Spanish Fly: Tramontana spotted strafing Swiss airport in full jet fighter regalia
Autoblog reader David Kaiser has sent us some truly stunning images of Spain's most unique supercar, the Tramontana F1, painted in full jet fighter warpaint, attending a St. Moritz Automobile Club event in the Swiss Alps. The gathering took place on July 4 at the Engadin Airport, which at 5,600 feet, claims to be the highest European airfield that is in operation year-round. About 50 cars and 20 airplanes showed up for the show in the ski resort town, and it looks like we missed a great event.
We can't think of a more appropriate setting for the canopy'd and wing-laden Tramontana than an airport, not to mention one as spectacular as the one captured here in Kaiser's photographs. While we've only ever seen the twin-turbo V12-powered Tramontana F1 sitting static at auto shows, it certainly looks like it is capable of a wicked turn of speed.
According to our Zurich-based photographer, the airport's runways were closed for an hour, giving the chance for a gaggle of supercars past and present to take to the tarmac. Those cars included an Aston Martin Zagato, Bentley Continental GTC, along with some tremendous classics including a Jaguar E-Type and a stunningly restored Rolls Royce Hurricane. Naturally, the Tramontana took a turn as well, and our man Kaiser reports that: "The sound of the Tramontana is amazing, [upon its] approach, you don't hear almost anything, then a high scream similar to a jet appears when the car passes." Check out the high-res gallery below and the links below for more info. Thanks, David!
Gallery: Tramontana in fighter plane regalia
[Sources: DavidKaiser.ch; TheAutoUnion]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
tankd0g 3:11PM (7/10/2009)
Can that dude actually see where he's going or is the car simply a heat seeking missile?
Reply
Rob 3:12PM (7/10/2009)
Considering how low people appear to sit in that thing you'd think they could adjust the height of that canopy to look less, er, bulbous. Maybe then they could get rid of that Blindspot-of-Satan (tm) created by the front canopy pillars. Who knows, perhaps it could start a slippery slope of turning this fuggo into something decently attractive.
Reply
jinsei888 3:46PM (7/10/2009)
They've really got the Homer-Simpson-Bubble-Dome down!
Nellydesign 4:50PM (7/10/2009)
Look how tiny the driver's head is too! For something styled like a minimalist track car this thing is about twice the size of an Ariel Atom. It really is as big as a fighter jet I guess...
nzo 8:37PM (7/10/2009)
Its amazing to me how many people dislike the looks of this thing. I understand we all have different tastes but damn, I think this thing is seriously hot looking.
PumaGTO 3:21PM (7/10/2009)
I can see the exaust and intake, but no flaps, ailerons or vertical stabilisers... Damn, that fighter jet is designed all wrong.
Reply
kal326 3:22PM (7/10/2009)
Screw Saab, now this is something born from jets!
Reply
Jared 3:24PM (7/10/2009)
I want the Constellation in the background.
Reply
pirate 3:25PM (7/10/2009)
While this isn't particularly attractive (when did they start make supercars in spain?), it's definitely some good inspiration for my future street-legal jet fighter, which will be badass.
Reply
josespino 5:10PM (7/10/2009)
Spain started building supercars a while ago.. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pegaso_Z-102
JAUS 5:58PM (7/10/2009)
Pegaso = young (1946)
Hispano suiza= old(1904), sport and luxury cars (the rival companies RR,Bentley, Bugatti..in your moment)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hispano-Suiza
Nuieve 3:31PM (7/10/2009)
It looks like it doesn't turn its front wheels... probably just flies over it.
Reply
Quuppa 11:45AM (7/11/2009)
"Pegaso = young (1946)
Hispano suiza= old(1904), sport and luxury cars (the rival companies RR,Bentley, Bugatti..in your moment)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hispano-Suiza"
and Isotta-Fraschini one of priciest cars of era...
cdwrx 3:37PM (7/10/2009)
goofball.
Reply
Farris 3:43PM (7/10/2009)
"The sound of the Tramontana is amazing, [upon its] approach, you don't hear almost anything, then a high scream similar to a jet appears when the car passes."
Video or I don't believe it!
*covers eyes and pretends not to care... then fails miserably*
Video? Please???
Reply
Redline 3:52PM (7/10/2009)
Wow! Do want! I second on the call for a vid. Powertrain?
Reply
Farris 4:23PM (7/10/2009)
Wiki says it's a Merc V12 @ 5.5L.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tramontana_(sports_car)
Soccer Mom 4:27PM (7/10/2009)
It's either driven by a midget or it has an insanely deep bathtub stuffed in its cockpit.
Reply
Brian 4:36PM (7/10/2009)
Here's a promo vid: http://www.tramontanagroup.com/WMV_baja.wmv
I can't preview the audio, as I am at work, but...
Reply
Carlos 4:48PM (7/10/2009)
Wow that is wicked
Reply