This American-made concept car demonstrated an interesting and innovative three-position roof system, and a number of other unique features and design elements that you simply won’t find anywhere else. This is the 1990 Cars & Concepts Tresaire/Intrigue, created by Cars & Concepts Inc., a Michigan-based concept car production company, with backing from Masco Technologies (later Masco Industries). There were no corners cut when developing this interesting automobile, and notably, the project was said to have had a budget of around $1,500,000 to create. Designed fully by hand and clay modeling without any computer aid, initially, the concept car was set to be named the ‘Intrigue’, however, due to a request from General Motors, the name was ultimately changed to become the Tresaire. The roof system could be fixed into three different positions, a closed-top coupe, a targa-style roof, and or a fully open-top roadster. Notably, the roof system could be operated at relatively fast speeds, which is virtually unheard of amongst the automotive industry. The concept was created in just about 6 months time, with the help from project manager, Gary Fulkerson, principal top designer, Chad Hines, chassis designer, Tom Ford, fabricator, Bob Patterson, and styling by Gary Fulkerson, Bill Miller, and Greg Eilers. The project officially kicked off in April of 1989, and was completed in time for the 1990 edition of the Detroit Auto Show. Despite having a large amount of money being dedicated to the project, the car mysteriously vanished for quite some time after it’s appearance in Detroit. Many years later, well-known concept car collector and enthusiast, Joe Bortz, managed to acquire this unique concept. The Intrigue/Tresaire began it’s life in a shade of purple, and was later sprayed to yellow for the Industrial Design Society of America's annual conference held in 1992.
How many made? 1 of 1
Engine: Lingenfelter Performance Engineering tuned Chevy V6 with a believed 400+hp
Debut: 1990 North American International Motor Show
Top Speed: N/a
0-60mph: N/a
Photo Credit: Bortz Car Collection
Research: @rarecarsonly