top when it rained, instrumentation included beside the usually ones a compass and altimeter too, magnesium, aluminum, and fiberglass were creatively combined and crafted into a lightweight body, automatic transmission was located at the rear of the car, et cetera. The car is powered by a custom designed 215 cubic-inch aluminum, 335 hp supercharged V8 engine designed to run on both gasoline and ethanol with two separate fuel tanks and two carburetors. Each of the dual tail fins contained a 20-gallon fuel tank. Seat and steering wheel were non-adjustable, permanently set for 6’ 4” Earl alone. The LeSabre was fully functional and served as Harley Earl’s daily driver for several years, racking up 45,000 miles. A great publicity tour that included a tour of France and Belgium caused a great sensation and, while in Europe, posed for photos with General Eisenhower. The lightly altered version 1952 captured the imagination of more than a million spectators of the 1953 Motorama show. The models: The first model is made from a GlenCoe Models kit 1:72 scale. The colour is the same as the prototype was painted in the workshop and never showed publicly. The kit needed some correction at the rear and a transparent windshield in place of the solid plastic block. The next two are curved from wood by me scale 1:75 in 1995. They are the two variants 1951 and 1952. The last one is made by Franklin Mint 1:24 scale in 1999 and is the best selling model of the company since than. The model is very nice done, with removable „soft„ top. The only delusion are the head lights, they are painted simlpy white. There is even no indention to simulate the pattern of glass. But I like this car and the models of it very much. Enjoy the pictures.

Thank you for the info. It is a really nice model made by Truescale. Alas 1:43 is out of my collecting size.

Bentley State Limousine HM The Queen Elisabeth 2002 In 2002 Bentley modified the Arnage R heavily to a State Limousine for HM The Queen Elisabeth in occasion of her Golden Jubilee. The car would be 83 cm longer, 25.5 cm taller and a bit wider.The rear window could be covered by opaque panels to give more privacy over against the full visibility of the occupants. The bodywork and glass are armoured, the cabin can be sealed air-tight and the tyres are kevlar-reinforced. When carrying the Queen the bonnet ornament is replaced, either by the Queen's personal mascot of Saint George slaying the dragon or, in Scotland, by a single standing lion. There were 2 cars built both in black colour. The unique bodywork was built by Bentley's Mulliner coachbuilding division. The model made by Oxford Diecast in 1:76 scale. The little car is well detailed: the hood ornament is the original „flying B” – the Queen isn`t in car. But the coat-of-royal-arms is on the top and on the rear doors below the windows is the emblem of the Queen. In 1:76 size ! The model is bourdon , not black. I saw some photos on the net in bourdon and some in black. I dislike the black little cars. Enjpy the pictures.

Hi Gary, I`m glad you got inspiration.

Chevrolet Corvette Indy Concept 1986 The Indy Concept debuted at the 1986 Detroit auto show. The very long and lean supercar was proudly proclaimed that, this may well be what the fifth-generation Corvette could look like. The Indy's party piece was the 2.65-liter twin-turbo Indy V-8, rumored to put down more than 600 horsepower. GM tapped Lotus for its hydraulic active suspension., and added four-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, traction control, anti-lock braking system and drive-by-wire steering. Inside were displays mounted on the door handled climate and entertainment info, while a rearview camera made sure that the long rear end didn't bump into anything. There's even a center-mounted CRT cluster that displayed navigation, though during the mid-1980s GPS was limited to military use only. The roadworthy Indy's performance was strong, with zero to 60 mph allegedly taking less than five seconds and its top speed some say 180 mph, but supercars.net states that it’s 210 mph. Today, the experimental vehicle is housed in the General Motors Heritage Center. The model is made by Motormax in scale 1:24. I made a few detailing by paint and some wiring and plumbing in engine compartment.

Lamborghini Diablo SE30 Jota 1993 Ferrucio Lamborghini, a tractor manufacturer, founded his sports car factory in 1963. In 1993 they celebrated the 30th anniversary with a Special Edition (SE 30) of the Diablo. The car was rather redesigned: new front bumper design, model-specific exterior finish, huge rear wing, one-off magnezium OZ Racing wheels, 40 HP increased power and for 28 cars the coveted Jota kit which is recognizable by the two scoops incorporated in the engine lid. The original purpose of the Jota trans-kit was to transform the Diablo into a turn-key race car, but the majority of the 28 kits built ended up on street-legal cars after all. There were 150 of these special Diablos built total. The model made by Maisto 1:24 scale. The model is good detailed but the engine bay is rather rough -and-ready. Enjoy the pictures.

Ford Thunderbird 1958 There was high time to renew the Thunderbird. According a Ford-conducted surveys two major changes were made to attract potential buyers: two rear seats were added and the level of luxury and features of a full-sized car were incorporated into a mid-size platform. The new car got the nickname "Square 'Bird" due to their fairly blocky shape. Many fans of the earlier, two-seat Thunderbirds were not happy with the new direction. But the new model dramatically expanded in the personal luxury car market, specially after winning the Motor Trend Car of the Year in 1958. The car sat very low to the ground and the driveshaft tunnel in interieur needed a practical and showy covering. The center console was the solution and in addition housed switches, buttons and ashtrays too. The Thunderbird was one of the first American car with center console. The model is made by Matchbox scale 1:64. The little toycar was in rather wrong condition. It became polishing of „glasses” and new paintjob.

There is a Guilloy Mercedes C 112 concept in 1:24 too. Saw only high priced still.

Mercedes C 111/II 1970 The Mercedes C 111 line is for experimenting with different engine developments and construction options. The second C111 - Bruno Sacco’s futuristic styling - appeared in 1970. It used a four-rotor Wankel mid-engine producing 350 hp with rear wheel drive and a 5 speed manual gearbox. The experimental features included body of glass-fibre reinforced plastic (GRP) and joining techniques such as adhesive bonding and riveting, multi-link rear suspension and gull-wing doors. The interior was luxurious with leather trim and air conditioning. The car impressed with their effortlessly superior driving performance, delivering top speed 300 km/h, and could accelerate from a standing start to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. The company decided not to adopt the Wankel engine ultimately and turned to diesel experiments with further C111 variants. The model made by Guiloy/Spain in 1:24 scale. Enjoy the pictures.

Bertone Panther 1968 It was a racing prototype for the Brescia Corse Racing Team for the Prototype World Championship. The car was developed with all the newest technical solutions. The body was constructed around a stiff aluminium monocoque with titanium at the high stress areas. Suspension was with wishbones and adjustable dampers all around. The brakes were ventilated discs and the wheels special self-ventilating ones with custom tubeless tyres. The 24 volt electrical system allowed to use lighter conductors. The aerodynamics used a high, wing-shaped spoiler above the cockpit with hydraulic controll of its effect. Originally planned to run a BRM-supplied V12 but the deal fell trough and, with no luck sourcing an engine at Maserati, the Panther project eas quietly abandoned. The model is made by Majorette/France 1:65 scale. Originally the wing made „functional” – could tilt fore and back. I couldn`t find anyone proper so I scratch built a wing for my model. Enjoy the pictures.