The current owner of the car did a lot of restoration work to the car before it came to out shop the wheel wells were repaired and the grill opening along with the drive train and a whole list of other projects that he completed. A few pictures of the drive train an the independent rear A couple of build pics from when the car was first built.
The paint was a real custom mix and a lot of test panels were shot to get the eventual correct original color for the car. The Belly pans are all on the car no and as soon as the snow melts it is time for some more test drives on the car.
Found this today on the Timbs car http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/12/can-you-name-the-mystery-star-of-the-2010-amelia-island-concours/ and i belive there is giong to be an article on the car in Old Cars Weekly.
The wooden buck for the body gives me the chills; what I wouldn't give to get a hold of that origional buck to keep as an art piece. Man, I love futurism; It looks like something out of a Fritz Lang flick. It's gorgeous - you have to obsess over coach building.
Thanks Rik 4 the update. Looks super at all angles- 3/4 rear is gorgeous. Resto looks good, gonna be good to see this one slither in.
A few great shots of the car from Peter Harholdt thanks THE NORMAN TIMBS SPECIAL EMERGES FROM COMPLETE AND EXACTING RESTORATION. (Headline) Motor Trend cover car debuts at Amelia Island Concours dElegance. (Sub-Heading) Automotive engineer Norman Timbs designed and constructed the Timbs Special during the years of 1947 and 1948. The revolutionary streamlined automobile featured a mid-engine design that was ahead of its time. It was built around a custom aircraft tube frame and powered by a then new 1947 Buick Super 8. The Timbs Special utilized extensively modified 1947 Ford suspension components for a plush ride. Timbs designed an independent rear suspension using Packard and Ford driveline components. Its sensual and sleek hand-formed aluminum body features a unique two piece construction that allows the tail section to open behind the cockpit. With the tail section up the gas tank, spare tire, engine and other mechanical components can be easily accessed. The hand built aluminum body shows a true designers eye for shape and form. In 1948 the 17 1/2 long Timbs Special was so unique in its construction and design that it was featured in Motor Trend Oct 1949 as well as Popular Mechanics Dec 1949 Custom Cars Trend Book No. 101 Mechanix Illustrated September 1949 Motor Trend October 1949 Popular Mechanics December 1949 Motor Life February 1954 Classic & Sports Car June 2002 Hop Up Volume 9 https://www.ameliaconcours.org/gallery/mystery.asp http://www.kustomrama.com/index.php?title=Norman_Timbs'_Buick_Special http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=178451 http://www.supercars.net/cars/4688.html www.realhotrods.com Gary Cerveny of Malibu, California, is a noted collector of unique and one of a kind motor cars. Recognizing the significance of the car, he purchased it in 2002. His extensive research revealed numerous magazine articles, period photographs and firsthand knowledge of the car to insure an accurate restoration. Cerveny began the personal restoration with repair of body damage and rebuilding the drive train. Because the massive aluminum body with its complex curves required special skill, he engaged Custom Auto of Loveland, Colorado. The shops restorations have earned first place Pebble Beach honors and multiple Bruce Meyer Preservation Awards. Custom Autos combination of mechanical and restoration expertise have resulted in a fully functional motor car which honors Norman Timbs unique design. Sunday, March 14 at the Amelia Island Concours dElegance has been chosen for the Norman Timbs Specials debut. As a featured car, the Concours website published two teaser photos of the car in process of restoration inviting viewers to identify it. Delighted officials report that a record number of hits were registered. It must be seen in person to be believed. Owners Gary and Diane Cerveny will drive the car on to The Field of Dreams accompanied by Custom Auto owner, Dave Crouse. Photo credits: Peter Harholdt Studios, www.peterharholdt.com Further information from Dave Crouse at Custom Auto 970-669-6691 or [email protected] and his website is: www.realhotrods.com Rex Rogers www.realhotrods.com Custom Auto 1067 Des Moines Ave. Loveland, Colorado 80537 (970) 669 - 6691
$10,000 in 1949? That was a ton of dineros! Not a car I'm dying to own, but I do like it. It's got that "hard candy after you sucked on it for a while" look. It would be interesting to see what the restoration cost.
Old Cars Weekly just did a great article on the car if any of you get that magazine. Just a quick note on thanking the other guys in the shop involved with restoring this car Dustin Nere Paint Fred Frank Paint and assembly Jake Yenny Fine tunning and frame work Roy kaufman Wiring Karl Eklund detail work sheet metal Curt Stecuert Detail work assembly Doug's upholstory Scotts bluff Nebraska
The Timbs Special won the American open car class at Amelia island Concourse d'Elegance yesterday. Congratulations to the Cerveny's and everyone that was involved in the restoration. www.realhotrods.com
Gary told me he was at the Peterson auction a few years back, thew out low bid for the hell of it ... thinking the car was going to go for the really big bucks.. went back to his conversation and the guy he was talking to said .. think you just won Timbs... He's got the luck of a cat... Ha...
Damn...whoever block sanded that huge flowing surface to that level of perfection deserves respect beyond reproach.
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