Solving the Mystery: Torgerson EXP's Journey from Dust to Glory

Mysterious ONES - Embarking on the discovery of a captivating car, like the one pictured below, often sparks a sense of curiosity, reminiscent of our initial encounter on Twitter. Unraveling the story behind this unique vehicle, commonly known as the Torgerson EXP or Torgerson EXP 2 among automotive enthusiasts, reveals a tale steeped in ingenuity and passion.

This enigmatic sports car piques curiosity, sparking a global conversation among car enthusiasts eager to unravel the mystery surrounding it. (Picture from: ObscureSupercar on Twitter)

The journey of the Torgerson EXP or EXP 2 begins in Leisure World, a retirement village in Southern California. Found nestled under a layer of dust in a carport, the car quickly became a focal point of online discussions after images circulated on various social media platforms. Jalopnik picked up the story, igniting a global conversation among car enthusiasts eager to unravel the mystery behind this automotive enigma. The distinctive shape arouses curiosity, reminiscent of the Brazilian Aurora 122C sports car at first glance.

This unique vehicle known as the Torgerson EXP or EXP 2 crafted from the inventive mind of Ralph Torgerson, built along with his friends George Conklin and Dean Claudius in Lakewood, California back in 1990s. (Picture from: MotorTrend)

Crafted from the inventive mind of Ralph Torgerson and collaboratively built with his friends George Conklin and Dean Claudius, this distinctive car came to life in a home garage in Lakewood, California during '90s. Despite Ralph's background as a car enthusiast boasting a collection that featured a Pantera and Ferraris, this project marked his inaugural venture into the realm of car construction.

The Torgerson EXP's interior adds another layer of complexity, featuring green gauges sourced from a Lotus Esprit of the same era. (Picture from: Carchaeology on Youtube)

The craftsmanship, considering its humble home-built origin, is nothing short of commendable. Specifications outlined on a signboard reveal a mid-mounted Corvette 350 V8 engine, a weight of 3,300 lbs, and a Lotus five-speed transaxle. The documented construction process, meticulously captured in photos, underscores the dedication invested by Ralph and his friends over several years.

This unique vehicle known as the Torgerson EXP powered by a mid-mounted Corvette 350 V8 engine coupled with a Lotus five-speed transaxle. (Picture from: Carchaeology on Youtube)

The design of this distinct car emanates the spirit of the '80s, seamlessly blending into the radwood era. Its aesthetic channels scenes from Miami Vice or the futuristic allure of '80s films like The Wraith. Online speculations ran the gamut from it being a Corvette prototype to a modified Acura NSX or a kit car based on a Fiero, contributing to the mystique surrounding the vehicle.

The Torgerson EXP while on its debuted at the RADWood 2019 event in December that year, perfectly aligning with its '80s and '90s automotive heritage. (Picture from: VWVortex)

As revealed in the YouTube video titled Carchaeology: Mystery Machine Part 3 - its a Torgerson EXP! , closer inspection unveils recognizable elements such as Corvette grilles and marker lights. The interior adds another layer of complexity, featuring green gauges sourced from a Lotus Esprit of the same era. From Vitaloni mirrors to pop-up headlights, the overall design exudes the extravagance synonymous with the '80s.

The Torgerson EXP debuts at the RADWood 2019 event stands as a fitting tribute to this extraordinary piece of automotive history. (Picture from: VWVortex)

Beneath the rear hatch lies the powerhouse—a small-block Chevy engine coupled with a transaxle from a Lotus. The handcrafted ingenuity is evident in the tube chassis and components sourced from various vehicles, including Corvair A-arms and Firebird taillights.

The design of the Torgerson EXP exudes the spirit of the '80s, seamlessly blending into the craftsmanship of the radwood era and earning the prestigious title of RADWood "Raddest in Show" winner. (Picture from: MotorTrend)

Despite gracefully weathering the passage of time, the Torgerson EXP now requires refurbishment for roadworthiness. Challenges include non-functional brakes, a problematic hydraulic clutch, and electrical glitches. The initial goal was to unveil this distinctive creation at the RADWood 2019 event in December that year, perfectly aligning with its '80s and '90s automotive heritage.

This unique, hand-built dream car serves as a testament to Ralph Torgerson's vision and craftsmanship. Its debuts at the RADWood 2019 event stands as a fitting tribute to this extraordinary piece of automotive history. Currently, the custodian of Torgerson EXP is Randy Carlson, who continues the legacy of this captivating automotive creation, allowing it to once again bask in the California sun. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | RANDY CARLSON | AR15 | JALOPNIK | VWVORTEX | BACKROADS.IE ]

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