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Walter C. Jerome, a man driven by an unwavering mission to pioneer the world's safest automobile, embarked on a journey that would ultimately yield the creation of the remarkable Sir Vival concept car. Hailing from Worcester, Massachusetts, Jerome's quest was born out of a deep concern regarding the prevailing lack of emphasis on passenger safety in the automotive industry, which he perceived as being overshadowed by the culture of planned obsolescence.
In 1958, Jerome unveiled his brainchild, the Sir Vival, a vehicle that pushed the boundaries of automotive design and safety innovation. At its core, the Sir Vival was a testament to Jerome's visionary approach, characterized by a segmented sedan configuration aimed at mitigating the impact of head-on collisions. By dividing the car into two distinct sections, Jerome envisioned that the front segment would serve as a sacrificial zone, absorbing the force of collisions and thereby safeguarding the integrity of the passenger cabin.
The rear section of the Sir Vival was crafted from a heavily modified 1948 Hudson sedan (pictured at the bottom), serving as the foundation for Jerome's ambitious vision. This choice of base vehicle is significant, as it demonstrates Jerome's commitment to repurposing existing automotive platforms rather than starting from scratch, a testament to his resourcefulness and ingenuity.
One of the most striking features of the Sir Vival was its raised turret, meticulously designed to provide the driver with unparalleled visibility. Equipped with a 360-degree wrap-around screen, adorned with built-in squeegees for continuous cleaning, the turret offered a commanding vantage point for navigating the roads with confidence.
In addition to its innovative segmented design, the Sir Vival boasted a range of safety features that were ahead of its time. Wrap-around rubber bumpers provided protection against low-speed collisions, while the interior was outfitted with seat belts, a padded cabin, and built-in roll bars, prioritizing passenger safety above all else.
However, despite its groundbreaking design and safety advancements, the Sir Vival failed to gain widespread acceptance and recognition. Despite gracing the covers of magazines and receiving acclaim for its innovative features, Jerome struggled to secure the necessary funding to bring his vision to fruition on a commercial scale.
Ultimately, the Sir Vival remained a solitary prototype, its fate uncertain following Jerome's passing in the early 1970s. However, against the odds, the eccentric Sir Vival endured, finding refuge under the care of Bellingham Auto Sales in Massachusetts. While its journey may have been fraught with challenges and setbacks, the Sir Vival stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of innovation and the relentless pursuit of safety in the automotive industry.
Source: Jim Cherry, Classic Autos Examiner
