In the 1978 auto show, was presented the new model of PUMA GTB, now called GTB/S2 (Series Two), a car that had cleaner lines with lower front, using the same engine Chevrolet 6 Cylinder in line 4.100cc, the renowned 250-S, and, in the security issue, a new self-rollable belts (retractable), leather seats, air conditioning and electric windows and a larger internal space for its occupants, but the rear bank remained the same, small being used only for short journeys. The GTB/S2 was one of the sensations of that Auto Show. The PUMA GTB/S2 used light-alloy wheels produced in tantalum alloy of 7-inches using BF Goodrich Tires Radial T/A 225/60 R14 manufactured in Brazil.
In some books came to be bandied about other models in the GTB/S2 line between them was GTB/S3 which would use the Chevrolet engine, 4 cylinders 2.500cc using alcohol as fuel and also GTB/S4 using the Chevrolet engine, 6 cylinders 4.100cc turbocharged 250-S, but there is no news if the two models came to be actually produced, but both models: GTB/S3 and GTB/S4 were already seen.

PUMA GTB/S2 had its production halted in late 1984, when they were manufactured 56 GTB/S2 Pumas. It is estimated that 888 PUMA GTB/S2 were produced in 5 years of production.

In March 1986 the PUMA Vehicles and Engines moved to Curitiba in Parana, in the hands of the entrepreneur Dabul Rubens Maluf, who founded the Araucaria S/A (S/A means Inc.) which was manufacturing the GTB/S2 under license from PUMA Vehicles and Engines, paying 0.5% royalty on each car produced. At the first batch of PUMA GTB/S2 produced in Parana, 22 cars were produced, with a forecast of 68 cars by the end of 1986. This “new” GTB/S2 was released with the ASA logo, with the same devoted style, but with some cosmetic changes such as the use of the ALFA ROMEO 2300 knobs and FORD DEL REY mirrors . Its performance was not superior to that of the sports cars of the time such the Volkswagen Gol GT 1.8 and Chevrolet Monza S/R, both in acceleration and in top speed. For this reason a owner of a GTB had to swallow one of the aforementioned sports requesting passage on the roads, and GTB with its powerful 6 cylinder could not answer in time: the “new” GTB had few differences when compared to the model of 1984, showed a certain downgrade. The novelty was the differential distinct from that used by PUMA in the past, it was lengthened from 3,07:1 to 2,73:1 as OPALA in the time. Suspensions remained the same only changing the calibration of springs and pressurized shock absorbers

It’s unknow how many models were manufactured between 1986 and 1987, nor the car that’s in the ’86 edition of the magazine “Quatro Rodas” as an attempt to relauch the model.

Story by GTB Owners Club – PumaGTB.com.br