In the world of automotive design, few names evoke the extravagance and creativity like Franco Sbarro. This Swiss visionary marked the 80s with creations as unique as the Sbarro Super Eight, a vehicle that combines the engineering of Ferrari with an unusual compact design. This model, presented to the world at the 1984 Geneva Motor Show, has once again attracted attention, and with good reason: it is a unique unit with features and details that make it a true work of art on wheels.
Inspired Ferrari 308 GTB, the Sbarro Super Eight It stood out from the traditional sports compacts of the time. Instead of opting for supercharged engines or conventional configurations, this vehicle It was built on a platform of Ferrari, specifically shortened to achieve more compact proportions. Its mechanical heart, a 8-liter naturally aspirated V2.9 engine with 240 horsepower, was placed in a mid-rear position, providing a performance that brings it closer to legendary rally hatchbacks such as the Renault 5 Turbo or Peugeot 205 T16.
The design of the Sbarro Super Eight is unique and groundbreaking…
La Sbarro Super Eight bodywork, made entirely of fiberglass, It stands out for both its lightness and its radical aesthetics. With its sharp, angular lines and muscular rear end, the car does not go unnoticed. Details such as the flared wheel arches, the 15-inch gold BBS wheels and the prominent four upward-slanting exhaust pipes underline its sporty character.
For many, the front of the Sbarro Super Eight evokes memories of the Seat Ibiza of the time or even of the Fiat Uno, while its aggressive overall design places it as a unique icon. Unlike other Sbarro models, such as the Super Twelve Using a 12-cylinder Kawasaki engine, the Super Eight takes advantage of Ferrari's heritage to also excel in the mechanical section.
An interior with a retro style
The Super Eight's interior is in keeping with the spirit of the 80s. The seats, upholstered in brown leather, are accompanied by wood details on the dashboard and doors, creating an elegant and sporty contrast. In addition, the car is equipped with a Momo steering wheel and a Clarion sound system with cassette player, a luxury for the time. Although it is a unique vehicle, there is no lack of details such as electric windows, which demonstrates the attention to comfort of the car. Sbarro.
The interior design is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also functional. Despite its two-seater configuration, the car offers a space that is practical enough for everyday use, although it is clearly a vehicle intended more to be admired than to be used as a daily means of transport.
A piece of history for sale
This automotive gem has changed hands very few times throughout its 40-year life. After being displayed at the Sbarro Museum and forming part of a private collection in Switzerland, the Super Eight is now available for auction through Bring a Trailer. What is most striking is that, despite its exclusivity, the vehicle has only travelled a few 30.000 kilometers, which guarantees its excellent state of conservation.
Currently, the highest bid is around U.S. dollar 110.000, but the price is expected to rise significantly as the auction progresses. Regulated for registration in Europe and the United States, the Sbarro Super Eight is not only a unique car, but also a road-legal vehicle, which adds even more value to this historical piece.
If you've ever dreamed of owning a car that combines the personality of a compact sports car with the mechanics of a Ferrari, this could be your chance. There are still a few days left until the auction ends, and the only thing that is certain is that The next owner of this Sbarro Super Eight will have no rival in exclusivity and design.
With its iconic red body, V8 engine and unique history, the Sbarro Super Eight represents not only a golden age for sports cars, but also the ability of a visionary like Franco Sbarro to create something truly unique. A car that marked a before and after in compact sports cars and whose legacy lives on four decades after its official debut.
Source - Bring a trailer
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