Tom Holden was actually the customizer of this car, not just the "owner".
During the several times it was shown at Cobo Hall it was actually named "ulTOMus", with the capital TOM to emphasize his name: Tom Holden. And I think Tom still refers to this car as the ulTOMus.
Tom had sold the patents to this design to a man named George Barris. And, since y'all are probably knowledgeable in this I would wager you already know what became of this design. (it has something to do with Bruce Wayne)
The car also has a telephone, tape recorder and "juice" bar in the center console that is only attached at the rear and "floats" above the floorboard.
The steering wheel was designed by Tom this way because he was a pilot during the Korean conflict, I guess it reminded him of flying again. The seats were also designed by Tom because of his stint in the service....he wrenched his back somehow and these seats were designed to keep the seats from pushing certain pressure points on his back.
What I think is the most interesting about this car is the automation that Tom built into it; At a push of a button the bubble top would rise. Another button and the door would open and the seat would swivel out to make it easier to get in. With another button the cover for the rear would rise so you can get in to the "trunk".
The head and tail lights were designed by Tom and are very unique. They have a bright glow to them but are very functional.
The turn signals are in the "pods" along the running boards. And the radio antenna are in the quarter panels above the head lights.
The paint is unique to this car and was developed by Tom. The original was a sort of gold metal flake. Last I remember seeing this car it was painted black, I hope someone will get the original recipe for the paint and restore it to original, because it's very unique and beautiful. Tom is actually an expert in auto paint and almost all his show cars feature unique paint recipes that he alone holds the patents to (the paint on his center-door model T and "Coors Courier" is plain awesome!)
Another unique feature of this car is the exhaust. Each cylinder has it's own exhaust out the rear of the car. The sound of this car revving is something to remember!
Everything I've stated here is by memory. I'll be posting more info about it after I get my site up and running (and I've had time to talk with Tom about it)....If you want me to post more here let me know.
You can find my site in my signature.
Cheers!
EDIT:
BTW...Ed Roth received the ISCA Hall of Fame award the same day Tom Holden did. Tom, and I actually, knew Ed Roth very well. He was a heck of a nice guy.
