Adamo: A Milestone in the History of Off-Road Vehicles

If you are passionate about cars, especially off-the-shelf models, Adamo is a name that deserves your attention. Founded in 1968 by Milton Adamo, the company was a symbol of creativity and persistence in the national automotive industry. Operating in a segment that required a lot of passion and boldness, Adamo left a legacy of unique sports models, manufactured in small series, and helped to consolidate Brazilian automotive culture. In this article, we will explore in detail Adamo's history, its main models, the challenges it faced and the impact it had on the automotive history of Brazil.

The Origin 

Adamo was born from a visionary idea by Milton Adamo, who saw the sports car market as an opportunity to diversify his family's polyester furniture factory in São Paulo. Inspired by the success of Puma, Adamo began its journey with the launch of its first prototype at the 6th Auto Show in 1968, at the Petrobrás stand.

The initial model was a small sports car with curved lines and Volkswagen 1300 mechanics, but it would only go into production in 1970, after a series of refinements. Thus was born the first Adamo GT, a car that brought innovative features for the time, such as retractable headlights and a more refined approach to design.

Evolution and Innovations of Models
Adamo quickly stood out for its creative solutions. While other companies adapted shortened Volkswagen platforms, Adamo chose to maintain the original length, creating a more stable and spacious car. This decision resulted in a model that mixed features of a sports convertible with those of a buggy.

Adamo GT

Produced until 1975, the first GT was offered both assembled and as a kit. With around 170 built, the car cemented Adamo's reputation as a daring manufacturer. The design was both elegant and practical, with a vinyl top covering the targa and prominent headlights typical of buggies.

Adamo GT II

At the 9th Auto Show in 1974, Adamo presented the GT II, with a VW 1500 engine and a more sophisticated design, reminiscent of the Ferrari Dino. The production version used VW 1600 mechanics with dual carburetors, but despite the effort, performance was still discreet, being more of a style car than a performance car.

Adamo GTL and GTM

With the launch of the GTL at the 11th Auto Show in 1978, Adamo raised the bar for its products. This model featured retractable headlights, a full dashboard and high-quality anatomical seats. It was a relative success, with around 700 units sold by 1980. The updated version, called GTM, brought improvements such as new bumpers and more trunk space, remaining in the line until new economic challenges arrived.

Adamo CRX 1.8: A Technological Leap

The big turning point for Adamo was the CRX 1.8, launched in 1984. With modern mechanics, including a four-cylinder water-cooled engine and McPherson suspension, the model marked a break with projects based on the Beetle.

Initially nicknamed “Búzios”, the CRX was offered in closed and targa versions, with a design that still harked back to previous models. This investment in technology was an attempt to ensure the brand’s competitiveness in a market that was already beginning to feel the impact of economic difficulties.

The Crisis Years and Persistence 

From the 1980s onwards, Brazil faced a series of economic crises that deeply affected the automotive industry. Small manufacturers, such as Adamo, felt the impact even more strongly. However, the company managed to resist thanks to the diversification of its products and the limited but consistent production of vehicles.

The AC 2000 model, presented at the XV Motor Show in 1988, was an attempt to reposition the brand. Using a Santana 2.0 engine, the car brought cleaner and more modern lines, as well as a customization kit for the Chevrolet Monza.

The End of Adamo and His Legacy

In 1990, with the opening of the Brazilian market to imports, initiated by the government of Fernando Collor, national manufacturers of off-road vehicles suffered a fatal blow. Competition from foreign vehicles quickly wiped out the segment, forcing dozens of small companies to go bankrupt.

Even in this scenario, Adamo left its mark. Around 1,700 cars were manufactured over two decades, including 600 CRX units, the brand's most advanced model.

Why is Adamo Still Relevant in 2025?

In 2025, Adamo cars are considered automotive relics, being highly valued by collectors and enthusiasts. Well-preserved models can reach values in the range of R$ 200,000.00 to R$ 400,000.00, depending on the condition and originality.

Adamo represents an important chapter in Brazilian automotive history. Its history shows how passion and creativity can defy the adversities of a difficult market. If you are an enthusiast or looking for a unique vehicle for your collection, an Adamo can be an incredible opportunity to own a piece of history.

Value the past, invest in the future and keep the memory of the Brazilian automotive industry alive.