The third Twister package, to be released as an '08, will combine elements of the first two. Similar to the '70, all new Twisters will come in one color only: Grabber Orange. Following the flexibility of the '85 model, the '08 Twisters can be ordered as coupes or convertibles. Ford VINs will vary throughout production, but R&A Motorsports will assign its own serialized plaques for the run.
Twister: Then And Now
First, there were the '70 Twister Specials. They were all Grabber Orange with unique striping and tornado decals, such as Carl Todd's example in the photo from the Mid-America Performance Ford and Shelby Meet. Now there are the '08 Twister Specials, spearheaded by Jeff Yergovich at R&A Motorsports. R&A's modern Twisters resemble the originals with Grabber Orange paint, a Shaker scoop, Mach 1 hood striping on a '70-style hood, and Twister Special "tornado" decals. Also like the originals, only 96 will be produced-48 hardtops and 48 convertibles-for Ford dealers in the Kansas City sales district. Jeff says there will also be six special Twisters-two prototypes, two drag cars, and two road race cars.
Other Twister Special equipment includes Eibach springs for a lower stance, a Classic Design Concepts Glassback roof for hardtops and lightbar for convertibles, 3.91 Traction-Lok gears, custom wheels, sequential taillights, performance exhaust, and upgraded brakes. Each car gets its own serial number and will be listed in Terry Fritts' Twister Special Registry (www.twisterspecialregistry.com). Jeff is arranging to have the cars delivered to Kansas City International Raceway, just as the original Twister Mustangs and Torinos.
R&A Motorsports is already taking orders. For more information, contact Jeff at 866/409-3542, or check the Web site at www.r-amotorsports.com.
| Quick Facts |
| Model year: | 1985 |
| Number produced: | 90 |
| Engine: | 5.0L V-8 |
Let's Play Twister
Like the deadly tornado that inspired its graphics package, the Twister and Twister II special editions have been found all throughout the country. Our featured '85 Twister II hatchback was last spotted in Monty Seawright's Ford collection in South Carolina. Its odometer read in the low double digits when we photographed it-as in less than 100 miles.