Press Release from Hurricane

[computerworks]

Received from Hurricane today:

Hurricane Motorsports 427 Roadster Begins Production
Revived brand quickly roaring to life under direction of original fabricator Jason Kovachevich.

LAKE CITY, IA- Nearly 2 years after the last Hurricane 427 Roadster rolled off the production line, the legendary high-performance car is being assembled once again. To the delight of enthusiasts worldwide, Scranton Manufacturing purchased the inactive Hurricane Motorsports on September 21st, signaling the brand would finally receive the proper revival it deserved. Over the past two months, Scranton has worked earnestly moving the operation to a new state, hiring an expert from the car's past, and developing improvements to the production process.

The first new Hurricane frame began production on Monday, November 9th under the direct supervision of Jason Kovachevich. A driving force since the car's inception, Jason served as the lead fabricator of all the original Hurricanes produced in Lee's Summit, Missouri. Jason is working closely with Scranton's production team in Lake City, Iowa, to ensure a smooth transition and to maintain the outstanding quality of the original. Purists are sure to celebrate Jason's involvement, as well as the fact that the cars are being produced on the original Hurricane frame jigs. There are some improvements to the new Hurricane including more precise weld quality, laser-cut parts replacing some previously heat-bent parts, and a subtle addition to the cabin's leg and foot room.

Recent hire Josh Brauckman is a car builder and 9-year racing veteran from Glidden, Iowa. His unique perspective ensures every car will be ready for the track.

Only 122 cars were made during Hurricane Motorsports' initial 3-year run in Lee's Summit, Missouri. Though the company was new on the scene, their machines gained respect among enthusiasts both on the streets and at the track. At auto events and online, Hurricane owners raved over the car's exacting quality, phenomenal customer service, kit completeness, and race-ready accuracy.

Though the excitement continued to build, the car's production was short-lived. Just as new customers lined up to place orders, the company fell silent amid financial troubles. Resuscitation attempts toyed with the hopes of owners and fans, but despite two years of ups and downs, enthusiasts remained full of nostalgic sentiments. After 2 years of uncertainty, Scranton Manufacturing entered with the experience and assets to bring the cars back to life. After the purchase, Scranton quickly replaced the stagnant Hurricane website with their new message: "The Legend Lives".

Now with tangible proof coming together in the form of iron and fiberglass, indeed, the legend will live soon. Scranton anticipates a limited number of cars will become available for order in the near future. More details will be released as they become available.

[LMH]

Great new! Thanks Ron for posting.

Way to go Jason! If we can help, let us know.
Larry

[Gregg(What's his name)?]

Sweet! The Legend Lives.

[Bill Bess]

Thanks for posting this information. It's so good to see Jason back at the manufacturing end and a well positioned Company (Scranton) to insure the rebirth.
Bill

[mrmustang]

Excellent news..........I've yet to own a Hurricane, going to have to order one for a build out in the near future.



Bill S.

[khansmith]

Congrats on this wonderful news. I have really enjoyed my build experience and I am happy that others will get the chance. Goodluck with the resurrection and expansion of this great product.

[dlampe]

Like Bill "MRMustang", I have had a few different cobras and I was lucky enough to have the first production Hurricane from the last owners. I bought that car because it was "correct", at least for what I needed in a cobra. The frame very very close to the ERA structure and the company has gone to great lengths to make the body, interior and engine bay as close to original as they can. The company used the best parts and offered a complete kit down to the last nut and bolt. It is a tall task to start a company in this economy but these guys seem to be very well funded and are committed to seeing this through.

How about a build thread for the first car? Lets see whats going on up there in Iowa!

I would like to hear from the owners. Have they logged on yet?

[Clois Harlan]

I have met the new owners on several occassions and have the utmost respect for these guys. Their determination and drive will make the New Hurricane a success. I would not hesitate to put them at the top of my list for a Cobra or whatever "new" project they embrace. Quality is important to Hurricane and they have the resources and expertise to make a very good product. You won't find these guys taking any shortcuts for a sale!

Clois Harlan