1960 De Diego (Spain) - AllCarIndex

The De Diego car was a unique, homemade vehicle, meticulously crafted by Gerardo de Diego, a 29-year-old bodywork and boilermaking expert from Burgos, in the early 1960s. Over the course of two years, De Diego built the car in a small workshop, drawing on his eight years of study and experience in mechanics. The result was a striking red sports car with sleek, aerodynamic lines, a low roof, and a convertible design that incorporated the modern comforts of its time.

Technically, the car featured a custom-built chassis and a suspension system similar to that of a Volkswagen, though it used coil springs instead of torsion bars. The steering was based on the Ford 8 CV controls, and it was powered by a BMW motorcycle engine, capable of reaching speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour. Though modest in speed, the car offered excellent handling and structural integrity, making it a notable example of homemade engineering.

De Diego's car had already traveled over 1,000 kilometers without a single breakdown, which was a testament to his craftsmanship. Passersby often mistook it for a foreign model due to its unique appearance, but De Diego proudly explained that it was his own creation, built in Burgos. Despite interest from potential buyers, he never intended to sell the car, as it held great personal and spiritual value. He saw it as the culmination of his efforts and a showcase of his work, and he dreamed of continuing to design revolutionary car bodies.

The De Diego car was more than just a vehicle; it represented the ingenuity and determination of its creator, a young craftsman who succeeded in blending technical precision with artistic design.