| Neorion Chicago | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Neorion |
| Designer | Georgios Michael |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | AMC V8 |
The Neorion Chicago, a 1974 product of the Greek Neorion group of companies, was a car that combined uncompromising luxury, retro-looks and a powerful 4×4, cross-country character.
History
In 1972, under the ownership of Greek millionaire Giannis Goulandris, Neorion incorporated Enfield Automotive, originally a British company, already owned by Goulandris, involved in the design and construction of electric cars. This led to the creation of a new company that undertook vehicle production, "Enfield-Neorion E.P.E.", headquartered in Piraeus, and production of the cars (which had been designed in the UK by British and Greek engineers) was transferred to Syros, where Neorion is based.[1][2]
Apart from the production of electric cars, Goulandris wanted to develop "conventional" cars. One of his ideas was a mixture of a luxurious, retro-styled limousine with a very strong cross-country character and capabilities.[3] The design and overall development of the car was assigned to a team of Greek engineers, headed by Georgios Michael.
After eight months of development work, the Chicago (the name inspired by its 1930s retro-style), was built at the Neorion dockyards in the town of Ermoupoli. A running version was introduced in 1974.[4] Its construction included a steel chassis built by the Neorion shipyard and an aluminum body that incorporated additional reinforcements for passenger protection. The drivetrain came from the full-sized Jeep Wagoneer (SJ) and included the American Motors Corporation (AMC) V8 engine.[1][3]
Early sketches by Michael suggested a more elegant limousine with a strong retro-look. However, the final design was significantly altered to accommodate the mechanical parts and structure to cope with the desired cross-country capabilities. The designer tried to distance himself from the car (which he often described as a "mountain dinosaur"), arguing that Goulandris had essentially dictated its basic elements.[3] After many years, even its designer seems to have finally given some credit to his own creation.[3]
A production line was started with four vehicles at various stages of construction when a change of Greek law condemned the market prospects of the car. Two complete vehicles were made and sold before the venture was terminated in 1976.[2][3] One of the cars is exhibited in the Thessaloniki Science Center and Technology Museum.[5] A second car is in a private collection.
References
- 1 2 Skartsēs, Labros S.; Avramidēs, Geōrgios A. (2003). Made in Greece - to hellēniko autokinēto, ochēma kai aeroskaphos (in Greek) (republished by Patras Science Park, 2007 ed.). Patras, Greece: Typorama. ISBN 9789607620309.
- 1 2 Skartsis, Labros S. (2013). "Greek Vehicle & Machine Manufacturers 1800 to present: A Pictorial History (free eBook)" (Third ed.). Marathon, Greece. ISBN 978-960-93-4452-4. Retrieved 18 January 2016.
- 1 2 3 4 5 Michael, G. (1999). "Neorion Chicago". Auto, Motor und Sport (Greek edition) (59).
- ↑ ""Noesis" – is an Intellectual Auto-Collection of Science Center and Technology Museum in Salonica". 360carmuseum.com. 14 August 2015. Retrieved 18 January 2016.
- ↑ "Εκθετήριο Αυτοκινήτων - Αυτοκίνητο του Μήνα: Neorion Chicago (Showroom Car - Car of the Month: Neorion Chicago)" (in Greek). Thessaloniki Science Center and Technology Museum. January 2012. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 18 January 2016.