Chasing a 268 MPH, 1000 HP, $3+ million 1990s Supercar! - Episode 4

The Lotec C1000 is a 1 of 1 unicorn from the 1990s. Commissioned by a member of Dubai's ruling family, this car cost over $3 million to build in the '90s, reaching an alleged top speed of 268 MPH with 1000 horsepower. Though not completely unknown, the Mercedes powered Lotec C1000 has lived its life in relative obscurity, with its origin story remaining a bit unclear. We're proud to say that the car is now at Curated in Miami, and we'll be digging through our contacts, magazines, and anything else we can do to get to the bottom of how and why this $3+ million, 1000HP, 268MPH 1990s unicorn supercar came to be!

[@VINwiki]

I sat in this car around 2002 at the Atlanta International Auto Show. It stole the entire show!

[@observantmonkey4055]

wow lol. i remember my mom asking me to go but i went out skating instead

[@Emira_75]

​@@observantmonkey4055 wow missed opportunity, always say yes to one off activities. You can always go out skating locally.

[@observantmonkey4055]

@@Emira_75 was a skate rat then lol. all i wanted was the tar. wouldnt change my mind if i had a time machine. but yes it does hurt a lil

[@MLK_Sold_Black_america_out]

I actually saw this car at Lamborghini Greensboro in Greensboro, NC back in like 2009.crazy as hell looking.😅

[@rbpainting4755]

Here comes ed with the cool story bro but I already hit that freshman year Type 😂

[@AmericanMuscleCarMuseum]

I saw this car in 1995 or 1996 at the Kruse Auto Auction in Auburn, Indiana. I have photos taken on a disposable camera somewhere. It was in a tent and I must have spent 20 minutes looking at it, having a feeling I would never see it again. Glad to know it is in good hands!

[@ThomasSeeds]

Please find that camera and send it to curated

[@LauWo]

​@@ThomasSeeds Agreed! @AMCM your work will be immortalized with their documentations and presentations :)

[@parmendariez]

It was owned by the owner of Lamborghini Charlotte since the acottsdale auction

[@WeAreCurated]

So cool! Would love to see those photos

[@asc23channel]

I was at Lotec in Kolbermoor during its end of construction and shakedown phase, talked to Kurt Lotterschmidt about it and took photos of it with the Lotec license plates on it, ready for test runs at an airport, and interior covered in protective plastic. Also looked at the Opel Calibra with Lotus Omega drivetrain while there. Should you want to know more, reach out! Best wishes

[@jareknowak8712]

"Lotus Calibra ARTZ"

[@mr.spokomaro]

This channel is so underrated. It should have 3 millions of followers. Thanks John and curated team for bringing us this content. Shout out from the UK 🇬🇧

[@WeAreCurated]

Thank you!

[@Jushwa]

Hidden gem just like the cars featured on it.

[@Rick-N-Something]

I say that every time a new video comes out, millions of people are missing out not watching

[@OneLabelle]

Crazy this video is mind blowing

[@bnuttsgee]

This is my favorite US car channel and Harry Garage is my favorite Uk channel. The content is always amazing. John makes you feel like you're in the same room when he tells a story.

[@LauWo]

Once again: the suspense with vocal introduction and explanations, the music and the shots + editing made this an epic video journey :) Excellent work Curated Team!

[@WeAreCurated]

Thanks a ton!

[@Zerofightervi]

It's amazing how it still looks futuristic even today. Such an unusual shape.

[@manualmafia6015]

This new direction the channel has taken on is awesome - filling a void for quality content for those of us ready for something a little more mature that none of the other automotive youtubers out there offer

[@WeAreCurated]

Huge compliment, thank you!

[@seedubcity]

John, the passion you have these vehicles does palpable & contagious. Thank you for including us for this journey!!

[@WeAreCurated]

I appreciate that!

[@marcel1463]

I was in the factory when they where manufacturing this car. At that time Lotec had the TT1000 build. It is great for me to see this car after this long time in a KZbin video. Thank you.

[@Nickelsxx]

This channel should be the benchmark for automotive KZbin & journalism. Unbelievable work.

[@WeAreCurated]

Wow, thank you!

[@NoneofUrbizness-r2r]

In 2017 I visited that Lamborghini dealership, and since it was my birthday, they took me in the back to look at a special, one-off supercar they had. It was definitely very cool to see in person

[@WeAreCurated]

That's awesome!!

[@NoneofUrbizness-r2r]

@@keithskillz90210 it must have been 2018 then, I just know it was several years ago

[@adriancollins4747]

I am a total car fanatic of over 40 years and had no idea this car existed. Thank you for bringing this car into the light again.

[@WeAreCurated]

Awesome! Glad to be a part of this car's story

[@allanon93]

I can't believe you guys actually found this thing. That is nuts. I would still love to see this thing in person one day. It's an absolutely beautiful work of art.

[@WeAreCurated]

We'll definitely be bringing this car around to some shows and there's plenty left to tell about it's history!

[@njmainor]

I moved to Charlotte in 2006 after graduating from college. One Sunday I was just driving around trying to learn my way around. I saw this car inside a tiny showroom in Concord NC. Once I got back home I went on the dealer’s website, and the entire site was basically about this car. Wow it’s amazing to see it years later.

[@WeAreCurated]

Haha so cool!

[@njmainor]

Thanks for the reply!!!

[@deankammler9773]

I moved to Charlotte in 2002 and I also drove past the car. Small shop on 73 just past the big hospital. I never imagined it had a sheik/Dubai connection!

[@jackreacher7029]

My first time knowing and seeing this car. The next should be a Nazca C2 in your collection.

[@rahulsudhir666]

I don't think the BMW Museum will let go of it to a private collection.

[@yeshuinfinity5963]

It's for sale i believe

[@Alps6408]

I remember reading about this car 20+ years ago and it always fascinated me along with the Lotec Sirius! such wild cars!

[@adrian9098]

Lotec Sirius 1200hp. That veichle was way ahead of its times and it still looks like it comes from the future... I cant belive it never came to production. Any way great video! 👌👍

[@nothingleft99]

Being someone born in 1999, I haven’t had the chance to see this car before, one of the most beautiful cars i’ve ever seen.

[@sarahdell4042]

This thing was at a shanty car dealership here in NC many years ago. I remember it for sale as well… Weird to see my town and know every location in the video

[@WeAreCurated]

Many hidden gems in your area!

[@sarahdell4042]

@@WeAreCurated Especially towards the mountains, granted Charlotte has a lot of stuff too!

[@samuelvincent5602]

I can’t get enough of curatedTV Every video is pure art.

[@WeAreCurated]

Thank you!!

[@chesspiece81]

Jesus John, the production value and cars you're digging up here lately have been stunning. These FREE KZbin uploads certainly have Netflix or Amazon levels of quality and vibe without a doubt!!! Kept it up.

[@WeAreCurated]

Wow thank you so much!

[@chesspiece81]

@CuratedTV Thank yall. Seriously, some of the best auto content on KZbin

[@gray944t]

Saw this car circa 2008 several times in the little showroom in Concord NC. If I recall it was in pieces once. Did a bit of research on it before school got in the way, but I recall thinking how out of place it was. This incredible looking, 1 of 1 machine, sitting in a random mechanic showroom in NC. I'm sure I have some photos of it on my old flip phone. Pre-iphone days!

[@WeAreCurated]

would love to see those photos!

[@gray944t]

@@WeAreCurated will see if I can boot it up, or have a backup somewhere.

[@jaront4922]

Thank you so much. As a young teenager a always wanted to see more of the c1000. Absolutely amazing.

[@WeAreCurated]

Part 2 coming soon!

[@jaront4922]

@CuratedTV cannot wait :D keep up the good work

[@fog92]

I remember seeing this thing for sale at one time for $350,000 and thought it was an absolute steal a decade ago.

[@WeAreCurated]

Absolutely a steal!

[@GarethRussellUK]

Been watching your channel for a while now. This new style of content is something else though. The cinemtics, the story arc, the feeling of being there with you along for the ride… it’s fantastic. Keep up the great work!

[@WeAreCurated]

Thank you so much!

[@therwittig]

One of the best auto channels ever! I could watch epic content like this, auto play all the vids from this channel, and fall asleep to it.

[@WeAreCurated]

Wow, thanks!

[@jackblakesley2103]

I've seen the C1000 a few times over the years here in North Carolina, once in Greensboro and twice in Charlotte, and every time I did, I walked away with more questions. Like, just HOW did this one-off, multi-million dollar, built for an Emirati Royal, hypercar (before the word was even coined) end up HERE? Ultimately, I think we were so lucky to have this car in our area for as long as we did and it's great that it's going to a good home. I really hope to see it again someday.

[@MurderSTi]

I used to see it cruising around Charlotte all the time. Last time I saw it was at Lamborghini Charlotte for a private event. It was sold by RK Automotive in Charlotte.

[@WeAreCurated]

So cool that it was in the Carolinas hiding in plain sight!

[@MurderSTi]

@CuratedTV lots of crazy stuff like this in the Charlotte area, with Mooresville just north being Race City USA. Rick Hendrick, Felix Sabates, and Bruton Smith being 3 Billionaires who built automotive empires located here.

[@parmendariez]

@@MurderSTi yep they took it back because it didnt sell, price i think was $418,000

[@jayrich1985]

cool to see the man behind the camera Zach Brehl, been following his account for years! He has shot so many amazing supercars that I never even knew were in toronto. However with RM Sotherby's being around a 40min drive from me, I also never realized how many amazing cars come and go from there! Ive always drove down the 401 every summer for vacation wondering what was in there

[@WeAreCurated]

He was great to work with 👌🏽

[@butterfliesandtape]

John, thanks for taking the time and effort so far with everything video related. We love this car here. Can't wait for more info. A rebodied C7, you say?? This is epic!!!!

[@WeAreCurated]

appreciate the support!

[@SamBirchenough]

okay what happened? how did these videos level up so much lately? new filter / editor? really good stuff

[@WeAreCurated]

Appreciate that! Yes, new media team

[@SamBirchenough]

@@WeAreCurated as a business in a different industry starting to get into content creation / building in public, it’s enviable & inspiring. keep it up!

[@JoseAguilar-ql4ir]

Dam we need another video of this Beautiful Machine! 🔥🔥🔥The way you describe the history of every car is unique!👍👍🥺😃🙏🙏

[@WeAreCurated]

Have you heard of the Lotec C1000 before?

[@LauWo]

Never. And I concider myself above average informed (not a specialist). So this was epic. Thank you so much!

[@beev]

Loving the mini-doc style videos John!

[@dirkhge2169]

Yes John, I remember the photos of this car in the past, but forget about it over the years. When I was young (61 now), I always drawed sports car silhouettes, and this lotec had inspired me as well as the Countach, my one and only and everlasting car-love, did. Thanks a lot for bringing it back on to the surface! Great job!

[@yeshuinfinity5963]

Saw this a few days ago on yt shorts and it mentioned this being at Miami at curated and knew this vid was coming

[@Zepherian]

Indeed i have, was a young man when this thing passed through the magazines here in europe. Happy you guys found it, that is the definition of a one off classic, easily as cool as the road going group c Porsches of the time. It's at the right place :)

[@MIAthe305]

Got to see this unicorn at your showroom the other day when I dropped off my girlfriends car at Braman across the street…the C1000 stole my heart (after the 30SL) and has been filling my dreams just about every night since

[@literallyshaking8019]

One of the most strikingly beautiful cars of all time. It’s damn near 30 years old and still looks more modern than super cars that came out this year.

[@WeAreCurated]

Right?! Incredible car

[@Will-eo8wd]

CuratedTV is easily one of my top five channels to watch. I can’t wait for the next upload.

[@WeAreCurated]

Thank you so much!

[@JAGLIFTZ]

Wow I can’t believe I’m just now finding this channel I love the unicorns of the super car world Porsche strassenversion ford gt 90 Chrysler me412 lotus Elise gt1 basically all of those homologation cars and the “test” of new technologies type cars

[@EJWE92]

This car actually made an appearance for a show at Lamborghini Charlotte in 2021! I remember it vividly, some friends of mine got some great shots, saw it just two days before stopping by your showroom in Miami.

[@Johnnyjingles87]

I remember seeing this in their inventory several years ago can't believe they still have it.

[@Mietek1937]

In case you don't know the original owner of this C1000 was a founder of Emirates Airlines, CEO of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, chairman of Dubai Airports Company and chairman of Emirates NBD Bank PJSC

[@Matthew-bc9mr]

This car is amazing, I'm a big Mercedes fan, and always liked the Lotec products, but the fact that you mentioned the Isdera earned my sub. You know quality cars

[@thugnasty8400]

I have a feeling Curated will acquire an F50 GT someday.

[@ksteak27]

If this doesn't cement Curated as the friggin GOAT of all GOATs....

[@DavidRachfordFitness]

This is seriously an undersubscribed channel. Crazy cool stuff! Nice work, John and Curated Team!

[@WeAreCurated]

Much appreciated!

[@joshuaseidenberg1544]

OMG!! I am watching, completely mesmerized at what I am seeing. It's taken me almost 30 mins to watch this 16min video because of pauses and rewinds. Wow!!

[@RAJ_089]

This car used to be at Lamborghini of the Carolina’s a decade or so ago. I used to go multiple times a week to look at it. Really cool

[@WeAreCurated]

That's where we went in the video to purchase it! Belonged to the owner of Lambo Carolinas

[@RAJ_089]

@@WeAreCurated commented before I even watched the video I was so excited lol I think it was Steve Barney who used to own it the dealership. Not sure if he’s still the owner or even alive. I never thought anyone else knew about this car much less a big channel like you guys. Glad to see it’s finally getting some more mainstream recognition. Keep up the awesome content guys 👍

[@johnhooper3363]

@@RAJ_089 Mr Barney is doing fine. He never owned the lotec , that was Eddie Littlefield . Eddie bought the Lamborghini dealership from Mr Barney .

[@RAJ_089]

@@johnhooper3363 that’s good to hear. Not trying to sound disrespectful but Mr Barney was up there in age when i met him so I wasn’t sure. I knew he never owned the lotec, he just housed it in his dealership. Wasn’t Eddie the GM for Lamborghini of the Carolinas and sport auto in summer field as well. I was in my late teens/early twenties when I was going there so I don’t want to come off as a know it all lol just a very memorable time in my life.

[@bicyclist2]

Good GOD! This is like THE Holy Grail car of the 90's or of Mercedes! This is stunning. I read about this car in magazines as a teen. I'm utterly flabbergasted that it's in the US, and that you got to see it in person. This is the absolute definition of "Unicorn" car. I wish I had the chance to see it in person. Just WOW! Thank you.

[@WeAreCurated]

Couldn't agree more! Stop by the showroom if you're ever in Miami!

[@gregchandler-tk3rx]

Sometimes, it's difficult to find the proper superlative to describe a 1 of 1 hypercar of this caliber. The only one that comes to mind is, incredible. From the car itself, to the presentation, and the location of the photo shoot. It was simply incredible! Did you determine if this is a re-bodied Sauber Group-C car? When will you officially reveal the EVH Miura? I have been on pins and needles to see the finished restoration. I can think of no better caretaker for such an iconic car than @Curated!

[@WeAreCurated]

Thank you! We talked a bit about EVH Miura in the previous Italy videos if you want to check those out, but it'll be officially unveiled at Pebble Beach

[@vistadrummer09]

I saw this at the Atlanta International Auto Show. It was beyond amazing back then!

[@andresousa9721]

John, you are truly a passionate legend in what you do. I hear you when life seems riddled with lack of success, and all of a sudden light shines on these unique moments, and it all makes it seem worth it. I am going through a rough time at this point in time, like we occasionally all do, and understand what these positive moments bring to the table. This video aside, you have my full respect and admiration. your passion is transparent. Keep it up and kudos once again to you and your whole team. Harry.

[@WeAreCurated]

Thank you so much! Brighter days ahead brother

[@bootywarrior6958]

My friend and I saw this beast last month! We were at the Lamborghini dealer in Charlotte NC and was allowed to come see the storage facility. We saw this getting worked on and the workers told us it was getting ready to be sold. Hoping I see it again one day!

[@Sonnymonster]

A very exciting video. The anticipation created up to seeing the car in the flesh and the incredible photo shoot make this a must watch👍🏻❤️

[@jamesb7424]

I remember watching @Saabkyle04's video on this car like 12 years ago. What an awesome car.

[@WeAreCurated]

Haha yup! Hooper actually was driving most of the cars in his videos, though the Lotec video was with the actual owner, Eddie

[@FarAboveDaCloudz]

True car guys know exactly what this beast is!

[@nathanhale6315]

Easily becoming my favorite KZbin channel... As an enthusiast it doesn't get much better.

[@WeAreCurated]

Thank you so so much!

[@sp0228]

So awesome you're bringing attention to this amazing machine. I last saw it at Barrett Jackson when it sold for $250k (which I thought was a steal at the time). That's back when in lived in Scottsdale. I heard it was in NC, and long story short, I moved to a Charlotte suburb just 2 yrs ago. Completely forgot about this car. Thanks Curated, for showcasing one of my favorite 1-offs (as well as the mighty Isdera) in my new hometown. Great video!

[@WeAreCurated]

Oh wow! What a steal at $250

[@henrycollins2478]

Are we going to see a top speed run? Also, the isdera was at the Saratoga automotive museum last year, totally cool car.

[@GaIvatr0n]

Best automotive channel hands down. Highly inspires my own hobbies

[@WeAreCurated]

Appreciate that!

[@MRVSKIN]

Wow that brought back some memories. Absolutely stunning car. Love these car chasing videos

[@WeAreCurated]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@clifbradley]

Loving these new videos that really shows the journey and the passion that the whole team, not just John, has for the cars. Many of us will never own one of these cars, but there might be some of us who will and I can only hope that their passion is ¼ of what John's is to be worthy of that vehicle. Some we haven't heard of, or maybe forgot, or heard rumors it existed but never was proven to be. John's love to find the car and then find the buyer so the car may hopefully live and be driven and enjoyed is all we hope for, and we know he does too but he also knows sometimes it's just a garage trophy.

[@WeAreCurated]

Thanks so much for the kind words and support!

[@jono6379]

Wow I remember seeing photos of this car a long time ago but there was not much about it on the net back then and i hadn't thought about it since. Thank you for bringing obscure gems like this back to light. I can't wait to hear more about it

[@bonviatgemusic247]

one of the most beautiful cars

[@francescomaggi1801]

Was a big fan of this car as a teenager.... now I just discovered that Lotec "old" factory is like 15' from my expat home in Germany ahah

[@overdosed51]

Wow how did it take me so long to find this channel? This gave me chills. What an amazing piece of art! Hope they actually get it on the road!

[@WeAreCurated]

Thank you! That's the plan

[@MclaughlinTV]

Epic video and what a car. I remember that thing from way back when. Insane! And I remember Ron Kimball very well!

[@WeAreCurated]

Thank you!!

[@playanddisplay3636]

I had that calendar and have been drawn to this car ever since. Thank you for making this.

[@WeAreCurated]

You're very welcome!

[@anaestereo810]

They truly broke the mold with this one...

[@Omario222]

I remember seeing this car in a calendar that i had bought as a child from a book sale at my elementary school when i was like in second or 3rd grade!

[@BeyondHorizonts]

Vinwiki sent me here, CEO of Curated is talented and down to earth dude, i love his stories

[@WeAreCurated]

Thank you!

[@FullmetalJun]

I see where Pagani got its inspiration and even the Mercedes engine. I thought it was a Pagani Zonda concept when I saw the thumbnail. Damn a Sauber C7 rebuilt for the road. Made in heaven

[@TerranDL]

absolutely amazing production. amazing story

[@orapelengmaponyane7684]

This is the cinematography that this channel deserves

[@emilianocruz11]

I remember that car was in saabkyle04 Depth Review back in 2009 or 2010 becuase its one of one ever Made AND make some crazy power 1000hp with a twin turbo v8 engine

[@bdub215]

I remember when SaabKyle04 reviewed this car YEARS ago. It’s crazy where this car has gone.

[@christopherayala4619]

Same here completely forgot about the car lol

[@YuaGacha]

This channel will blow up one day like crazy so much car content that you can't find anywhere else.

[@WeAreCurated]

Thank you!! We're patiently waiting 👌🏼

[@howtorepairpendulumclocks]

Whoever is doing the photography/videography and editing is doing a world-class job. Incredible. It's a good point about unique opportunities too. When those once-in-a-lifetime situations present, you just have to go for it.

[@rodval99]

Awesome content and work! Love from Portugal

[@AryXAryX]

I'd love to see an episode about the Lotec Sirius 😍

[@christianandretti3896]

This is legendary. I love this new style of video John will be the Goat very soon

[@WeAreCurated]

Thank you!

[@colinmileman7593]

Amazing stuff, just love it. The cars you’ve literally curated, the stories behind them, the care and attention to detail and the passion that goes into it are just incredible and truly inspiring

[@WeAreCurated]

Thanks a ton!

[@hunterlayton229]

The things I’d do to chase cars like this and especially chase old race cars. Some of the most beautiful cars in the world. The mystery and history behind them is what makes it worth the trouble

[@garycarter3752]

I can't remember what year it was, but one day I was visiting Lamborghini Carolinas when it was located in Greensboro, NC. While chatting with my friend Steve, who was manager there at the time, he said I needed to go up to the second floor and check out this one off super car that was there. I went upstairs and there sat the Lotec C1000, a car that I had never heard of before. It was one of the wildest looking cars I had ever seen, and Steve kindly let me sit behind the wheel of it. What a beast!

[@anthonydepueable]

An all time sexy unicorn for me is the caspita jiotto prototype. F1 engine. Made in 88 auto rear wing. Simply magnificent.

[@Thatguy55595]

True grail of a car

[@troglodytez]

DUDE I WENT ON A RABBIT HOLE ABIUT THIS CAR A COUPLE DAYS AGO. AND NOW YOU POST A VIDEO!? THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

[@WeAreCurated]

Haha awesome!!

[@captainsewerrat]

Anybody else not in the slightest surprised by the way John uses his phone? Holding it in front of himself while he talks? That's soooooooo fitting for his vibe and seeming personality.

[@wisama7091]

Intro phone call was a dope way to start this video

[@biscaynesupercars]

Just saw this in your showroom a few days ago and its even more amazing in person. Pictures and video don’t do it justice

[@WeAreCurated]

It's definitely a sight to behold! Glad you got to check it out

[@scottcampbell4585]

Thank you for sharing this, What a dream to learn about this Beautiful example of technology

[@WeAreCurated]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Clint_tha_great]

Couldn’t have picked a better location for a photo shoot! The car is so beautiful!

[@WeAreCurated]

Thank you! It was an epic location

[@gedd6750]

Beautiful car and the docks as a location to shoot it with colour of the sea, and the cranes to frame the shots just epic. Love the chanel,John you're a legend.

[@WeAreCurated]

Thank you!! We were so pumped to get that location to shoot

[@slickster3211]

Incredible story, awesome film, and great shots of a majestic beast.

[@WeAreCurated]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@georgef1176]

Absolutely a beautiful piece of automotive artwork. Thanks Guys

[@WeAreCurated]

Our pleasure!

[@Zepherian]

Love those Alpha 164 tail lights.

[@garyw4211]

Another great episode. I know it's not all fuzzy bears, unicorns, and rainbows, but man, I still think you guys have the COOLEST profession there is. Well, second to race car driver anyway. Lol. 🎉😂

[@Fastg80]

I’m glad I found this channel ! Saw all of johns vids on VINwiki

[@viruetd5]

Papá. Love watching this vidss!! Pagaría nada más por sentarme a charlar y aprender de tu 🧠!!!🙌

[@marioalleyne8559]

You are now my favourite car content producer bravo! I have an old friend that has a Jalpa and a Countach he’s a big time hoarder and has had these cars sitting for probably close to 20 years I know he had the Jalpa fixed up a couple of years ago but I fear the Cuntach is in bad shape. Last I heard the interior is all mouldy but I believe it to be a low mile car which makes it really sad.

[@WeAreCurated]

Thank you!! If your friend is ever interested in letting go, please reach out

[@windronner1]

the one of one, not so baby step sister to the Mercedes....wow! What a killer find!! John!! How the hell do you keep doing it!?!?! LoL...great video. Would have loved a drive in next video....

[@WeAreCurated]

Thank you! We'll definitely have to drive this car

[@truflixmedia]

Love watching this channel jump up in subscribers. Very well done video 🤙🏻 Going to miss seeing this car in charlotte but glad it went into very good hands.

[@WeAreCurated]

Thanks 👍

[@user-bt4jg5lh4b]

amazing John , big respect from London !

[@WeAreCurated]

Thank you!