‘The 789’ car is a beautiful idea

I don’t know why General Motors doesn’t just reintroduce its 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air two-door with a 2008 engine and 2008 frame. That coupe would sell bigtime.

But GM is busy taking a nap. Meanwhile, car-lover Fred Kanter is out at his N2A Motors plant in Santa Ana, California, making the kind of automobile Americans dream of: “The 789.”

It’s called the 789 that because it combines some of the best features of 1957, ’58 and ’59 Chevys. The front-end design is from a 1957 model, the mid-section and interior are from a 1958, and the rear-end fins are from a 1959.

Back to the future. It looks like the glamorous past and flashy future at the same time. And under that shiny shell, it will have a new Chevy engine on a Corvette frame.

The N2A in N2A Motors means “No 2 Alike.” Buyers, paying at least $85,000 for each 789, will have all sorts of choices on custom features.

This car may throw open the doors to more imaginative car designs (and let’s hope one might actually be affordable). The popularity of Chrysler’s PT Cruiser hinted at the demand for style, and heck, that car looks like a hearse. America might go nuts over a ’50s-style car that looks alive.

Motorists want a car that says they’re enjoying the road. At least for the rich, the 789 might be the car of a lifetime.

Frank Warner

Comments

[Butch Cabrone]

Now were talking. I have commented for years...if you got to make a car why make an ugly one....All the new cars lack style and are flat tasteless. I will not own one and that is why i am building an early 60´s car myself, adding my own preferred items.
These men should be congratulated for keeping styling alive even if they are borrowing from the past. I LOVE FINS!!!