Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione Cabrio '1992

'Chop-top'

The original? spotted from traffic. Source: forum.auto.com

There's many good examples of Italian designers getting involved in turning otherwise boring standard cars into something interesting, such as Pinifarina and Peugeot collaborations and most of the Volvo coupes designed by Bertone. Although, Lancia Delta is a nice example of boxy design of it's era and Integrale versions are not boring at all the design of this cabrio version can not be counted on Zagato's master pieces.

From the side it's not the pretties thing. Source: Facebook

Hopefully there was only 2 cabrio Integrale's ever made. Least, other one of the ultimate rare Integrale's was made for special request for the bon vivier, Giovanni Agnelli. Outside of the two door conversion, interesting rear design, and open roof the special version is somewhat standard Delta Integrale EVO. Except the fact that the guy was handicap of the 'avvocato' and therefore the car is equipped with an automatic clutch! Apart from the sacrilege of equiping Integrale with the automatic clutch and ruined design this version must be one of the most desirable of many special edition Integrales existing. Next time you go to Torino check the car out in one of the coolest car collections of  Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile. Additionally, if you fancy have one of your own contact il Cavallino they have produces some replicas.
 

Source: photopucket.com

In details (standard Evo I):

 
Engine  

- R4, 1995cc, 16-valve, Turbo
- Garrett T03 -charger (1,0 bar)
- Intercooler
- Weber-Marelli engine management

 
Numbers
  - 210hp/5750rpm (limiter 6300rpm) - 304Nm/3500rpm - 0-100Km/h: 6,3s (claimed 5,7s) - 0-400M: 14,4s
- 0-1000M: 26, 1s - 100Km/h -0Km/h: 39, 5m - Top speed 219 Km/h
- 1340Kg

 
Transmission
  - 5 speed manual, 4WD
- Torsen rear differential - Epicyclical center differential with 47-53 % F/R torque distribution

 
Chassis
  - Independent McPherson struts lower triangle, coil springs and hydraulic shock absorbers, anti-roll bar in front
- Independent, double transverse arms, longitudinal arm coil springs and hydraulic shock absorbers, anti-roll bar in rear.
- Ventilated disks (28,1 cm) with 4-pot calibers in front and 25,1cm disks with 1-pot calibers rear
- 7x15" alloys with 205/50ZR15 tires

 
Exterior
  - Broaden wheel arches (air vents in front arches)
- Scoop and air vents in hood
- Upgraded pumpers 

 
Interior
  - Bucket seats
- Leather interior
- Sport steering wheel
- Extra gauges

Wolf Escort Cosworth '1994

'In the name of Wolf'

In my A-list there will be always listed many Cosworth creations, i.e. Ford's, MB 190 2.3, RS4 etc. These magnificent wolfcars are finetuned by strongly motorsport oriented company that was founded in 50's by Keith Duckworth and Mike Costin. In my mind the name Cosworth is always linked mostly to certain Escort and Sierra models. Ford owned the company for a while and Cosworth name appears in their rally inspired special models. Although, Sierra was the 'first' Cossie and has one of the most modern looks of it's era, the white-blue and Repsol coloured Escort rally weapons of the 90's are the ones for me. Maybe Mr. Kannkkunen stole my heart back n the days?

Source: passionford.com

This story is about German based Wolf tuning company's (also known as Walter Wolf Racing) tuned Escort Cosworth. Wolf offers various tuning parts for different Ford models and Wolf Escort Cosworth is somewhat a regular model containing various Wolf tuning parts. Although, Wolf Escort is not really an limited series or special edition, like Brabus or Alpina it has gained mystique reputation in Ford forums and as the 'Wolf' appears in the name it needs to be introduced here. Actually, I don't know many Ford tuners, instead some UK based, but none of them offers comprehensive tuning kits or virtually reproduced Fords. Maybe Wolf offers the dopest conversions? Least Wolf uses the same manufacturers with their pits and kits as the Ford to keep quality in proper level and tuning pits are also sold through the Ford dealers. So basically customers are able to choose only some Wolf parts for their cars instead of complete packages. Above I have listed specs of the complete Wolf Esco Cossie.

18" Wolf/ATP wheels and front splitter. Source: rscosworth.it

Wolf rear spoiler (extension) and Remus exhaust. Source: rscosworth.it

In details:

Engine

Wolf steering wheel and gauges. Source: carpics.com

- R4, 1993cc, 16-valve
- Garrett 'T34' Turbo
- Upgraded intercooler
- Wolf ecu
- Siemens injectors
- Upgraded fuel pump
- Upgraded airflow meter
- Wolf exhaust (Remus)
- Wolf engine cover

Numbers
- 300hp/6000rpm
- 458Nm/4000rpm
- 0-100Km/h: 4,6s
- 80-180km/h: 12,5s

Wolf green extra gauges. Source: passionford.com

- Top speed 260Km/h

Transmission
- 6 speed manual, 4WD (Haldex)
- Limited slip differential 

Chassis
- Upgraded suspension (Bilstein/Eibach)
- Wolf front strutbrace
- Ventilated disks front and rear (334/26mm)
- Wolf/ATS 18x8" alloys and 235/40ZR18 tires

Exterior
- Front splitter
- Alloy fuel cap
- Rear spoiler (lower) extension

Interior
- 'Motorsport' labeled interior (similar to Martini models)
- Wolf steering wheel and gear knob
- Wolf speedo up to 300km/h
- Upgraded boost gauge (2 bars)
- Alloy pedals
- Wolf floor mats

Other
- Complete price: 86.500DM (1994)

Volkswagen Harlequin '1995-96

'Dope Dub'

One of the original Harlequin Golf's with some neat touches. Source:canibeat.com

Nike Air force one's. Source:undergroundsoles.com

What happens in serious car company's assembly line when two dope heads get bored... "Chee, dude you have cool sneakers!" "Thanks bro, just stood 36 hours in line for these limited editions" "Wouldn't it be cool to have multi-colored Golf instead of these plain ones?" Yeah, would match ya shoes!" Hey man let's get busy, I have an idea, I'm sick of this shit anyway...

Based on this little trick in 1996 Volkswagen magazine ad said, “Can’t decide on a color? Try a Harlequin Golf.”  Thought, VW had difficulties to get all these 264 bizarre coloured Golf's sold and marketing department had to work their ass off before understanding the great marketing potential of these head turning creations: looks like a joke so let's call it a Harlequin and use it as a show stopper promoting different colour options and then sell it as a collectibles. 

Original ad pic. Source:rossvw.com

Not really, but almost, only the two dope heads were not involved. The original idea of the Harlequin Polo was to show that the Polo can be customimzed for your personal taste with paintwork, engine, chassis, interior, and optional equipment options.

Colour chart of the Harlequin models. Source: thetruthaboutcars.com

So, it started with Polo's back in 1995 when VW produced a limited series of 1000, but after positive feedback they procude some 2800 pieces more. Each body panel was painted with different colour: Flash red, Ginster yellow, Pistachio green and Chagall blue and cars had a "joker" interior with 90's style pattern. The Harlequins were produced by swapping the body panels of four different colored cars. They are usually designated by their base color (the color of the car with no body panels attached) and the base color is not repeated on any of the other body parts. 

After Polo's success VW decided to make the same trick in States with mk3 Golf and released the limited series that became the ultimate rare VW. Most of the Harlequin Golf's are listed in Harlequin Golf registry, maintained by the VW maniac owning five harlequin golfs and 52 Volkswagens! Seems to be that the same trick was repeated third time in Brasil with a VW Gol. All the cars are totally standard, except the colour scheme, but as Wolf cars stands for ultimate rare cars this needs to be featured.

Polo Harlequin ad. Source: polodriver.com

In details (Golf):

Engine
- R4, 1984cc, 8-valve (2E/ABA/ADY/AGG)

Numbers
- 115hp/5400rpm
- 166Nm/3200rpm
- 0-100Km/h: 9,9s
- Top speed: 210Km/h

- Coefficient of drag: 0,32

Transmission
- 5 speed manual or auto, FWD
 
Chassis
- Several different wheel options, e.g. cabrio alloys
- Discs front and drums rear

Exterior
- Limited edition Harlequin paint scheme

- U.S model bumbers and tailgate for narrow license plate

Interior
- Harlequin sport cloth seats
- Silver faced dials

Other
- Polo: Originally limited to 1,000, but most probably 3,806 produced

- Golf: 264 produced 

- Gol: ???

How about this harlequin RS4 from Woerthersee 2011? Source: peace534.pixnet.net

Citroen BX 4TC '1986

'Epic Fail'

Only Frech car can have six headlights! Source: www.flickr.com

Like many others back in the 80's Citroën developed their weapon for rally's Group B. Unfortunately just as the monster made its depute the whole series was finished. Well Citroën had some leftovers from limited series lying around so they decided to go for a ultimate GT -car!

The car officially launched in 1985 and meant for the next season. 4TC basis on BX, but is far from normal and evolution version is even crazier with bigger turbo and number of radiators in the back. Both hand built specials have significant amount of headlights, terribly long nose, because the engine mounted in 90 degree angle in the front to fit. Bodywork has plastig surgeries everywhere with cool boxy styling characteristical for the era. Interior luxurious with all the equipment and very similar to BX GTI. 

Massive plastic pulges. Source: www.picstopin.com

Sales of the 4TC were disappointin and only 62 pieces were sold and those were so prone for the mechanical failures that Citroën offered to buy cars back for destruction! It's estimated that 55 examples exist and only couple are EVO's, one in Citroën's museum and another one in private collection. However three EVO -bodyshells were rescued: one is rebuild, one crashed, and one somewhere. Here's an small test drive of the car and here's the beast in duty -damn the works model is out of scale!

Best achievement of the works model was 6th place in Swedish rally.

Very rare black one. Source: www.drivecult.com

In details:

Engine
- R4, 2141cc, 16valve (downsized from Chrysler 180's and Talbot Tagora's 'N9TE' 2155cc)
- Bosch, K-jetronic
- Garrett, turbocharger
- Ait-to-air intercooler
- Compression ratio: 7:1
- Cast iron block with aluminium single-cam head
Numbers
- approx. 200hp/5250rpm (6000rpm red line) (works 380hp/7000rpm)
- 294Nm/2750rpm (works 451Nm/5500rpm)
- 0-100Km/h: 7,5s (4TC-EVO in 5,5s)
- 0-400M: 14,3s
- Top speed 220Km/h
- 1280kg
- Drag coefficient: 0,4

Transmission
- 5 speed manual (from Citroën SM), 4WD 

Chassis
- Unique hydropneumatic suspension
- Citroën CX brakes
- 150 TR 380 FH 'Aero' alloy wheel with 210/55 VR 390 tyres

Exterior
- Six headlights!
- Massive bonnet bulge
- Fog light pattern between headlights
- Long long nose extension (because longidutial engine mounting)
- Flared wheel arches
- Special bumpers

Interior
- Dashboard with 7 dials and 20 "analog" warning lights
- 3 spoke leather steering wheel
- Extra gauges
- otherwise similar to BX GTI

Other
- 200 examples built and the dozen or so cars with two doors and a shortened wheelbase (For homologate the Group B version)
- Rumors say that only 20 or so examples survived the purge
- Purchasing prize nowadays between 40,000 euros and 60,000 euros

Fiat Abarth 131 Rally '1975-81

"Stradale"

Pure RWD action! Source: 131mirafiori.com

11.000 visitors! Thank you! This milestone deserves something seriously cool. How about supercharged Fiat from the 70's with Bertone styling and Abarth race spec?

This very special thing basis on not so special Fiat 131, predecessor of Fiat 124, maybe better known as Lada. Well, basic dull car can turn something beautiful when racing department takes over. Abarth founded 131 suitable for their next rally weapon, because the large engine room, rear wheel drive, and roots in 124 that was familiar from earlier rallies. Development started somewhere in 1974 and deadline was set to 1976 season. Many prototypes was developed, were wildest one is 131 SE031 Abarth equipped with tweaked Ferrari Dino's V6 engine producing 270hp@6800rpm! After several prototypes best engine combination was chosen to be 2 litre twin cam with supercharger that was suitable for group 4 in world rally championships. Luckily, homologation for the group reguired 400 road legal units to be produced.

Boxy style beats organic lines every time. Source: 131abarth.com

Boxy aerodynamics are designed by Bertone and are able to swallow even 12 inch wide rims for tarmac use. Works car had 12/10 inch rotors with twin calibers, hydraulic hand brake, three different body strength options, and ZF's five speed gearbox with limited slip differential. The KugelFischer mechanically injected 1995cc engine produced around 220hp@8000rpm and rev limiter was set all the way up to 8500rpm! Cool figures for car weighting just 973kg.

Back in the days works and civil model didn't have much a difference... Source: 131mirafiori.com

Winning formula took rally world championship in 1977, 78, and 80! Road going versions were sold in quite customizable way and customers were able to choose from many options from works cars, especially latter models were basically build from "leftover" parts from the Abarth garage.

Check out here one happy guy driving it and introducing all the details (in Spanish?).

Road spec in details (works figures):

 

Engine
- R4, 1995cc, twin cam, belt driven, 16 valve, DOCH "138 AR1.000" (Abarth type 236b)
- Compression ratio: 10,1:1 (10,7:1)
- Aluminum cylinder head
- Weber 34 DMTR carbs (KugelFischer mechanical injection)
- Works model has Abarth: pistons, valve springs, head gasket, spark plugs, and larger valves
- Rotary pump sump lubrication, cap 4.1kg /cap 6.6kg)
- 4-1 exhaust

Numbers
- 140hp/6400rpm (approx. 215hp/7000rpm, max 8600rpm)
- 176Nm/3800rpm (approx. 225Nm/3800rpm)
- 0-100Km/h: 8,2s (6,6s)
- 0-400M: 15,3s (14,6s)
- Top speed 200Km/h (185Km/h)
- 980kg
- Weight distribution in works model 50/50%

Transmission
- 5 speed manual, RWD (ZF's 5 speed dog manual with limited splip)
- Final drive ratio 14/50 (between 7/43 and 11/40)
- single dry plate clutch

Chassis
- Independent McPherson front and independent wishbones rear (fully independent rear suspension) 
- Disks front (single pistons) and rear drums (12/10inch ventilated discs with dual pistons)
- Cromadora 14x7" alloys and 185/60HR Pirelli tires (15x7" alloys with 185/70 or 285/35 tires!)

Exterior
- Fiberglass exterior, except roof, doors and area between rear lights are steel
- Bumpers removed
- Rear wing
- Rear window wing
- Extended fenders
- Rain drop style mirrors
- Air intakes for rear brakes
- Bonnet scoop

Interior
- Bucket seats
- Sport steering wheel
- Rolling gage
- Extra set of gauges

Other
- 75% of parts are identical with standard models
- Approx. 400 was ever made
- Approx. 350 was sold by Italian dealers and 50 were given for Abarth for rally use
- Body parts made and fit by Bertone

VW Beetle RSi Cabrio '2003

'Ladybird'

Source: cyberbeetle.de

Ladybird -comes to my mind when thinking about 1st generation new beetle, it's maybe the most playful car ever made, especially the cabrio. Design is caricature of rounded car, were the another option would be boxy Volvo 700 from the eighties. Shape doesn't respect the original, but it's easily discovered as Beetle, because there's no another design that comes even close to Beetles characteristics. But there's nothing playful of driving the car, except the smiley faces of people questioning your libido and sense of style. Yes, it's just another Golf with fulsome retro styling and safe, but not thrilling driving experience. Luckily, Dub guys saved some mushrooms when drawing the lines and decided create the RSi -version to boost the sales and make New Beetle behave according to cartoon appear.

Source: beetle.cabriolets.online.fr

Formula is familiar among Wolf Cars. Take the basic chassis, install powerful lump (from the Golf R32 and originally from TT), ensure safety with four-wheel drive, tweak exterior and interior and vòla wolf car it is! With this limited edition of 250 units the exterior and interior styling is exceptionally successful with the wide body, huge wing, and tasty orange leather interior with carbon detailing. I have never driven RSi, but according to press added aggressive didn't help and RSi don't drive like it should, even there's rumours that Porsche was involved in chassis design. Introduced RSi cabrio is ultimate version of the RSi and only couple "design studies" was ever made and unluckily without the tasty orange interior.

Super cool interior of the coupe model. Source: cyberbeetle.de

In details:

Engine
- VR6, 3189cc, 24-valve (BFH/BML)
- Compression ratio: 10,8:1

Numbers
- 224hp/6200rpm (red line 6500rpm)
- 320Nm/3200rpm
- 0-100Km/h: 6,4s
- 0-400M: 14,8s
- 1Km: 24,7s
- Top speed 225Km/h
- 1515kg
- Drag coefficient: 0,4

Transmission
- 6 speed manual, 4WD (Haldex)
- Limited slip differential 

Chassis
- Independent McPherson front and semi-independent rear suspension
- Ventilated disks front and rear (334/26mm)
- O.Z Racing "Superturismo"18x9" alloys and 235/40ZR18 tires

Exterior
- Wider bumbers
- Rear wing
- Rear window wing
- 80mm wider fenders
- Double exhaust outlet

Interior
- Bucket seats in orange leather (color coded back)
- Speedo with LED shift lights
- Extra set of gauges
- Carbon trim
- Carbon door panels
- Alloy detailing
- Alloy pedals and feed rests (for both front passengers)
- Production number plate

Other
- Limited 250 unit production of "coupe" (in between 10/2000 - 3/2003) and couple cabrio prototypes
- All painted in reflex silber

BMW 320si (E90) '2006

'Hidded Pearl'

Some race heritage here. Source: bmwblog.com.

Bimmer's 3-series has been always great. From the very beginning journalists has been praising the excellent balance between performance and practicality, as well as the styling. Styling is very very Bimmer: outstanding stance, notable character line, short front crossing, and engine placed behind the front wheels. But, 3-series is also the most selling model line, so BMW is very gentle with the styling of new models and 3-series never gets the coolest lines. Same happened with the E90 in 2005 when it was announced, even it was the great era of Bangle, design is kind of BMW boring. I mean Bimmer's are never boring, but if you compare E90 to difference that E36 made to E30, there's nothing so spectacular, and E90 lacks the greatness of E60, E63, or E85.

Source: bmwheaven.com

Source: netcarshow.com

Anyway, BMW uses 3-series in WTCC/BTCC and they made a road going special model to compete with the E90. The heart of this unfamiliar special model is hand built 2 liter, 4 cylinder engine, producing 175hp (in race spec 100hp more!) at 7000rpm! Basically BMW motorsport engineers (then building Sauber F1-engines) have taken everything out of bi-Vanos and greated fast-high revving master piece, covered with carbonfibre cylinder head. Power upgrades are not massive, but check the specs to find out how race spec this beauty is. Other tweaks this road racer has are limited to new gearing, better brakes, extra-large wheel mounts, and M-bodykit. By the way, it blasts the Ring under 9-minutes -not bad for naturally aspirated 2 liter middle sized saloon!

In details:

Engine
- R4, ca. 2000cc, 24-valve, Valvetronic, bi-Vanos
- Compression ratio: 11.0:1
- Larger bore by 1mm to 85mm (to regular 2L engine)
- Stroke reduced with 2mm to 88mm
- Special aluminum-alloy liners
- Stiffer crank and connecting rods
- Larger valves
- Special spark blugs
- Valvetronic removed to reduce moving parts
- Radiator from 6-cylinder model
- Carbonfibre cylinder cover (-10kg)

Numbers
- 175hp/7000rpm (limiter in 7300rpm)
- 210Nm
- 0-100Km/h: 8,1s
- 80-120Km/h: 7.7s (4th gear)
- Top speed limited to 225Km/h
- 1350kg

Transmission
- 6 speed manual, RWD
- Shorter final drive (4.10)
 
Chassis
- M-sport suspension
- Ventilated disks front and rear (16 inch)

Exterior
- M-sport aerodynamic package with slightly modified bumpers and side skirts
- '216' alloys with BMW motorsport logo in 18x8/8.5" and 225/40ZR18, 255/35ZR18 tires

Interior
- M-sport seats, steering wheel, and foot rest
- Special rev counter, red zone from 7300rpm up to 8000rpm

Other
- Limited 2600 unit production
- All sport sedans in exclusive Carbon Black Metallic -color

Bad ass! Race model is just little wider and meaner. Andy Priaulx won two WTCC championships with E90. Source: bmwarchiv.de