Solved - NEH 404: OTAS KL112 by Aldo Sessano (1970)

[Carnut]

For the eagle-eyes amongst us this is not a re-post, although its rear lights have featured in a compendium puzzle before.
So 1 point for whoever can give its name, builder and date:

[Arunas]

Definitely a rerun.

[Allemano]

Error 404 ?

[Carnut]

Since you both say that I have searched again using all the names I have for this car individually but it still only shows up as having been part of a compendium showing only the rear lights.

Can you point me to where this car has featured as a puzzle before please?

[Allemano]

It only was a pun from my side...
Of course I know what group puzzle you mean , but couldn't find any other evidence for a re-post.

[Carnut]

It only was a pun from my side...
Of course I know what group puzzle you mean , but couldn't find any other evidence for a re-post.

Actually yes I did recognise the good pun but thought maybe you agreed with Arunas anyway!

[Oguerrerob]

AMC Javelin

[Carnut]

AMC Javelin

Sorry but no.

[Ultra]

C'mon Allemano, you know you want it!!!!

[ImpishGrin]

It was featured twice in group detail puzzles with this very pic posted after it had been guessed in one case. I'm not saying it's a repost, just that it's gonna be an easy point for someone

[Allemano]

C'mon Allemano, you know you want it!!!!

Yes I really LOVE repeated jokes!

[Oguerrerob]

AMC Gremlin

[Carnut]

AMC Gremlin

Not the picture posted by me, no.

[Carnut]

It was featured twice in group detail puzzles with this very pic posted after it had been guessed in one case. I'm not saying it's a repost, just that it's gonna be an easy point for someone

I've run the search again using the designer, model name and number for this car but sitll only get one result, and that's the one in the group details puzzle I mentioned before, and that puzzle doesn't have a full photo of the car in it.

Would you mind PM'ing me with the details of which puzzle it has appeared in before with its full picture please?

[Carnut]

Still have not seen any proof that this is a re-post or has appeared in more than one composite puzzle despite opinions otherwise!
So let's give the Experts the chance to identify it..

[white12]

It is the Sessano OTAS KL112, year 1970

[Carnut]

It is the Sessano OTAS KL112, year 1970

Yes it is.
I knew white12 wouldn't let me down.
I'm seriously thinking about missing out the Experts' board and moving some of these puzzles straight to the Pro's as they're not getting the chance of so many of them..
On the other hand, at this rate it won't be long before you're a Pro anyway so that'll give some Experts the chance again!

[Allemano]

Actually 'Sessano' is not part of the name. Aldo Sessano did the design of the car, that's all.

I repeat myself, I know, but in my opinon the maybe greatest compact car design ever made:

[Allemano]

Some details: The car was presented in 1970 on the Car Salon in Turin.
OTAS alias 'Construzioni Automobilistiche di Franco Giannini' was a coachworking company in Ozegna outside of Turin.
The two door Coupe was designed by Aldo Sessano whereas the floorpan, gear-box and engine had been taken from the Autobianchi A112 (Fiat 903cc).
Giannini tuned this powerplant to 59 HP.
The company was about to sell this car in the USA as well as the cabin structure and emissions were already adapted to US standards.
Unfortunately the project was rejected.

Obviousely OTAS developed a kit buggy called "Crazy Car" as well.
My source reports it was Fiat 500 based.
Does anyone have infos about it?

[75america]

Actually O.T.A.S. stands for Officina Transformazione Auto Sportive.

I can confirm that the Crazy-car is Fiat 500 based.  Until now, I was not able to find a picture of this car.  There is a drawing of the car present in Quattroruote #179 . The same drawing is present in Alessandro Sannia's Fiat 500 Fuoriserie book.

[Otto Puzzell]

Oguerrerob' guess notwithstanding, it is interesting to see the similarities in detail to Dick Teague's 1968 AMX GT and the later production model Gremlin. The clipped wheelbase and short Kamm tail are common to all three, and the engine-clearance raised section of the hood on the Gremmie and the puzzle car, for instance.

[Carnut]

Oguerrerob' guess notwithstanding, it is interesting to see the similarities in detail to Dick Teague's 1968 AMX GT and the later production model Gremlin. The clipped wheelbase and short Kamm tail are common to all three, and the engine-clearance raised section of the hood on the Gremmie and the puzzle car, for instance.

You're not suggesting he cribbed Sessano's terrific design are you Otto?!
Tut tut...

[Otto Puzzell]

How you arrived at that conclusion, I have no idea.

As to "terrific", IMO it begins well, but the straight-on rear view is about the most nondescript design I can imagine.

[Carnut]

As to "terrific", IMO it begins well, but the straight-on rear view is about the most nondescript design I can imagine.

The back end is relatively plain, yes, but to my eye that's part of its beauty.
It's a very cohesive and well-proportioned design.
Not many of Sessano's designs seem to have made it to production however; perhaps if he'd learned to draw curves he might have had a bit more success...

[Allemano]

As to "terrific", IMO it begins well, but the straight-on rear view is about the most nondescript design I can imagine.

The back end is relatively plain, yes, but to my eye that's part of its beauty.
It's a very cohesive and well-proportioned design.
Not many of Sessano's designs seem to have made it to production however; perhaps if he'd learned to draw curves he might have had a bit more success...

I'm sorry to object. That's of course not the reason! The main reason is he never was close related to any of the big makes or coachbuilding companies. He made many successful designs for Japanese clients, but Sessano's name was rarely mentioned on those projects.

About the rear view of the 112KL: I love it like it is! To me it's absolutely not nondescript, but pure and graphic. There's not always a big butt needed!