Description
An incredible car, the fruit of Italian engineering genius, often partly unknown.
This first prototype was developed by Franco De Paoli, founder of the eponymous team, at his Personal Car Center in Buccinasco in 1985.
The car was designed from scratch to compete in the extremely tough Paris–Dakar: fundamental characteristics were considered such as reliability, reduced weight, accessibility, ease of intervention, comfort and drivability. A Range Rover-derived chassis with reduced rear overhang and reinforcements at the suspension attachment points was used; the solid axle was retained by adding studs and a Panhard rod also on the rear axle. An integrated rollbar was installed to protect the cabin. The fiberglass and kevlar bodywork is bolted to the chassis with rubber dampers to absorb impacts; the front and rear bonnets are designed to facilitate access to mechanical parts in case of breakdown or accident; the seats are Sparco anatomical. The engine is the classic Rover V8 3. 5 L boosted to 230 hp at 5400 rpm. The engine position allowed a 50/ 50 weight distribution on both axles. Top speed is close to 200 km/ h. The fuel system, exhaust and transmission (including gearbox, clutch, drive shafts and joints) have been extensively modified. The cooling system was enhanced with a new heat exchanger that ensures correct temperature of the engine/ gear oil in all conditions. The most important innovation is the self-levelling air suspension system designed by De Paoli himself. Four air springs replace the coil springs and are connected to a power circuit controlled by the navigator. An air compressor supplies air in the desired quantity and pressure; each axle is equipped with a leveler that determines the loading and unloading of air in the system based on the vehicle’s setup. Via a dashboard control, the navigator can manually intervene if a change to the setup is desired. Behind the seats is housed a 450‑litre tank that allows an autonomy of over 1000 km based on a consumption of 20/ 30 litres per 100 km. The cost at the time reached 200 million lire full optional. The first prototype took part in the Paris‑Dakar in 1986; on its return, De Paoli made some modifications, adding fiberglass doors, a new dashboard and a new front bonnet, and took part in the Atlas Rally and the Paris‑Dakar in 1987 with this updated version (prototype 2). In total, 4 prototypes were produced. After the Dakar, the car was sold to a Frenchman. The current owner bought it from the second owner and began a thorough restoration to restore it to its former splendour with the help of Franco De Paoli; during the process, fully documented, the car was completely dismantled and reassembled, every detail restored and brought to the conditions of participation in the first Paris‑Dakar of 1986.
An incredible piece of Italian history for true enthusiasts and collectors, but at the same time an object capable of delivering emotions today as it did back in the rally days.
The car is visible exclusively by appointment at our premises. Thanks to our Technical Assistance and Restoration Workshop it is possible to inspect it with our professionals, who can provide any technical detail.
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