Description

THRIFTWAY TOO UNLIMITED HYDROPLANE

FULLY BUILT AND READY TO DISPLAY MUSEUM QUALITY SHIP MODEL

Dimension approx.: 26″ L x 11″ W x 5.5″ H
The model is already built. THIS IS NOT A MODEL SHIP KIT
Rosewood, mahogany, teak and other exotic woods are carefully selected to build the model
Hull handmade from wood, hollow inside
Authentic gauges, dials and chrome steering wheel on dash
All fittings such as windshield frame, wiper, navigation lights, mirror, and flag pole are made of stainless steel and chrome plated
Propellers and rudders made from brass
Hand stitched individual leather seats
Highly polished finish with multi-layered micro-sanded varnish
Flags and solid wood base included
Handcrafted from scratch using finest woods & metal fittings
The model is 100% hand built by artisans from scratch
Hand-painted to match the actual ship.

THE ICONIC RACE BOAT - THRIFTWAY TOO - THE FIRST CAB-OVER HYDROPLANE

THRIFTWAY TOO, an iconic Unlimited Hydroplane, was designed and built by the famous race boat designer, Ted Jones. The Thriftway Too was built in Seattle in 1957. She was known for it innovatice cabover design that moved to driver from the read fo the hydroplane to its front. It was an epitome of innovation, inspiration and competitive spirit in hydroplane racing.

Design and Specifications

Designer and Builder: Thriftway Too was designed by Ted Jones and built by Les Staudacher in 1957 for the Thriftway Stores of Washington State. It featured a cabover hull configuration, which allowed for better visibility and a smooter ride for the driver.

Engine: The boat was powered by a Rolls Merlin engine, which was a significant choice for performance in hydroplane racing. Although designed to accommodate two engines, Thriftway Too typically raced with only one.

Dimensions: The boat measured 34 feet in length and was originally designed to be one of the largest and heaviest Unlimited hydroplanes of its time.

Racing History

Competitive Era: Thriftway Too competed primarily in the late 1950s and early 1960s, during a golden age of hydroplane racing. It was known for its participation in various races, although it was often overshadowed by its more famous sister ship, Miss Thriftway.

Notable Performances: One of Thriftway Too's most memorable performances was at the 1957 Sahara Cup on Lake Mead, where it showcased impressive speed and handling, even outrunning the eventual winner in the final heat

Legacy: Despite not always being competitive, Thriftway Too was celebrated for its innovative design and contributions to the sport. It represented a shift in hydroplane design philosophy, emphasizing driver visibility and safety.

Cultural Impact

Historical Significance: Thriftway Too is remembered not just for its racing history but also for its role in the evolution of hydroplane design. It was part of a broader narrative in the sport, competing against legendary boats and drivers, and contributing to the rich history of Unlimited hydroplane racing.

Thriftway Too remains a significant part of hydroplane racing history, symbolizing innovation and the competitive spirit of its era. Its legacy continues to be celebrated by enthusiasts and historians alike.

Now you can get this beautiful THRIFTWAY TOO model in your own home or office. Our master craftsmen handcraft these nicely detailed models from scratch using historical photographs, drawings and original plan. They are built to scale with top quality wood such as rosewood, teak, and mahogany. This replica is 100% handcrafted individually using plank-on-frame construction method and are similar to the building of the actual race boat. She has been applied multi-layered paint to match the color of the real boat. Each model requires many hours to finish and must go through a demanding quality control process before leaving the workshop. It’ll make a perfect gift for home or office decorator, boat enthusiast, or passionate collector. This replica is mounted on a solid wood base and ready to display.

NOW IS YOUR CHANCE TO OWN A PIECE OF MARITIME HISTORY AT GREAT SAVINGS!!!