1958 Thor Volkswagen / VW Sports Car G80

1958 Thor VW Sports Car

One of America's First Volkswagen  / VW Sports Cars

Nik Gudmunds and Jerry Ball  completed the Thor in 1958. Little did they know that they were making history  by using a VW chassis and drivetrain.   The "Thor" is one of the earliest  American VW sports cars that survives. and one of the best documented  handcrafted cars of the era.

The VW Beetle first started to arrive in the USA in 1949. and by late 1955  Volkswagen sales were strong enough to establish a sales office in Englewood. nbsp; New Jersey. While many people became enamored with the production version of the  Beetle. others saw it as a great platform to build a more stylish and sporty car  using the VW chassis and drivetrain. This trend started strongly in Europe with  individuals. small companies and coachbuilders (including Rometsch. Denzel. nbsp; Beutler. Dannenhauer and Stauss. Hebmuller. Steyr. Kohlruss. Wendler to name a  few) producing stylish examples.

This trend continued in the USA where it was usually individuals who were using  the air-cooled VW drivetrain and/or were re-bodying VW Beetle chassis/drivetrain  to their own sports car styling and taste. Individuals. that is. like Nik  Gudmunds and Jerry Ball who designed and built the "Thor. "

For Auction Today

The car being auctioned is one  designed by Nik Gudmunds and Jerry Ball in 1957. and was named after Nik's  father. "Thor. "  In the process of designing and building the "Thor.   Gudmunds and Ball applied for and received a Patent for their design.   The  Patent and associated paperwork is shown in photos below.

According to Nik Gudmunds. this is one of two Thor VW sports cars built  - both remain today. Our Thor was found many years  ago near Grand Rapids. Michigan and eventually its way to the team at Undiscovered Classics / Forgotten Fiberglass in Tampa. Florida. Nik also  built a roadster version of the Thor but never completed the car.  

The car in this auction was built on a 1954 VW chassis as shown by the VIN number of the tunnel (see  photos below).    It is un-restored and being sold "as-is. "

Links of Interest

Article: The 1958 Thor - Part 1

Article: The 1958 Thor - Part 2

Article: The 1958 Thor - Part 3

Article: American Postwar Specials/Sports Cars - Published in the  2015 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance Progam

Hagerty Valuation Guide: Glasspar

Hagerty Valuation Guide: Woodill Wildfire

Auction Results: 1953 Victress S1A Roadster Bid to $150. 00 at  Mecum. Chicago. October. 2015

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Shown  Below Are Photos of The 1958 Thor VW Sports Car Being Auctioned in this  Sale

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Shown  Below Are  Vintage Photos of the Thor

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Shown  Below Are the Patent Documents

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VW Book  By Dan Post (1966): Coachbuilt VW Sports Cars

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Transportation costs and arrangements from  origination (Tampa. Florida) to buyer's location are the responsibility of the  buyer.   This car is being advertised locally and we reserve the right to  end the auction at any time. People have different opinions and expectations of  old cars. It is your responsibility to inspect this vehicle or send a third  party inspector for your satisfaction. A $2000 non-refundable deposit is due  within 48  hours of the end of the auction.   Full payment via electronic/bank transfer is  due no later than 7 days from the end of the auction.

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Offered By

Undiscovered Classics of Tampa. nbsp; Florida

"We Find. Research. Restore. Show and Sell America's  Lost Automotive Treasures"

Click Here to Learn More

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Also published at eBay.com

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