This is the mystical 1978 Dome Zero (童夢-零, Dōmu Zero), perhaps one of the most intriguing and fascinating cars ever to be developed. Japanese racing car constructor ‘Dome Co. Ltd’ is best known for their involvement in motorsport racing, however, the Dome Zero project was one of the most famous sports car concepts/prototypes to be introduced during the 70’s. The first Zero concept was created only 3 years after Minoru Hayashi founded Dome in 1975 with the intention to manufacture vehicles with limited or low production. With work beginning in 1975/1976, the first Dome Zero prototype was shown at the 1978 Geneva Motor Show. The styling was created by talented engineer and designer from Tokyo, Kenji Mimura. Initially, Hayashi had a desire to compete in the 24 hours of Le Mans, and the plan was the create a racecar with the Zero, and sell a limited number of road cars to fund entry into the competition. Dome came to the realization that they did not have the necessary funding to complete the costly homologation procedure needed on the first Dome Zero example, so focus then was turned to construction of a second car. That’s where the Dome Zero P-2 comes into the picture. After building up more funds, Dome opened up a new head office in Kyoto, Japan to develop iteration of the Zero and even a Group 6 racing car that debuted at the 1979 24 Hours of LeMans. The goal with the Zero P-2 was to develop a car in line with North American regulations. With the one of the main focuses being improved impact protection, impact-absorbing Polyurethane bumpers were added to meet strict US regulations. The most dramatic changes from the first Zero to the P-2 were found on the interior, which was largely redesigned. After many efforts, the P-2 was still unable to meet regulations. In total, 2 Zero P-2s were built and only one singular Zero prototype which is the example presented here.
How many made? 3. 1 prototype, two Dome Zero P-2s
Engine: 2.8 L Nissan L28E I6 - 143hp with a ZF 5-speed gearbox
Debut: 1978 Geneva Motor Show
Top Speed: around 140mph (claimed)
0-60mph: around 7.6 seconds (road & track)
Photo Credit: @scarecrowx7
Research: @rarecarsonly