Puma GT- 1972

Emerging from Brazil in the 1960s, the Puma GT quickly gained acclaim as a respected sports car. Designed by Rino Malzoni, its sleek fiberglass body and aerodynamic form provided an exhilarating driving experience. Equipped with various engines, particularly VW’s air-cooled units, it earned accolades for both its performance and affordability. The Puma GT symbolized Brazilian automotive ingenuity, captivating enthusiasts with its dynamic styling and impressive capabilities on both road and track.

Established in 1963, Puma initially specialized in crafting vehicles tailored for the Brazilian market. Originally utilizing DKW chassis, the company quickly transitioned to VW platforms following Volkswagen’s acquisition of VEMAG-DKW. The 1972 Puma GT, recently acquired by the museum, epitomizes this history, featuring a fiberglass body mounted on a VW Karmann Ghia 1600 chassis. Puma has experienced several resurgences over time and is currently focused on developing the Puma GT Lumimari.

Specifications:

Manufacturer:

Puma Veículos e Motores

Country of Origin: Brazil

Drivetrain Configuration: Rear engine, rear-wheel drive

Engine: VW, air-cooled, 1600cc, flat 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, 70bhp

Transmission: 4-speed manual with reverse

Top Speed: ~93 mph

Years of Production: 1968-1975 (VW Karman-Ghia based)

Number Produced: 484 (1972)

Original Cost: Unpublished