Zimmer QuickSilver Prototype Build

Zimmer QuickSilver Prototype Build Slideshow

QuickSilver designer D.A. "Don" Johnson had the foresight to document the development of the first Zimmer QuickSilver prototype in 1985. He has been kind enough to share these photos with ZimmerRegistry.com and we are pleased to present them here.

Also, don't miss the video interview with D.A. "Don" Johnson in August of 2021 and got the story of his early life, career at GM, his move to Zimmer Motor Cars as the designer of the coachbuilt QuickSilver and more!

Concept sketch as presented to Zimmer Motor Cars in 1984.

1/5th scale clay model done by a Don's friend, Greg Stelmach, a modeler at GM. This accompanied the sketches presented to Zimmer Motor Cars in 1984.

The donor Pontiac Fiero before being extended at the Zimmer development facility in Florida.

The donor Pontiac Fiero being extended at the Zimmer development facility in Florida.

The donor Pontiac Fiero after being extended at the Zimmer development facility in Florida.

The donor Pontiac Fiero after being extended at the Zimmer development facility in Florida. Note the 1/5 scale model in the background to the right of the full size profile drawing.

The donor Pontiac Fiero after being extended at the Zimmer development facility in Florida

A good shot of the full scale profile drawing.

The clay modeling work begins on the extended Fiero.

The clay modeling work continues on the extended Fiero.

The clay modeling work continues on the extended Fiero. Note the Fiero roof skin in the background of the photo.

Nearing completion, details are being added.

Interesting photo with the full scale profile drawing in the background.

Nearing completion, details are being added.

Modeling mostly complete, and next will begin the mold production directly from this model.

Preparing to pull molds from the clay model.

First mold.

After pulling the mold.

First mold.

Preparing to mount the first fiberglass part from the new mold.

Creating the first prototype fender from the mold.

Preparing to mount the first fiberglass part from the new mold.

First fiberglass part from the new mold fitted.

A good look at the inner door mechanism after the clay has been removed for mold creation.

Nice shot of the front end development.

Progress on the rear deck lid and bumper.

Rocker panel development and fitting.

Door skin and rocker panel development and fitting.

Hood and headlight door development.

Hood development.

Rear deck lid development.

B-pillar detail and roof cap.

As earlier photos indicated, the donor for the prototype was almost assuredly one of the 2,000 1984 Indy pace car replicas.

Perhaps the next in line for development or build, an unmodified Fiero is seen here with the prototype in the background.

Rear bumper nearly ready for cutting tail light apertures.

Development on the rear bumper, with the standard Fiero notchback tail lights fitted.

Progress photo of the drivers side.

Passenger side quarter panel.

Prepping the roof cap for mold making.

Waiting for the fiberglass roof cap to bit fitted. Notice the interior styling buck in the background.

Waiting for the fiberglass roof cap to bit fitted.

Waiting for the fiberglass roof cap to bit fitted. Notice the interior styling buck in the background.

Roof cap fitted! Notice the interior styling buck in the background.

Nice rear photo with roof cap and door sills fitted.

Nice side view photo with roof cap and door sills fitted.

Nice front view with roof cap,hood and door sills fitted. Notice the interior styling buck in the background.

Nice side view photo with roof cap and door sills fitted.

Checking tire and wheel to wheelwell fit.

Note the "ZXL" license plate, at this point the final name had not been decided upon.

Nearly complete and moved outdoors for real world/natural light review.

Prototype and a production Fiero side view comparison.

Prototype and a production Fiero rear view comparison.

Designer Don Johnson with the first production car in the Zimmer Motor Cars headquarters showroom.