Here’s a Rorschach test in the form of a car. I’ve been searching for traces of existing cars in its styling, but maybe that endeavor is doomed to failure – I’m at a loss. It’s advertised as a 1980 “special” here on craigslist, with an asking price of $3500; the seller gives us a single sentence description indicating the car was home made by his dad. Looks like its been through a few iterations, too, as this photo shows a smooth snout, while other images show it with a “grille” effect. The car is located near Spokane, Washington, and the tip comes to us courtesy of Tony Primo – thanks! … I think.
A good guess is the body is fiberglass, and the “Ford” sign posted in the first photo implies we’re looking at Ford power. The rear-mounted engine is a V8, and the transmission is listed as an automatic. This thing is probably scary-fast. The ad lists the title as “clear” – I’d love to know what make is listed on DMV’s records. Of course, DMV is no stranger to cars concocted from bits and pieces: people have been making their own vehicles for as long as there’ve been engines and wheels. Batmobiles are particularly popular, but so are tiny cars.
This photo is dated Oct, 2024 – so it’s likely the best representation of the car as it sits now, rather than the car-show image above. The “special” may have been in an accident or re-imagined by its creator, because it’s grown a bulky rear end with a dozen new vents and a grille in the nose. These features say to me, “I need improved cooling!” I confess I just don’t know what to think of this vehicle, though it’s notable that “dad” has a fondness for trucks, too. Is this “special” worth the asking price? Can you figure out what it most resembles?
Guaranteed this will be the ONLY one at your local cars and coffee.
Can you imagine the speeds with that much power. The stock HP for Toronado was at least 300-375. This was done to several different VW based kit cars because less than 100 HP in VW engine. The windshield and roof look terrible.
Can you imagine the speeds with that much power. The stock HP for Toronado was at least 300-375. This was done to several different VW based kit cars because less than 100 HP in VW engine. The windshield and roof look terrible.
Can you imagine the speeds with that much power. The stock HP for Toronado was at least 300-375. This was done to several different VW based kit cars because less than 100 HP in VW engine. The windshield and roof look terrible.
Wow Gary we get it 3 times over LOL!
Very odd proportions and the rear scops are not attractive but like Gary said it is probably scary fast
The cab looks like it could have its origins in a small pickup, like an S10, etc. The front clip is a bit of a mashup of a Citroen, an MG and a dune buggy. The slits in the front I can imagine were one way to prevent overheating but perhaps the least aesthetic solution. Maybe a wide body kit with air ducts on the rear fenders. I like the midengine design which seems to be the better excited portion of the build.
I think the slots in the aft section are for vision, too.
I see VW/Manx front, ford coupe roof, corvette rear, and reversed WS6 ram air hood.
Iteration one >> two
strong feeling of VW that went right before it went wrong :^(. Would go for scoops on the roof
It might be good for a parts car with that V8.
Final picture is in a junk yard so that is where dad got the parts and maybe the inspiration Though the sign says Ford the wheels look like they are from a Toronado
Wild whatisit Michelle
Closest I found was a redone or wrecked version of what you identified as a “BREADVAN KIT” !!
Closest I found was a redone or wrecked version of what you identified as a “BREADVAN KIT” !!
Looks like fun .
Possibly some Bradley in the front clip?
…would it be impolite if I just vomit now ?
…would it be impolite if I just vomit now ?
…would it be impolite if I just vomit now ?
I second notion of 1980flh1200 . Looks like Olds Tornado drive line. Distributor is in the rear. Listed as fwd. I think it’s rwd. Engine was fwd in it’s former life.
Tornado engine and transaxle, makes more sense.
I’d sell it too. 😳
Oh man +/- 2.5 hour drive away where is a auto transport trailer on a holiday when you need one. If I could get it running and driving I can only imagine the trouble I would get myself into
Opel GT rear body panel/tail lights?
I agree with the Toronado comments. The first tip was the wheel design and offset. The second was the suspension / half shaft set up. Rear distributor and exhaust manifold set up says small block Chevy. (Looks like block hugger Sanderson cast iron manifold) It is so ugly and body looks frail. Dispose of the body and find something else to cover the chassis with. OR just cover areas that need covering. (Either for esthetics or aero requirements) And make it a track day car. (You may want to s cope out chassis/cage reinforcement before heading to the track. The Hydro 425 is bullet proof and the sky’s the limit on the small block. Could be cheap track day fun. Even if you had to spend a few more thousand at it. (You could increase the power one season at a time.)
I’m sure he’s proud of it, but I wouldn’t be caught dead in it!
”Whatisit”
It’s a POS GT.
(Sorry, Dad!)
By the looks Just reminds me of one piece at a time
When I was younger, I entertained fantasies about building my own car. As I grew older and more realistic those fantasies began to fade. Now that I have seen this they have evaporated completely.
this is something for Jay Leno and his collection.he has some very odd looking cars in his garage.maybe he can get it revived back to where dad had it.
In the 80’s a Friend bought based car Listed as a ” Manada ” the car was titled as a Granada , Tecar hadb3en in a rear end accident , the Body shop apparently cut the rear end off the Same year” Monarch ” and welded them together, only thing.was they did not change the Manufacturing labels leaving the front with” Grenada ‘ and thre rear ” Monarch ” thus a ” Manada “