The car was presented at the Salón de Barcelona in 1967, which had a Renault Gordini 8 engine, but due to a fire in the Zipo workshops in Barcelona, where it was being built, the project had to be abandoned in 1968.
The company Artés de Arcos, S.A., was an important maker of automobile components and competition material. It ordered from the then budding Barcelona firm Selex the design and later construction of a prototype of a sports car that had a certain similarity with the then famous Ford GT40, although smaller. It was presented as a great new car at the Salón del Automóvil de Barcelona in 1967, also exhibiting it at later shows. There are famous images of Alicia Kasler- “Miss Volante” – posing on the Campeador, together with the helmet and sword of “El Cid”.
This car was eminently sporty and was equipped with a 1255cc twin carburettor Renault Gordini 8 engine, also found in an Abarth and a Cosworth. On receiving its temporary importation licence, it had to be disassembled. This car also had the option of the Seat 1500 ‘propulsor’ the only broad cylinder that was available then in Spain.
The chassis was a steel structure with fibreglass and polyester resin monobloc bodywork. The suspension was independent, with springs and hydraulic shock absorbers adjustable in height. It had disc brakes, rack & pinion steering and a 5-speed gearbox.
Sadly, the project was abandoned following a fire in the Zipo factory in Barcelona, where it was being built, which destroyed the moulds and the plans. The one remaining vehicle is currently owned by Ramon Magriña in Barcelona.
(source: Artes De Arcos)
