Thissss is the 2002 Wells WaveHammer. Arguably one of the quirkiest vehicles of its day, but one of the coolest to say the least. I got a chance review this thanks to one my viewers in Orange County. Today, Im going to walk around and review it, get this thing out on the road…and then Im going to give it a Doug score.
You see, of all the retro vehicles of its time, this was by far one of the coolest. Initially it was supposed to be somewhat of a competitor to the Prowler. Yes, we remember the Prowler, how could we forget. Unfortunately, by the time Wells got the packaging and drivetrain right for its debut in 2002, the Prowler packed its bags and left the party…Bummer. Well, not quite though because see, this car uhhh
Jeep thing or whatever you want to call it was something different.
Despite its looks, this is actually more of a car than a…uhh…Jeep.
Complete with unibody construction and you guessed it, rear wheel drive. Nope, no offroading here. You wouldnt want to either. This Jeep…umm car wasnt designed for that. This was designed for cruising highways and around the city…and hammering waves apparently.
Stepping inside your greeted with not two but FOUR captains chairs, all two-tone like the exterior. And all of them have WaveHammer stitched in them…so you will never forget…your driving a WAVEHAMMER…ok. Having said that, the quality in here is good, not GREAT…but good, by 2002 standards at least. Looking around the interior, this thing just screams SPORT…center armrest front and back…two-tone green and white interior…TWO sunroofs!!!..Fat leather wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel and get this…a 6 speed manual. I cant wait for the drive.
Driving this thing your immediately let down by the 183hp sohc all aluminum v6 that was initially installed in this thing. Its probably the one thing that led to the WAVEHAMMERS early demise. Even though a more potent twin turbo option came out later but it was too little too late. But what would you expect from an engine like that in something weighing 4000 pounds. Aside from that, when pushed, this thing sounds GREAT. But apparently people arent in to SOUNDS.
Alright, so after spending a day with the WaveHammer its to time to give it a Doug score. Starting with the weekend category of stylng this thing scores a 7 out of 10 because of its uniqueness and the fact that it is a pretty cool looking vehicle, in a quirky way. Acceleration isnt fast so it gets a 1 out of 10. Handling is exceptional and gets an 8 out of 10. The fun factor is a mixed bag because it sounds fast but its not so it gets a 4 out of 10. And due to the fact that this vehicle is such a fun car at heart and the fact that its getting harder and harder to find original examples like this one, due to LS swaps, this scores an 8 out of 10 for COOLNESS. Which gives this car a 28 out of 50.
Next up is the Daily category, this thing reasonably equipped so it gets a 6 out of 10. Comfort is good but the ride is a bit to harsh so it gets a 4 out of 10. Quality is good but great so it gets a 6 out of 10. This car is not very practical so it gets a 1 out of 10. Suprisingly these hold their value really well even more so the twin turbo model so it gets a 7 out of 10 giving us a daily score of 24…add it up and it gives us a combined Doug score of 52.
Carriage and Chaffeur, January 2020 issue
The latest retro concept wave is a welcome sight after the unbearable design drought of the last decade. The first several hits - and near misses - have spurred manufacturers to revive shapes, proportions and even companies from the grave. Our favorite Texans at Arlington Automotive are no exception: They've finally given their luxury division, Somervell, the attention it sorely needed. The Bayonet, a re-imagining of the breathtaking personal luxury coupe from the late 50s, first arrived in 2000 as the first properly unique Somervell product in years. Though based on the Arlington Bearcat sports sedan, this coupe features bespoke sheet metal which hearkens back to the model's illustrious predecessor, a bespoke multi-link suspension and a classy white roof option. This year, though, it's getting a new engine.
This new Bayonet 326 is a direct response to complaints about the base model's 250 hp engine, shared with the Bearcat and the Arlington Foxhound GS8 pony car. The main attraction of the package, which also includes a premium interior and Torsen differential, is a unique 326-cubic-inch, 333-hp engine. The 24-valve, overhead-cam powerplant with forged internals displaces the same volume as the 1950s Somervell V8. Larger tires and a true dual exhaust system also come with the package. There is a choice of gearbox between the standard 5-speed automatic and a no-cost option 6-speed semi-auto. Our test car had an automatic, which is slightly slower to 60, and cost $39,100 as tested.
The Bayonet 326 proved itself a true showman on our road course. The rear end gets out at times, and is cured with the throttle; there is no trace of the Bearcat's nervousness courtesy of the more sophisticated rear suspension. The engine, which is not as aggressively tuned as most sporty V8s, provides on-demand torque as well as a fabulous soundtrack. The suspension is stiff enough for the track, which is a pleasant surprise.
However, the road is where this souped-up retro really comes into its own. The ride is comfortable, there is far less plastic than you'd usually find in a domestic car, and you can even use the rear bench properly - after all, there's a sedan based on this same platform. Why wouldn't the bench be good? The automatic transmission is smoother than Arlington's old 4-speed units, and the car eagerly eats up the miles. The engine is quiet in the cabin, but open the taps even a little at the lights and you will be noticed. Most importantly, it costs half the price of its imported Germanic rivals, and it's certainly not half the car, half the fun or half the power. It's a steal.
Mid-Grade fuel recommended; acceleration will decrease on Regular.
The All-New Satyr Diomedes, Classic Performance for a New Milennium
Styled after Saytr’s groundbreaking coupes of the 50s and 60s, the Diomedes takes everything that made the classics great and infused them with modern technology. With a high power V6 engine, 5-speed Stick and Saytr’s unique SportDriveTM technology, this car is everything you loved about classic Satyr brought to the 21st century.
All this can be yours for the cost of only $25,000 (Adjusted for inflation)
In 1998, Kliment unveiled their newest foray into the sport coupe market: A return to form. The retro-styled Kliment Dune, based on the coupe of the same name that was produced form 1955-1960. While met with lukewarm reception, the new Dune sold well enough that it stuck around.
For the 2002 model year, Kliment released the updated CP trim package, featuring more premium amenities and stylings.
Many plastic parts were redone with a steel metallic finish, Kliment’s modern take on the chrome stylings of yesteryear. The grille was facelifted to feature five vertical slats to accompany the repainted horizontal bar, reminiscent of similar grilles used throughout the 1950s.
Other such styling revisions continued on in the interior. While the dashboard might feature the same cues as a 1950s dash, that’s where the similarities end, as all the comforts of modern technology remain in-tact. The center console now features a higher end CD and cassette player, with a more refined sound system to better relay the tones of punk or rock, depending on preference. The climate controls are also more than functional, and while the vents and graphics are very much “old-school”, they provide sweet comforts that any driver would enjoy in todays coupes. And to top it off, the dashboard speedometer was redesigned as a classic 50s horizontal one, to really hammer in the simpler amenities. And while all this might feel “luxurious,” Kliment assure customers that this is not a luxury car, with its comfortable leather seats and door inserts. They label it a, “true American interior, where the driver owns a car to have a good time.”
The engine is no slouch either. Under the hood one finds the solid 4 Liter Crosscamel V8, retaining the name of the same performance engine used by Kliment through the 1950s and 1960s. However, one innovation rolls in to really punch the power, as the engine is now supplied with a Direct Injection fuel system that helps pump the power output to 245 horsepower at 6200 RPM, and 240 lbs-ft of torque at 3700 RPM, for a top speed of 169 MPH and 0-60 time of 7.7 seconds.
All of this, and for a reasonable pricepoint of $33,800.
To top it all off, the Dune now champions itself as the American success against Communist engineering, with thousands of models in production to be shipped to Eastern Europe already. You can rest easy knowing that you’re driving a champion of American engineering and comfort.
Harken back to the “good old days” with this 1930s- inspired muscle truck. Does it remind you of your first car? Maybe the car your granpappy drove? If so, perfect! We can’t wait to sell you one of these! With a detachable top, RWD and 423hp of naturally aspirated V8, you’ll be in a ditch by the time you exit the dealer lot. But hey, at least you’re smiling! Perfect for sunny days and long cruises through dull suburban neighborhoods. With this car’s comfy “premium” interior and CD radio perfect for playing your worn cassettes you’ve been hoarding, this car will be perfect for sitting and reminiscing on all the stupid things you did as a young, careless teenager, chiding your children when they come to visit once every few years about how they didn’t pull themselves up by their bootstraps well enough, to stop spending all their money on avocado toast and learn the value of hard work.
Drivetrain:
6.4L naturally aspirated DAOHC V8 making 423hp, mated to a 4 speed slushbox, perfect for cruising. It might weigh more than the anvil your grandfather used for blacksmithing, but it packs a punch!
Chassis:
We needed to cheap out somewhere to undercut our competitors’ prices (and also to save us a quick buck), so we used a traditional ladder frame, but with modern rustproofing! Any “true” truck should have a ladder frame anyways. Even if the bed barely fits anything and is mostly for show, like with this one (Shhhh, don’t tell our potential customers about that part!).
Safety:
“We grew up in cars with no stupid seatbelts and none of those gosh-darn safety features! We survived, why bother now?” Okay, boomer (Yes, wrong decade, I don’t care, had to fit it in someplace)… we hear you, but unfortunately it wouldn’t be legal, and less nostalgia-drugged fools would be allowed to buy our cars because of other concerned family members! And that would never do, so we put in driver and passenger airbags, plus ABS (although with such power, it probably won’t do anything)!
Cost:
$29,300 before gas guzzler tax, $31,000 after. It may not be cheap, but it is less of a ripoff than the other American manufacturers hoping to make a quick buck off boomer nostalgia!
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Reminder, Submissions will close on Sunday april 18, 20:00 EDT.
Make sure you also post an ad / picture of your car in this thread. Good Luck!
Huge credits to @karhgath for engine and trim tuning, this car would be destined for the bin without him.
The good ole days have come and gone, and all they’ve left you is alone, like one of the guys in an Eagles song. WELL, with the power of material possessions, you too can feel happiness again! Feel the plush leather of the interior of this homage to one of the most legendary sports cars of the 1930s and maybe you’ll forget that your wife left you and took the kids!
With the power of over 300 “eboosted” horses under the hood of this classy bastard, maybe you can even outrun the impending war on Terror and the subsequent financial crash! Who knows where you’ll go!
The Northstar Transatlantic: It looks coachbuilt, but believe it or not there’s an actual factory making these, and its not just some guy in a two car garage with too much foam and fiberglass. Take the top down and feel the wind in your hair!
Buy yours today! Looking straight out of the swing era, there’s absolutely no way that they’ll depreciate when the collective American consciousness moves on from living in the past!
2002 Branson-Bradford CR350T
Made in collaboration with @yurimacs
The CR350T is Branson’s new, classically inspired targa roadster, designed and engineered in collaboration with Bradford. Powered by our tried and true 3.5L turbocharged inline-6, mated to a smooth-shifting 5-speed automatic gearbox with power routed to the rear wheels, the CR350T is capable of reaching 60 miles per hour in 5.6 seconds, and goes on to a top speed of 155 miles per hour. The CR350T is on sale now, for $34,900.
I’d be happy to say that they will depreciate just like a certain brand of European automobile.
Hi there, everybody! Haven’t been active in a long time myself, but considering that this CSR takes place in my home region, I figured, why not give it a go?
2001 Jefferson Freedonia
From the mountains of Southern California, to the urban streets of New York City, and from the rolling hills of central Texas to the gentle prairies of the Dakotas, the Jefferson Freedonia is the kind of car that can give you an enjoyable driving experience anywhere, while also still having the reliability that Jeffersons have been known for since our company’s founding, and with a classically inspired yet subdued look that pays homage to the great models of years past, including past generations of the Freedonia itself. Why not stop by your local Jefferson dealer today, and see for yourself?
sick , getting thunderbird vibes from the car
i like it , very sporty , interior looks sick too
