A WOLF IN WOLF''S CLOTHING
25 May 2007 - F&M Auto

At a time when the ubiquitous use of glass fibre has made the art of the car body sculpters in metal an almost lost art, F&M of Pisa in Italy has resurrected the craft of the 1930s carozzeria with their Antas V8.

With so much fiberglass clothing quite pedestrian mechanical under-pinnings in the so called specialist car world, the preponderance of sheep in wolves’s clothing cluttering the highways is quite depressing. An Antas is a totally different beast.

An Antas V8 is a lifestyle statement that will always only be available to the few. On average, and depending on the personal wishes of the buyer in the design and engine specifications, it can take ten to eleven months to complete an Antas. Like a finely maturing Tuscan wine the machine is crafted without thought to excellence threatening deadlines.

The owner’s relationship with F & M is a close one and based on mutual respect. The company is reverting to what some might call “old fashioned” values in trying to convey the idea of the Antas as a life experience. This includes not only the car but also a certain appreciation for the finer things such as unique Tuscan food and accommodation. F & M have access to beautiful Tuscan villas and restaurants, where prospective clients will be their guests at regular intervals during the 10-11 months it takes to create one Antas.

The client himself will be able to interact with F & M’s designers in order to tailor the lines and details of his/her Antas, both inside and outside. This means that each Antas will be different from any other, a unique object which reflect the owner’s taste.

It goes without saying that the each and every Antas is handcrafted, - an all aluminium attention to every detail inside out that borders on the obsessive. The dynamics of each Antas are determined by the customer’s choice of power-train, which can theoretically be anything front engined – rear wheel driven (Maserati , Ferrari 599/575, Jaguars, Aston Martins, Mercedes SL, BMW M6, Corvette, Viper etc). Of course, the performance over the original car is improved due to the substantial weight saving given by utilising all- aluminium bodywork. And what amazing bodywork it is…

Most customers long to find that road, that special stretch of road, where they and their Antas can be in harmony – the harmony of mind and body and machine.

The heart still skips more quickly on removing removing the dust sheet and the sinuous lines reveal themselves in carefully crafted reality. As a very wise person once said, “The great cars look as if they are doing 100 mph while standing still.”

The Antas is a truly great car. Stepping carefully over the broad sill it is a matter of a moment to slip into the snugness of the seat and the cockpit that is so essentially functional. Six point harness is snugged tight and the rear mirrors checked.

Ignition to the “on” position. Press the start button and the adrenalin is already flowing as the motor crackles into life. Pause to prepare for the unadulterated joy ahead and to let the engine and fluids warm up from cold. The car shakes slightly and is alive.

The way the gear lever falls so easily to hand is still appreciated for its sheer ergonomic sense. One pull back and you feel the clutch bite. She is ready; impatient even. Floor the throttle, a sudden squeal from the tyres and a massive hand is pushing you back into your seat – hard – very hard!

The air is warm and keen, there is the smell of a Tuscan summer in the air that screams past you. The firewall is warm now. The Antas is lunging ahead, ready to anticipate and obey your next thought. Crisp, scorched leaves spin behind in the vortex of your speed. Life is special – very special.

It is little wonder that this amazing car has been invited to attend the Drivers’ Parade at the Le Mans 24 Hour race weekend in a few weeks’ time - alongside a few selected more supercars.

www.femauto.it

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