 |
| Walt takes a prototype Autopia car for a spin around the Arrow Development used car lot near San Jose. Todd and I spent a lot of time trying to date this particular car. It has elements of the 1960 design, as well as glass headlights (a no no in the world of Disneyland demolition derby). It has a few of the design elements of the 1964 Autopia car as well. As historians, we have the word circa” at our disposal, which actually means fifteen years either way. So we are very safe with saying ca. 1963. We also think we are safe in stating that that this is most likely a prototype of the 1964 Autopia car that came to Disneyland. And you have to enjoy a creator that actually takes his potential ride vehicles out for a test drive. Walt looks very focused, wonder what he is thinking? |
That front end recalls the 1958-1960 Thunderbird. If it were a new design for 1964, I don’t think they’d want it to look dated.
This car is identical to the ones that Arrow Sold to Six Flags over Texas when the Park opened in 1961. You can compare here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/spcouta/6960402330/