1990 Borzoi (United Kingdom) - AllCarIndex

Nelson Kruschandl’s Borzoi, named after the agile Russian hunting dog, stands out for its unique approach to automotive design. Introduced as a single-seater sports car in 1990, the Borzoi was built to test a joystick-based control system—a concept patented by Kruschandl (British patent 2253379).

The Borzoi was notable for its performance: with a Peugeot 2.8-liter engine, it could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 4 seconds and reach a top speed of 170 mph. However, a subsequent engine change to a Renault 2.5-liter unit led to reliability issues and limited performance. The car was sold before these problems could be fully resolved.

The Borzoi’s design reflected both its experimental nature and practical constraints. It featured a distinctive single-seater cockpit and hand-formed aluminum body panels. Notable design elements included an electro-magnetically operated catch for the door and a dashboard-controlled engine cover.

While the Borzoi did not achieve commercial success, it represents an interesting chapter in automotive innovation. Kruschandl’s work with the Borzoi highlights the challenges and creativity involved in pioneering new vehicle technologies.