Phantom Corsair Explained

Phantom Corsair
Manufacturer:Rust Heinz
Maurice Schwartz[1]
Model Years:1938
Class:Mid-size prototype
Engine:4.7 L Lycoming (Cord) L-head V8
Body Style:2-door 5/6 seater sedan
Platform:Cord 810
Wheelbase:31751NaN1
Front Track:14221NaN1
Rear Track:15491NaN1 -->
Length:60201NaN1
Width:19431NaN1
Height:14481NaN1
Weight:20701NaN1
Assembly:Pasadena, California

The Phantom Corsair is a prototype automobile built in 1938. It is a six-passenger 2-door sedan[1] that was designed by Rust Heinz of the H. J. Heinz family and Maurice Schwartz of the Bohman & Schwartz coachbuilding company in Pasadena, California. Although sometimes dismissed as a failure because it never entered production, the Corsair is regarded as ahead of its time because of its futuristic features, and styling cues such as faired-in fenders and a low profile.[2]

Design

The Phantom Corsair's steel-and-aluminum body measured just 57inches in height and incorporated fully skirted wheels and completely flush fenders while forgoing running boards. The car also lacked door handles, as the doors were instead opened electrically using push-buttons located on the exterior and the instrument panel. The instrument panel also featured a compass and altimeter, while a separate console above the windshield indicated when a door was ajar or if the car's lights or radio were turned on. The Corsair's body was mated to the "most advanced chassis available in the United States" at that time, the Cord 810. The Lycoming 80ยบ V-8 engine-powered Cord chassis also featured front-wheel drive and an electrically operated four-speed pre-selector gearbox, as well as fully independent suspension and adjustable shock absorbers.[3] [4] Though these features from the Cord 810 chassis were all retained on the Phantom Corsair, the chassis was modified in order to accommodate the Corsair's large body. The body measured an impressive 237inches long and 76.5inches wide, enough to accommodate four people in the front row, including one person to the left of the driver. The back seats could only hold two passengers, however, in large part because of space limitations posed by on-board beverage cabinets. Though weighing a hefty 4600lb, the Phantom Corsair could achieve speeds of up to 115mph because of its modified, naturally aspirated 125 bhp Lycoming engine as well as its aerodynamic shape.

Production

Rust Heinz planned to put the Phantom Corsair, which cost approximately $24,000 to produce in 1938[5] (equivalent to about $370,000 in 2010), into limited production at an estimated selling price of $12,500.[6] However, Heinz's death in a car accident in July 1939 ended those plans, leaving the prototype Corsair as the only one ever built.

The Phantom Corsair now resides in the National Automobile Museum (also known as The Harrah Collection) in Reno, Nevada.[7]

Media appearances

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 1938 Phantom Corsair Technical specifications. October 2, 2013. Carfolio.com.
  2. Web site: Infamous Lemons: 1938 Phantom Corsair . October 2003 . Vermont Automobile Enthusiasts web site . Vermont Antique Automobile Society . December 28, 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120426080621/http://www.vtauto.org/article_detail.php?ID=31 . April 26, 2012 .
  3. News: 1938 Phantom Corsair. Lamm. Michael. December 13, 2010. Motor Trend. October 29, 2015.
  4. Web site: Walsh. Mick. The incredible story of the futuristic Phantom Corsair. Classic & Sports Car. Haymarket Media Group. September 13, 2014. June 21, 2013.
  5. Web site: 1938 Phantom Corsair . Richard Owen . Supercars.net . December 28, 2011.
  6. Web site: Phantom Corsair . Wouter Melissen . December 1, 2004 . Ultimatecarpage.com . December 28, 2011.
  7. Web site: 1938 Phantom Corsair . ((Auto Editors of Consumer Guide)) . . . December 28, 2011.
  8. Web site: September 29, 2020 . How to Find All Hidden Cars . September 10, 2022 . Mafia Wiki Guide . IGN.
  9. Web site: L.A. Noire: My Experience, Review, and 10 Tips (PS3 or XBox) . June 8, 2011 . BooyaGadget.com . December 28, 2011.