SPJ Garra: The Carioca Beetle

O Claw is one of those rare examples of creativity and boldness that marked the Brazilian automotive industry in the 1980s. This sedan, manufactured in Rio de Janeiro by SPJ Industry and Commerce Ltd., surprises with its innovative design and mechanics. beetle which, despite its simplicity, ensured robustness and ease of maintenance. However, the Garra is much more than an ordinary car; it is a true time capsule, with stories involving passion, perseverance and a touch of nostalgia. Let's explore the details of this unique model, which today is a true rare gem.

Origins and Development: The Creative Mind Behind Grit

The history of SPJ Claw starts with the brilliant mind of Reinaldo Rebecchi, a young man of just 22 years old. At a time when the Brazilian automobile industry was facing economic challenges and competition from international models, Rebecchi had the audacity to create a car that combined sporty style with the simplicity and efficiency of mechanics. Volkswagen air.

Next to his uncle, the engineer Antonio Piccolo, and the stylist Helio Renato, the Garra project came to life with the aim of offering a vehicle that could comfortably accommodate four people, but with the aim of being agile, economical and with a design that stood out. The model was presented to the public for the first time in 1987, at Brazil-Transpo, an event held in São Paulo, with great expectations of success.

The Garra was designed to be a different car. Its body was developed in fiberglass, a material that provided strength and lightness, essential elements for the vehicle's agility. The chassis and mechanics were taken directly from the Volkswagen Beetle, one of the most popular and reliable cars of the time, known for its durability and simplicity of maintenance.

Characteristics and Curiosities: The Charm of Garra

The design of the SPJ Claw was a true fusion of styles. Although the model had a sporty and modern line, it was possible to notice in its shapes elements of popular cars of the time, such as the Monza, O Chevette and Today. The mixing of lines and the use of fiberglass gave the Garra an exclusive and innovative look, making it stand out among other vehicles.

The Garra was offered in two versions: hardtop coupe It is convertible, pleasing consumers who were looking for something sportier, but with the comfort needed for everyday use. With 4,100 mm long It is 880 kg weight, the car was agile and economical, ideal for everyday life in Brazilian cities.

One of the features that most caught the attention of the Garra was its mechanics, which, despite being simple, were efficient and easy to maintain. 1.600 cc engine, mounted at the rear, followed the configuration of the cars Volkswagen air, which were synonymous with durability and low maintenance costs. In addition, the car featured the classic configuration of Volkswagen vehicles, with the trunk in front, next to the fuel tank and steppe.

The interior of the Garra also did not disappoint. The panel was well distributed, with speedometer, rev counter, fuel gauge, clock and indicator lights, all easy to read. The steering wheel, coming from the Gol GT, was comfortable and offered a good grip. As for the seats, with two-tone velvet fabric, guaranteed a touch of sophistication to the design.

In terms of optional, Garra stood out for the amount of resources it offered, such as sports wheels, radial tires, electric windows, sunroof, air conditioning and even one digital panel. These details, combined with the simple mechanics and low fuel consumption, made the Garra an excellent option for those looking for a car with low maintenance cost.

Production and Manufactured Units: The Dream That Didn't Come True

Despite the great effort of its creators and the potential of the model, the SPJ Claw failed to achieve the commercial success that was expected. With production limited to five units per month, the car became a rarity, and very few were produced before SPJ stopped production around 1990.

This limitation in production, combined with the relatively high launch price (CZ$ 512 thousand in the basic version), made it difficult to popularize the model. The Garra, unfortunately, did not have the same success as other vehicles of the time, but this does not diminish its importance as a milestone in Brazilian automotive history.

Over the years, the Garra even appeared in some soap operas of the time, which helped to keep its legacy alive in the popular imagination. However, the lack of units on the market and the high price drove away most consumers, and production was abruptly ended.

Garra Technical Sheet: The Car That Never Died

Although the Garra's production was limited, information about the vehicle has become a true treasure trove for collectors and car enthusiasts. Check out the technical sheet detailed of the SPJ Claw:

• Motor: Volkswagen air (1,600 cc or 1,800 cc)
• Carburetor: One in the gasoline version, two in the alcohol version
• Exchange: Four forward gears and one reverse gear
• Bodywork: Fiberglass monoblock
• Chassis: Original Volkswagen
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 4,100 mm
  • Width: 1,530 mm
  • Length between the axis: 2,400 mm
  • Front gauge: 1,480 mm
  • Rear gauge: 1,550 mm
  • Minimum ground clearance: 147 mm
  • Weight: 880 kg
  • Battery capacity: 560 kg
• Launch price: CZ$ 512 thousand (basic version)
• Options: Electric windows, sunroof, rear spoiler, cassette player, digital dashboard, ray-ban windows, air conditioning, 1,800 cc engine

The Legacy of Garra: A Rare Gem and Market Value

Although the production of SPJ Claw was discontinued early, the model was not forgotten. Today, the Garra is a true rare jewel, with a market value that can reach R$ 150,000, depending on the condition of the vehicle. Collectors and classic car enthusiasts have been seeking out these rare units, which are true icons of the Brazilian motorsport.

Garra is also an example of how Brazilian automotive industry was able to reinvent itself and innovate, even in times of crisis. It represents one of the few sports cars made in Brazil during the 1980s, and its mechanics beetle, combined with the fiberglass body, makes it a unique model.

Conclusion: SPJ Garra and Its Importance in the Brazilian Automotive Context

In a scenario where imported cars dominated the market and Brazilian automakers were more focused on meeting the demand for popular vehicles, the SPJ Claw stands out as a project that dared to innovate and, despite the difficulties, left an important legacy. The Beetle mechanics, simple but extremely functional, and the bodywork of fiberglass, which provided lightness and resistance, made this car a product ahead of its time.

Garra represents, to this day, the creativity and the passion that have driven many Brazilian entrepreneurs to develop unique solutions for a demanding automotive market. If you are lucky enough to find a SPJ Claw in good condition, you could be looking at a true automotive relic, which carries in its DNA the history of Brazilian innovation.