Cutting-Edge Designs of ’60s and ‘70s...
The pop-up headlight is a design element that has become iconic and beloved by everyone, and the upcoming London Concours will celebrate the amazing and quirky car designs that include it. Just a few weeks from now, the big event will happen. Those who have taken "Enlightened: All About Aero" will remember the pop-up headlight era, which ran from the late '60s through the early '70s and beyond and was a fascinating time for innovation in automotive design.
With the invention of the pop-up light, automakers were able to reduce complexity and streamline designs, incorporating and hiding the headlights in ever-more-innovative ways. Despite being stifled by overbearing safety requirements, this period produced some of the most stunning and innovative automobile designs of all time. From June 4th to the 6th, at the Honourable Artillery Company, there will be a London Concours that will honour these magnificent works of art.
1973 Lotus Elan Sprint - Harry Metcalfe
A revolutionary and lightweight Lotus Elan, built by one of Britain's foremost automotive pioneers, will be on exhibit. With an impressively low curb weight of less than 700 kg, the little sportscar made its debut in 1962. With its 1.6-litre engine, four-wheel disc brakes, independent front and rear suspension, and two overhead cams, it was a technological marvel for its day. With its sleekly integrated headlamps that fold away when not in use and its short frontal area, it was also incredibly aerodynamic. Elan's performance was on par with that of many more powerful vehicles because of its low curb weight and slick body. Harry Metcalfe's cherished 'sprint' version will be on display in June. This particular model could reach 60 mph from a standstill in less than 7 seconds, which was incredibly quick for the 1960s. Stunningly innovative for its day, this sports vehicle was a marvel of British engineering and a perfect embodiment of the sports car formula.
1974 Lancia Stratos HF Stradale
The Lancia Stratos, another innovative lightweight special, will be honoured during the event. The Bertone Stratos, expertly styled by Marcello Gandini, is a sight to see. Its sleek, slender nose conceals pop-up lights, and its purpose is to rule the World Rally Championship courses. It dominated the special stage in rally trim in 1974, 1975, and 1976 thanks to its lightning speed and nimble handling, which were made possible by its ultra-short wheelbase and delicious mid-mounted 190 horsepower Ferrari Dino-sourced V6 engine. The road vehicle version, with its incredibly delicate wedge shape, has garnered a following of admirers. Produced in just 492 road-going models between 1973 and 1978, it is nevertheless considered one of the most sought-after automobile symbols of that time.
1967 Lamborghini Miura LP400
The Lamborghini Miura P400, another iconic vehicle with Gandini styling and pop-up lights, will be on display during the event. This June's featured vehicle is one of just 26 right-hand drive (RHD) Miuras ever made out of a total of 762. It has the unique distinction of being the first RHD Miura sold in the United Kingdom. At the Earls Court Motor Show in October 1967, this car—finished in Royal Blue paint with off-white leather inside—won the hearts of fans young and old. Famous travel agent Thomas Cook was enamoured with the display car and ordered one in the exotic shade of "Rosso Miura," a rich orange. Unaware that it was the very first Miura he had seen in London, hurriedly restored to his exact specifications in Sant'Agata, he subsequently took a flight to Milan to get his new ride. An important case study of what many consider to be the first real supercar in the world.
De Tomaso Pantera
A 1973 De Tomaso Pantera GTS, in competitive Group 4 configuration, will also be on display in June. It is one of the most outrageous supercars from the 1970s. In 1971, the Italian design studio Ghia debuted the Pantera, which means "Panther" in English, with a number of powerful American V8 engines and angular, pop-up light-adorned noses. With an eye towards winning races, the GTS model debuted in 1972 with a more sporty twist for the European market. The vehicle that will be showcased in June has undergone substantial upgrades for competitive usage, although it originally had 345 bhp. Its 490 horsepower, thanks to the addition of Webber carbs, should allow you to reach speeds of nearly 200 miles per hour in theory—that is, if you're daring enough to hold the throttle open.
One of the most exquisite Maseratis ever made, the Ghibli Spider, will finish off the show. An exquisitely resolved drop-top variation, it was shown at the 1968 Turin Salon and expanded upon the Berlinetta's popularity. Its roof vanished totally behind a lift-up panel, and its fashionable pop-up lights gave it a very low profile. The US market, which loves convertibles, but Europe never got its hands on one. The featured vehicle for June was one of just 125 Spiders manufactured; in contrast, approximately 1,250 coupes were equipped with the more powerful 4.7-litre engine. A very elegant, high-performance grand touring vehicle that will fit in perfectly at the city's automobile show.
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London Concours 2024 Code: IMP24
