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Topic starter
11/11/2025 9:24 am
1953 dodge storm
1953 Dodge Storm Z-250 was a one-off concept car and prototype, not a production model that the public could purchase. It was built by Chrysler engineer Fred Zeder Jr. to explore the possibility of Dodge entering the American sports car market to compete with the Chevrolet Corvette and Ford Thunderbird.
The Only Dodge Storm Ever Made
The Dodge Storm Z-250 was developed by Fred Zeder Jr. with the intention of creating a dual-purpose car for both street touring and racing.
- Design and Body: The body was designed by Italian coachbuilder Bertone and featured sleek, aerodynamic aluminum paneling. A unique feature was the touring body's ability to be removed by unscrewing four bolts and replaced with an ultra-lightweight 150-pound fiberglass body for racing (though it is unclear if the fiberglass body was ever built).
- Chassis and Components: The car was built on a rigid, custom-built tube-frame chassis, a project largely undertaken by Chrysler engineer John Butterfield in his basement. Many other components, such as the brakes, radiator, and steering system, were sourced from existing Plymouth and Dodge production vehicles.
- Engine and Performance: Under the hood was a modified 241 cubic inch (3.9-liter) "Red Ram" Hemi V8 truck engine, one of Dodge's first Hemi engines. This engine produced around 250 horsepower (some sources suggest up to 260 hp or more, depending on the stage of modification) and was paired with a 3-speed manual transmission.
- Fate: Despite generating significant public interest (even causing a traffic jam when parked in front of Rockefeller Center in New York), Chrysler executives ultimately decided not to put the Storm into production due to high potential manufacturing costs. The single prototype is now part of the collection at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.
John Bono
North Jersey
11/11/2025 9:50 am
A handsome car even by today's standards. A close similarly designed car to the Facel Vega which also featured Chrysler Corp. power trains.
11/11/2025 11:01 am
@bob-jackman Facel Vega was my immediate impression as well Bob; what a shame this one didn't get built.
Topic starter
11/11/2025 8:39 pm
The Storm was a 1953 creation and the Facel Vegas was introduced in 1956.
John Bono
North Jersey
Geno and Tony Perrone reacted
11/11/2025 8:47 pm
Wonderful looking American car for 1953. Bertone did aa attractive eye catching creation here. Another 'What if?'
Geno and Tony Perrone reacted
12/11/2025 2:27 am
A stunner, love the creativity that goes into these concept designs. "Leslie Kendall, the museum's chief historian." What a job hey? Historian for a car museum.
"It made quite a splash when Zeder parked it outside his Manhattan office, attracting so much attention that police got involved, Kendall said." Don't u just love it?!
As always thanks John. Another great selection.
Topic starter
12/11/2025 7:36 am
Geoff, thanks for the kind words.A stunner, love the creativity that goes into these concept designs. "Leslie Kendall, the museum's chief historian." What a job hey? Historian for a car museum.
"It made quite a splash when Zeder parked it outside his Manhattan office, attracting so much attention that police got involved, Kendall said." Don't u just love it?!
As always thanks John. Another great selection.
John Bono
North Jersey
12/11/2025 9:28 am
I agree, fantastic post John. I can see the Facel Vega being influenced by this design. Too bad it didn't make it to production. Salvat made a nice rendition of the '55 Facel Vega in 1/24. It even has the dip at the center front, just like where the center grill on the Facel Vega would be.
Topic starter
12/11/2025 12:19 pm
Thanks Geno, yes too bad it never made it to the production stage..
John Bono
North Jersey
