Topic: Puzzle #23 -Solved! Dodge 3700 GT Boulevard By Serra

[Otto Puzzell]

So it's a Spanish car with a big honkin' V8. Barreiros, maybe?

In theory this one should be easy to find; in reality, I keep getting sucked in to Pegasos, which are a lot better looking. 

I don't think I'd put a Pegaso in a Pro-level puzzle. You are certainly on the right track, right down to the manufacturer from which this car got got it's mechanical bits.

[Otto Puzzell]

This puzzle needs solving.

If not you, who?

[Stephen M]

Oops, forgot about this one. I'll do some digging over the long weekend.

[Otto Puzzell]

 

[Stephen M]

I got nothing. So close and yet so far...

[Tifosi]

Barreiros was linked to Chrysler, so it has a Mopar drivetrain, perhaps?


Dan

[Otto Puzzell]

Yes, it does.

[GTO48]

Brazilian Simca?

It also looks like it's all wheel drive no?

[GTO48]

It also heavily resembles the Chrysler R429 concept.

[Otto Puzzell]

Not Brazilian, not a Simca or a R429.

[GTO48]

How about being all wheel drive?

[Ultra]

How about being all wheel drive?

No.

[Alpha_Q2]

1972 Dodge Boulevard ...special edition Dodge 3700GT from Spain ..Only 18 made ...

[Tifosi]

My father retired from Chrysler, and I thought I was pretty well versed as far as Mopars went, but I've never heard of this car.  I googled "Dodge Boulevard" and found one website, but it was in Spanish, and I haven't studied that language for 30 years.  Does someone have some serious info on this car?  I'd love to be informed.



Dan

[GTO48]

I was able to find this...  Not that I can read it, but...

<<< link removed >>>

Nice find!  I can't tell you how many 3700 pictures I found that were based on the Valiant chassis, but never the "Boulevard" version.

[Otto Puzzell]

Wow - Nice job Alpha_Q2! Welcome to AutoPuzzles.

I'm tempted to move you to pro puzzler status straight away. 

<<< link removed >>>

[Arthur Dent]

Nicely done Alpha_Q2! I never would have got this one.

[Tifosi]

What he said, man!  I even went to allpar and couldn't find a thing about this car.



Dan

[Djetset]

Just stumbled across this one and noticed that there is no mention of the main ingredient of this car; the fact that it is a special-bodied Spanish Dodge 3700 GT with coachwork by Serra of Barcelona.  Stricty speaking to be correct this should be called a Serra Boulevard, based on the Dodge 3700 GT.

[Ray B.]

Why? The web article found by GTO48 repeatedly calls it Dodge Boulevard, as it seems to be its "official" name.
We're not here to rename the cars according to our preferences. I find that the esthetics of a car, and so the cochbuilders, are essentials. But cars are not called by the name of the coachbuilder. You say "The Cadillac Jacqueline by Pininfarina", not "The Pininfarina Jacqueline based on a Cadillac". You say "A Bugatti 57 by Figoni and Falaschi", not "A Figoni and Falaschi based on a Bugatty 57".

[Djetset]

My point for the sake of accuracy is two fold.  Firstly, no mention of the coachbuilder was made what so ever, which is key for a bespoke car such as this one, and secondly, the car was sold as the Serra Dodge Boulevard. 

I have a leaflet for it somewhere designated as such, from the 1972 Barcelona Motor Show, and the car was on the Serra stand, not the Chrysler Espana stand, clearly marketed as a Serra.  This leaflet will take some finding, but when I do, I will scan it in.  In the meantime, here's another picture of the car, taken from a 1981 movie called 'Linda.'

[Otto Puzzell]

My point for the sake of accuracy is two fold.  Firstly, no mention of the coachbuilder was made what so ever, which is key for a bespoke car such as this one, and secondly, the car was sold as the Serra Dodge Boulevard. 

I have a leaflet for it somewhere designated as such, from the 1972 Barcelona Motor Show, and the car was on the Serra stand, not the Chrysler Espana stand, clearly marketed as a Serra.  This leaflet will take some finding, but when I do, I will scan it in.  In the meantime, here's another picture of the car, taken from a 1981 movie called 'Linda.'

The coachbuilder was mentioned in the translated article linked above.

[Djetset]

The link didn't work when i tried it, but i will try again.  My main point was though that the coachbuilder wasn't mentioned in the main correspondance text.  Anyway...

[Otto Puzzell]

Works for me. It says:

The author wishes to note that for the description of this model and its history has enjoyed the beautiful and needs help from Javier Rucabado, a very good expert on American cars, Which met the conditions of amateur and professional, something not always common in the world of classic cars.

In the 1970 Barcelona Motor Show sets out a car unknown to almost everyone. In the 1970 Barcelona Motor Show sets out a car unknown to almost everyone. This is one of those marks were only in their home country and Spain, where he came to being able to sell here because the room to be able to import three cars by simply exposing them, and three production units in this type involve a sale to take into consideration. This is one of those marks were only in their home country and Spain, where I came to being able to sell here Because the room to be able to import three cars by simply exposing them, and three production units in this type Involve a sale to take into consideration.

The car in question is called LMX and is a graceful sport of motor design and other mechanical elements from the Ford Taunus. The car in question is called LMX and is a graceful sport of motor design and other mechanical elements from the Ford Taunus.

   

At the booth of LMX was its creator, an engineer named Michael Liprandi. At the booth of LMX was its creator, an engineer named Michael Liprandi. As fate would have Serra, always attentive to the craft pieces for obvious reasons, is interested in that car and, after making several questions, happened to engage in further conversation with that engineer. As fate would have Serra, always attentive to the craft pieces for obvious reasons, is interested in that car and, after making several questions, happened to engage in further conversation with that engineer. The end of history was that Serra and Liprandi agreed that the second design a chassis on which to mount the mechanical Dodge Dart produced in Spain, and Serra would be responsible for its construction and body. The end of history was that Serra and Liprandi agreed that the second design a chassis on Which to mount the mechanical Dodge Dart produced in Spain, and Serra would be responsible for its construction and body. A similar operation was therefore designed to around 450 SS Ghia already discussed when speaking of non-Spanish-born De Tomaso. Therefore A similar operation was designed to around 450 SS Ghia already discussed when speaking of non-Recreation-and-born De Tomaso.

The project is progressing along 1970. The project is Progressing along 1970. It is not a body but to design a new car to the chassis must be fitted to the Dodge mechanical elements made in Spain. It is not a body but to design a new car to the chassis must be fitted to the Dodge mechanical elements made in Spain. Engine, gearbox, front subframe, transmission, suspension, brakes and other mechanical parts, plus clocks and instruments come from the Dodge, but the chassis would be designing and creating their own. Engine, gearbox, front subframe, transmission, suspension, brakes and other mechanical parts, plus clocks and instruments come from the Dodge, but the chassis would be designing and creating their own.

About a year later and with the work already done Liprandi, Serra goes to the factory Villaverde, although this time she makes it to Chrysler Barreiros Diesel Spain, which since late 1969 that controlled society created years before Edward Barreiros and her brothers. About a year later and with the work already done Liprandi, Serra goes to the factory Villaverde, Although this time she makes it to Chrysler Barreiros Diesel Spain, since late 1969 Which controlled society that created years before Edward Barreiros and her brothers. His visit and his plan practically coincide with the launch of the new Dodge manufactured in Spain which is the 3700 (and 3700 GT), which incorporates numerous advantages over previous models, such as disc brakes, already on the GT from 1969 - and power steering. His visit and his plan practically coincides with the launch of the new Dodge manufactured in Spain Which is the 3700 (and 3700 GT), which incorporates numerous advantages over previous models, such as disc brakes, already on the GT from 1969 - and power steering . Unlike what happened five years earlier, this time Chrysler Spain gives its approval for the provision of mechanical elements and the project starts. Unlike what happened five years earlier, this time Chrysler Canada gives its approval for the provision of mechanical elements and the project starts.

With the security of supply of machinery, a mini series of racks came to be built. With the security of supply of machinery, a mini series of racks came to be built. The structure was tubular, square section tube electrically welded. The structure was tubular, electrically welded square tube section. We emphasize that we are not seeing another car bodywork by Serra in small series, for the construction of a special chassis for this model that can pass Serra also be considered in addition to body-builder builder. We emphasize that we are not seeing another car bodywork by Serra in small series, for the Construction of a special chassis for this model that can pass Serra also be considered in addition to body-builder builder.

Thus arose the so-called Boulevard Dodge 3700 Dodge commonly known as the Serra Coupé. Thus arose the so-called Boulevard Dodge 3700 Dodge commonly known as the Serra Coupé. Rucabado gives the assumption that the name Boulevard was probably originated in the Paseo de San Juan (then General Mola) in which the workshop was known by many of Barcelona, and especially in that neighborhood as the Boulevard . Rucabado gives the assumption that the name Boulevard was probably originated in the Paseo de San Juan (then General Mola) in which the workshop was known by many of Barcelona, and especially in that neighborhood as the Boulevard.


The Dodge Boulevard is a 2 +2 coupe. The Dodge Boulevard is a 2 +2 coupe. The body is made of fiber, the first time that Serra used these materials in their creations, as he argued in its beginnings to the plastic material as a kind of ersatz unbecoming a teacher, but at that time had already accepted as something "worthy". The body is made of fiber, the first time that Serra used these materials in their creations, as I have argued in its beginnings to the plastic material as a kind of ersatz unbecoming a teacher, but at that time had already accepted as something "worthy" .

The Dodge Boulevard was a line drive from the original and, of course, unmistakable. Its long hood, the carrier rather small, and a short trunk, gave the style of classic sports cars of large capacity, the kind of "long hood," but with a very own line of that time and that it was a European and American time. The Dodge Boulevard was a line drive from the original and, of course, unmistakable. Its long hood, the carrier rather small, and a short trunk, gave the style of classic sports cars of large capacity, the kind of "long hood," but with a very own line of that time and that it was European and American simultaneously .

With some sharp curves, such as wheel arches, the Boulevard was very angular lines that might be described as harsh, and certainly look manly. With some sharp curves, such as wheel arches, the Boulevard was very angular lines that might be described as harsh, and certainly look manly.

The dashboard was pretty watches Jaeger and Veglia Bressel Dodge 3700, while many other elements coming from various series cars manufactured at that time in Spain. The dashboard was pretty watches Jaeger and Veglia Bressel Dodge 3700, while many other elements coming from various series cars manufactured at that time in Spain. Thus, the armrests were those of the Seat 124 Sport, while the pushers outside and inside of the doors came from the Chrysler 180. Thus, the armrests were those of the Seat 124 Sport, while the pushers outside and inside of the doors came from the Chrysler 180. The gearshift knob had an uncanny reproduction Bakelite was used in the selector of a Hurst 4-speed manual gearbox of the Ford Mustang Mach 1, it appears that car was then as personal vehicle Pedro Serra. The gearshift knob had an uncanny reproduction Bakelite was used in the selector of a Hurst 4-speed manual gearbox of the Ford Mustang Mach 1, it appears that car was then as personal vehicle Pedro Serra. The steering wheel, drilled aluminum arms and wood Nardi Sport Type, had a central shield on pale blue background where you can read "Serra". The steering wheel, drilled aluminum arms and wood Nardi Sport Type, had a central shield on pale blue background where you can read "Serra".

The Coupé Dodge Boulevard was presented to the public in the 1972 Barcelona Motor Show. The Coupé Dodge Boulevard was presented to the public in the 1972 Barcelona Motor Show. There were two units above, one that will define the prototype and one that can be considered either as standard. There were two units above, one that will define the prototype and one that can be considered either as standard. Among the prototype and the models that followed, along with his friend Javier Rucabado appreciate several differences such as: Among the prototype and the models that followed, along with his friend Javier Rucabado appreciate several differences such as:

      - A different radiator grille, softer lines in the prototype, which outlines the headlight grill behind which is the same as in the radiator grille, whereas in the models that followed, the grille is framed in a completely rectangular with a strong highlight separating the double headlights. - A different radiator grille, softer lines in the prototype, Which Outlines behind the headlight grill Which is the same as in the radiator grille, whereas in the models that followed, the grille is framed in a completely rectangular with a strong highlight separating the double headlights.

      - And in keeping with the rear lights but this time we had five on each side, and that lit up in flashing continuously one after another, something no doubt wearing some flashy American cars of that time as Ford Shelby Mustang and Mercury Cougar later. - And in keeping with the rear lights but this time we had five on each side, and that lit up in flashing continuously one after another, something no doubt wearing some flashy American cars of that time as Ford Shelby Mustang and Mercury Cougar later. This system was retained and all or nearly all units produced were with more conventional headlights, thing that almost certainly was forced by Industry. This system was retained and all or nearly all units were produced with more conventional headlights, thing that almost certainly was forced by Industry.

      - The prototype was written in the Dodge grille very landscape, while models wearing the logo serial 3700 GT shifted to the left. - The prototype was written in the Dodge grille very landscape, while models wearing the logo serial 3700 GT shifted to the left. Nevertheless noted that it is possible that the prototype was subsequently replaced the Dodge brand for a reason with the letters SS and with small rods of different sizes on both sides of the double S. Nevertheless noted that it is possible that the prototype was subsequently replaced the Dodge brand for a reason with the letters SS and with small rods of different sizes on both sides of the double S. This ground is also located on the left side of the grid. This ground is also located on the left side of the grid. Although it is a hypothesis, we think that SS could mean "Serra Sport. Although it is a hypothesis, we think that SS could mean "Serra Sport.

      - The prototype had two gas caps and later models and only one other position. - The prototype had two gas caps and later models and only one other position.

- - In the prototype the doors of the roof seemed to incorporate the style of the Ford GT40 and Chevrolet Corvette, but this did not happen only in appearance. In the prototype the doors of the roof seemed to Incorporate the style of the Ford GT40 and Chevrolet Corvette, but this did not happen only in appearance. The mobile part of the roof reportedly reinforced this appearance of mobility through a vinyl upholstered in the style of some T-Top Corvette. The mobile part of the roof reportedly reinforced this appearance of mobility through a vinyl upholstered in the style of some T-Top Corvette.

 

      - Another significant difference is the chassis numbers, where we find that the prototype is that of a Dodge which must correspond to at least two years prior to the presentation of the car, while other units numbers are "logical" of the seventies. - Another significant difference is the chassis numbers, where we find that the prototype is that of a Dodge Which must correspond to at least two years prior to the presentation of the car, while other units numbers are "logical" of the seventies. This shows almost certainly that for the prototype mechanical elements were taken from a copy bought second-hand in order to study the feasibility of designing and conducting tests. This almost certainly shows that for the prototype mechanical elements were taken from a copy bought second-hand in order to study the feasibility of designing and conducting tests. After all, to make that first drive and make the changes required as well served some new mechanical components used, and the latter cost much less. After all, to make that first drive and make the changes required as well served some new mechanical components used, and the latter cost much less.

Another explanation is that you use the new mechanical elements but to avail the documentation-and-frame number of an old car purchased at lowest possible cost. Another explanation is that you use the new mechanical elements but to avail the documentation-and-frame number of an old car purchased at lowest possible cost.

Subsequently, and the decision taken into series production, mechanical assembly was used new chassis numbers and also "new" and released by Chrysler Spain since, as we said, the chassis of these cars was "made in Serra" and not the Chrysler, though the company's sponsorship and recognize as their own. Subsequently, and the decision taken into series production, mechanical assembly was used new chassis numbers and also "new" and released by Chrysler Canada since, as we said, the chassis of these cars was "made in Serra" and not the Chrysler, though The company's sponsorship and recognize as their own.

And finally, and although we are not here on the differences between prototype and series, indicate that the tires were always French-Mix Delta brand, but over time the system of these tires with rim riveted in the center of the itself, created problems of balancing increasing, so many owners opted for Targa brand tires, excellent national tire that was supplied enough pilots in our country and the Seat factory team. And finally, and Although we are not here on the differences between prototype and series, indicate that the tires were always Ffrench-Mix Delta brand, but over time the system of these tires with rim riveted in the center of the itself, created problems of balancing increasing, so many owners opted for Targa brand tires, excellent national tire that was supplied enough pilots in our country and the Seat factory team. This is the reason why the surviving copies are either type of tires. This is the reason why the surviving copies are either type of tires.

Unanticipated difficulties arise unforeseen difficulties arise

Times had changed in terms of approvals and the like, and as this car was not a car but a car recarrozado really new, exclusive design and realization, the "approval" of the Ministry of Industry in order to register the Boulevard was neither much less a matter of formality as expected. Times had changed in terms of approvals and the like, and as this car was not a car but a car recarrozado really new, exclusive design and realization, the "approval" of the Ministry of Industry in order to register the Boulevard was neither much less a matter of formality as expected. It appears that the Ministry of Industry, who obviously saw that car was a Dodge processed is required to give Serra a registered manufacturer, which was logical, but that was compensatory and costs he could not afford, resulting in some discussions bureaucratic resulted in a noticeable delay in the registration of cars, some of whom had been sold, being anxious and upset customers before they did not expect some difficulties. It appears that the Ministry of Industry, who obviously saw that car was a Dodge processed is required to give Serra a registered manufacturer, Which was logical, but that was compensatory and costs I could not afford, Resulting in some bureaucratic discussions search resulted in a noticeable delay in the registration of cars, some of Whom had been sold, being anxious and upset customers before they did not expect some difficulties. This was possibly the cause of the end of the Dodge Boulevard achieved even before enrolling the first of them. This was possibly the cause of the end of the Dodge Boulevard Achieved even before enrolling the first of them.

Thanks to the intervention and influence of Spain was achieved Chrysler itself at least they could register the cars produced in order to be sold, but could not solve the underlying problem, namely that the Boulevard to be approved by Industry so they could enroll as they were being produced. Thanks to the intervention and influence of Spain was itself Achieved Chrysler at least they could register the cars produced in order to be sold, but could not solve the underlying problem, namely that the Boulevard to be approved by Industry so they could enroll as they were being produced. The only thing is that industry did agree to only register the cars and manufactured and a few others as if it were normal Dodge 3700 GT, ie four-door, five-passenger! The only thing is that industry did agree to only register the cars and manufactured and a few others as if it were normal Dodge 3700 GT, ie four-door, five-passenger! and if the five passengers, considering that at least three of them were small-sized contortionists, could be accepted to do it as if it were a non-3700 series is a curious looking from one to another model. and if the five passengers, considering that at least three of them were small-sized Contortionists, could be accepted to do it as if it were a non-3700 series is a curious looking from one to another model.


And no illusion what was missing with this car in the shop at Paseo de San Juan. Proof of this is that in the 1973 Barcelona Motor Show Serra again have a booth with a Dodge Boulevard displayed therein. And no illusion what was missing with this car in the shop at Paseo de San Juan. Evidence of this is that in the 1973 Barcelona Motor Show Serra again have a booth with a Dodge Boulevard displayed therein. A copy was something different and that in the press release was defined as MM-30, name on side wore black in the style of the Plymouth Barracuda and Dodge Challenger R / T from the early Seventies. A copy was something different and that in the press release was defined as MM-30, name on side wore black in the style of the Plymouth Barracuda and Dodge Challenger R / T from the early Seventies. These bands, the name MM-30 and the yellow-green lemon gave the car a very in line with American muscle cars of those years. These bands, the name MM-30 and the yellow-green lemon gave the car a very in line with American muscle cars of those years. This unit was probably also slight changes that increased their power. This unit was probably also slight changes that Increased their power. The MM-30 was a single although perhaps only the decoration and title were exclusive. The MM-30 was a single Although perhaps only the decoration and title were exclusive.

In total and over two years were built 18 units including the prototype, but those noted difficulties in enrolling all and each of the copies produced, caused them to desist in the idea of continuing with this project at the moment having put in place in 1972 was much more ambitious. In total over two years and 18 units were built including the prototype, but those noted difficulties in enrolling all and each of the copies produced, caused them to desist in the idea of continuing with this project at the moment having put in place in 1972 was much more ambitious. Do not forget either that the end of 1973 comes the first oil crisis that made planning very serious doubts about the feasibility of high-consumption cars and also forecasted an apparent pessimism about the future short and medium term in the Western economies, and a fancy car as it was the Boulevard, does not develop well in climates commercially pessimistic. Do not forget either that the end of 1973 comes the first oil crisis that made planning very serious doubts about the feasibility of high-consumption cars and also forecasted an apparent pessimism about the future short and medium term in the Western economies, and a fancy car as it was the Boulevard, does not develop well in climates commercially pessimistic. However it is significant that all the copies produced find customers and some of them agreed to wait months before you can enroll your unit. However it is significant that all the copies produced find customers and some of them agreed to wait months before you can enroll your unit.

 

It seems certain that the number of units planned was about forty or fifty, but the difficulties identified and Industry to approve the car, and the possible commitment to agree to register only cars produced in whole or in part caused initially librase Boulevard project in 1974. It seems certain that the number of units planned was about forty or fifty, but the difficulties identified and Industry to approve the car, and the possible commitment to agree to register only cars produced in whole or in part caused initially rid Boulevard project in 1974.

As evidence of what is stated in the preceding paragraph and of the efforts meant to solve every registration paperwork and more paperwork, have the significant fact that the first copy sold at the Salon of 1972, not received their final registration until March-April 1973, and this was repeated with each car, which also caused problems with customers who were forced for months to roll with temporary plates. As evidence of what is stated in the preceding paragraph and of the Efforts meant to solve every registration paperwork and more paperwork, have the significant fact that the first copy sold at the Salon of 1972, not received their final registration until March-April 1973 and this was repeated with each car, Which also caused problems with customers who were forced for months to roll with temporary plates.

So finally we decided to leave the Boulevard project after selling the first series of chassis produced, but the fact that a workshop take charge fifty-two exhaust, or another industrial pidiesen was forty copies of set of wires and electrical connections had this car, which was also the fact of the forty units given to a manufacturer of molds for body parts in order to pass the cost of their molds on this figure, suggests that forty were at least the units provided. So finally we Decided to leave the Boulevard project after selling the first series of chassis produced, but the fact that a workshop take charge fifty-two exhaust, or another industrial pidiesen was forty copies of set of wires and electrical connections had this car, Which was also the fact of the forty units given to a manufacturer of molds for body parts in order to pass the cost of their molds on this figure, suggests that at least the forty units were provided.

Appendix Appendix

Apart from its relationship with Serra, Liprandi, the engineer who designed the chassis of the Dodge Boulevard, had another job in Spain that was the design and development of two sports car chassis called Lynx Nevada (coupé) and Wildcat Marbella (body spider ). Apart from its relationship with Serra, Liprandi, the engineer who designed the chassis of the Dodge Boulevard, had another job in Spain that was the design and development of two sports car chassis called Lynx Nevada (coupe) and Wildcat Marbella (body spider). Wildcat was the brand created by Paco Sanjuán, builder of the car brand called Lynx for Formula 1430. Wildcat was the brand created by Paco Sanjuán, builder of the car brand called Lynx for Formula 1430. The brand that lay in Seville. The brand that lay in Seville.

Carried out this project Liprandi Wildcat advantage of the mechanics and chassis of Simca 1000 Rallye. Carried out this project Liprandi Wildcat advantage of the mechanics and chassis of Simca 1000 Rallye. The only model we have proof of their existence is the coupe, called the Lynx Nevada. The only model we have proof of their existence is the coupe, called the Lynx Nevada.

Almost all of the development of this car was made in France, to the point that the prototype presented to the press in May 1973 in the beautiful Maria Luisa Park in Seville had French registry, specifically the 3132 YT 75. Almost all of the development of this car was made in France, to the point that the prototype presented to the press in May 1973 in the beautiful Maria Luisa Park in Seville had French registry, specifically the 3132 YT 75.

The stated goal was to build about 700 (sic) yearly and also available here on the support of Chrysler Spain. The stated goal was to build about 700 (sic) yearly and also available here on the support of Chrysler Canada. There was talk that Paco Sanjuán even moved his factory from Seville to Madrid, but the reality is that no more was heard almost nothing about this car. There was even talk that Sanjuán Paco moved his factory from Seville to Madrid, but the reality is that no more was heard almost nothing about this car. On the other hand barely managed F1430 Lynx performances worthy of interest since 1972, all of which made the brand to disappear quietly. On the other hand barely managed F1430 Lynx performances worthy of interest since 1972, all of which made the brand to disappear quietly.

Note, I've now removed the links, in keeping with the "no links to sources" rule, which this puzzle predated.