Unique Brazilian Cars: Meet Guepardo

If you are passionate about brazilian cars that marked an era with innovative design and technical boldness, you will certainly be impressed by the history of Cheetah Vehicles Ltd. Founded in 1982, in the city of Porto Alegre (RS), Guepardo was born with a clear proposal: to transform production vehicles into true automotive masterpieces. In this article, we will explore the trajectory of this company that, although it had a short life, left a significant legacy in the Brazilian automotive sector.

The Origin of the Cheetah and 2+2

Founded at a time when the Brazilian automotive market was still quite limited by market reserve, Guepardo innovated with the launch of the Cheetah 2+2 in 1983. This model was a transformation of the popular Volkswagen Voyage, which received a series of aesthetic and functional modifications to become a sporty and exclusive hatchback.

The changes to the Voyage involved:

• Rear overhang shortened by 20 cm, which gave a more compact and sporty look.
• New grid, which included redesigned headlights and taillights.
• Extended bumpers up to the wheel arches, ensuring a more robust presence.
• Windshield with greater inclination and a 4 cm reduction in the vehicle’s total height, giving it an aerodynamic aesthetic.

In the rear, a third large door was the highlight. With opening facilitated by shock absorbers, this rear lid covered the last columns and integrated the windshield, a feature that gave the 2+2 a unique character.

The removable roof, as well as the tailgate, grille and bumpers, were molded in fiberglass, a solution that kept the car's weight low and contributed to the model's agility. Internally, the leather and velvet finish provided an air of sophistication, while the anatomical benches and the customized steering wheel completed the sporty proposal.

The Evolution of 2+2

In 1984, Guepardo has updated the design of the 2+2, bringing:

• New body-colored grille.
• Rectangular headlights instead of the original round ones.
• Front bumper with spoiler, where two auxiliary headlights were added.

These changes further enhanced the vehicle's sporty appearance, while the interior gained a updated center console and more complete instrumentation, features that reinforced the model’s comfort and exclusivity.

The Laser Project: Innovation and Audacity

Not satisfied with the success of the 2+2, Guepardo decided to go further and develop an entirely new vehicle. Thus, the Laser, a car with a bold proposal that brought the Volkswagen mechanics mounted in the rear and a body that combined sporty appeal with futuristic design.

Key highlights of the Laser included:

• Three-volume bodywork, painted in two colors. The lower part was always gray, adorned with a red stripe, further highlighting the sophistication of the model.
• Acrylic sliding doors, a unique innovation in the Brazilian market. These doors had limited height and slid along channels installed below the car's waistline.
• Elegant lines and slender headlights at the front, contrasting with the volume at the rear, which was more robust.

Although the Laser was a revolutionary proposal, the technical and financial challenges meant that production was taken over by the also gaucho company Polauto, which relaunched the model with some changes. Unfortunately, it is not known for sure how many units of the Laser were produced, but its boldness marked an era.

The Legacy of Guepardo in 2025

Although it ceased operations decades ago, Guepardo continues to be remembered as an example of creativity and innovation in the Brazilian automotive scene. In a market dominated by large automakers, the Rio Grande do Sul-based company showed that it was possible to think outside the box and create exclusive vehicles that met the desires of a public passionate about unique cars.

Today, in 2025, models like the Guepardo 2+2 and the Laser are valuable rarities among collectors. The price of a well-preserved 2+2 can exceed R$ 150 thousand, while the Laser, due to its low production, is even rarer, with value estimates above R$ 200 thousand, depending on the state of conservation.

Guepardo's story also serves as inspiration for new generations of entrepreneurs in the automotive sector, showing that even small companies can create great revolutions.

Conclusion

If you are a car enthusiast or interested in learning more about the history of iconic Brazilian cars, Guepardo's history is a must-read. The company not only innovated, but also challenged the limitations of its time, creating vehicles that still impress today due to their originality and distinctive design.

In 2025, the Guepardo legacy lives on, especially among collectors and enthusiasts who value its unique contribution to the Brazilian automotive market. So, if you are lucky enough to find a Guepardo 2+2 or a Laser at a vintage car show, don’t miss the opportunity to see these relics up close and celebrate the genius behind these unforgettable machines.