This car, which appears to have traveled here from another galaxy, is the 1991 Sbarro Helios by Ateliers de Construction Automobiles, Sbarro’s Internal department dedicated to developing and engineering Sbarro’s vehicles, ranging from groundbreaking prototypes to bespoke creations. Franco Sbarro truly revolutionized the automotive industry in his own way. Starting out as a mechanic in Neuchatel (Switzerland) in 1957, just two years later (1959), he would create his own business working out of a garage. Following this, Sbarro would then find himself in a meeting with Georges Filipinetti, founder of Swiss motor racing team Scuderia Filipinetti, which would ultimately land him a role as a chief mechanic for Filipinetti in Switzerland. In the year 1968, Sbarro parted ways with Filipinetti in order to start Atelier de Construction Automobile. With things accelerating quickly for Sbarro, the eventual foundation of Ecole ESPERA Sbarro, a small Swiss high-performance replica and sports car company in the year 1971 would be the venture that placed Sbarro’s name in the history books forever. From here, Sbarro would go on to create a myriad of innovative high-performance prototypes, customs, replicas and concept cars. The Helios project was a test bed for Sbarro’s latest patent at the time, known as the Dual Frame chassis. The Dual Frame system divides the car into two modules: a rigid mechanical structure with the engine, gearbox, and suspension, and a lightweight composite body with the cabin, connected by pneumatic spheres. The Helios project made its grand debut at the 1991 Geneva Motor Show in the form of a rolling chassis, a composite monocoque structure, a long blue coupe with gullwing doors, and a white open-top variant. At the 1991 Geneva Show, the Sbarro exhibit was funded by Agip Suisse and designed by architect Mario Botta.
How many made? 1 convertible, 1 coupe, 1 bare chassis and 1 raw body
Engine: Jaguar 5.3L V12
Debut: 1991 Geneva Motor Show
Top Speed: n/a
0-60mph: n/a
Photo Credit: @lambolog
Research: @rarecarsonly
1991 Sbarro Helios
27.02.2025
Sbarro