The Enigmatic AREx: Unraveling IDR's Supercar Legacy

UNIQUE ONES - Ever pondered the untold stories in the realm of automobiles, especially in the heart of the United States? Amidst the dazzling array of cars gracing our streets today, a fascinating revelation emerges – until the 1980s and 1990s, America lacked a bona fide supercar capable of challenging European juggernauts like Lamborghini, Ferrari, or Porsche. 

The AREx is a unique-shaped two seater American sports car crafted by IDR in collaboration with Gale Banks Engineering, and launched in 1991. (Picture from: Classic And Recreation Sports Cars)

While brands like Vector made valiant attempts, one enigmatic journey often slips through the cracks – Industrial Design Research (IDR) hailing from the scenic Laguna Beach, California, which was founded by David Stollery in 1983. Stollery's story is fascinating in its own right. Most people might remember him from his early days as a beloved Disney child actor or from his time on Broadway.

Weighing in at approximately 1,180 kilograms, the IDR AREx stretched 440 centimeters in length, 203 centimeters in width, and stood at 109 centimeters in height. (Picture from: Classic And Recreation Sports Cars)

But it was after the applause faded and the cameras stopped rolling that his most enduring legacy began to take shape. Trading scripts for sketchpads, he immersed himself in the world of design at the prestigious Art Center College of Design in California, later landing roles at General Motors and Toyota. At the latter, he led the design of the second-generation Celica, before eventually founding his own studio: Industrial Design Research.

Nestled beneath its hood, a 5.7-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine from General Motors roared to life, unleashing a formidable 590 horsepower. (Picture from: Classic And Recreation Sports Cars)

IDR's journey into the automotive world began with innovative three-wheeled creations powered by motorcycle engines. By 1991, the spotlight shifted to something even more ambitious—the debut of the AREx, a striking sports roadster revealed on the grand stages of Detroit and Las Vegas.  

The IDR AREx featuring a sleek two-seater layout riding on a conventional tubular box frame chassis, adorned with an open-top fiberglass body showcasing scissor doors. (Picture from: Official BanksPower)

This two-seater prototype was far more than just a car; it represented over a decade of careful engineering and design evolution, developed in partnership with Gale Banks Engineering. The name AREx, short for American Roadster Experimental, perfectly captured the bold, pioneering spirit behind its creation.

Inside the IDR AREx, adorned with rich black genuine leather, featuring a sporty style steering wheel and a sleek dashboard arrangement centered around a drive-focused instrument panel.. (Picture from: Official BanksPower)

Now, let's delve into the aesthetic allure of AREx. Envision a sleek two-seater prototype riding on a conventional tubular box frame chassis, adorned with an open-top fiberglass body showcasing scissor doors. Weighing in at approximately 1,180 kilograms, the car stretched 440 centimeters in length, 203 centimeters in width, and stood at 109 centimeters in height. 

Nestled beneath its hood, a 5.7-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine from General Motors roared to life, unleashing a formidable 590 horsepower. (Picture from: Official BanksPower)

Nestled beneath its hood, a 5.7-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine from General Motors roared to life, unleashing a formidable 590 horsepower. Power seamlessly coursed through a 5-speed ZF gearbox, propelling the AREx from 0 to 60 miles per hour in an astonishing 3.4 seconds. It conquered the quarter mile in 10.8 seconds and boasted a top speed of 345 km/h. 

Unfortunately, the IDR AREx seemingly vanished from public view, eschewing appearances at prestigious events and American elegance competitions post its initial revelation. (Picture from: Autogen.pl)

Yet, here's where intrigue takes center stage. Despite AREx boasting readiness for production, IDR opted not to thrust it into the automotive spotlight. Why? IDR asserted from the get-go that the project primarily served as a showcase of their prowess and a promotional vehicle for the brand. The precise production count remains shrouded in mystery, with speculation hinting at the existence of a solitary unit, undergoing transformations that oscillated between a vibrant red and a sleek silver.

The team posing with the AREx during its initial red paint phase – from left to right: David Stollery, Jack Brown, and Gale Banks. (Picture from: BanksPower)

As other Stollery’s past projects, the FireAero and the Trihawk, gave hints of his fascination with bold ideas and boundary-pushing designs. But the AREx goes beyond experimentation—it's a personal statement. And like the greatest California hot rods of the 20th century, it’s designed for speed, style, and that unmistakable swagger that refuses to blend in. Interestingly, this one-of-a-kind car is fully street-legal in the United States and falls under the official classification of an Assembled Vehicle (ASVE).

For years, this one-of-a-kind machine stood proudly under the spotlight at the Zimmerman Automobile Driving Museum in Southern California, following Stollery’s generous donation in 2019. Visitors were captivated by its futuristic curves and raw mechanical beauty. Now, with the museum closing its doors, the AREx is emerging from behind the glass and heading to the auction block this April—for the very first time.

This sale marks an unmissable moment for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Not just because of its rarity—only one exists—but because of what it represents: a lifetime of creativity, grit, and unrelenting passion distilled into a single automobile. The AREx isn’t just another car up for auction. It’s an icon, a time capsule of innovation, and a deeply personal masterpiece waiting to find its next chapter on the open road. *** [EKA [10122023] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | INDESRE | OFFICIAL BANKSPOWER | AUTOGEN.PL | CLASSIC AND RECREATION SPORTS CARS | CARSTYLING.RU | MOTORTREND | SILODROME | LISTING.WORLDWIDEAUCTIONEERS ]

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