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n2a takes GM retro to the extreme with 789, Wildcat and 5-to-1
click above image to view high-res gallery of n2a's entire lineup
We've seen the works of n2a (no two alike) around, most recently at the 2006 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. This bespoke coach builder will take a Chevy Corvette or Kappa car and completely reskin it to create a head-turning fusion of retro design cues and modern day engineering. The 789 is perhaps n2a's most well known product. It's named after the three Chevy model years from which it draws inspiration: 1957, 1958 and 1959. A turnkey version of the 789 costs about $135,000, which is decidedly very unretro.
Check out n2a's other two models after the jump and feel free to study the design cues of each car in our high-resolution gallery.
[Source: n2a via GMInsideNews]
Gallery: n2a - 789, Wildcat and 5-to-1
The Wildcat is another model from n2a, though a running model doesn't appear to exist yet. It's dedicated to the past stylings of the Buick brand and requires the sacrifice of a Pontiac Solstice or Saturn Sky to build one. The portholes are present, of course, and the front end reminds us of the original Buick Y-Job concept car that started it all. Like all of n2a's cars, if you're not satisfied with the Ecotec under the hood, they're more than willing to drop in a V8 for the right price. Hopefully we'll get to see the Wildcat in person at this year's SEMA show.
Finally, there's the 5-to-1, which appears to be all Bel-Air up front and Impala in the rear. We have little info on this model, and the only pictures available are either of a scale model or sketches. It appears, however, to be built on a smaller platform than the 789, so we're guessing that it's Kappa-based like the Wildcat.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
BLS 2:38PM (2/21/2007)
I would like to see what they do with the Zeta platform.
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Howard Kerr 2:41PM (2/21/2007)
Since these cars are basically hand made/built, I can see why they would cost $135,000. Hell, a '57 Chevy, depending on the model, can cost a fairly large chunk of $100,000.
That said, I'm not a HUGE Chevy fan, I prefer Ford's just a bit more, and the '59 and it's lesser "twin" the '60, are two of my least favorite post-war Chevys. I wonder what n2a could do with a '65, '66, and '67? On second thought, these couldn't be improved.
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Mike 2:43PM (2/21/2007)
Lord help me, I like it!
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menice 2:50PM (2/21/2007)
that's pretty freaking sweet. love the rear and tails
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Allen 3:09PM (2/21/2007)
There are a lot of great details in this car, but overall I think the porportions don't quite work. Maybe it's the two tone paint, but it looks like a Bel Air with a T-Bird were spliced together at the A-pillar.
Nice effort, though.
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chris 3:18PM (2/21/2007)
I am with # 5 on this one to a degree. the Bel Air to T-bird is exactly what it looks like. Maybe Im just from a younger generation, The fins do nothing for me. I like the effort though. You get the "classic" styling with the current technology and functionality. Keep doin what your doin n2a.
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A&W 3:38PM (2/21/2007)
This car really stirs the imagination. Thanks n2a and AutoBlog. I wonder what a retro design for the wheels (without making them smaller) would look like.
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Drew Phillips 4:02PM (2/21/2007)
Great photos! :)
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iQuack 4:15PM (2/21/2007)
The Wildcat Buick is my favorite--that's what Buick should look like now with that style made into a sedan.
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ernie 4:23PM (2/21/2007)
Ah, old Chevys. The entire domestic lineup should basically consist of retro stuff. "Hey ... remember back in the 60s? When everyone had a Malibu or a Camaro or some kind of Mopar? Yea, those were good times. Hey ... would you want to buy a Camaro? We could sell you one! In 2008. It'll be great!"
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BOB 4:46PM (2/21/2007)
Too bad we don't see any stock Chevys as exciting as the 789 (particularly the blah Supra/Corvette C6). Yes, it is a little awkward, but it grabs you.
The Wildcat is a "cheat sketch" with an impossibly short windshield. Let's see what they work out.
The 5-to-1 is a 55 front, 61 rear (five to one, from front to back) I always liked the 61 rear, and the 55 front (stolen from Ferrari) is one of the best simple designs ever.
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moogy 10:00PM (2/21/2007)
It's incredible what a clueless automaker will do
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Robert O 5:07PM (2/21/2007)
If this had come from GM stylists, the posts would - in the most polite description possible - call it "Confused." Makes the recent retro's that are so criticized look stunningly fresh. I'll pass, even at $135.00
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Richard Warren 6:32PM (2/21/2007)
I'm liking it, a lot.
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no1important 7:09PM (2/21/2007)
Wow! really good designing on these models
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NoNameDenton 7:31PM (2/21/2007)
I am a Blue Oval fan, but L-rd help me I love it and would drive one with rwd and a V8
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Typesbad 8:48PM (2/21/2007)
An autmotive mash up. (actually kind of takes the term "mash-up" full circle). I can see playing with something like this on photoshop, but am amazed that the took the idea to a working model.
Even my reaction is a bit of a mash up. They kind of hurt the eyes but I keep looking and smiling anyway.
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Typesbad 8:49PM (2/21/2007)
Damn my typos!
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BOB 8:59PM (2/21/2007)
#15 -- Write the check! The 789 is a Corvette with a few additions (lol), and I am guessing that the 5-to-1 is, as well. (It is shorter in the overhangs than the 789, but looks the same size in the middle, and the "61 rear needs a wide car to work.)
John, maybe you thought the 789 was so obviously a Vette that you did not mention it, but I would love to know what the body is made of. It looks like the suspension was tied down for the photos, if we are going to assume that the driver can turn and hit a bump at the same time.
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DanMan 9:19PM (2/21/2007)
Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!!!!! And I own two Fords but my first car was a Chevy and my second was an Oldsmobile. I'm a huge fan of 50s Buicks (yes those God awful crome laden monsters) and 60s Impalas.
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