Car enthusiasts and vintage автомобиле lovers are drawn to mysteries, especially those involving rare and undiscovered vehicles. Back in 2010, a unique car surfaced online, known as the “Thor,” sparking considerable interest within the VW community. This vehicle, clearly built upon Volkswagen underpinnings and featuring a distinctive Targa top, possessed an aura of vintage charm, suggesting origins possibly tracing back to the iconic 1950s era. For those passionate about classic Vw Sports Cars, the Thor presented an intriguing puzzle. Despite its captivating design, the Thor remained largely unknown, prompting a deeper investigation into its history and creators.
Front view of the first Thor car showcasing its targa top and VW Beetle wheels
Side profile of the Thor car emphasizing its sporty lines and VW chassis
Rear three-quarter view of the Thor, highlighting its unique rear design elements and VW engine
Interior view of the Thor, showing the classic VW components and minimalist design
Adding another layer to the enigma, a second Thor surfaced for sale shortly after the first, this time on Craigslist. The appearance of two of these rare VW sports cars in quick succession signaled that there was more to the Thor story than initially met the eye. This prompted a dedicated effort to uncover the truth behind this forgotten fiberglass marvel and its place in automotive history.
Front angle view of the second Thor car listed on Craigslist, displaying its distinctive front grill and headlights
Side shot of the second Thor, emphasizing its low-slung sports car profile and VW wheels
Rear view of the second Thor, showing the car's rear lights and VW engine compartment
Recognizing the significance of this discovery, and with the invaluable assistance of fiberglass aficionado Stan Fowler, the second Thor was acquired. It was then placed into temporary storage in Michigan, awaiting transport to Tampa, Florida, the home of Forgotten Fiberglass. This acquisition marked a crucial step in preserving and researching this obscure piece of VW sports car history.
The Thor car in storage in Michigan, covered in snow, awaiting transport to Florida
Intriguingly, the narrative took another turn when the new owner of the first Thor contacted researchers and Hemmings in June 2010. David LaChance from Hemmings Sports & Exotic magazine, captivated by the mystery, featured the Thor in their September 2010 issue. This media attention amplified the search for information and broadened the scope of the investigation into this unique VW-based sports car.
Hemmings Sports & Exotic magazine cover featuring an article about the Thor car mystery
Remarkably, just two months later, in November 2010, Hemmings readers helped to crack the case. Ryan Chirnomas, a sharp-eyed reader, unearthed a design patent that perfectly matched the Thor. This patent revealed the names of the designers: Vilmar Gudmunds and Jerry Ball. This breakthrough provided concrete leads in the quest to fully understand the origins of this rare VW sports car.
Design patent drawing of the Thor car, revealing its design and key features
In Summary
The discovery of the Thor and the subsequent identification of its designers, Gudmunds and Ball, marked the beginning of a fascinating journey into automotive history. While the mystery of who created the Thor was solved, many questions remained. The next chapter in the Thor saga promises to delve deeper into the story of Vilmar Gudmunds and Jerry Ball and further unveil the secrets of this forgotten VW sports car.
Stay tuned for part 2 of this exciting automotive adventure, continuing here at Forgotten Fiberglass.
