1978 Australian Ze-One prototype! - AllCarIndex

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1978 Australian Ze-One prototype!

Jan 26, 2014

Here is a real gem for enthusiasts of truly obscure and unknown sportscars - an Australian Ze-One prototype. This neat looking automobile was presented at Sydney International Motor Show in 1978. Built by a trio of individuals - John Englaro, Dorian Zerial and Harold Zeman - the car was developed as a competitor to Ferrari and Maserati in a period of four years. It should have been a personalised high performance sportscar with European touch and Australian mechanicals. Engine, gearbox and running gear was borrowed from Holden. A 5.0-liter V8 engine should have been good enough for a top speed of 220 km/h. In addition to this, chassis and suspension were a custom work of John Englaro who also worked on Leyland P76 project before the Ze-One. An initial plan of the small company was to produce 25 units of the Ze-One a year each priced at $25.000 AUD (this would be just under $100.000 USD today). Anyhow, little, if anything, has been heard about the Ze-One after the show.

Does anyone know if this car still exists?

 

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