History of the Tornado Thunderbolt

The vast majority of TORNADO cars were powered by English Ford engines. The most successful (and plentiful) model, the TYPHOON, was powered by a venerable old anchor of an engine, the flathead 10. Subsequent models, the TEMPEST and TALISMAN GT, sported Ford Anglia 105E engines. Later the TALISMAN was alsom made available with a hot Cosworth tuned Ford (1,340 cc), and finally even a FIAT 600D. But for a brief period in 1960, Tornado Cars LTD. coveted a relationship with STANDARD TRIUMPH.

Founder, Bill Woodhouse, was convinced his new lightweight fibre-glass body and purpose built chassis was far superior to that being offered by TRIUMPH in the TR2 and TR3. All he lacked, was TRIUMPH's torquey, souped up Ferguson engine. Towards that end hot shoe, Colin Hextall (the fastest TR3 racer at the time, was hired as a director, and one of the TORNADO cars was hauled up to the Coventry in hopes of arranging a marriage. Such was not to be, however, and there was never a formal relationship between TRIUMPH and TORNADO CARS LTD..

Undaunted, Woodhouse continued to use many TRIUMPH parts in building his TORNADO cars. Despite the phenomenal success of the TRIUMPH TR2 and TR3, Woodhouse was convinced he had a better idea. He felt sure the TR2/TR3 owners would beat a path to his door. In 1960 he purchased a TR3 wreck (TS9600), and the engine, gearbox, instruments and 'various sundries' were used to build the THUNDERBOLT (WAU 637). Standard TYPHOON bodywork was altered (enlarged) to accept the purpose built chassis and the TRIUMPH drive train. From the start, THUNDERBOLT was as much a rumor, as it was a legend. It was reported to be lightning fast. With a Ford Zephyr rear end and Leycock overdrive, the company claimed to have clocked the THUNDERBOLT at 153 mph. Silverstone track records and various media reports from the period indicate it was certainly capable of speeds in the 135-145 mph range. But it also had the reputation for being ill-mannered and a handful to drive.

In September of 1960, along with a TYPHOON and a TEMPEST, THUNDERBOLT anchored the TORNADO CARS LTD. works team to a first over all finish in the six hour 750 M.C. Relay Race at Silverstone. Usually driven by shop foreman Eric Martin, or director Colin Hextall, THUNDERBOLT was the pride of TORNADO CARS LTD..

When in 1964 cash flow problems casued TORNADO CARS LTD. to suspend production, THUNDERBOLT actually became two cars. Eric Martin recieved THUNDERBOLT as a 'perk'. Because TALISMAN GT was the hot model at the time, he removed the THUNDERBOLT's body, altered the frame (lengthened it about 10-inches), and installed new TALISMAN bodywork. That car, known as the TALISMAN THUNDERBOLT, still exists in England today. It has an awesome reputation and and extensive club racing history.

THUNDERBOLT's body was sold and placed on a van frame and then coupled with a new TRIUMPH drive train and many TRIUMPH parts. This car was also to compete extensively in England in the late 1960's and early 1970's. It came to the United States in the mid-70's and raced here at least once (at Brainerd).

The latter car, purchased by Bill Detinger and Bob Wismer in 1993, has recently undergone at total restoration back to orginal factory standards plus some race history enhancements. Working closely with David Malins of the TORNADO REGISTER in England, founder Bill Woodhouse, shop foreman and racer Eric Martin, and the family currently owns the TALISMAN THUNDERBOLT, the original THUNDERBOLT chassis has been carefully duplicated for use with the original THUNDERBOLT body for vintage racing.

The car is currently being driven this race season by co-owner Bill Detinger. For a schedule of races that you can see this historic race car in action see the race schedule.

To see pictures of the TORNADO THUNDERBOLT in action click here

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