The Reactor (show rod)

The Reactor is a show rod built by Gene Winfield. It appeared in episodes of four TV series: "Bewitched" (which had an episode written around it), "Star Trek", "Batman", and "Mission: Impossible".

History

After completing construction of his Strip Star car, Winfield's next project was even more ambitious. Joe Kizis, an East Coast show promoter, held an annual Autorama, an indoor rod and custom car show in Hartford, Connecticut. Kizis gave Winfield a $20,000 commission to build a show car named the Autorama Special.[1][2] Designed by Ben Delphia,[3] this vehicle later became known as The Reactor.

Construction details

Reactor is a front-engined front wheel drive two seater. The bodywork, like that on Winfield's Strip Star, is of lightweight aluminum. The front wheels are exposed and fenderless, while the rears are enclosed by the bodywork and skirts. The roof panel is hinged at the rear and, together with the windshield, tilts up and back to give access to the interior.

Reactor was finished in a trademark Winfield fadeaway paint job, changing from metalflake gold on top to green below.[3]

The car's low hoodline was made possible by its use of a version of the Chevrolet Turbo-Air 6 engine.[4] A similar engine was used in the Piranha.[5] Winfield took the air-cooled 180 hp (130 kW) turbocharged flat-six engine from a Corvair Corsa and mated it to the drive-train from a 1962 Citroën ID,[1]

Winfield kept the wide front and narrow rear track of the donor Citroën[6], as well as its height adjustable suspension[7], which enables the car's ground clearance to be varied from 4 to 9 1⁄2 inches (100 to 240 mm).[8]

Television appearances

References
  1. Jurnecka, Rory (28 Jun 2017). "These Two One-Off SoCal Customs Are Set to Invade Pebble Beach". www.automobilemag.com.
  2. "The Super Car - Bewitched". harpiesbizarre.com.
  3. Geisert, Eric (July 2003). "Profile: Gene Winfield". Street Rodder. p. 230, 231.
  4. Lawlor, John (April 2016). "DRIVE TESTING THE REACTOR" (PDF). the fifth wheel. Lehigh Valley Corvair Club.
  5. "Piranha "Roots"". c-we.com.
  6. "The Reactor - Gene Winfield". Fotki - www.fotki.com.
  7. Whitlow, Nick (11 October 2011). "Gene Winfield - Legendary Custom Car Builder". c-we.com.
  8. "Reactor". kustomrama.com.
  9. "Eartha Kitt discusses driving the 'Catmobile'". Archive of American Television.
  10. Grant, David (2008). The Legendary Custom Cars and Hot Rods of Gene Winfield. Motorbooks. ISBN 978-0-7603-2778-4.

Sources
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