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Puzzles, Games and Name That Car => Solved AutoPuzzles => 2010 => Topic started by: Allemano on May 31, 2010, 11:07:48 AM

Title: Solved: 429. by Allemano - 1955 Townsend Typhoon prototype
Post by: Allemano on May 31, 2010, 11:07:48 AM
This one is for Ray!  ;D (of course NOT exclusive)

Please respond below if you know the make and model designation of this car.
One point for the right answer!

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Title: Re: 429. by Allemano
Post by: Ray B. on May 31, 2010, 11:31:50 AM
I love them when they're long and lean and seat only two, but I've no idea what it is. Fiberglass?
Title: Re: 429. by Allemano
Post by: Allemano on May 31, 2010, 11:37:32 AM
Yes!
Title: Re: 429. by Allemano
Post by: Ray B. on May 31, 2010, 12:02:35 PM
It looks basically like a Glasspar (is it one?). But a few things differ, the first one being oviously that triple headlight setup, like a Tucker or a Gatso (unless the center one is a spinner like in the '49 Ford).
Title: Re: 429. by Allemano
Post by: Allemano on May 31, 2010, 12:15:17 PM
No it's not a Glasspar.
BTW: I guess it's an optical illusion that it had three headlights. I only recognize two. Obviousely the radiator grille is set back behind the overhanging front fenders
The base is a '49 car, but it's not a Ford..
The car in it's pictured appearance is from ~ '55
Title: Re: 429. by Allemano
Post by: Paul Jaray on May 31, 2010, 12:22:31 PM
Townsend special!
Title: Re: 429. by Allemano
Post by: Ray B. on May 31, 2010, 12:25:15 PM
Well go on, Paul, don't keep us waiting.
Title: Re: 429. by Allemano
Post by: Paul Jaray on May 31, 2010, 12:30:30 PM
Townsend Typhoon.  ;)

"The "Townsend Typhoon" was the first brainchild of Frank Townsend from Tucson, Arizona.  It started as a wood model in the early 50's while Frank was still in high school and driving a 40's Olds.  In the mid-50's he transformed the model to a masonite and plaster plug with help from Robert Townsend,  Jack Voevodsky,  Pete Voevodsky and other friends.

They built the fiberglass mold and created the first "Typhoon" body in a 16 hour workday by 3 people. The crew next set the body on a 1949 Plymouth chassis with an Olds power plant. Grille and lights were Hillman with Ford tail lights.  (Pictured:  The "Typhoon" prototype in downtown Tucson circa 1955). "

Title: Re: 429. by Allemano
Post by: Allemano on May 31, 2010, 12:30:50 PM
Nice that you find an agreement. I wanted to leave it up to Ray B. to decide...
Title: Re: 429. by Allemano
Post by: Allemano on May 31, 2010, 12:33:13 PM
Quote from: Paul Jaray on May 31, 2010, 12:30:30 PM
Townsend Typhoon.  ;)

"The "Townsend Typhoon" was the first brainchild of Frank Townsend from Tucson, Arizona.  It started as a wood model in the early 50's while Frank was still in high school and driving a 40's Olds.  In the mid-50's he transformed the model to a masonite and plaster plug with help from Robert Townsend,  Jack Voevodsky,  Pete Voevodsky and other friends.

They built the fiberglass mold and created the first "Typhoon" body in a 16 hour workday by 3 people. The crew next set the body on a 1949 Plymouth chassis with an Olds power plant. Grille and lights were Hillman with Ford tail lights.  (Pictured:  The "Typhoon" prototype in downtown Tucson circa 1955). "

Why I'm not surprised that you know it?