DREAM CARS
(". . . if I won the lottery, I'd build 'em all. . . .")

This is just a daydream - I readily admit not having the skill to pull it off in real life:

The CARCENTRIC Sonder Coupe
("Sonder" means "special" in German)

Start with a 1957 DKW - "cute" but basically uninteresting, right?  

The standard engine is a 897cc, 3-cylinder lump that generates an anemic 38 horsepower and a cloud of blue smoke each time you start from a stop (it's a motorcycle-based two-stroke). The body sits high on a perimeter frame, but it does have "suicide doors" and swoopy "fat" fenders - and it weighs considerably less than a ton. Hmmm . . .

What would be the effect of lowering the body about 3 inches and moving the two-tone color break to the belt line? And moving the windshield back about 10 inches (cutting a 10" section out of the roof so that could happen)? And moving the door back the same amount so that it's rear (hinged) edge is right up against the front edge of the rear fender?

Well, it would look something like this:
 Image copyright 2003, M D "Doc" Nugent

Note that there's now room (under the extended hood) for a serious engine! Might as well convert it from front wheel drive to rear wheel drive at the same time the frame's reinforced for the bigger engine. And I suppose it should have the brakes upgraded when it gets wider wheels (stock is 15x4J) and tires . . . .

I'm only one winning lottery ticket away from trying it!

Here's a real wild card for the street rodding set - how about a 1954 Citroen Traction Avant (in case you didn't already know, Traction Avant means "front wheel drive" in French) . . . .

. . . with a Ford Taurus SHO engine and transmission?  Add Vintage Air, some tunes, and viola!

How about a post-'70s extension of the Ford Ranchero line - able to handle most homeowner loads plus the advantages of front wheel drive traction in the winter!  You start with a first generation Ford Taurus wagon . . .

. . . chop the rear roof off, weld the back two passenger doors shut, and fabricate a bed and rear window for the cab.  If I live long enough, I'm definitely gonna build one of these!

This has already "been done," but I love the look!

In case you think it's a '40 Ford, look again - it's a 1948 Volvo 444. More pictures of this fine car can be viewed here.

Finally, although it's not a dream "car," how about a radical "sports trike?"   (be sure to roll your mouse cursor over the pictures for extra details)