~ONE-OFF~ When you catch a glimpse of this car, it's like stepping back into the heyday of 1950s and 1960s sci-fi, where visions of jets and spaceships ruled the design world. This automobile could easily transport you to an era when people fantasized about the cars of the future, imagining vehicles gliding effortlessly with a touch of retro charm.
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| The Beatnik Bubbletop, a custom 1955 Ford created by Gary Fioto, sports a tinted Lexan bubble. (Picture from: USAToday) |
The Beatnik Bubbletop is a fusion of 1955 Ford aesthetics with a blend of customized features borrowed from various other cars. Sporting a modified 1988 Lincoln Town Car chassis, it boasts a rear bumper that pays homage to the 1958 Cadillac front bumper.
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| Auto designer Gary "Chopit" Fioto customized a 1955 Ford into a Bubbletop, giving it the nickname Beatnik after his famed car club. (Picture from: USAToday) |
This automotive work of art was meticulously crafted by the skilled hands of Gary 'Chopit' Fioto, a modifier extraordinaire who lives up to his moniker by "chopping up" cars with precision and flair. According to Fioto, the essence of a custom car lies in its attitude.
"When I set out to modify a car, I search for that unique, distinctive attitude," says Fioto. "Anything that enhances a car's cool factor, I'll incorporate. The car must exude a sense of perpetual motion, even when it's standing still."
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| Instead of lowering the roof of his original 1955 Ford, designer Gary "Chopit" Fioto raised it while creating his custom Beatnik Bubbletop, creating the largest-ever Bubbletop custom. (Picture from: USAToday) |
Beneath the hood, the Beatnik Bubbletop conceals a custom V8 350 Chevy engine with a robust 5.7-liter capacity. This powerhouse is equipped with a six-carburetor induction system, a serpentine belt setup, Hedman Hedders, and finely detailed Moon Valve covers. Over the years, this remarkable creation has earned its fair share of accolades, including the prestigious 'George Barris Kustom d'Elegance Award' a few years ago.
This automotive gem is not just a car; it's a time machine that transports you to the era of sleek, futuristic visions. Its retro-futuristic design captures the essence of an age when people dared to dream big about what the future of transportation might look like. The Beatnik Bubbletop's blend of classic and modern elements creates a truly captivating aesthetic that stands the test of time.
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| The 1955 Ford custom-built Beatnik Bubbletop is not just a car; it's a time machine that transports you to the era of sleek, futuristic visions. (Picture from: OtoBlitz) |
As you gaze upon the Beatnik Bubbletop, you can't help but be reminded of a bygone era when the automotive world was filled with imagination and innovation. It's a testament to the enduring allure of retro-futuristic design, where the past and the future collide in a harmonious symphony of style and innovation.
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| The 1955 Ford custom-built Beatnik Bubbletop's retro-futuristic design captures the essence of an age when people dared to dream big about what the future of transportation might look like. (Picture from: OtoBlitz) |
So, as this unique automotive masterpiece goes under the hammer at the Auctions America event, it's not just a car that's up for grabs; it's a piece of history and a glimpse into a world where the sky was not the limit but only the beginning. The Beatnik Bubbletop is a rolling work of art, a tangible representation of the dreams and aspirations of a generation that believed in pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
In conclusion, the Beatnik Bubbletop is more than just a car; it's a time capsule, a symbol of an era when automotive design knew no bounds, and a reminder that the future is limited only by our imagination. As it prepares to find its new home, this extraordinary creation continues to inspire awe and admiration for its unique blend of classic charm and futuristic flair. *** [EKA [22072015] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | USA TODAY | OTOBLITZ ]Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
