Silver Fox Unveiled

The OSI Silver Fox

Imagine mixing a science fiction spacecraft with a racing car, and you’ll have the OSI Silver Fox. This peculiar race car from the 1960s was built by Officine Stampaggi Industriali (OSI), an Italian company known for producing specialty vehicles for brands such as Alfa Romeo and Ford. However, the Silver Fox was their bold attempt at creating something distinct for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1967.

Design and Specs

The Silver Fox features a twin-hull design resembling a catamaran, which isn’t typical for a Le Mans prototype. The intention was to tackle aerodynamics in a novel way, with the car looking more like a floating wing. A 1.0-liter Renault Alpine engine, producing a modest amount of horsepower, was positioned in the left hull. Despite this small displacement engine, the Silver Fox could achieve a surprising top speed of 155 mph.

Features and Performance

Three large, adjustable spoilers connected its two narrow pods, allowing fine-tuning for downforce and drag depending on the track requirements. The car’s layout was unique, with the driver positioned on the opposite side of the engine to balance weight distribution. Such an innovative setup had never been seen before, and despite the small engine, it pushed the boundaries of speed and design.

Driving Experience

Driving the Silver Fox would have been an exhilarating experience, not unlike piloting a small fighter jet. Its narrow, twin-hull configuration probably offered a unique feel on the track, providing sharp handling and a responsive drive thanks to its aerodynamic design. Compared to more traditional setups in vehicles of the era, like the Ford GT and Porsche 908, the Silver Fox would have provided a distinct and futuristic driving experience.

The Silver Fox Legacy

Regrettably, the Silver Fox never got its day in the racing spotlight due to OSI’s financial troubles, which led to the company’s closure in 1968. This meant that the car didn’t make it to the starting line at Le Mans. However, the single model that was built still exists and was recently showcased at the prestigious Villa d’Este event on Lake Como—a gathering known for highlighting rare and exotic automobiles.

The OSI Silver Fox remains an extraordinary example of racing innovation from a bygone era, revered for its ambition and unique design approach. Its reappearance in modern times only underscores the creative spirit and engineering prowess that OSI once exhibited.