As a result of a special collaboration between Italian car design firm and coachbuilder, Pininfarina S.p.A., and Japanese manufacturer, Honda Motor Co., Ltd., this unique automobile was born, the 1995 Honda Argento Vivo by Pininfarina. The Argento Vivo’s design is credited to Italian automobile designer, Davide Arcangeli, and the unique model was represented by both the CEO of Honda Motor from 1990 to 1998, Nobuhiko Kawamoto, and Italian automobile designer, Sergio Pininfarina. One of the most easily notable design elements is the hydraulically-actuated carbon-fiber folding hardtop roof system. The contrast of color from shiny polished areas is made up of lightweight fiber glass body panels, and a trunk lid, and hood made out of aluminum. Similar to the exterior design, the two-tone theme carries on into the interior of the car as well. The design of the Honda Argento Vivo caught the attention of the Royal Family of Brunei. The Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, is widely credited, along with his family, for having one of the world’s most extensive, and most exclusive automotive collections in the entire world. With estimates all the way up to 7,000+ cars, a number of them were built in secrecy, and to the exact desires of the family, resulting in many different one-off and few-off cars. The Argento Vivo was next on their list, and instead of using the original Honda-based platform, approximately 4 or 5 examples were constructed using the R129 Mercedes-Benz SL600 chassis, and V12 engine. The reborn examples were built using the same materials, and at least two of them are said to still be in Brunei.
How many made? 1 original concept car (+1 unfinished Honda Concept), 4 or 5 additional Mercedes-powered cars.
Engine: 2.5-liter inline-five 190hp (concept), 7.3-liter V12 525-565hp (prototypes)
Debut: Tokyo Motor Show, 1995
Top Speed: n/a (concept), 174mph (prototypes)
0-60mph: 6 seconds (concept), 4 seconds (prototypes)
Photo Credit: These photos shown here provided by @cartefacts.official are actually the original slides that were included in the Argento Vivo’s press kit from 1995 taken by Enzo Isaia
Research: @rarecarsonly