2009-10-21 10:07:14 | pauls writes:

Car offered at:
www.2-shores-classics.com/showroom-usa.html

Sellers description:
For Sale by: 2shores International- Classic Cars Contact Seller
Listed on: 2009-10-15
Location: USA
Price On Request

Description
1956 Aerodyne Streamliner Coupe

This breathtaking Streamliner is a hand built one off Coupe called Aerodyne.

Conceived and created by John Toom, manager of model shop at Nissan Design, International in La Jolla Ca. from 1982-2000. Johns talent and contribution to Nissan Design was even honored with a tribute sculpture by Nissan Design.

John spent over 10 years from the early sketches to the almost finished product, before he passed away in 2001.

This stunning vehicle is based on a 1956 Jaguar XK140 frame and powered by a freshly rebuilt 3.8l XKE motor with only 700 miles.

The design has a definite late 30’s French streamliner influence and is simply glorious. The attention to detail and the pure craftsmanship exposed is outstanding. This is a true hand built car using no aftermarket parts. The door handles, the gauges, the dashboard, everything has been designed and created for this car.

After Mr. Toom passing, a California collector and enthusiast purchased the car and had the project finished to the highest degree.

This car has never been offered for sale before and is in Concourse condition with about 700 miles driven since completion.

Extensive documentation on this very special car is available to the interested collector.

Located in California

2013-12-15 17:32:33 | pauls writes:

Another article about the car found here:
www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2009/10/found-on-jameslist-1956-jaguar-aerodyne-stream ...

Article text:
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.

2019-12-26 09:19:22 | pauls writes:

Car to be at auction 1/20

www.goodingco.com/vehicle/1956-jaguar-xk140-aerodyne/

Auction description:

Lot 132

Scottsdale 2020

1956 Jaguar XK140 “Aerodyne”

Coachwork by John Toom

Estimate: $125,000 - $150,000 | Without Reserve

SOLD $280,000

Chassis: A819039DH

Custom Designed and Constructed by Nissan Designer John Toom

Handcrafted Steel Body Inspired by French Custom Coachwork

Constructed on Jaguar XK140 Chassis

Powered by Jaguar E-Type 3.8-Litre Engine

Beautifully Appointed and Proportioned

Accomplished Nissan designer John Toom had a unique vision for a custom motorcar with the flair and quality of a prewar coachbuilder. From early sketches and clay models to the full-scale wooden buck and hammering of the steel skin, Toom was intimately involved in all aspects of design and production of the “Aerodyne.” A labor of love for 11 years, Toom built the custom Jaguar in his garage with the help of his daughter, Joni, who personally designed the instrument panel and special badging. When Toom passed away before completing the project, his dear friend Ron Kellogg took up the mantle and, after an additional two years, finally unveiled it to the public in 2003.

From the beginning, Toom planned to use a vintage Jaguar chassis and drivetrain as a platform for his custom-designed coachwork. With its razor-crested pontoon fenders, fastback tail, and rear fender fairings, the hand-built body harkens back to the radical streamlined styling of European coachbuilders Figoni et Falaschi and Portout. The Aerodyne’s dark blue livery is accented by the judicious use of chrome trim and unique badging, which proudly declares, “Designer and Coachbuilder John C. Toom.” To complement the exterior color, the interior panels, carpet, and upholstery are trimmed in gray leather.

Every component and panel was precisely fitted to create an exquisite piece of rolling sculpture, every bit the equal of fabled, bygone coachbuilders of yesteryear.

2024-08-04 13:44:00 | Jim writes:

Here is a better article by Jan Toom, John's wife. mycarquest.com/2024/05/john-toom-engineer-artist-and-inventor.html