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FERRARI RAINBOW

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by ExcelsiorZ, Apr 26, 2008.

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  1. ExcelsiorZ

    ExcelsiorZ Formula 3
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    #1 ExcelsiorZ, Apr 26, 2008
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    Is anyone familiar with the Ferrari Rainbow. I was wondering how Bertone managed to create a targa top that would simply flip backwards (where as tradiational targa tops have to be removed by hand in an out-of-the-car manner.
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  2. agup48

    agup48 Two Time F1 World Champ

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    #2 agup48, Apr 26, 2008
    no idea, but it looks like a Porsche 914
     
  3. Jon Hansen

    Jon Hansen Formula Junior

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    #3 Jon Hansen, Apr 26, 2008
    Looks more like a Fiat X-19 IMO.

    A neat bit of engineering to be certain.
     
  4. willrace

    willrace Three Time F1 World Champ
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    #4 willrace, Apr 26, 2008
    I remember that one. It was based on the 308; didn't recall that the top flipped like that. Neat feature.
    It was a R&T cover car at one point.
     
  5. Bullfighter

    Bullfighter Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #5 Bullfighter, Apr 26, 2008
    +1
     
  6. ylshih

    ylshih Shogun Assassin
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    #6 ylshih, Apr 26, 2008
    As I recall the Rainbow was a Bertone design, who also did the Fiat X1/9.
     
  7. WILLIAM H

    WILLIAM H Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #7 WILLIAM H, Apr 26, 2008
    I believe it was in the Nieman Marcus catalog that year but nobody was interested
     
  8. Jeff Kennedy

    Jeff Kennedy F1 Veteran
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    #8 Jeff Kennedy, Apr 26, 2008
    If anybody has it look in an old issue of Car Styling, a Japanese quartly/bi-monthly for the automotive design professionals. I think there was an article in it that would have more detailed information. I would check my Car Styling collection but am gone for a couple more weeks.

    Barchetta list the serial number as 12788.

    Notice that in the hinged roof there is a glass panel that lines up with the rear window.

    Jeff
     
  9. ExcelsiorZ

    ExcelsiorZ Formula 3
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    #9 ExcelsiorZ, Apr 26, 2008
    Brilliant! I didn't realize that glass was for rearward view visibility. Really trick piece of kit.
     
  10. kerrari

    kerrari Two Time F1 World Champ

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    #10 kerrari, Apr 27, 2008
    Huh? I don't get this - how is the top fixed back in the open position when that wing is in the way?
    BTW, I agree it definately looks Fiat X1/9 based to me.
     
  11. FandLcars

    FandLcars F1 Rookie

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    #11 FandLcars, Apr 27, 2008
    I'm sure the top slides down behind the seats after it's near-vertical, in case that answers a question or two.
     
  12. SS2012

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    #12 SS2012, Apr 27, 2008
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  13. VIZSLA

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    #13 VIZSLA, Apr 27, 2008
    Doubled as a moon roof with the top up.
     
  14. ExcelsiorZ

    ExcelsiorZ Formula 3
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    #14 ExcelsiorZ, Apr 28, 2008
    No, the superamerica design is far simpler. It's top merely flips rearward. In that position, it catches bird poop, dust, tree leaves, etc., then flips it back on your head. The Rainbow design is far purer and I suspect more complex than the simple Superamerica rotation.
     
  15. willrace

    willrace Three Time F1 World Champ
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    #15 willrace, Apr 28, 2008
    "Dat's one 'spensive Pooper Scooper, Lucy!!!" <Ricky R.>

    Anyone know where the car is today??
     
  16. Shumdit

    Shumdit Formula Junior

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    #16 Shumdit, Apr 28, 2008
    This top operation is a little like the SSR Chevrolet truck in that it stores vertically behind the seats I think (except the SSR is 2 sections I think).
     
  17. kerrari

    kerrari Two Time F1 World Champ

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    #17 kerrari, Apr 28, 2008
    Now that IS clever - thanks for the answer!
     
  18. SS2012

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    #18 SS2012, Apr 29, 2008
    Ah I see. Take a look at the new Mazda Miata Hardtop convertible. The top folds in half and is stored vertically behind the driver & passenger. Essentially the trunk space stays identical whether with the top up or down.
     
  19. BIGHORN

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    #19 BIGHORN, Apr 29, 2008
    i RECALL IT BEING BASED ON THE 308gt/4. I SAW IT AT THE NY AUTO SHOW IN '70S
     
  20. Jeff Kennedy

    Jeff Kennedy F1 Veteran
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    #20 Jeff Kennedy, Apr 29, 2008
    I think that is right and it would make sense since Bertone was making the 308GT4; easy access to the platform.

    Jeff
     
  21. UroTrash

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    #21 UroTrash, Apr 29, 2008


    :)
     
  22. veloce92

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    #22 veloce92, Apr 29, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    this reminds me of the Fioravanti Skill concept car, it's roof did the same thing as the Rainbow's. Other than the roof, they aren't really that similar.
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  23. ExcelsiorZ

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    #23 ExcelsiorZ, Apr 29, 2008
    Fioravanti also did the Superamerica top. BUT, both designs are simpler. The trick is getting the top to flip backward with such minimal consumption of space and no ill effect on the design, top up or down. Perhaps the Rainbow remains with Bertone?
     

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