1955 Flajole -where has this been hiding?

[Karl LaFong]

I encountered this vehicle today at the Awkscht Fescht in Macungie, PA:

     

 

 

It's a styling concept by one Bill Flajole and is based on a Jaguar XK-120.  And, yes, 13 years before the AMT 1968 Impala, it had no rear window (note the rearview mirror above the Plexiglass roof) Flajole also designed the Nash-Healy and Nash Metropolitan:

 

For more info on this car, see: Bonhams : The prototype,1955 Flajole Forerunner Chassis no. S673772 Engine no. W7884-8S

 

[Oldcarfan27]

Well that's, umm, interesting. 

I think he did a better job on the Nash/Healy, at least that looks like a sports car.

And he spent 80k in 1950s money on it?

I don't think it's been hiding, I think someone was too ashamed to drive it!

[Brian Austin]

I remember that Jaguar from an auction catalog from a decade ago or so.

Frank Lloyd Wright's Lincoln Continental also had its rear window filled in, among other unusual custom touches.

[stitchdup]

I like it, the front reminds me of a nash with just a hint of mopar while the rear reminds me of some french 30s coachbuilts with hints of corvette along the sides. I think just a little clean up or lightening of the pillars around the back edge of the doors would improve the look a lot but altogether it has an almost finshed feel.

[Mark]

If I'd butchered a Jag to build that, I'd have kept it hidden away, period.

He can't claim credit for the side coves...AMC did some sports car styling studies with them around the same time if not sooner.  Brooks Stevens styled the Gaylord two-seater in '54 or '55, it had side coves also.

[unclescott58]

I remember seeing an article on the Flajole Forerunner in an old copy of a Mechinix Illustrated magazine from back when the car was new. I always thought it was kind of cool. I’m glad it still exists, and is in good shape.

Edited August 7, 2022 by unclescott58

[Ace-Garageguy]

Interesting car, not my taste, but I'm still glad to see it's survived and has a good home.

[Brian Austin]

It would appear the current color combo is not original:
 

"Bill Flajole used the Forerunner as his personal transport until well into the 1960s, but in 1973 it was sold on. When Flajole built the Forerunner it featured green paint with ivory coves, but after he sold it the car was restored and the colour scheme was upated to the current livery of metallic purple with white coves. Inside there was matching white and purple leather upholstery with chrome wire wheels, and thereafter the Forerunner was displayed in the Blackhawk Museum for many years before being sold back into private hands in 1998."

 

https://www.below-the-radar.com/flajole-forerunner/

[Mike C.]

Thats a good show. Been there a few times missed it this year.

[stavanzer]

I read Frijole instead of Flajole.

Too Much Work this week i guess. That's what I get for working a 60 hour week.