Category Archives: European Design

around $10,000.

Excerpt by Rory Jurnecka, Automobilemag.com, January, 2017. “Catching Up With Tom Tjaarda, Automobile Designer” Tom Tjaarda (1934-) is an American designer who based his career in Italy, working for many of the country’s top design houses [Ghia, Pininfarina, Fiat, De Tomaso, Rayton-Fissore] where he penned cars such as the original Fiat 124 Spider and the… Read More »

aston martin superleggera

  Patented by Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera (super light) in 1936, the superleggera system consists of a structural framework of small-diameter steel tubes that conform to an automobile body’s shape and are covered by thin alloy body panels that strengthen the framework.

type 1 engine & chassis

Why the engine in the back? In conventional cars, a front engine turns the rear wheels through a long drive shaft. But Volkswagen’s rear engine gives direct power to the wheels, saving weight and power. It is the most efficient and economical design. It means greater visibility when driving–you see over VW’s snub nose. And… Read More »

poor man’s porsche

            Type 14 Timeline 1950 Unknown to Karmann or VW, Carozzeria Ghia’s owner Mario Boano designs a VW coupe. The “paper car” refines previous Ghia styling ideas. Ghia tries building the car but VW won’t supply a chassis. Meanwhile, Karmann and VW discuss building a Beetle-based sports convertible. VW’s management… Read More »