1974 Sbarro Stash

In 1974, Sbarro presented its latest creation at the Geneva Motor Show: the Stash. This three-seater coupe has been designed based on SV1 with a more harmonious design. Two body styles are offered: coupé or cabriolet (targa type), the latter being called HS.

The chassis, similar to the SV1, consists of a central beam connected to a tubular frame and a reinforced roll cage doubled, all drowned in two polyester cages. Four discs provide braking. Note the presence of two luggage carriers, one in front (290 liters) the other at the rear (140 liters), offering a rare ability in this body style. Sprinklers can be fitted on request.

Abandoning the rotary engine of the SV1, the Stash is available with several engines. The first comes from Volkswagen, a 4-cylinder 1.8-liter K70 developing 105 DIN hp or turbo 147 hp. The second is from Mercedes 450 SE. The 6.9-liter V8 is twice as powerful as the VW block, with 286 horses. In the latter case, the registry Stash changed and is no longer in the same category. It seems that Stash has been equipped with a Porsche engine and another for a 6-cylinder engine BMW 3 liters. I have, unfortunately, no confirmation for these two engines.

Such powers could lead to a smile today, but we must remember that an Alpine A110 developed 95 horses at the time, a Ferrari 308 just 255 horses! The Stash is far from being underpowered, even in 4-cylinder version. The version 6.9 equipped with the Mercedes reached 240 km/h, from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds. Or roughly the performance of a Ferrari 308.

In 1975, the famous couturier Pierre Cardin has proposed its version of the Stash at the Salon de Paris. The changes on this model are mainly the interior (outside, only the signature "Pierre Cardin" appears on the side in a blue banner). The dashboard is now painted with rubber lamellaire, and seats and carpets are decorated with stripes. VW mechanics are unchanged. The Stash Cardin is a version for finishing different, more luxurious. But Pierre Cardin suggested that he had participated in the design of the car, not just remodeled the interior. Franco Sbarro didn't appreciate the couturier's method! Nevertheless, the Stash and Cardin are associated for many.

We can not talk about the creation of Sbarro in terms of production figures. Only 5 of the Stash copies have been sold. The car has, as Sbarro said himself, "a beautiful appearance. It is convenient and relatively cheap." The Stash is unknown and did not broadcast it would have deserved. It is very difficult to know what these rare cars have become today.

Source: 1978 Sbarro Super Stash - historicautopro. https://www.historicautopro.com/1978-sbarro-super-stash

Images: Espera Sbarro