The Rare Brazilian Automotive Jewel: Lorena GT

Have you heard of the Lorena GT, one of the first Brazilian sports cars that combined the robust Volkswagen air-cooled mechanics with an innovative fiberglass-reinforced plastic body? This sports car, created in 1968, marked an era in Brazil and has a rich history of innovations, competitions and rebirths. Let's explore the fascinating trajectory of this car that, despite its short life, left its mark on the hearts of enthusiasts.

The Origin of Lorena GT

The story of the Lorena GT begins with the Chilean Leon Larenas Left, which, in 1968, brought to Brazil the models of Ferrer GT, a handcrafted sports model produced in the United States by Ferrer Motor Corporation. Léon saw great potential in the Brazilian market, especially due to the popularity of Volkswagen Beetle and its versatile mechanics.

Volkswagen mechanics with engine Air-cooled, four-cylinder, opposed boxer engine It was widely used in sports cars and prototypes in Brazil. Cars like the Puma, Bianco, MP Lafer and even motorcycles like the Amazonas shared this technology inspired by air-cooled Porsches. With that, the Lorena GT was also equipped with this reliable mechanic.

The First Prototype

The first Lorena GT was built on the platform of a Karmann-Ghia crash, taking advantage of the same wheelbase as the Beetle. The driver Sidney Cardoso modified the car, adding four-wheel disc brakes and a 2-liter Porsche engine. This prototype competed successfully in several races in Brazil between 1968 and 1971, cementing the Lorena GT's reputation as a competitive sports car.

Launch at the 1968 Auto Show

The Lorena GT was presented to the public at 6th Auto Show, in São Paulo, in 1968. Production was transferred to São Paulo after Léon ended the partnership in Rio de Janeiro. The new company, called Lorena Import, Industry and Commerce Ltd., began manufacturing the model on platforms of Volkswagen Beetle 1300 acquired in Sao Paulo.

The first Lorena GT models were sold ready-made or as assembly kits, a strategy similar to that of sports cars Lotus in England. The fiberglass body was extremely light and low, with only 1.05 meters tall, and the design was striking, with doors that covered part of the roof, reminiscent of the Ford GT-40.

Features and Performance

The Lorena GT was equipped with:

• Volkswagen 1300 engine (1,285 cm³), with 34 horsepower.
• Preparation option for larger engines, up to 1,600 cm³, with double carburetion.
• Disc brakes on all four wheels, on the racing model.
• Alloy wheels and wider tires, depending on configuration.

Although it had an innovative design, the interior finish was simple and uncomfortable. The dashboard included a speedometer, tachometer and fuel gauge, but the ergonomics left something to be desired, requiring a certain amount of contortion to get in and out of the car.

The End of Production

Unfortunately, financial problems led to the end of production of the Lorena GT in 1971. It is estimated that around 20 units were manufactured, but the exact number is uncertain. Despite this, the car won over a legion of fans, who to this day preserve and display their models at classic car events.

The Renaissance 

In 2008, the former pilot Luiz Fernando Lapagesse initiated the revival of the Lorena GT. He created a faithful replica of the original model, called Lorena GT-L, using molds and templates developed from an original model from the 1960s. The replica was launched in 2010 and produced until 2015, being sold as a kit or complete car, assembled on reconditioned Volkswagen platforms.

Curiosities and Values

• The Lorena GT's fiberglass body was considered an innovation for the time, being resistant and light.
• The original model, manufactured between 1968 and 1971, is today one of the rarest sports cars in Brazil, with restored examples being sold for values that can exceed R$ 150 thousand.
• The Lorena GT-L replica, produced between 2010 and 2015, also became an object of desire among collectors.

Conclusion: A Sports Car That Made Its Mark

The Lorena GT is an example of the talent and creativity of Brazilians in the automotive industry. Despite financial difficulties and a short production run, the sports car left a legacy that resonates to this day among classic car enthusiasts. 2025, the Lorena GT continues to be remembered as a milestone in Brazilian automotive engineering and a symbol of the golden age of national sports cars.

If you’re a fan of classic cars, attending vintage car shows is the perfect opportunity to see these storytelling machines up close. After all, the Lorena GT is much more than just a car; it’s a piece of our automotive history.