AutoCult Dodge Deora

AutiCult seems to be positioning itself for custom cars of the 1960s, and for now, this Deora is parked next to my Winfield Reactor. Brainchild of Mike and Larry Alexander, with design from Harry Bradley, it made its public appearance at the 1967 Detroit Autorama, where its unusual front entry (hinged flip-up windshield and pivoting front door) made it the star of the show. It was based on a Dodge A100 pickup, which the brothers convinced Chrysler to give them. It won many awards, toured with other Chryslers for two years, and was named by a 13-year-old in a contest sponsored by AMT.

Speaking of which, anyone remember the old AMT kit? The Deora also made its name famous by being one of the original 1968 Hot Wheels cars. Unless someone knows otherwise, I guess the AutoCult is the most accurate rendition yet. Inside the cockpit one can see the pistol-grip steering and central chrome pillar for the rotating front door. The metallic gold paint is nicely applied as are fine chrome strips along the sides (take note GLM!) The hard tonneau has a mottled wood-effect central stripe.