The Shark S-1, a super car prototype that we can’t show you

Today’s Rare Ride is a prototype supercar from 1996, 1997 or 1998, depending on where you see it online. The scissor doors, 8.2 liters, 550 horsepower and a fully bespoke bodywork sound good. There aren’t any YouTube videos or even press articles on the Shark S-1, so it’s exclusive content for you.
Many questions remain.
The photo above is of a 2020 Corvette engine, courtesy of Chris Tonn, as for legal reasons we cannot show you any of the photos of the Shark as their source is unclear. This story began with an interesting Tweeter last week, which contained the current sole proprietorship S-1 listing. Listed on Facebook in Canada for $ 100,000, details of the Shark are provided but do not jive. Down the internet rabbit hole has gone your author.
In theory, the S-1 is “based” on a McLaren F-1 and a Ferrari F-50. In truth, this is probably not the case. Power comes via a large block Chevrolet 502 (8.2L) which has been used in automotive and marine applications and is still sold by Chevrolet. The modern formatted engine delivers 461 horsepower, so the S-1 has another magic happening to boost horsepower from the 550 shown. Royce and AM General Applications. With all the power available, the time quoted at sixty is equivalent to four seconds. Fast stuff and the huge Hoosier tires at the rear promise a lot of traction. The seller states that the suspension is adjustable and independent all around, and that both power steering and ABS are present. I suspect Corvette parts here and there.
The S-1’s body looks well-made and doesn’t suffer from the prototype / car kit look one would expect. According to the listing, it is a composite composed of acrylic and ground porcelain. The interior of the Shark is covered in faux suede and has a custom 1980s dash that wouldn’t be out of place on an old stove.
And that’s about all we know about people. Looking around, there are a few photos of the S-1 here and there, as well as conflicting information about its year of manufacture. It’s definitely still lived in Canada. Identifiable parts include the tail lights of an Eighties Escort GT, and the whole car has a sort of Lamborghini meets Vector vibe. The photos in the listing are images of images, which is a good choice at $ 100,000, ask for a unique car. At one point, it appears that ventilation windows were added to the S-1, possibly because the shape of the door meant fixed side windows.
Here we are, our first Rare Ride with a unique vehicle with very little information. If you have more details on the shark, we would love to hear it in the comments.
[Image: Chris Tonn / The Truth About Cars]
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