Puma GTB
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The Puma GTB was a front engine, rear wheel drive touring car based on Brazilian GM (Opala) components. A prototype named the Puma GTO appeared in 1971. The name was changed to Puma GTB (Gran Turismo Brazil) for the first production version which appeared in 1973.
Registers confirm that the Puma GTB was Brazil's most expensive car from 1973 to 1984. The GTB was powered by a 4100 cc in-line six cylinder engine that was basically a U.S. Chevy six produced in Brazil. The body was made of fiberglass, which allowed for styling changes with minimal expense. It was common for GTB engines to be modified for high output. GTB interiors were luxurious, with features such as leather seats, power windows and air conditioning. Several aftermarket companies, including Pumakit and Superclar, produced custom body parts for the Puma GTB (the Daytona version).
Production of the GTB was lower than that of the VW based Pumas. Total production was 1,589 of which 701 were S1 (First Series) and 888 were S2 (Second Series). The Puma GTB was not exported to North America or Europe, although at least one S2 is known to be in the U.S.
There was also two other versions of the Puma GTB before the factory crashed in debts: the GTB S3(late 1983), using Brazilian Sugarcane Alcohol as fuel with a 4L Chevy engine, and the S4(1984), with a turbo-powered engine. But both versions didn't sold as much as the S1 and S2 did. Puma Vehicles felt into bankruptcy in 1985, and only when Alfa Metais assumed production of Puma cars, in 1987, the GTB was facelifted and revived as the AMV.
[edit] Specifications
Engine - in-line six cylinder; 4093 cm³. Compression Rate: 7,8:1. Double-body carburetor. Horsepower: 168 hp @ 4.800 rpm. Maximum Torque: 32,5 m.kgf @ 2.600 rpm
Gearbox - manual, 4 gears; rear wheel drive.
Suspension - front, independent; rear, hard axis with semi-elliptical springs.
Wheels - 14 inches; front tires, 205/70 R 14; rear tires, 215/70 R 14.
Dimensions - length, 4,3 m; width, 1,74 m; height, 1,26 m; weight, 1.215 kg.
Performance - Maximum speed: 120 mph.
Estimated used car price - US$ 7000.00
