1981→1985 Puma P080 In the early ’80s, the company began experiencing financial and bureaucratic problems, aggravated by fires and floods. It designs a new model in order to leverage sales. Born then the P-018 (P-projects and 18 project was the Puma), which ends up being the final name of the...
Puma Cars
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Puma Automóveis: The Brazilian Sports Car Icon
Puma Automóveis, a name synonymous with Brazilian automotive history, carved out a niche for itself by producing stylish and affordable sports cars that captured the spirit of the 1960s and 1970s. Known for its distinctive designs and innovative use of fiberglass, Puma became a symbol of Brazilian ingenuity in the automotive world. This post delves into the origins of Puma, the vision of its founders, the iconic models that defined the brand, and the milestones that make Puma a celebrated name in car culture.
The Founding Vision: Genaro "Rino" Malzoni
Puma Automóveis was born out of the vision of Genaro “Rino” Malzoni, an Italian-Brazilian lawyer and car enthusiast. In the early 1960s, Malzoni, who had a passion for racing and automotive design, sought to create a sports car that could compete in Brazil’s burgeoning motorsport scene. His vision led to the creation of the Malzoni GT, a lightweight sports car with a fiberglass body, which was the precursor to Puma.
In 1964, Malzoni partnered with several Brazilian businessmen to establish Lumimari, a company focused on producing the Malzoni GT for both racing and road use. The success of the Malzoni GT in local racing circuits laid the foundation for what would soon become Puma Automóveis.
The Birth of Puma: From Lumimari to Puma
In 1966, Lumimari was rebranded as Puma Automóveis, signaling the start of a new era for the company. The first car to carry the Puma name was the Puma GT, a stylish sports car that utilized Volkswagen Beetle components, including the engine and chassis. The use of VW parts made the Puma GT affordable, reliable, and easy to maintain, which contributed to its popularity in Brazil.
The Puma GT’s sleek design, featuring a low-slung body and a distinctive front end, drew inspiration from European sports cars of the era, such as Ferrari and Porsche. Its fiberglass construction allowed for a lightweight and agile driving experience, making it a hit among Brazilian car enthusiasts.
Iconic Models: The Heart of Puma
Over the years, Puma produced several iconic models that became the backbone of the brand’s identity:
Puma GT (1967-1973):
The Puma GT was the first model to gain widespread popularity in Brazil. It was powered by a Volkswagen flat-four engine and featured a fiberglass body, making it both lightweight and stylish. The GT's success established Puma as a leading sports car manufacturer in Brazil.
Puma GTE (1970-1980s):
The Puma GTE was an evolution of the original GT, offering improved performance and design. It retained the VW flat-four engine but received updates in styling and interior comfort, making it a more refined sports car for the growing market.
Puma GTB (1973-1984):
The GTB was Puma's answer to the demand for a more powerful and luxurious sports car. Unlike previous models, the GTB was built on a Chevrolet platform and featured a six-cylinder engine, giving it significantly more power and making it one of the fastest Brazilian cars of its time.
Puma P-018 (1979-1985):
The Puma P-018 represented a shift in design philosophy, with more angular lines and a larger body. It was designed to appeal to a broader market and featured a more powerful engine, catering to drivers who wanted a blend of style and performance.
Special Milestones and Achievements
Puma Automóveis achieved several milestones that solidified its place in automotive history:
Export Success: Puma cars were not only popular in Brazil but also found success in international markets. The company exported cars to the United States, Europe, and Africa, where they were marketed as affordable alternatives to European sports cars.
Motorsport Legacy: Puma's early success in motorsport, particularly with the Malzoni GT, helped build the brand's reputation. Puma cars continued to compete in various racing series throughout the 1960s and 1970s, further enhancing their performance credentials.
Military and Utility Vehicles: In addition to sports cars, Puma produced utility and military vehicles, including the Puma DKW, a small off-road vehicle used by the Brazilian military. This diversification helped the company weather economic challenges in the automotive industry.
End of Production and Revival Attempts: Puma ceased production in the early 1990s due to economic difficulties, but the brand’s legacy continued. Several attempts have been made to revive Puma, with various groups and companies seeking to bring back the classic designs that made Puma famous.
The Enduring Legacy of Puma Automóveis
Despite its challenges, Puma Automóveis remains a beloved brand in Brazil and among classic car enthusiasts worldwide. The company’s innovative use of fiberglass, combined with its stylish designs and affordable pricing, made Puma cars accessible to a wide audience. Today, Puma vehicles are highly sought after by collectors, and the brand’s legacy lives on through enthusiast clubs and vintage car shows.
Puma's story is a testament to the creativity and determination of its founders, who succeeded in creating a brand that continues to be celebrated long after its production ended. Whether on the track or the road, Puma cars represent a unique chapter in automotive history, blending Brazilian flair with European-inspired design to create something truly special.
Conclusion
Puma Automóveis may have had a relatively short production run, but its impact on the automotive world is undeniable. From its origins as a racing car manufacturer to becoming a symbol of Brazilian ingenuity, Puma’s story is one of passion, innovation, and perseverance. As the brand continues to be celebrated by enthusiasts and collectors, the legacy of Puma Automóveis remains an enduring symbol of what can be achieved with a clear vision and a commitment to excellence.
Puma Cars Company Basics
Name: Puma Automóveis
Industry: Automotive
Founded: 25 August 1963
Headquarters: São Paulo, Brazil
Did You Know
Puma Automóveis is one of the most famous car manufacturers to come out of Brazil. Founded in 1963, the company initially focused on producing sports cars, primarily using Volkswagen components, which were readily available in Brazil.
Many of Puma's early models, including the iconic Puma GT, were powered by Volkswagen Beetle engines. This made them easy to maintain and popular among car enthusiasts in Brazil.
Puma cars were known for their lightweight fiberglass bodies. This made the cars significantly lighter than traditional metal-bodied vehicles, contributing to their agility and performance.
The design of Puma cars was heavily inspired by European sports cars of the 1960s and 1970s. The Puma GT, for instance, drew design cues from Ferrari, Porsche, and other iconic brands of the era, giving it a distinctive and stylish look.
