The genesis of neo-classic automobiles lies in the visionary spirit of automotive enthusiasts who sought to reconcile the timeless elegance of classic car design with the advanced engineering of modern vehicles.
This movement, which emerged in the 1960s, found its iconic representation in the Excalibur, a car that audaciously married the aesthetic of a 1928 Mercedes-Benz SSK to a contemporary chassis and powertrain.
This pioneering endeavor paved the way for a niche market that would later flourish. Decades later, Zimmer Motor Cars, a family-run enterprise, would raise this concept to new heights. Their flagship model, the Golden Spirit, ingeniously transformed the unassuming Mustang GT into a resplendent homage to pre-war Rolls-Royce luxury.
Unlike restomod projects that breathe new life into existing classic cars, the Golden Spirit and other neo-classics represented a ground-up approach, creating entirely new vehicles that captured the essence of classic design while incorporating state-of-the-art technology and performance.
Paul Zimmer, a successful entrepreneur hailing from the luxury trailer industry, ignited the story of the Golden Spirit in 1980. fascinated by the allure of his Excalibur, Zimmer sought to raise the neo-classic concept and founded Zimmer Motor Cars to materialize his ambitious vision. Unlike many wealthy dreamers who faced setbacks in the automotive world, Zimmer’s venture demonstrated early success.
By the mid-1980s, the company had flourished, employing a substantial workforce of 175 individuals, establishing a robust dealer network across 28 states, and generating an impressive annual revenue of $25 million. This rapid growth positioned Zimmer Motor Cars as a promising newcomer in the competitive automotive world.
The Zimmer Golden Spirit, a luxurious homage to pre-war European coachbuilt cars, was born from a unique blend of inspiration and practicality. While Paul Zimmer’s vision was rooted in the opulence of Rolls-Royce, the realities of production necessitated a more affordable approach. To achieve this, the company ingeniously transformed humble Ford Mustang chassis and powertrains into extraordinary vehicles.
By extending the Mustang’s frame and crafting a bespoke fiberglass body that evoked classic automotive design, the Golden Spirit emerged as a striking blend of old-world charm and modern engineering. The car’s interior, although based on the Mustang’s architecture, was started through the use of premium leather, wood accents, and custom-designed elements, creating a luxurious ambiance that complemented the exterior’s classic appeal.
Paul Zimmer, a successful entrepreneur hailing from the luxury trailer industry, ignited the story of the Golden Spirit in 1980. fascinated by the allure of his Excalibur, Zimmer sought to raise the neo-classic concept and founded Zimmer Motor Cars to materialize his ambitious vision.
Unlike many wealthy dreamers who faced setbacks in the automotive world, Zimmer’s venture demonstrated early success. By the mid-1980s, the company had flourished, employing a substantial workforce of 175 individuals, establishing a robust dealer network across 28 states, and generating an impressive annual revenue of $25 million. This rapid growth positioned Zimmer Motor Cars as a promising newcomer in the competitive automotive world.
