Description
An incredible car, the fruit of Italian engineering genius, often left partly unknown.
This first prototype is developed by Franco De Paoli, founder of the eponymous team, at his Personal Car Center in Buccinasco in 1985.
The car is designed from scratch to compete in the extremely demanding Paris–Dakar: fundamental characteristics considered include reliability, reduced weight, accessibility, ease of intervention, comfort and drivability. A chassis derived from Range Rover with a reduced rear overhang and reinforcements at the suspension mounting points was used; the rigid axle was retained by adding kingpins 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 frame with rubber mounts to absorb shocks; the front and rear bonnets are designed to facilitate access to mechanical parts in case of breakdown or accident; the seats are Sparco anatomicals. The engine is the classic Rover V8 of 3, 500 cc boosted to 230 bhp at 5400 rpm. The engine position allowed a 50% weight distribution on both axles. Top speed is close to 200 km/ h. The fuel system, exhaust and transmission (including the gearbox, clutch, drive shafts and joints) were extensively modified. The cooling system was enhanced with a new heat exchanger which ensures correct engine/ gearbox oil temperature 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 electrocompressor provides air in the desired quantity and pressure; each axle is equipped with a leveler that determines the load and unload of air in the system according to the car’s setup. Via a control on the dashboard, the navigator can manually intervene if the setup is to be changed. Behind the seats is housed a 450-litre tank allowing a range of over 1, 000 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 changes adding fiberglass doors, a new dashboard and a new front bonnet and participated in the Rally of the Atlas 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 participating 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 giving thrills today as in the era of the race on the terrain.
The car is visible by appointment only at our headquarters. Thanks to our Technical Assistance and Restoration Workshop, it is possible to inspect it with our professionals, who can provide any technical detail.
