Get to know more about these 5 fabulous cars
Some people are familiar with well-known car brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Porsche, but if you want a car that is glamorous and sophisticated and will turn heads, consider these five lesser-known options. These cars include coach-builds, tuner cars, and OEM models that did not become widely popular but are still rare and special.
Alpina Z8 Roadster
The BMW Z8 Roadster has gained popularity in recent years, but the original model did not fully live up to its potential due to its high-performance M Division V8 engine and manual transmission. Tuner company Alpina took the concept and improved upon it by replacing the powertrain with a more powerful 4.4-liter V8 engine and an automatic transmission. Alpina also modified the chassis to provide a more comfortable and forgiving ride, resulting in a car that is better suited for cruising rather than aggressively driving on mountain roads, which is what its appearance and target audience preferred.
Eunos Cosmo
Mazda is not typically known for producing glamorous, high-tech, and expensive GT cars, but during Japan's economic boom in the 1980s and 1990s, it was one of the manufacturers pushing the boundaries. One of its most ambitious projects was the Eunos Cosmo. The name Cosmo had been used before on a Mazda rotary-engined car from the mid-1960s, but the 1990s Cosmo was even more impressive, featuring the first and only triple-rotor, twin-turbocharged engine and being the first car with touchscreen-accessible digital satellite navigation. Without any visible branding, the Eunos Cosmo is a mystery to many in the car world, but well-maintained versions are becoming increasingly valuable to those who appreciate its innovations.
Fisker Tramonto
Fisker is a brand that has been on the fringes of the mainstream for several years, launching an eco-friendly sedan and an electric SUV to compete with Tesla. However, Fisker has a longer history, starting with the low-volume coach-built Tramonto in 2007. These initial models were developed by Henrik Fisker, the designer behind the Aston Martin Vantage and DB9 and the Tesla Model S. The Tramonto was Fisker's first project outside of OEMs, and it was based on a Mercedes SL roadster with custom bodywork and a unique design. This rare V8-powered roadster may not have the prestige of a Porsche or Mercedes, but it was created by one of the world's most respected car designers and built to a high standard.
Touring Superleggera Sciàdipersia
Touring Superleggera is an Italian coach-building company similar to Fisker, but with a reputation built on decades of expertise rather than the fame of its founder. This company has a long history of creating iconic cars, including the Aston Martin DB5, and it is known for its "Superleggera" ultra-light construction method. After being inactive for a while, the brand has reemerged and is now creating low-production masterpieces based on modern supercars for wealthy clients. The Sciàdipersia is one of its new models, a long-legged GT coupe based on the Maserati Gran Turismo and featuring custom bodywork with a unique look that blends elements of the past and future. One notable feature is the use of real polished aluminum or chromed steel for chrome work, which is rare in modern cars. The Sciàdipersia is available as both a coupe and convertible, and it is a highly specialized option for those who want a GT that stands out from the rest.
Venturi 300 Atlantique
Venturi was a French supercar manufacturer in the 1980s and 1990s that sought to compete with Porsche and lower-level Ferraris. Its final creation was the 300 Atlantique, a mid-engined V6 sports car with performance on par with contemporary Porsches and an everyday driving experience that was superior to many Ferraris of the time. Only six right-hand-drive cars were produced, making it extremely rare in the UK. While it may not have the extravagant design of some Ferraris, the Atlantique has a clean and sophisticated appearance that is appreciated by modern car enthusiasts. Its rarity also makes it an exclusive option for those who value exclusivity above all else.
