Ever wondered where the design of Jon Pertwee’s ‘Whomobile’ came from? Well, I think it’s fair to say a clue lies in the remarkable looking XPAK-400, another creation from the George Barris Kustom shop, which appeared in 1959.
The car was 12 feet long, six feet wide and just 30 inches high. It was sponsored by Car Craft Magazine.
The XPAK -400 used two 20” electric fans positioned at the front and rear of the passenger compartment which draw in air into the plenum chamber of the body raising the vehicle five inches of the ground.
Although it was apparently only displayed at shows simply hovering on a tether, it was capable of moving forward and backwards on a cushion of air, using a rotating jet nozzle.
It featured a fibreglass body with huge fins and a clear bubble top. The cabin dashboard incorporated a video phone, imaginatively named ‘Phone-o-vision, a TV set, and compass!
Unfortunately, the car didn’t have sufficient power to carry an actual real passenger, so for displays a shop dummy was used.
Once the XPAK had done it’s round of show displays during the early sixties, it was put into storage. Some point later it was sold off and it’s current whereabouts are unknown.
That's interesting. They are very similar.
ReplyDeleteVery similar, especially the fins, Kev.
DeleteAmazing concept vehicle, and definitely an inspiration for The Who-Mobile! SFZ
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, Zigg, although I have to say I reckon the Whomobile has the edge on looks.
DeleteFabulous research Scoop, I love that XPAK! It looks wonderful. I've seen a Corgi model of the Whomobile but I don't think it was released. Is that right?
ReplyDeleteA photo of the proposed Corgi Whomobile only appears in one of their catalogues. Dapol also proposed a large version for their Doctor Who action figures which never made it to the shops, Woodsy.
DeleteThere's some vintage reels of the Whomobile on You Tube. Here's one from 1975 in Chingford https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72sMXN3moXA
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