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Tuesday, February 18, 2020

The 1st Thomassima in between a dream and its tragic fate

In the realm of automotive history, a unique chapter unfolds with the tale of the Thomassima series, a collection of cars that etched their mark not through the famed Maranello-based Ferrari factory but through the creative genius of a young American automotive designer named Tom Meade. The spotlight of this narrative falls on two iconic models – the 1967 Thomassima II and 1969 Thomassima III.
It could be an image of 'Thomassima I' that made by Tom Meade in 1962 based on Ferrari 250 GT. (Picture from: WheelsAge)
Tom Meade, born into the whirlwind of creativity and chaos in Hollywood on January 19, 1939, embarked on an unconventional journey. His quest for coach-built automobiles led him to the picturesque town of Modena, Italy. The fruits of Meade's imagination materialized in the form of the Thomassima series, a name derived from the Italian "massima," meaning "the maximum from Thomas." These cars, born from an American designer's dreams, stand today as some of the rarest automotive gems globally.

The genesis of this extraordinary series dates back to 1962 with the Thomassima I. This maiden creation, based on the Ferrari 250 GT, showcased Meade's dramatic personal flair. The car, propelled by an early inboard-plug Ferrari 250 GT engine boasting 240 horsepower, weighed just under 2,000 lbs. The power seamlessly integrated with a 4-speed ZF commercial vehicle front-wheel-drive unit, ingeniously adapted for mid-engine use.
Tom Meade (left) shakes hands with Enzo Ferrari (right) at the Modena Autodrome. (Picture from: Motor1)
Meade's aspirations took a hopeful turn when he was invited to display his Thomassima I at a classic car show in Florence in 1966. However, fate had a different plan. In a cruel twist, during the wet season, the Arno river overflowed, inundating the facility where Thomassima I awaited its public debut. The dream turned nightmare as the car suffered irreparable damage, vanishing forever from the automotive landscape.
It could be an image of 'Thomassima I' that made by Tom Meade in 1962 based on Ferrari 250 GT. (Picture from: LienhardRacing on Twitter/X)
Tragically, details and representative images of Thomassima I are scarce, compounding the loss of what could have been an automotive masterpiece. The tale of Thomassima I serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate intersection between dreams and the unpredictable forces of nature, leaving enthusiasts to ponder the what-ifs of an alternate automotive history. 
Here's what remains of 'Thomassima I,' after being swept away by a great flood of Arno River in Florence in 1966 until it unrepairable anymore. (Picture from: Patrizio Cantù on Facebook)
In the legacy of Tom Meade's design prowess, the Thomassima II and Thomassima III endure as testaments to the creative spirit that transcends traditional manufacturing boundaries. These cars, with their unique American imprint in the heart of Italian automotive craftsmanship, continue to captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike, weaving a narrative that goes beyond the confines of conventional automotive storytelling.

In conclusion, the Thomassima series stands as a testament to the pursuit of automotive excellence, reminding us that even in the face of setbacks, the spirit of innovation can persevere. The story of Thomassima I, though shrouded in tragedy, contributes to the mystique surrounding these rare automotive creations, inviting contemplation on the fragile yet resilient nature of automotive dreams. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTOR1 | THOMASSIMA | CARADISIAC.COM | CHAD GLASS ]
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