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A Closer Look13 December 2023 by Andreas 694 Viewed

The Mystery of the Nardi Silver Ray finally solved?

The use of an American V8 engine in the Nardi Silver Ray marked a significant milestone for Italian sports cars, in fact this never happened before. Crafted by Giovanni Michelotti, this automobile was built in 1960, using an unknown chassis, till today…

Thanks to our reader Tom McCrea, we may now shed some light on the enigmatic Nardi Silver Ray / Alfa Romeo 412 (read our special here). The intriguing details surrounding this unique vehicle, whose existence has been shrouded in mystery, might finally be unveiled.

Tom McCrea received the Nardi Silver Ray in 2011 for inspection, with no expectations of discovering any evidence of the original Alfa 412 GP car upon its delivery.

Photo courtesy of Tom McCrea

Tom lacked any visual references such as photographs, blueprints, or any other means to identify the chassis components. In order to gain insight, he decided to remove a portion of the body that enveloped the frame rails. 

This allowed him to observe the welded section where the front frame of a 1951-1954 Dodge or Plymouth had been attached. By examining the front brakes that required fixing, he successfully determined both the year and make of the vehicle.

Photo courtesy of Tom McCrea

This is where the Plymouth frame was attached to an existing frame of unknown origin, could this be part of the Alfa Romeo 412?

In 2012, the car was later transported to New Jersey and carefully placed within a shipping container, while keeping its ultimate European destination undisclosed.

Might we have finally solved the mystery behind the Silver Ray with the confirmation that part of the chassis of the Alfa Romeo 412 was used in the construction of this one-off signed by Giovanni Michelotti? Now, it’s up to you to draw your own conclusions, happy research…

Thank you to Tom McCrea for the informations and photos.

the author

Andreas

Italian classic car enthusiast with German roots. Renowned as a respected figure in the classic car community, he serves as a jury member at various international concours d'elegance, including the Classic Gala Schwetzingen and Mantova. As a content creator, Andreas passionately shares his profound knowledge and appreciation for vintage automobiles. His heart beats for cars designed by Giovanni Michelotti, showcasing his discerning taste and dedication to preserving the timeless elegance of automotive history.

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A Closer Look 24 April 2024

The Unfulfilled Promise of the Lancia Kayak

In the vibrant tapestry of automotive history, certain moments stand out as missed opportunities – instances where a concept car, though brimming with potential, fails to materialize into a production marvel. The Lancia Kayak, a sleek and sporty concept designed by Luciano D’Ambrosio and crafted by the renowned Italian coachbuilder Bertone, stands as one such lamentable example. Unveiled in 1995 at the Geneva Motor Show, the Kayak was poised to be a modern heir and reinterpretation of classic postwar Lancia coupés like the iconic Aurelia B20. In this article, we explore the distinctive features of the Lancia Kayak and delve into the reasons behind its unfortunate fate, contrasting it with the lackluster Lancia Kappa coupé that eventually made its way into production.

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The 90s was not exactly a golden age for Bugatti. The brand rolled out just one production car under Romano Artioli, who took over in 1987. But hold up—Bugatti wasn’t short on wild ideas. They dreamed up some seriously awesome concept cars, even if they never hit the road. It’s a shame because there were at least four models that were so cool they made you wonder: why didn’t Bugatti build these? Let’s start with their actual production car, the EB 110.

Bugatti EB 110

Introduction: September 15, 1991

Specifications: 3.5-liter V12 (553 bhp or 603 bhp), all-wheel-drive, a manual six-speed transmission, top speed of 351 km/h.

Flashback: September 15, 1991. Picture the Champs-Élysées in Paris. Down this iconic avenue cruises the Bugatti EB 110, a rolling tribute to Ettore Bugatti’s 110th birthday. A supercar for the ages, the EB 110 had sharp, angular lines, scissor doors like a Lamborghini, and enough horsepower to drop jaws.

Like the Bugatti models of yesteryears, this machine was serious. Its 3.5-liter V12 engine had not one, not two, but four turbochargers, plus intercoolers. Built around a carbon monocoque frame, it delivered 560 hp to all four wheels using twin differentials. Compared to Lamborghini’s Diablo—unveiled earlier—it was ahead of its time. The Diablo offered 492 hp and only gained all-wheel drive in 1993 with the VT model. The EB 110 was a beast right out of the gate.

Bugatti EB110

Even the engine design was cutting-edge. Bugatti followed Formula 1 guidelines of the era to craft a 60-valve, 3.5-liter V12 with five valves per cylinder. The car’s price tag reflected its ambition: 450 million lira for the base version, and 550 million lira for the Super Sport variant. Over the years, values for the EB 110 skyrocketed, jumping from €280,000 in 2011 to nearly $2.15 million at a Sotheby’s auction.

Bugatti developed only 135 EB 110s—95 standard models and 39 Super Sports. Among these, Michael Schumacher’s yellow EB 110 SS is particularly famous. Today, the EB110’s rarity makes it a collector’s ambition.

Bugatti ID 90 Concept

Introduction: 1990 Turin Motor Show

Specifications: Mid-mounted 3.5-liter V12, four turbos, AWD, top speed of 174 mph (280 kph).

It was Giugiaro’s first Bugatti design, borrowing elements from the eventual EB 110. Compared to the EB 110, the ID 90 had more refined styling. Introduced a year before its production sibling, the concept featured a massive glass dome with vents for cooling the V12. Its retro wheels, inspired by the 1926 Royale, added flair.

It’s fun to imagine how the EB 110 might’ve fared with this design. Sleeker and arguably prettier, the ID 90 feels like a missed opportunity.

Bugatti EB 112 Concept

Debut: 1993 Geneva Motor Show

Specifcations: 6.0-liter V12 (455 hp), AWD, carbon fiber chassis.

The EB 112 was Bugatti’s take on a four-door sedan, long before the Galibier 16C appeared in 2009. Giugiaro went retro again, drawing inspiration from Bugatti’s 1920s and 30s models, like the Atlantic. The styling? Let’s call it polarizing. But for its time, it was bold.

Bugatti EB112

Inside, luxury reigned: leather, walnut trim, and a few modern touches like a dash-mounted video screen. Its V12 engine sat near the front axle, improving handling. Romano Artioli, Bugatti’s then-president, famously said it handled “like a go-kart.”

Sadly, Bugatti’s financial troubles killed the EB 112 before it could reach production. Only one was fully built before bankruptcy. Two incomplete chassis were later finished by Monaco Racing Team. Of the three prototypes, one is red, one black, and one is dark blue. Today, these are among the rarest Bugattis ever.

Bugatti EB 118 Concept

Introduction: 1998 Paris Motor Show

Specifications: W18 engine (yes, 18 cylinders!), 6.3 liters, 555 hp, AWD, 199 mph top speed.

The EB 118 made history with its W18 engine, the first of its kind in a passenger car. This beast had three rows of six-cylinder banks arranged in a “W” under the hood. Italdesign Giugiaro styled the coupe, giving it an art deco interior with minimal buttons and knobs.

Bugatti EB 218 Concept

Introduction: 1999 Geneva Motor Show

Specifications: Same W18 engine, AWD, 0–60 mph in 4.5 seconds, top speed capped at 155 mph.

A four-door sibling to the EB 118, the EB 218 was Bugatti’s idea of luxury. Bigger and roomier, it borrowed Lamborghini’s Diablo VT AWD system to handle its immense power.

Though Bugatti didn’t produce the EB 218, its influence lingers. The idea of a practical yet opulent Bugatti sedan remains compelling. Maybe one day, Bugatti will revisit the concept, giving the Tourbillon a worthy showroom companion.

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