A jet age Tornado concept car

The heyday of the jet in the 1950s had a quite dramatic effect on Americans including the automotive designers at the time. Because the Jet has become a symbol of the new modern age which is attached to speed, aerodynamic shape, and the use of magical materials and the application of sophisticated techniques.

At that time, everything ranging from clothing, houses, workplaces, and cities all reflected this new modern concept and approach, but perhaps there was no clearer influence than that seen in the automotive industry.

1958 Plymouth Tornado Concept after has been completed its restoration by Moses Lunden. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2UiJbDH)

One of the cars that are very thick inspired and reflects the jet era is the Plymouth Tornado, which is a concept car built based on the frame of the 1958 Plymouth Fury. This car was displayed in 1958 auto shows across the US. along with the Army’s Redstone missile produced by Chrysler Corporation, which emphasized the jet age car’s design.

Front view of 1958 Plymouth Tornado concept car. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2JgsJh3)

And the Plymouth Tornado was originally painted on grey and has a very distinctive feature that is the large tail wings, rocket-likened exhaust, and split fin at the rear end. The chrome details are also pretty impressive, but we’re not sure about those chrome surrounds on the doors.

A unique and futuristic bowtie-shaped steering wheel of 1958 Plymouth Tornado concept car. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2UiJbDH)

Inside the cabin, the car has a futuristic bowtie-shaped steering wheel that might prove difficult in tight turns. As mentioned earlier, this car built based on the Plymouth Fury and used a 318-inch v8 engine that capable of spraying power up to 290 horsepower, as well as applying the four-wheeled drum brakes.

Interior view of 1958 Plymouth Tornado concept car. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2JgsJh3)

In 1964, the Plymouth Tornado took second place for Radical Custom Design at the Sabers' Auto Show in Denver and was featured in Car Craft Magazine. Over the next decade, little was known about its history until 1974 when a Utah-based sports figure bought the Plymouth Tornado, plated it and drove it for the next two years.

1958 Plymouth Tornado concept car used a 318-inch v8 engine able to spew power of 290 hp. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2JgsJh3)

Following his death and the passing of his wife, the vehicle was forgotten and left outside in the fields for the next 28 years at the late owner’s home. Eventually, a neighbor nearby became aware of this unique car and, suspecting its historical interests, began contacting collectors and potential buyers. In 2004, Tornadoes were sold to Hollywood veteran directors and car collector enthusiasts.

1958 Plymouth Tornado Concept has a unique large tail pin feature at the rear end. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2UiJbDH)

After years of being left to rot on the barn, and finally, this concept car was resold by the Hollywood director. And its new owner and car aficionado were found who was willing to tackle the restoration. It was a difficult task of returning the Plymouth Tornado to its former show glory was assigned to Moses Lunden.

1958 Plymouth Tornado Concept has the split rear end bodyworks like jet exhaust. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2JgsJh3)

As is well known, he is a Chrysler-Plymouth authority who had authored more than 20 books on the company and its many collectible models, set out to complete a ground-up, frame-off restoration without the aftermarket parts used.

1958 Plymouth Tornado Concept left to rot on the barn before restored to its heyday condition. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2WIOQ7P)

Since every nut and bolt used in the restoration was original equipment, there would naturally be no compromises when it came to the drivetrain. The car's engine was completely rebuilt along with the period-perfect push-button automatic transmission.
And now, We have no word on where the car is now but we hope someone will come forward and explain its true origin. Or if you wanna see the beauty Plymouth Belmont model. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DESIGNYOUTRUST | CARZHUNT | 95OCTANE]

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