1 2
sachilles
sachilles New Reader
9/4/08 9:39 a.m.
carguy123
carguy123 HalfDork
9/4/08 9:46 a.m.

Oooo! Ooooooo! Pick me! Pick me!

Ok, this is only a guess Teach, but it's a good one and I think I got it right - it's my next car!

NICE!!

Got any views from the front?

sachilles
sachilles New Reader
9/4/08 9:56 a.m.

no views of the front, click the link above the pic for the limited info available. I don't know who makes it.

Adrian_Thompson
Adrian_Thompson
9/4/08 10:10 a.m.

First post on new forum!

I've seen this car numerous times over the years, mainly around Rochester Road in down town Rochester area, but also at the dream cruise. I managed to pull up behind it and talk to the owner one day a few years ago. The owner runs a small parts and prototype shop that does work for all the local car companies (Big three plus Nissan, Turdbota etc and many of the larger suppliers) He had it built by his company about 10 years ago as a one off mobile advert for their prototype capabilities and uses it regularly. Stunning build, looks like a major manufactures concept car with out any of the typical awkward angles you get with many ones off's and kit cars. I forget the specs, but it was a mid mounted GM powertrain with an auto trans, my memory says transverse which suggests a Northstar, but I'm not certain. I wish I could remember the guy or the companies name. Way cool advert for not only his company, but small business in general, it's guys like this and his business that keep the economy turning.

sachilles
sachilles New Reader
9/4/08 10:24 a.m.

cool

carguy123
carguy123 HalfDork
9/4/08 11:02 a.m.

I really liked the fit and finish of most of the body panels although there were enough of them to make you worry about squeaks.

I wonder what that little access panel is for that is just in front of the rear wheels?

It looked like the doors were hinged on the windshield frame ala most of the LMP and Daytona prototypes. That would give it a high step in but I can't get a scale of the car from the pic so that might not be as bad as it looks.

I sure would like to see and know more

captainzib
captainzib Reader
9/4/08 1:19 p.m.

I have a front picture of this car that I took at the Detroit Grand Prix. I'll post it when I get home if I can remember.

pigeon
pigeon New Reader
9/4/08 2:47 p.m.

This is why I love reading this forum! Someone spots a one-off and posts a pic, and someone else here has another pic, and a third has actually talked to the owner/builder! It just makes me all warm and fuzzy feeling inside...

Scott

Feedyurhed
Feedyurhed New Reader
9/4/08 3:41 p.m.

Yup, I see it every year at the Woodward Cruise also. Usually around the same spot too. Never knew anything about it although it's looks slightly "Fordish" to me" like a Ford concept car. Well, now I know.

integraguy
integraguy Reader
9/4/08 3:57 p.m.

When I was in high school i "doodled" cars (who on here didn't?), but nothing like this. Even if it had a washing machine motor for propulsion, I'd still be interested. Love the "floating" taillights.

sachilles
sachilles New Reader
9/4/08 4:52 p.m.

The guy that posted the pics said he actually took the photos turning on to rochester rd, in Rochester. So I would say that confirms it.

Carson
Carson Reader
9/4/08 5:34 p.m.
carguy123 wrote: I wonder what that little access panel is for that is just in front of the rear wheels?

Battery?

captainzib
captainzib Reader
9/4/08 6:59 p.m.

So I'm clicking the camera icon, and pasting in the image url, and get nothing in return. I'm not new to the internetz but what am I doing wrong?

Gearheadotaku
Gearheadotaku New Reader
9/4/08 7:15 p.m.

yup, I've seen it a few times around town. Cool little beast ain't it?

Tim Baxter
Tim Baxter Online Editor
9/4/08 7:18 p.m.

captain, did you click OK?

captainzib
captainzib Reader
9/4/08 7:30 p.m.

Yeah.

I just started using Firefox a week ago. Is there something different about it compared to IE that would be causing my problem?

Tim Baxter
Tim Baxter Online Editor
9/4/08 7:39 p.m.

Hmmm.. maybe. Looks like it's not working in FF3. I'll look into it. In the meantime, click the ? icon... there's a couple other not-too-tough ways to post it.

captainzib
captainzib Reader
9/4/08 7:49 p.m.

http://www.new.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30539037&id=53802241

This must be bizarro world, but click the link above and hit previous once. I right clicked the correct picture and posted the address, but it links you guys to the wrong one.

WilD
WilD Reader
9/4/08 8:27 p.m.

Awesome. I'm pretty sure I saw that car turning left at a stoplight a while back. I did a double take and commented to my wife that I had no idea what the heck that car was. I saw it from a similar angle as that pic, and it is certainly a distinctive shape.

carguy123
carguy123 HalfDork
9/4/08 9:43 p.m.

Adrian Thompson if possible could you see if you have any of the contact info for the owner/designer/builder of that car? I'd really like to talk to him.

And Captainzib I sure hope you find the front pic.

Watch the front be butt ugly.

captainzib
captainzib Reader
9/5/08 7:45 a.m.

This board seems to like IE better, (that's what I'm usin at work). FWIW, I was using FF ver. 2 at home last night when I couldn't get it to work.

integraguy
integraguy Reader
9/5/08 8:26 a.m.

Now that I see the front.....still a gorgeous car. Though getting in and out must be a major pain for anyone not built like a gymnast. But it would be worth it.

Adrian_Thompson
Adrian_Thompson New Reader
9/5/08 9:39 a.m.

Sorry, no contact info, just talked to him at the side of the road. IfI ever talk to him again I'll be sure to get more details. I happen to be going to Rochester tonight, you never know.....

carguy123
carguy123 HalfDork
9/5/08 9:46 a.m.

The front lip spoiler could use some work although it looks as if it were designed to be effective more so than just pretty, but not half bad even so.

Looks like your feet could be between the front suspension members. If so that means there are some mighty short control arms, still . . .

I wonder what the radiator like intake is for on the front since you obviously have radiator intakes in front of the rear wheels. EDIT: It's driving lights! Boy I'll bet they don't last very long.

Here's the home page with pics http://www.aatcars.com/heldo.html

I just talked to Steve Jr. on the phone. Steve Sr. is the designer. I would expect that they would be on the forum shortly and can answer your questions.

He told me Steve Sr. had been a designer at GM and had always wanted to build a car his way so this was it. The basic idea was to fit the largest engine in the smallest car. This car is 1" shorter than the Mini so I'd say he pretty well met his goal. I'm sure they will tell us much more.

randyvr6
randyvr6 New Reader
12/26/08 10:01 a.m.

The family also owns the Autozone Store on Woodward just N of 14 mile in Birmingham. Not the Autozone parts chain, but a stand alone auto enthusiast shop with books, videos, die cast models etc. Eric, who manages the store, is the son of the cars builder and is very knowlegable.

Sorry to bring back such an old thread like this, but i just found the site and read back to 60 old pages on this forum and found this one interesting.

1 2

You'll need to log in to post.

Our Preferred Partners
MdKt6LYSAnQlLXbQpGaL79djniU6YIVue9AbhHScP0m5C3vxcFP2txYVWmmqiwCL