Wow can't believe I've missed this one until now!
Virgil Exner Jr's Fiat/Simca Special
Hard to know exactly what to call it:
Exner Jr. designed it as his master’s thesis studying fine arts at the University of Notre Dame in 1955-56, & naturally continued to work on the concept after graduation, turning it into a reality in fiberglass from 1956 to 1958. He based the car on a modified Fiat 1100 chassis, with power from a Simca Huit’s 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine and drivetrain.
Though subsequent owners have replaced the original plastic bubble canopy in favor of an Opel wraparound windshield and T-top system. And the original Simca engine made way for a Datsun four-cylinder.
www.madle.org/exsimca.htm
blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2012/05/07/virgil-exner-jr-s-simca-special-headed-for-another-run-across-the-auction-block/
auto.howstuffworks.com/simca-special1.htm
I especially like it with old Alloy wheels & hub caps during the early '70's
Virgil Exner Jr's Fiat/Simca Special
Hard to know exactly what to call it:
Exner Jr. designed it as his master’s thesis studying fine arts at the University of Notre Dame in 1955-56, & naturally continued to work on the concept after graduation, turning it into a reality in fiberglass from 1956 to 1958. He based the car on a modified Fiat 1100 chassis, with power from a Simca Huit’s 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine and drivetrain.
Though subsequent owners have replaced the original plastic bubble canopy in favor of an Opel wraparound windshield and T-top system. And the original Simca engine made way for a Datsun four-cylinder.
www.madle.org/exsimca.htm
blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2012/05/07/virgil-exner-jr-s-simca-special-headed-for-another-run-across-the-auction-block/
auto.howstuffworks.com/simca-special1.htm
I especially like it with old Alloy wheels & hub caps during the early '70's
