**INTRODUCTION**
Officially launched during the III Santos Motor Show, in July 1990, the Quiron quickly became the main attraction of the event. The buggy with the style of a sports car produced in small numbers in the 1990s in Curitiba (PR) by Quíron Indústria e Comércio de Artefatos de Fibra de Vidro Ltda.
Although it had a very well-resolved design and incorporated aesthetic solutions of a certain sophistication (body-colored hubcaps, end of the trunk lid hiding the windshield wipers, removable roll bar), the car was lacking in finish, evidenced by the poor adjustment of the moving parts – hood, doors and bonnets.
**ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT**
Produced initially in Curitiba and later in Pariquera-Açu, had quite the design. Its sophisticated looks included body-colored hubcaps, a removable roll bar, and exclusive tail lights.
However, despite its attractive design for a buggy, the Quiron faced criticism for its finish, especially in the adjustment of moving parts such as the hood, doors, and bonnets.
**TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS**
The Quiron was equipped with the traditional Volkswagen mechanics with a 1600cc air-cooled rear mounted engine, typical of off-the-shelf vehicles of the time. It could be purchased as a complete car or in kit form, allowing enthusiasts to assemble the vehicle with the mechanics of their own cars, such as the Beetle, Brasília or Variant. This business model provided significant customization, allowing the choice of body color, type of seats and wheels.
**MARKET AND RECEPTION**
The launch price of the Quiron varied between Cr$ 600 thousand for the complete car and Cr$ 400 thousand for the kit.
During the fair, the complete car was sold for Cr$ 520 thousand and the kit for Cr$ 380 thousand, prices that reflected the intention to compete with other small-series vehicles in the Brazilian market. Quiron also offered options for reconditioned mechanics or assembly by the factory itself, ensuring the quality of the final product.
**TRIVIA**
·The name “Quiron” is inspired by one of the centaurs of Greek mythology, known for his wisdom and medical skills.
·The Quiron was intended to be an evolution of buggies, better adapted to urban use and offering a sportier and more sophisticated design.
·The car’s design sought to partially replicate the North American Chevrolet Corvette, this generation, to be more specific: https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSjANkKtM08BxaEFWGjPpw5wDqOCq551SRIzD8A3h9gmEtvkDqL2xFOzIw&s=10
The Quiron a Brazilian buggy that intended on being a more “refined” take on a buggy.
