Among the Brazilian cars we look for, one model keeps our attention: the Puma Tubarão. This is what we have learned about the car, and about the marque.
The marque
In 1963, Luiz Roberto Alves da Costa, Milton Masteguin, Mario Cezar de Camargo Filho and Rino Malzoni founded their company under the name Luminari. In 1964 they renamed it Puma Automóveis. The marque played a real part in the rise of elegant cars in Brazil.
Puma built fibreglass bodies, with support from Volkswagen. The chassis, gearbox and engine came from Volkswagen factories. The interiors and the styling details were made by Puma.
What does Tubarão mean?
Tubarão is Portuguese for shark.
On this version, small fibreglass openings replace the side window. Their shape suggests a shark’s gills, which is where the name comes from.
The first model to receive a Tubarão version was the Puma GT. It was successful enough that the marque later restyled it, renamed it Puma GTE, and offered it for export. The E stands for Export.
The line is striking for its elegance and its proportions.
Its story
The exact number of Puma Tubarão cars built is hard to pin down. It is estimated at fewer than 4,000.
There were many styling finishes: Puma offered several trims to order, so the car could be personalised. It became a symbol of a time when Brazilian coachbuilding was at its best.
Built regularly from 1964 to 1970, the line then faded gradually, until 1990.
What it is like to drive
The Puma Tubarão has a particular effect: it makes people react.
It is simple and effective to drive. The 1,500 engine later became a 1,600 with twin carburettors. A sense of speed comes quickly, and the car’s 750 kg have a lot to do with that. Sitting close to the ground puts you straight into the pleasure of driving.
After a winding road, the exotic character is still there. A pleasure to drive, and to look at.
Collectors often compare its silhouette to the 275 GT, the Lola, or the 240Z.
A Puma leaves nobody indifferent. Everywhere it goes, it gives off a sense of exclusivity.
