Puma GT 4100 Chevrolet V8
The Puma GT stands as the most successful and enduring sports car ever produced in Brazil. Created by Genaro 'Rino' Malzoni and developed through the Puma company he founded, the GT series demonstrated that Brazilian engineers and designers could create world-class sports cars that earned respect far beyond their country of origin.
The Puma GT 4100, also known as the GTS when equipped with the Chevrolet-sourced 4.1-liter inline-six engine, represented the most potent version of the breed. The GM-sourced 250-cubic-inch engine, used in Brazilian-built Chevrolet C10 trucks and Opala sedans, produced approximately 215 horsepower in Puma tune. Installed in the lightweight fibreglass body, this provided genuinely exciting performance with a top speed exceeding 210 km/h.
The body was the Puma's calling card. Malzoni's design was strikingly beautiful, with flowing curves that would not have been out of place emerging from an Italian carrozzeria. The fibreglass construction kept weight to approximately 1,050 kilograms, giving the car an excellent power-to-weight ratio. The craftsmanship of the fibreglass work was exceptional, with smooth surfaces and precise panel alignment that demonstrated genuine artisanal skill.
The chassis used a tubular steel backbone frame with independent front suspension via double wishbones and coil springs, while the rear featured a live axle located by trailing arms and coil springs. The handling was predictable and confidence-inspiring, though the live rear axle imposed limits compared to fully independent setups. Front disc brakes provided adequate stopping power.
The Puma GT was produced in several variants over its long production life. Earlier models used Volkswagen air-cooled flat-four engines on shortened VW Beetle platforms, but the move to the Chevrolet engine transformed the car from a light sports car into a genuine GT machine. The 4100 designation referred to the engine's 4,093 cc displacement.
The Puma GT gained international recognition when examples were exported to the United States, Europe, and other markets. International automotive journalists were impressed by the car's styling, build quality, and performance, though the crude rear suspension drew criticism. In South Africa, where the Puma was assembled locally, the car earned a dedicated following.
Today, the Puma GT 4100 is recognized as the pinnacle of Brazilian sports car design. Surviving examples are actively collected, and the best cars command prices that reflect the model's artistic and engineering achievement. The Puma story is a remarkable tale of passion, creativity, and determination in a country not traditionally associated with sports car production.
The fibreglass body doesn't rust but check for stress cracking, poor repairs, and delamination. The Chevrolet 4.1 engine is robust and parts are readily available in Brazil. Check the backbone chassis for corrosion. Many survivors have been modified; originality adds value. Export-market examples command premiums.
Puma produced cars from the late 1960s until the mid-1980s in Sao Paulo. The company struggled financially in the 1980s economic crisis and eventually ceased production. The Chevrolet-engined GTS was produced from approximately 1970.