5 Crazy Cars with No Windshields to Try in the Fall
The world of cars and motorcycles has always had a bit of a rivalry going on, with each side claiming to offer a more unique and thrilling experience. However, some cars blur the line between car and motorcycle, offering a similar feeling of openness and freedom that riders enjoy. These cars, called “barchettas,” are two-seater sports cars without a traditional roof and windshield, giving drivers a motorcycle-like experience while still having the safety features of a car. Let’s take a look at some of the coolest production cars that have dared to ditch the windshield and embrace the wind in your face.
De Tomaso Guara Barchetta: This unique car started as a failed Maserati project in the early 1990s. The Guara Barchetta model lacked a roof and windshield, giving it a racing car feel. It was based on a mid-engine racing car prototype from Maserati, and only 17 units were built before the project was dropped. The Guara Barchetta was a street-legal model that featured a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine from BMW, producing 282 horsepower. Despite its lack of windshield and roof, the De Tomaso Guara Barchetta was recommended to be driven with a helmet for safety.
Renault Sport Spider: The Renault Sport Spider was a game-changer for Renault in the mid-1990s, introducing a new design language and launching the Renault Sport sub-brand. The Spider was built for both racing and road use, featuring a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine from the Renault Clio Williams. With a weight of just 2,050 pounds, the Spider could accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in a little over 6 seconds. It initially lacked a windshield, sporting only an air deflector like its racing counterpart, which became available later.
Ariel Atom: The Ariel Atom is a track-ready sports car that originated as a student project at Coventry University. The exoskeleton design of the Atom leaves most of its mechanical components exposed, including the engine, suspension, and gearbox. The Atom 4 model is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine borrowed from the Honda Civic Type R, producing 316 horsepower. The lightweight car, weighing just 1,349 pounds, can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 2.8 seconds. While an optional windshield is available, most Atom owners prefer the barebones design for maximum driving experience.
smart crossblade: The smart crossblade is a Brabus-tuned barchetta based on the first-generation smart fortwo platform. With a turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 71 horsepower and a weight of just 1,609 pounds, the crossblade was a unique and limited-edition car. Unlike typical cars, the smart crossblade not only lacked a windshield but also featured upward-opening “barriers” instead of regular doors. Despite its slower performance compared to its cost, all 2,000 units found buyers, with singer Robin Williams even becoming an ambassador for the model.
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss: The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss is a limited-edition barchetta-style supercar built in honor of racing legend Sir Stirling Moss. Based on the SLR McLaren platform, the Stirling Moss model removed the roof, windshield, and side windows, making it considerably lighter and more aerodynamic than its predecessor. With a power output of 641 horsepower from a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 engine, the Stirling Moss could accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 3 seconds. Each of the 75 units built was sold exclusively to existing SLR McLaren owners and came with leather driving caps and racing goggles, reminiscent of the Mille Miglia race.
In conclusion, barchettas offer a unique driving experience that blurs the line between cars and motorcycles. These special vehicles, with their lack of windshield and roof, provide drivers with a thrilling sense of openness and freedom while still maintaining the safety features of a traditional car. If you’re a fan of unique and daring cars, barchettas are definitely worth checking out for a one-of-a-kind driving experience.
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