American Specialty Cars
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive manufacturing |
| Founded | 1965 |
| Founder | Heinz Prechter |
| Defunct | June 27, 2017 |
| Fate | Ceased operations; assets divested to Roush Industries |
| Headquarters | Warren, Michigan , United States |
| Products | Engineered roof assemblies, body components, specialty vehicles, convertibles |
American Specialty Cars (ASC), previously known as American Sunroof Company, functioned as a provider of engineered roof assemblies, body components, and specialty vehicle parts for automotive manufacturers worldwide. With its headquarters located in Warren, Michigan, ASC was recognized as one of the coachbuilders focusing on convertible vehicles. In late 2016, ASC divested the assets of its Creative Services division to Roush Industries. By June 2017, the company discontinued all operations, resulting in the dismissal of its entire workforce and the removal of manufacturing tools and equipment from its Lexington, Kentucky facility.
Founding
Established in 1965 by Heinz Prechter in Los Angeles under the name American Sunroof Company, ASC redirected its business after selling its aftermarket sunroof segment to Inalfa in 2004. The firm adopted the name American Specialty Cars, concentrating on the design, engineering, and production of low-volume specialty vehicles.
By June 27, 2017, all personnel had been laid off as key production contracts were reassigned to other suppliers such as Toyota and FCA, marking the end of ASC’s manufacturing activities.
Products
In 1983, ASC introduced the Ford Flair Concept and developed the initial generation Saab 900 cabriolet, which was also revealed as a concept that year.
The following year, ASC launched convertible models under the ASC McLaren brand for the Mercury Capri, followed by ASC/McLaren versions of the Mustang and Pontiac Turbo Grand Prix convertibles produced under license from McLaren Automotive.
Also in 1984, ASC created the Vision concept car featuring a pioneering glass roof design with a rotating sunroof section.
By 1986, ASC had developed prototypes for a convertible version of the Corvette ZR-1. Beginning in 1989, ASC produced the Porsche 944 Cabriolet at its facility located in Weinsberg, Germany.
In 1993, ASC designed a coupe concept for the Cadillac Seville and partnered with Heuliez in 1994 to create a prototype convertible for the Citroen ZX.
In 2004, ASC unveiled the Helios concept—a four-door convertible variant based on the Chrysler 300C model.
External links
- American Sunroof Corporation (West Coast) (archived website)
- Articles with short description
- Pages using start date and age with unknown parameters
- Companies based in Wayne County, Michigan
- Defunct motor vehicle manufacturers of the United States
- Coachbuilders of the United States
- Convertible top suppliers
- Contract vehicle manufacturers
- American companies established in 1965
- Defunct manufacturing companies based in Michigan