This is the 1975 Hofstetter Turbo (001), a rarely-spoken of car Brazillian super car that was produced in very limited numbers (approximately 18) by the founder of the company and designer, Mario Richard Hofstetter (@mario_richard_hofstetter). Many assume the history of Hofstetter’s wedge-shaped machine began in the 1980s, when really, it was even before that time. In the year 1972, at just around 16 years old, Hofstetter pulled out his pencil and paper and began to create his own version of a dream car after becoming inspired by the sharp, wedge-shape of the Bertone-designed 1968 Alfa Romeo Carabo . This design was completed by January of 1973, and the very first proposal was eventually brought to life in the mid-70’s in Switzerland. In 1982, Hofstetter founded Hofstetter Indústria e Comércio de Veículos Ltda, and following this in the same year, a prototype was constructed in Brazil by Tecnodesign Mecânica Indústria e Comércio. The first car shown here, 001, despite being completed in the 1970s, was displayed for the first time ever to the public in 1984 at the XIII Salão do Automóvel. The Hofstetter turbo featured a dramatic wedge-shape, gullwing doors, pop-up headlights, and many other now-retro design elements. Don’t mistake the Hofstetter Turbo for just a kit car either, as the car featured a tubular frame chassis developed entirely in-house, and utilized many original parts. Any other parts used for the project were sourced mostly from Volkswagen. This particular example was equipped with a division 4 competition chassis, a Formula 2 Ford cosworth 2.0 Brian Hart engine, a Hewland FT200 gearbox, amongst other impressive features. As the years went by, the Hofstetter models consistently revived updates and enhancements both cosmetically and mechanically. In 1988, a mechanically updated ‘Turbo S’ was introduced with much more power. The last model was reportedly built in 1993.
How many made? 18
Engine: Formula 2 Ford cosworth 2.0 Brian Hart engine
Debut: São Paulo Motor Show - 1984
Top Speed: 142mph (claimed)
0-60: N/A
Photo Credit: @mario_richard_hofstetter
Research: @rarecarsonly