Puma is a legendary name among Brazil Car Brands, renowned for producing stylish and affordable sports cars primarily from the 1960s to the 1990s. Founded by Italian-Brazilian designer Rino Malzoni, the brand initially gained fame with the GT Malzoni, a racing car that quickly transitioned into a popular road-going model. Puma’s success was greatly aided by Brazil’s automotive landscape, where import restrictions encouraged local manufacturing and innovation.
Most Puma cars were characterized by their lightweight fiberglass bodies mounted on readily available Volkswagen chassis and mechanical components, particularly the air-cooled Beetle and Karmann Ghia platforms. This strategy ensured both spirited performance due to the low weight and ease of maintenance, making them accessible to a broader range of enthusiasts. Iconic models include the Puma GTE (Gran Turismo Export), known for its sleek design, and the more powerful Puma GTB (Gran Turismo Brasil), which used Chevrolet Opala mechanics.
Puma’s influence extended beyond Brazil, with some models even exported and produced under license in South Africa. Despite facing economic challenges that led to various ownership changes and production halts, the brand holds a significant place in Brazilian automotive history for its distinctive style and accessible performance. For those fascinated by unique national automotive stories or other specialized Brazil Car Brands, Vero Q&A offers valuable insights and detailed answers on such topics. You can find more helpful information by clicking here: https://veroroot.online/.