Post by ferrari512s on Apr 6, 2014 16:02:29 GMT -5
Looking like a full-size version of a vintage AMT model kit, the Thunderflite concept car is the brainchild of noted custom builder Dean Arnold.
Dean performed more than a thousand modifications to a 1961 Ford Thunderbird to produce one of the most successful “pro-circuit” customs ever.
Instantly recognizable thanks to its power-operated double-bubble canopy, House of Kolor “Chrome Effects” paint and sweeping tailfins;
The Thunderflite draws its inspiration from the futuristic prototypes of the Fifties and Sixties.
It has won a number of top awards and has appeared in numerous rodding magazines, including the venerated Rod & Custom.
Deluxe Auto Interiors is responsible for the futuristic Red cockpit, which along with the Chrome Effects paint was renewed after the car’s Best-in-Show winning 2008 SEMA appearance.
Thunderflite is driven by a 302 CI Ford engine mated to a modified automatic transmission and floats on a computerized, fully independent Air Ride Technologies suspension system.
This bold and serendipitous custom is a collector’s dream machine.
Specs...
- The Thunderflite concept car was based on a 1961 T-Bird
- Custom double bubble top
- House of Kolors Chrome Effects paint
- Chromed-out 302 CI with modified automatic transmission
- Fully independent suspension with computerized Air Ride
- Custom one-off, Features over 1000 custom modifications
- This is a one-of-kind car and truly amazing
- 2008 Best of SEMA and Top 12 Coolest Cars at SEMA
- 2nd Place at the 2009 Grand National Show in Pomona
- Voted 1st in Class at Albuquerque, Super Nationals
- Top 9 in show at Darryl Starbirds car show in Tulsa
- 1st in class at Autorama World of Wheels in Kansas City
- 2nd place a Gene Winfield's select Six at Syracuse, NY
- This amazing concept car also appeared in SEMA magazine, Street Rodder Magazine, Rod & Kulture magazine, Rod Custom magazine, Car Kulture magazine, Ol'Skool Rodz magazine
Suzie and Dean Arnold dreamt of building a show car that would evoke the spirit of the dream cars that manufacturers used to build in the '50s and '60s.
They decided to use a 1961 Thunderbird as the base vehicle and got long-time collaborator Don Johnson to finalize the design.
Then Dean got to work building it.
The result is the car you see here.
To most of the people passing it at SEMA this week, they probably thought it was a vintage dream car rather than a modern custom.
It certainly looked like it had just been dusted off and shined up after sitting mothballed for the past 40 years.
Every detail seems period correct, and we particularly liked the Batmobile-esque double-bubble roof.
Such style and such grace.
They sure don't build them like they use to anymore.
This car is a gem that many have admired at various car shows.
That radical look of future cars didn't materialize just yet. However who knows what might transpire tomorrow.
Source
www.mecum.com/auctions/lot_detail.cfm?LOT_ID=FL0112-121181
www.finecars.cc/en/detail/car/150817/index.html
www.autoblog.com/2008/11/09/sema-2008-custom-thunderflite-t-bird-soars/
cs.scaleautomag.com/sca/modeling_subjects/f/30/t/99285.aspx?sort=ASC&pi209=1