Autoblog

Click on the image above to view in high-resolution

The SLR wasn't the only attention-grabbing roadster Daimler-Benz had on display at this year's LA show. Sitting front and center in between all the latest machinery from Mercedes was this unique classic, the 290 Special Roadster.

On loan from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center USA, the bright orange convertible was a one-off drophead version of the 290-series flagship sedan that debuted in February 1933 at the Berlin Motor Show. Taking the place in Benz's 30's line-up where the S-Class sits today, the 290 came in short- and long-wheelbase versions (for personal or chauffeured use) and adopted the company's then-new swing axle technology.

This convertible is one-of-a-kind, built in 1936. It packs a 68hp 2.8-liter straight six driving through a 3-speed transmission and wrapped in some truly classic sheetmetal that gives you an idea for where the guys at Wiesmann may have drawn their inspiration. Check out the gallery below for all the elegant curves and details.

In a story that seems to resurface every so often, Kumho is apparently ready to introduce the scented tires we first reported on back in 2005. The new Kumho Ecsta DX series is available in three different sizes and is engineered to smell like lavender instead of rubber. Later on, orange and jasmine scents will be introduced as well.

The fancy rubber is being targeted at female drivers of vehicles like the Camry, Accord, and other staid family carriers. Presumably, these women would rather shell out up to $138 a tire to get something a $1.29 Little Tree will provide. In fact, we see a new marketing opportunity for Kumho here. Never mind girly-scented tires for midsize boringmobiles. Instead, how about a cross-branded Kumho/Little Tree performance tire? Then, all drivers would need to do is shut off their nannyware traction control systems, get those wheels spinning and fill the air with the delicious, unmistakable scent of Vanillaroma! That, we could get behind.

Snark-free details in Kumho's official press release after the jump.

[Source: Kumho via Engadget]

We remember reading about the Zolfe Orange last year and we were absolutely smitten with the possibility of it coming into production. Now, we've gotten word that the British startup will begin selling the 'Busa-powered super-coupe next week.

Aside from being TVR-esque and undoubtedly orange, the Zolfe packs a power-to-weight ratio of 113 HP per ton and that's in stock form. The aforementioned 1.3-liter motor, pulled straight from a Suzuki Hayabusa, provides motivation and when mated to a six-speed tranny the Orange can reach 60 in 4.5 seconds. Originally, there was word of a turbo'd mill that would increase horsepower from 175 to 350, dropping the sprint to 60 by a full second, but the bespoke carmaker has decided to give buyers the choice of either 2- or 3-liter Ford-sourced V6s, producing 145 HP and 203 HP respectively.

Pricing will be set at £25,000 and according to Zolfe's owner, Nic Strong, an American buyer has already placed an order for 200 of the orange supercars. We can't wait to see one in person.

[Sources: Pistonheads, Zolfe]

If you're a regular reader here at Autoblog, you'll know that we like aftermarket tuners, and regularly cover some of their finest efforts. Tuners give enthusiasts and buyers a broader range of customizable options than the factory could possibly envision, allowing us to express our individuality and personal taste – or, sometimes, complete lack thereof. But some things you just don't mess with, like a Ferrari. With very few exceptions, messing with the perfection of a Prancing Horse just spells disaster.

This video from Dutch television shows the agonizing step-by-step process of turning the F430, one of the best sports cars ever to grace God's green earth, into a rolling orange abomination that looks more Trick than Treat in its Halloween livery.

It's probably just as well if you can't understand what the narrator and interviewees are saying, because frankly, we don't want to know. Watch at your own risk...not for the faint of heart.

Related post:

• Novitec Rosso's twin-supercharger Ferrari F430 - Autoblog