The Most Uncommon Ford You Haven't Known About Resembles A Jetsons Vehicle | Carscoops

      It might not be practical, but this unique Ford is certainly one of a kind.

      The Beatnik Bubbletop is a completely custom 1955 Ford featuring a distinctive bubble roof. It is part of the collection of the late Larry Klairmont, which includes hundreds of vehicles. In 2015, this particular car was sold for $165,000 and remains as unique as ever.

      One might argue that modern cars often come off as somewhat dull or uninspired. However, that's not a criticism that could be directed at this fully custom 1955 Ford, known as the Beatnik Bubbletop. It has garnered numerous awards, and now, nearly ten years after its last auction, it is returning to the market.

      Constructed over four years by custom car builder Gary Fioto, this one-of-a-kind vehicle took top honors at multiple shows in 2005 and 2006, including the esteemed Daryl Starbird’s National Rod and Custom Car Show, where it won a grand prize of $20,000 in 2006. Currently, it is part of the collection of the late Larry Klairmont, a well-known collector who passed away in 2021.

      Featuring a Frankenstein design with tailfins and flair, Fioto began by removing the roof from a 1955 Ford and placing the body onto the chassis of a 1988 Lincoln Town Car. The build became increasingly ambitious, incorporating a front bumper from a 1959 Cadillac and a rear bumper from a 1958 model, while finned taillights from a 1960 Chrysler completed the striking rear design. Everything else was meticulously handcrafted, shaped from steel, and joined using oxy-acetylene welding to create a seamless, sculptural appearance.

      The car's most notable feature is its clear, domed roof made from Lexan. This oversized bubble gives the Beatnik its futuristic silhouette, evoking comparisons to classic science fiction rather than any typical showroom vehicle. It feels more like a concept than a traditional car.

      The interior has also been custom-made by Fioto, featuring a completely new dashboard, a yoke-style steering wheel, and color-coordinated air vents leading to the second row. Between the two rear seats sits a compact Alpine entertainment screen. The seats are upholstered in a shiny Pearl White finish, and a Vintage Air HVAC system has been added.

      In July 2015, this exact car was auctioned by RM Sotheby’s, fetching an impressive $165,000. Now, Mecum Auctions is set to sell it this September. It will be interesting to see whether its value has increased over the past decade.

      Whether you love it or not, the Beatnik Bubbletop doesn’t seek anyone’s approval; it achieved that a decade ago. It’s loud, unusual, and impossible to overlook— and that’s precisely the intention. Interested? Check the listing here to see if it’s still too extravagant or just the right amount.