Customized Mystery Model- what the heck is it?

[FenderMender]

This customized mystery model named "Eye Catcher" was the very first custom build by my talented, late Brother Ted. It's from the late 50s or early 60s. The basis of the model is a complete mystery as it was not from either a kit or a promo model that I am aware of. The reason I say this is because it doesn't have a definitive chassis, oddly enough. (see last picture). All I remember about it is that a 1958 Buick grille was molded to the front (with plastic aluminum), a Corvette rear bumper added to the back with custom bullet taillights applied. The top was chopped, but the top might not have been the original top. The interior was totally integral to the body and not a separate piece or pieces. The painted-on coves were obviously done with a big nod to acknowledge the Corvettes' unique and iconic design. The model might have been some early Premier or Palmer model, but the complete lack of a chassis seems to negate this notion. To me "Eye Catcher" has sort of a vague Thunderbird look to it now. But what it was originally is still a mystery to me. What do you think the original mystery model was and/or who produced it? One thing is certain; it wasn't an AMT or SMP 3in1 kit car!

Thanks for looking....

Edited September 18 by FenderMender
changed the title some

[mr moto]

I would also like to know more about this one myself! Your brother obviously had a designer's eye and great deal of skill. It would be hard for a modern builder to imagine how hard it was to do that kind restyling with the crude tools and materials (molding with "plastic aluminum"!!) of those times. Thanks for letting us see this!

[Starliner Kustoms]

In Johnny Cashes words it's a 49, 50, 51,52...... 

All kidding aside, it looks like a Stude that has had a 55-57 T-Bird top, Cadillac/Buick nose and Chrysler back end grafted and molded. Obviously the chassis was made from cardstock, metal or wood. 

Wild survivor! Wouldn't change it a bit! 

Edited September 20 by Starliner Kustoms

[mr moto]

Believe it or not, I've found some likely sources for parts of that build on EBay. The molded in interior suggests a Premier kit and here are some candidates that could have contributed parts. They're typical Premier kits. See if any of this rings a bell.

'56 T Bird:

 

Cad Eldorado:

 

 

[PappyD340]

Cool build!