Pre-Production Prototypes


Once the tool has been cut using the pantograph machine, the tool undergoes testing to see if the resulting diecast parts and plastic parts all fit together properly.
The first batch of cars from a new tool were called the "First Shots". They would undergo testing to validate the design and the tool.
Below are examples of some of the common attributes of Preproduction Prototypes.



Blank Base

Pre-production prototypes often have blank bases as that detail would not be added to the tool until testing was complete.



Superfine Turbine Prototypes with Blank Bases

In many cases, the first shots were assembled using screws to allow them to be disassembled and re-assembled for engineering analysis.



Engineering Modifications

Pre-production prototypes often have engineering changes such as added supports, removed places that were prone to failure when molding.



Fire Eater Body Casting Modification

During initial testing, the bar of metal under the pump panel was intermittently incomplete as the channel in the mold was too narrow,
so the tool was modified to omit the bar from the body casting.




Letter Getter Base Modification

During initial testing, the bar of metal between the two slots in the rear was intermittently incomplete as the channel in the mold was too narrow,
so the tool was modified to a single slot.




Turbofire Hatch Modifcation

Other castings with hatch issues such as the Ford J, were corrected after being released for production.
The Turbofire hatch travel stop was added prior to its release to the public.



Casting Detail Changes

Pre-production prototypes occasionally have subtle casting differences from the final production pieces.



Seasider Single Pipe vs. Dual Pipes"

The pre-production Seasider has one exhaust pipe on each side. The production version has two pipes on each side.




Turbofire "Shock Absorber"

The vertical "shock" in the front wheel well was removed prior to release for production.



Paint Test

Pre-production prototypes are often painted in enamel colors that will show points where the paint would easily chip.


White Enamel Pre-Production Prototypes of the Classic Cord

Two of the four known paint samples of the Classic Cord.




Turbofire in three enamel colors



Grid Cars

Grid cars are from the Flying Colors era (1974-1977) when the tampo process was used to decorate the cars. Most tampo designs were prototyped with hand painted samples.
When translating the hand painted design into a tampo printing pad the contour of the car would need to be taken into consideration. The grid was applied to aid in determining
the distortions of a two dimensional design when applied to a three dimensional body.



Grid applied to a Chaparral and the Winnipeg

The base of the Chaparral was retooled for the through hole wheels and released in 1974 as the "Winnipeg". The body was identical but had a tampo applied.




More Pre-Production Prototypes



Pre-Production Prototypes of the Superfine Turbine


Click on each to see more details.





Unpainted Classic Cord with Orange Roof




Photos Courtesy of Bruce Pascal, Adam Grapes and Ted Gray


Click here for pictures of dozens of Bruce Pascal's Prototypes.


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