Filed under: Convertibles, Sports/GTs, Supercars
Update: Bailey Blade hit hard in bad economy, adds green options
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Bailey Blade
For all of you who have kept up with Neal Bailey's quest to build his dream car, the man with the big plans has hit a snag. The very same snag that's hit the world's established automakers, along with the rest of us. The economy has tanked, and funding has dried up.
But anyone crazy enough to build their very own supercar better have the tenacity to stick with it through even the worst of times. And it seems Neal has just what it takes. Instead of throwing in the shop towel, Neal is innovating. And no, that doesn't mean he flew his corporate jet to DC for a government handout. Instead, he's asking for donations to keep the dream alive, as well as taking the project in some new, greener directions.
Visitors to the Bailey Blade website can keep help Neal with a little cash while reading about the newest trim levels of the exotic Blade. If all goes as planned, Neal hopes to not only offer the Blade XTR, a 750 hp, 5.4L, Roush-powered supercar, but also the Blade EVR and Blade HDR.
The EVR is an all-electric version of the Blade with dual electric motors feeding off lithium ion phosphate batteries. Neal claims "big block performance but all electric." The HDR would be a 600 hp Roush supercharged V8 with an on-demand hydrogen system. Theoretically, owners would see a 20% fuel-savings over a gasoline-only engine.
Donors to the Blade project will get their names posted on the Baily Blade Web site, as well as on displays accompanying the car at shows. They'll also be added to a newsletter list to get the latest news on the project's progress.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
jet 6:55PM (11/24/2008)
So it's a bailout when the gov gives a loan that is to be paid back, but it's inovative when someone asks for donations to his pet project with zero payback? Interesting concept. Also interesting that both electric and hydrogent vehicles can be quickly developed by two individuals and the big boys need lots of time and money---what a scam --just respond to the need for green by asking for green and make promises. Good luck their home project, but don't fall for it. If you like this, feel free to send me donations also and I am sure I can think of something to spend it on - even my car.
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BaileyBlade 8:35PM (11/24/2008)
Hey guys,
Trust me this is no scam… yeah we understand that it may be nuts asking for donations to support our project. Honestly we were hesitant to even try this. But this is our dream, it’s a passion, we will take this all the way no mater how bad the economy gets. No one has to support us, as I said before; these cars will get built no matter what using our own funds and funds of those that do and have already supported us. These are bad times for the auto industry but bad times bring out great ideas and innovations so let’s see what happens…
geo.stewart 7:10AM (11/25/2008)
Hey, its innovative in that its VOLUNTARY, whereas the gov't is spending your money willy nilly. Asanine the complaints over $50Billion in loans or bailout when a 700B has already been approved and the Democrats are getting ready to float ANOTHER 700B package. Thanks, just what I needed was a bigger budget to support.
And why cant two guys assemble existing technologies in a new formation? One guy (me) just assembled existing words in a new sentence. Figure out that reference
Kudos to BB for the work to date. Keep the dream alive
spacegravity4me 7:08PM (11/24/2008)
just for anyone who's interested the guy building this has a thread he has been updating on fiberglassforums.com. It's moving along really well.
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spacegravity4me 7:16PM (11/24/2008)
Here ya go guys, I got you the full link. Enjoy!
http://fiberglassforums.com/showthread.php?t=6433
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Arturo 7:17PM (11/24/2008)
I dont know if its because the mustang, the f150, the shelby cars with ford engines, the saleen s7, roush, aston martin back then, jaguar, land rover. svt cobra.
Ford has always been my favorite brand. GM not so much, just trans am and corvette. from dodge just the viper. I came to this conclusion because the engine in this car is from ford. I see Ford engine in a lot of small car companies, and enthusiast.
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Jrejre 7:18PM (11/24/2008)
I'm confused. What does he need funding for? Ok, he wants to sell these but how would economic factors hurt his chances of just making one for himself?
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Blackheld 7:28PM (11/24/2008)
Gee...a '62 Corvette fastback.
Add a split rear window, and you'll really have something.
I'm driving an 89 Olds 98, and i need some help restoring it's electrical system. Should i ceate a website and ask for donations?
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Mobius_1 8:10PM (11/24/2008)
That's pretty good looking, kinda like a Viper, but smaller, meaner and greener with hints of the Cobra.
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Tim 8:18PM (11/24/2008)
think we best be getting on with the promise of making America energy independent.Iran just asked OPEC to reduce production by yet another 1.5 million barrels per day.This past year and the record gas prices played a huge part in our economic meltdown and seriously damaged our society.We keep planning to spend BILLIONS on bailouts and stimulus plans.Bail us out of our dependence on foreign oil. Make electric plug in car technology more affordable. It cost the equivalent of 60 cents a gallon to drive an electric plug in car. The electric could be generated from wind or solar. Get with it! Utilize free sources such as wind and solar. Stop throwing away money on things that don't work. Invest in America and it's energy independence. Create cheap clean energy, create millions of badly needed green collar jobs. Put America back to work. It is a win-win situation. We have to become more proactive citizens, educate ourselves and demand our elected officials move this country forward into the era of energy independence. Jeff Wilson's new book The Manhattan Project of 2009 Energy Independence NOW outlines a plan for America to wean itself off oil. We need a plan and we need it now! www.themanhattanprojectof2009.com
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arturo 12:38AM (11/25/2008)
yeah lets move forward. This coutry is getting so retarded. I saw yestarday in the news that a McCdonals restaurant was not accommodating what someone calls a minority. He wanted to make 20% of the seats for extremely obese people, that way he can still go and seat his fat ass in the restaurant.
Haas 1:26PM (11/25/2008)
1.5 million barrels? that is really nothing, we consume 20 million at least a day in the USA.
Haas 1:30PM (11/25/2008)
thats just the USA, but i do believe we really should cut back on unnecessary driving and aggressive driving for no reason on the highway
Ted 8:42AM (11/25/2008)
"On Demand Hydrogen"....that's a good one. Yet another company touting a widely discredited technology.
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Neal Bailey 11:12AM (11/25/2008)
Ted, I suggest you go and do a History check, Hydrogen as a fuel has been used since the 1800s, same goes for Bio fuels, Steam, Natural gas and many others alternative fuels. You stating that Hydrogen on Demand is discredited is simple wrong, it just has not been accepted yet. There are thousands of working examples and prototypes being developed right now. We are simply looking to provide as many options as possible. And hydrogen/oxygen systems are a huge step in the right direction. The big oil companies will not be happy at all if this technology really does take off.
eric@baileyspeed 9:05AM (11/25/2008)
Hey guys, just thought I would chime in as I typically remain relatively quiet. I'm the second half of the partnership on this project. To all the naysayers, I would just like to say that if you don't like our project or direction of business, that you are obviously entitled to your opionions, and we respect that. Initially when we started this project we didn't realize how quickly it would grow. All along the way people have approached us and asked how they could help and have offered donations. We have really appreciated all the supporters of our project which just increases our desire to bring this to life expediently. We aren't some big company with bottomless pockets. We are just a couple of normal guys who feel we have a great project we would like to share. Unfortunately, a project of this magnitude isn't cheap. With the status of the economy (especially in the auto market) funding options are a bit scarce as many are "gun shy". Therefore, we decided to provide an avenue for those who have inquired about donating or helping out. We are not scamming anyone, nor are we trying to deceive anyone. As Neal said above, we are just very passionate about our project and intend to complete it. Thanks for lisening to me ramble.
Eric
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Robin 10:37AM (12/04/2008)
This is a sweet car and i sure hope he doesnt quit building it and mant more cars he wants to. Good thing he never quits and asking for donations was a really good idea.
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