This is the first of what will be many 'classic' remakes and concepts from the past. In other words "back to the future". The design series will be comprised of 'what ifs' from the past. What if there was a new 1961 Edsel? What if
Studebaker made it to the late 60's or even 70's, what would it look like? What if Packard had survived. On it goes, there is lots of 'fodder' here for some cool concepts from the past that never were,
but I will make them happen, now....
The first one is the
1964 Cadillac Charisma GT, a
Corvette based GT closed coupe by
Cadillac. This concept was
actually suggested by a co-worker.
- Platform=1963 Corvette, frame,suspension.
- Engine=429c.i.d. (7 litre) Cadillac V8, 340hp. new for 1964, from full sized models.
- Transmission=Manual from Corvette, changed to mate to Caddy's V8,;Automatic from Cadillac.
- Design=Closed coupe grand tourer with outside trunk access (unlike Vette); Fastback design; Steel body (not fibreglass like Vette); Built in Cadillac factory;
- Competition=Aston Martin DB6; Maserati, Ferrari; (Vette is left to take care of the Jaguar XKE and Ford Shelby Cobra);
9/10/2010- Recently added was the 1
965 Pontiac Arrive', a lower cost GT coupe. This uses the same platform as the Caddy and Vette, but subs the 'sprint' 230cid OHC L-6 'race duty' engine, and comes at a lower price than Vette. No V8 is offered, and this car most targets the Austin Heally, E-type Jag et al. The Vette remains to target the Ford Cobra, among others.
