The Puma is a Volkswagen based specialty sports car that was built in Brazil, between the years 1969 through 1980. Strict Brazilian government regulations of the time that restricted imports, and encouraged domestic automobile production, where a major factor leading to the development of the Puma and other specialty vehicles.

Production of the concept began in 1964, using DKW components, with a switch to Volkswagen components in 1967. This necessitated a change from front engine, rear wheel drive, water cooled configuration, to rear engine, and rear drive air-cooled form.

Prior to producing the VW powered Pumas, the original Puma Company built cars based on DKW components. When Volkswagen of Brazil took over the Brazilian DKW operation, VW basically inherited the relationship between the two companies.

The original DKW GT Malzoni was produced in small numbers as a sports racer. A few street cars were also built. Only about 35 Malzonis were made before it was preplaced by the restyled version that was named the Puma GT. Both models were front wheel drive powered by DKW three cylinder two stroke engines.

In 1967, the body of the DKW Malzoni was slightly modified and renamed as the Puma DKW. The new car had a small rear seat, more glass area, and new wheels, bumpers, headlights and rear lights. It was also slightly longer.

When Volkswagen of Brazil took over, the Puma was given a new heart, in the shape of the flat four, air- cooled, 1.493cc Karmann Ghia engine.

The first Pumas were strictly built for racing, but it didn't take long for a street version was offered. Pumas were sporadically imported into the United States during the 1970's and 1980's, and even though the Puma was not designed as a "kit car", most vehicles exported to the U.S. where shipped in kit form. All Pumas produced and sold in Brazil were completely assembled models.

The kit itself was actually a complete car less the front suspension, transaxle, engines, wheels and tires. The missing parts were available from the distributor or the buyer could find and supply the parts himself. Less restrictive regulations permitted the importation of complete cars in Canada. Pumas were very popular in South Africa, and an assembly plant was eventually established there. Exports to Europe were limited to small numbers through a distributor in Switzerland.

Puma built some front engine, rear wheel drive Pumas based on Brazilian Chevrolet components, but these were never exported. Once the Brazilian market was opened to importation, the domestic market for the Puma declined significantly.

The original Puma Company went into receivership in the mid-1980's, and production ended for a while. Production for both the VW and Chevrolet based models resumed when the Araucaria Company bought the machinery and tooling from Puma. After a short period, production was taken over by Alfa Metais.

A few rear engine Pumas with water-cooled VW engines were made during the finals years of production, but sales of these were low. Over 22,000 Puma automobiles were produced over the life of the marquee. Puma also produced a line of special bodied light trucks, which continued in production after Puma automobile production ended.

The Museum's Puma is a 1977 model that was originally based in the Philippines and was later imported into the United States. Mr. Jaime Barón eventually owned the car and donated it to the Museum collection. The vehicle is on permanent exhibition at the Museum's Specialty Car Exhibit.