The Car Shopping Round (Round 64): Tears in Heaven

The Moonbow was a mid-eighties simple car, designed to be… well simple.
But following the tradition of ACCIAIOLI PERFORMANCE , they imagine what it will be if the Moonbow had a racing version, and more important, how a road version of that racing trim would be. And they created the Moonbow Stradale.

The steel chassis remains, but they changed all the steel panels for a new design made in fiber glass and change the engine position from in front the driver, to between the driver and the rear wheels. The small v6 engine has the same displacement, but it’s completely new and almost twice as powerfull as the original.


You can get one for only $58,800

5 Likes

You know the feeling when you post your rules and you’r all like “I’m so gonna review cars as soon as they are submitted” and than before you find time to even open the game there are already 7 submisions in your mailbox

Keep them coming guys, love the diversity :slight_smile:

hahaha. fortunately i didn’t experienced that… like 40% of the submission were REALLY early, and 40% of the rest was at the time limit. soo yeah, that also contributed a little to why my review was a little late. just a little though, it was mostly me.

I have 2 possible cars and no idea which one to submit…

Take a coin. Heads car1 tail car2. Flip it. When coin is in the air you will instinctively think of one car you fear to loose. That’s the one I want to see :slight_smile:

1 Like

Presenting the entrant from Erin for this round:



##Overview
One of Erin’s most iconic and famous race cars, remade in the 21st century. Designed using original schematics, tuned with advice from those who drove the original and carefully modernised, the Merna Touring Ritorno is at once both a tasteful homage to the sixties race car and seriously capable performance vehicle.

##The Story
When the original Merna was launched in 1961, Erin’s racing division Erin Motorsport (now ErinSport) immediatley got their hands on it, and began to develop a racing version. This would become the first ever Merna Touring, a line of race cars that stretches to this day. With every new generation of Merna, a Touring version has followed, and as a result it has become an integral part of Erin’s motorsport history.

Come 1968, and the brand new Mk 2 Merna was launched to great success, but even more successful was the Touring version. Competing in touring car competitions across Europe as well as rallying and even rallycross, it became a staple for Erin’s image. Notorious for its brilliant driving charcteristics, small size and distinctive V6 noise, this was a car that oozed a plucky kind of charm and yet was still a seriously competitive vehicle. It won the BTCC in 1969 and 1970, whilst finishing 2nd in the Rally-Monte Carlo in 1968.

To celebrate both the Mk 2 Merna Touring and the line of race cars in general, Erin’s in-house tuning company The X Department have developed this made-to-order restomod version of the car, and aptly named it the ‘Ritorno’ - Italian for ‘Return’.

##The Design
At its absolute core, this is a car made to imitate the Mk 2 Merna Touring. The same all-aluminium body, made to the exact original dimensions; a gorgeous blend of original fittings and modern touches that create a true retro-modern feel; a plush, luxury interior, with full plastic/wooden dashboard (plus a classic sideways speedometer) that echoes the original while still making room for modern technologies that are integrated seamlessly.

##The Power
To truly pay homage to this car, the engine had to be similar. The timeless, blunt and broad sound produced by the original 2.4l V6 is reborn with an all new engine of same displacement, but packed with all modern features - VVT/L, direct injection and an AlSi construction; a modern 6 speed manual with a properly engineered limited slip differential delivers the power to the rear wheels; this a responsive power-train that is made to be driven.

##The Dynamics
All active suspension, utilizing push rods at the rear and double wishbones at the front, keep the car planted; 235mm wide 15" alloy wheels are well proportioned and ensure plenty of grip without overdoing it; tuned and tested with help from Paul Kimberly and Daniel Daminson - original drivers of these cars in the BTCC from 1968 to 1970 - to create an authentic, riveting and defining driving experience; a car that is tame when you need it to be, but lively, nimble and fast when you want it to be.

##The Construction
Built at an exclusive, low volume production line at the X Department Research and Development Centre in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, by a specially selected 30 person team; made to order based on your requests, available with a wide range of colors and interior materials; a limited production run of just 101 vehicles, representing the number of pole positions the Erin Merna has achieved in BTCC since 1961.

###Price: £66,560

5 Likes

Here’s a model from Petoskey Motors.

In 1982 the iconic Montauk underwent a redesign for the new model year. This new J Body was released to mixed reviews. Younger crowds praised the new designs while others felt that the Montauk was losing its edge. However, jump forward 34 years and we have a redesign. As per your request, we came across a vehicle which got into a tangle with a lake and lost. The vehicle has been salvaged and meticulously rebuilt. Let’s walk you through this new classic.



Among the first changes we made was an all new double wishbone/pushrod suspension. Second, we replaced the anemic 172 hp 301 with the latest generation good for 424 hp. This power is channeled through a durable six-speed straight to the electronic J-Diff to the wheels. This means a car that remains disciplined for everyday driving, but with the option to shred em should you desire. This model boasts a respectable 0-62 time of 4.8 seconds and a 1/4 mile run of 12.90 @ 116 mph.

Inside you will see an all new sports interior which provides nominal comfort without the added weight. A standard radio is fitted in with a CD player and MP3 player/phone connectivity. Unlike the original J Body, this one has been fitted with the latest DRIVESAFE package from Petoskey motors. This includes ABS, Traction control, and Stability control. Since this design is meant to dominate at the drag strip, it has also been equipped with launch control. This car will give those “modern” sports cars something to think about.

Underneath the car features the same 16 inch alloy wheels available on the Rally model of the 1980s. However inside those wheels are all new 4-wheel disc brakes, added stopping power to complement the added horsepower of the engine. A custom undertray keeps the airflow where you want it improving the performance in the corners.

Take this car for a test drive today, you’ll find a basic appearance shrouding a true modern muscle car.

3 Likes

We’d like to present to you the custom Solo Design Studio Jetstream.

The Solo Design Studio is responsible for many of the Solo concept cars, as well as restoring some classics and also the occasional one-off creation. This is one of them. This 1955 Jetstream Coupe was a prototype of a coupe Jetstream with a refreshed Jetstream design that better reflected the jet age designs. A total of 16 prototypes were made, of which a couple are still owned by Solo. This example was one of the many that were disposed of when the Jetstream Coupe project was cancelled. The scrapyard that received the prototypes recognised their rarity, even without a drivetrain and many of the regular Jetstream parts stripped to be used on production parts. The prototypes were hidden away for about 20 years before silently being sold, as they were supposed to be destroyed. This is one of those examples, which was bought in 1971 by a collector who never managed to restore it, and we bought it in an estate auction following his death. Apart from some rust to the body and frame and rotting of some of the interior materials, it was in excellent condition and perfect for a restoration. So we decided to do something special with it…

Coming in at exactly $80,000, you can be the proud owner of this one-of-a-kind car. The first thing we did was replacing the frame with an AHS steel one for lower weight and improved rigidity, and for the same reason the body panels have been replaced with aluminum. We transferred the original chrome onto this new body, with alterations to the grill for a more modern look. We replaced the twin exhausts with a quad setup, the headlights with halogens, and the indicators and tail lights are now modern LEDs. Finally, we gave it a custom Midnight Metallic paintjob that we think truly highlights the design while remaining modest.

Moving on to the interior, the original automatic transmission has been replaced with a 6 speed manual for driving pleasure and performance reasons. We’ll get into that later. We gave it a luxury leather interior with a luxury infotainment system, with most of the interior in white with accents matching the exterior paint.

Now, on to the performance figures. These large 1950s cars are not known for being dynamic, so we outfitted it with active double wishbone suspension on all wheels in order to correct that. As for the engine… It’s an AlSi 60V DOHC V12 with 9.2L of displacement and a turbocharger. It produces an even 2000 hp and 1862 ft-lb of torque, for absolutely monstrous performance. We made sure the reliability was also fairly adequate, as this is a show car more than anything, it wouldn’t look good to break down on the way out of a show. While it weighs over 2.7 tons, 0-62 mph is done in 4.4 seconds, the quarter mile in 11.7 seconds, and it will continue to a top speed just over 250 mph. Giant vented discs allow it to stop from 62 mph in just over 100 ft.

We hope this is the type of restomod you’re looking for to supplement your garage, as it’s also an unlikely supercar.

4 Likes

I think the jetstream is more new than restored, it’s almost a new car, only the chrome is original :laughing:

This is my first TCSR entry, so I’m looking forward for the results, how are those reviews coming @AirJordan ?

Some of the interior is original as well :wink: A steel chassis and body will only be so good after 60 years, and it just won’t do as far as making a supercar :grin:

The reviews are shaping up as we speak :slight_smile: Since previous winners did such an excellent job with their reviews I have some ideas in how to make them a bit different. You know… same… but different… but still the same :slight_smile: Like restomods are to originals. If there won’t be a bunch of last-hour submissions I will post the results on Sunday evening (in GMT+1).

EDIT: so far 11 entries

My car is pretty much done, maybe a couple small changes and a name and then its finished.

I’d like to present you with the Mott Works Aqueos

Based on our very first sports car built in 1946 this modern recreation is a serious performer. It has 840hp from a naturally aspirated 6L V12 engine mounted in a front mid position. All of that power is translated to the ground through a 6 speed manual and 325 rear tires. With all of this power the car is able to reach a top speed of 206mph.

Suspension and body are both made of aluminum and the car has double wishbone suspension all around. The springs are fully active and sway bars are semi active. Weight distribution is actually slightly rearward, despite the front engine design, with 53% of the weight over the rear axle. The tires are high grip road tires that are 305mm front and 325mm rear in width and this means the car can pull 1.26g in the corners.

With all of this power and grip this car is faster than any other car that has been put on the top gear power board, doing a lap in 1:12.87, 1 second faster than the pagani huayra that currently tops the table.

On the inside there are 2 seats designed to support you at high speed cornering but also designed to be comfortable on a sunday drive around town. In the center console there is a small digital display which allows access to the suspension settings, the radio, and extra dials.

2 Likes

Introducing the Pearlite Streamline.

Here at Pearlite, our favorite classic cars are the aerodynamic Tatra sports cars of the 30s and 40s, such as the Tatra 77. These cars were fast, luxurious, and featured technology and design that was far ahead of their time. Since the beginning, Pearlite has been inspired by these same goals. In an homage to our past, we have set out to create a modern interpretation of the Tatra - the same classic styling, updated with all of the most advanced technology of today.

First and foremost, we wanted to recreate the most well-known feature of the Tatra - the aerodynamics. With extensive computational analysis and wind tunnel testing, we were able to design the Pearlite Streamline with an aerodynamic drag area of just 0.416 sq m, a figure which is smaller than even the most slender supercars of today. The incredible aerodynamic efficiency means that the Streamline can achieve a top speed of over 200mph - despite a relatively modest 300hp engine. Oh, and the fuel efficiency? A ridiculous 52mpg.

Inside the car, you’ll find everything you’d expect from a Pearlite: luxurious interior, premium infotainment, and all of the modern driver assists. The active sport suspension is tuned to prevent dangerous terminal oversteer. (Fun fact: Tatras were popular among Nazi officers during World War II. So many officers were killed due to the Tatras’ extreme oversteer that the cars were referred to as the Czech Secret Weapon.) The thin, sport compound tires are designed to reduce rolling resistance and also to help with the oversteer. Widespread use of advanced materials such as carbon fiber, magnesium, and Alusil alloy result in a total weight of under 1 ton, giving the Streamline excellent corning and acceleration. (Fun fact: The Tatra 77 used various magnesium parts in its construction - in 1934!)

The Pearlite Streamline is a modern incarnation of the exceptional Tatra sports cars of the past - not only in its exterior styling, but also its performance. Like the Tatra, the Pearlite Streamline is a car that is just as fast (and just as luxurious) as its brethren, but is able to achieve that with far greater efficiency. At Pearlite, we believe that to design the future, we must draw upon the past. The Pearlite Streamline is the epitome of this concept.

3 Likes

well… a 300hp with 52mpg.
magic?

Anyway

##Komodo Dreamer

this was a concept car we built back in 1984 and was displayed on 1984 to 1986, but has since been gone.
We used to Dream, we used to Imagine, we used to have to wait for ‘the future’
well guess what? Right now, We live in “THE FUTURE”.

We revived the car with FUTURE technologies. rebuilt and Resto-Modded into a race-ready everyday sports car.

so. What’s the future like you asked?
it’s not in a single piece of the car. it’s the combination of the parts that make the car.

it has double wishbone on the front and multi-link on the rear. it has a perfect 50-50 weight distribution.
coupled to a perfect 6 speed manual gearbox for driving pleasures, connected to a hi-tech electric LSD that delivers the power to all 4 wheels.

a magnesium block 2.2l Naturally Aspirated V8 making 323HP at 10k RPM! Redlining at 11200 RPM!
you won’t get tired of it revving. ever!
*limited to sport mode only. normal redline at 9500RPM

and we did say it could be used everyday. it gets an average of 19.5 MPG*, it has 4 seats. all the standard features on a sports car, all you need and nothing you dont. keeping distraction to a minimum, all the information are displayed on a monitor, behind your wheel, with the control at your thumb on the steering wheel.
*if you never leave normal mode

everything is made out of quality, but most parts are not such an exquisite part that you couldn’t buy a part off-the-shelf. not that you will need to buy much or often. we offer this car also with a 3 year free service cost, 1 year free fuel, and 10 years of warranty.

#so, what are you waiting for? get your dream today!
@$77600 negotiable.

4 Likes

[quote=“koolkei, post:643, topic:6447”]
we offer this car also with a 3 year free service cost, 1 year free fuel, and 10 years of warranty.
[/quote] It kind of remaind me of an infomercial

1 Like

Introducing: The 1978/2016 Daiki Thrust Revival

We, at Daiki, usually don’t build cars for an individual person, unless it will benefit our company by one means or another (excluding profits). However, we have come to the conclusion the request for a “restomodded” car is worth doing it, for various reasons. We have decided to “restomod” our famous performance car from 1979, Thrust.


First, we made the car’s frame and body from scratch, using modern AHS spaceframe chassis instead of steel ones, and manufacturing the body from scratch using carbon fiber. We also installed Pushrod suspensions for both front and rear. We will accept requests to replace the retractable headlights with fixed ones, in order to have the car comply with recent safety standards. The body, however, should not require replacements, since it is carefully engineered to maintain it’s timeless look while complying with the safety standards.

We installed a special engine for the car; a tuned UV6-DOV-IV 20DIT-P 2L V6 engine, used in our production sports cars. However, this engine is more powerful than ones we install in production cars, producing 450+ HP. The engine is mated to a one-off 7-speed manual transmission and quality sports tires, allowing it to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, and reach 275 km/h and pull at least 1.2g in most corners.

The car is equipped with 2 bucket seats, resembling the seat from the original Thrust while boasting a good performance, and the infotainment system is carefully hidden, with the sat nav/audio system being retractable, and the speakers are carefully hidden around the car, in order to make the interior resemble the one of the original car.

The car is not for sale, excluding to the person who ordered this car first.

3 Likes

14 entries so far. You guys are killing it. Looking at your cars I’m just smiling. 12 quick peeks done and 5 reviews written, although I’m playing with a thought of making it a sound based video (it will probably stay at that playing point due to time frame). I already feel unfair. Honestly, I thought deciding what to choose would be hard-ish… but it’s impossible-ish.
and those review take quite some time eventhough they are shorter than usual…damn those minuets fly…

1 Like

Please resist this temptation. It’ll be difficult for some with weak connections or no convenient audio to access the review (e.g. if I wanted to check in on this at work), plus I’m quite confident it’ll take longer than you planned :stuck_out_tongue:

1 Like

Why not have both! Have both a video-based review and a text-based one for those with weak connections.