Found on JamesList: 1956 "Jaguar" Aerodyne Streamliner Coupe

by Robert Farago

Published: October 18th, 2009

found on jameslist 1956 jaguar aerodyne streamliner coupe

Another day, another meticulously-crafted yet completely bastardized retro-mod, conceived but not realized by a designer working for a major car company, finished via the patronage of California collector Ron Kellogg. This time ’round, Big Ron’s looking to de-acquisition an Aerodyne Streamliner Coupe penned by Nissan Design’s California model shop manager John Toom. The quote marks denote deconstruction. Toom’s fantasy whip sits on a 1956 Jaguar XK140 frame, powered by a rebuilt 3.8-liter XKE engine. Et voila! A Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantique knock-off! Whatever it isn’t, the Jag-based whip’s got bespoke door handles, gauges, dashboard, the works. Unlike Kellogg’s cod-Bug, the sales bumph for the made-up Jag doesn’t include a list of concours events which have welcomed the car. Take that as you will. Referring to Kellogg’s car photo website, we can speculate that the collector’s willingness to do the wild thang with a Jag connects to his first car: a XK120 coupe. More than this, I do not know, and the Internets will not reveal. Suffice it to say, if I were a mainstream manufacturer’s car designer with a hankering to reinvent a classic car, I’d think twice before risking the Curse of The RestoMod Motors.

Robert Farago

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3 of 16 comments

Dmrdano on Oct 19, 2009

Most of us do not know these classics well enough to really have a knowlegable opinion, other than, "I want one," or "Eeoow!" However, I think it would draw darn near anyone's eye if it pull up to the drive through window. It looks like something from a Dick Tracy movie. I like it. No I don't. OK, I do...

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Huliannatoom on Nov 20, 2009

This car was built by my dad, John Toom. He did not try to copy the Bugatti. He had been sketching this car for many years. He designed and built this car in his shop in Alpine, CA. Every detail of this car was worked out in his head. The comments stating that my dad "bastardized" this design really hurts. My dad had retired from Nissan Design International in La Jolla, CA at the age of 62. It was a dream come true to be able to work in his shop at home on this car and not have to go to work. Unfortunately, he never got to see the car to completion, he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer around July 2000 and passed away in August of 2001. The car was sold to Ron Kellogg and he completed the car as my dad had planned. My father would be very proud.

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- Gotfondue on Jul 08, 2012
  
  I am the grandson of Ron Kellogg, and wanted to tell you Hulianna Toom that my grandfather is reminded every day that your father didn't make it to see his car finished. He nearly had tears rolling down his face the other day when we were in his garage talking about the car. He wanted to make sure he built it how your father had wanted and made sure to keep as close to his designs as possible. I am sure my grandfather would love to hear from you and your family an how you are all doing.
  
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