1979 VW Puma Coupe

About the car

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1979 VW Puma Coupe

The VW Puma is one of the most iconic cars in Brazil, born from a fascinating history of automotive innovation in the country. The brand Puma Veículos e Motores was founded in 1964 by Genaro “Rino” Malzoni, an Italian industrialist who settled in Brazil, with the goal of producing light and agile sports cars, initially based on the mechanics of DKW vehicles. Malzoni and his team of engineers and designers sought to create cars with European styling but adapted to Brazilian conditions.

The First Versions

The brand’s first model was the Puma GT, which used a DKW engine. As time went on, and with the acquisition of Vemag (which produced the DKWs) by Volkswagen, Puma decided to adopt the chassis and mechanics of the Volkswagen Beetle. In 1967, Puma launched the Puma GT with a Volkswagen engine, a lightweight car with a fiberglass body and reliable mechanics.

Design and Style

Puma cars were known for their sporty design and international, especially European, influences. The design was the work of Rino Malzoni himself, in collaboration with other talented designers like Anísio Campos, who was instrumental in creating some of the most beautiful and iconic models of the brand. The combination of smooth, aerodynamic curves allowed the Puma to gain popularity among sports car enthusiasts.

Evolution of the Models

Over the years, Puma developed several versions, including:

Puma GT (1967-1970): The first version with a VW engine, based on the Beetle’s chassis, with a fiberglass body.
Puma GTE and GTS (1970s-1980s): The GTE version was a closed coupé, while the GTS was a convertible. These models retained the sporty style and used air-cooled VW boxer engines, similar to the Beetle.

Popularity and Exportation

The Pumas achieved significant success in Brazil, both in sales and prestige. Additionally, the models were exported to several countries, including the United States, where they garnered attention for being affordable sports cars.

Decline and End of Production

Over the years, and with changes in Brazil’s economic and industrial landscape, Puma began to face difficulties. Production of its models began to decline in the early 1980s, and the company eventually closed its doors. However, the Puma brand became a symbol of Brazilian sports cars, and the vehicles are highly valued by collectors today.

Legacy

The Puma emerged at an ideal time in Brazilian history, when the automotive industry was expanding, the market lacked affordable sports cars, and there was an environment favorable to local innovation. Based on the reliable mechanics of the Volkswagen Beetle and creative use of materials, the Puma stood out as the first Brazilian sports car to not only succeed in the domestic market but also achieve international recognition.