Puma: On the Tracks and in the Hearts of Brazilians

The history of sports cars is full of great names from North American, European and Asian manufacturers. However, Brazil also has its contribution with a vehicle that has become iconic and won admirers all over the world: the Puma, a genuinely Brazilian sports car.

With over five decades of history, the Puma is not just a car, but a symbol of innovation and automotive passion in Brazil. If you are a car fan or just curious about the history of the national automotive industry, get ready to learn about the journey of this model that is still celebrated by enthusiasts today.

Humble and ambitious origins

The Puma story begins in August 25, 1963, in a small shed in the city of Matão, in the interior of São Paulo. Initially, the company was called Lumimari Automobile Company Ltd., a combination of the initials of its founders: Luiz Roberto Alves da Costa, Milton Masteguin, Mário César “Marinho” de Camargo Filho and Rino Malzoni.

It was in the hands of the Italian Genaro “Rino” Malzoni that the first prototype came to life. With the partnership of Vemag (Agricultural Vehicles and Machinery SA), the model was developed to compete directly with the Willys Interlagos, Brazilian version of the Renault Alpine A108.

In 1963, the first project, called GT Malzoni, made its debut at the Grand Prix of the Americas, in Interlagos. With a 3-cylinder DKW-Vemag engine and 106 hp of power, he quickly stood out, winning five consecutive races and putting Lumimari on the map of the Brazilian automotive industry.

The transformation into Puma

Two years after its creation, in 1966, the company changed its name to Puma, inspired by the agile and imposing feline, a suggestion from Jorge Lettry, new partner and former head of Vemag. This rebranding marked the beginning of a new era for the brand.

However, in 1967, Vemag closed its activities, leaving Puma without a supplier for engines and chassis. It was then that the company began to use Volkswagen mechanics, inaugurating the production of the VW Puma GT, which would become the most emblematic model in the brand's history.

Golden years: international success

During the 1970s and 1980s, Puma experienced its peak. The Volkswagen Puma GT, inspired by the design of the Lamborghini Miura, was one of the most coveted sports cars in Brazil and other markets. With a rear engine 1500 cm³ and chassis based on the Karmann-Ghia, the model presented remarkable performance and an aerodynamic design unprecedented in the national industry.

In 1978, the brand surprised once again by launching the Puma 4T, its own truck. This model, produced with fiberglass cabins, was a clear demonstration of the company's versatility.

The international market also opened its doors to Brazilian sportswear. Puma exported to countries such as United States, Japan and several European countries, gaining global recognition. At its peak, the brand sold more than 500 units per month, an impressive feat for a national company.

The crisis and the end of activities

Despite its success, financial and management problems began to affect Puma in the 1980s. 1985, the company was sold to Araucária SA, which tried to maintain production. Two years later, the rights passed to Alfa Metais, which launched the models AM1 It is AM2, but failed to completely revitalize the brand.

The latest model, the AM-4, was produced in 1994, officially ending Puma's activities.

The rebirth in 2019

To the delight of fans, Puma was reborn in 2019, with the launch of Puma GT Lumimari, a tribute to the original model. The sports car came equipped with a flex engine 180 hp, 5-speed manual transmission and reinforced fiberglass body with carbon fiber applications.

The launch price was approximately R$ 150 thousand, bringing modernity without losing the classic characteristics that made the brand an icon.

Curiosities that make Puma an icon

1. International inspiration: The design of the VW Puma GT was heavily inspired by the Lamborghini Miura, with elegant, aerodynamic lines.
2. Adventurous even in trucks: Few people know that Puma produced a truck, the Puma 4T, which even included a version with automatic transmission, something rare for the time.
3. Success beyond Brazil: Puma has won fans in demanding markets such as the USA and Japan thanks to its performance and unique style.
4. Unbroken legacy: The first model of the new era belongs to the same owner as the last model of the old era, showing the continuity and impact of the brand.
5. National passion: The Puma is not just a car; it is a symbol of Brazilian creativity and resilience, admired by collectors and enthusiasts around the world.

Conclusion

Whether on the circuits or on the streets, the Puma marked generations and proved that the Brazilian automotive industry can compete with the biggest global names. Today, in 2024, the brand's legacy lives on, delighting sports car enthusiasts.

If you are a speed lover and value the history behind vehicles, the Puma is more than a car: it is a work of art on wheels that celebrates the best of the Brazilian automotive spirit.