"-Amateur" (amateur)
10/03/2013 at 22:31 • Filed to: DOME
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"-Amateur" (amateur)
10/03/2013 at 22:31 • Filed to: DOME | 1
| 4 |
Ever seen those rad Hot Wheels cars that are so crazy and impractical that you have to buy it? That's what the Dome Zero is to me. Known as Japan's Countach, It was built as a means to an end...that end being the the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Seems legit
The Zero exploded on the scene in '78. As a kid, I've always been fascinated by die cast toy cars. Always waiting to buy the next set of new cars from Hot Wheels. The Dome-Zero is like a life-size die cast car and appropriately, Dome, when written in Japanese means "a child's dream."
The car was created by Japan's DOME Co. LTD as a way to draw in investors to their company. This company bled racing and needed cash to fund their racing efforts. A hot shot team of designers and engineers were assembled in '76 to make a dream into reality. The Dome-Zero had Italian flair with its wedge shaped styling, yet was distinctly Japanese. Japan wasn't known for exhilarating automotive design, so they hoped this car would change all that.
The Dome-Zero was sensational, receiving tons of coverage by the motoring press and public alike at the Geneva Motor Show. The Dome even landed stateside at the Chicago and L.A. Auto Shows with rave reviews. Dome had a lot of momentum with the Zero and decided to double down on it.
They geared up for 1979 24 hours of Le Mans. They purpose built the Dome-Zero RL for this one and only purpose. As much effort Dome put into making it that far, hopes and dreams can only take you so far when faced with the grueling demands of the the 24 hours of Le Mans. The car failed to finish. They returned for the 1980 Le Mans race, only finish...dead last. All things considered with DOME being a small privateer auto manufacturer, I'd keep me head help up high in life.
"There's only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve; the fear of failure" -Paulo Coelho
Dome is always hiring people in continuing it's dream:
Sayonara!
Photo credits belong to their respective owners
daender
> -Amateur
10/03/2013 at 22:47 |
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They're still trying for LeMans! The S102.5 qualified tenth in 2012 however it did not complete the minimum amount of laps (203 vs 264) but it was the last car still running. It's been running since 2008.
The S101 scored highest qualifying speed in 2001, 335 km/hr. Both S101's did not finish in 2001 but the Team Holland car finished in the top 8 for the next 3-4 years and continued to take part until 2007 as the S101.5.
GhostZ
> -Amateur
10/03/2013 at 22:50 |
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Funny thing is that I'm fairly sure this thing is about 60% 280z. Same engine, front suspension, and transmission, just with a different chassis, brakes, and very lightweight body overtop. It also wasn't much faster than the 240z either.
Damn cool car though.
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daender
> GhostZ
10/03/2013 at 22:53 |
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I wish I still had my PS2 or else I'd find a way to get the Zero and then let B-Spec Bob log some laps in both cars.
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-Amateur
> daender
10/03/2013 at 23:01 |
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God that is awesome to hear! I honestly had no idea they were still at it!