Thunderboat

Thunderboat. The Jaguar XK120 ruled the road; Doris Day and Cary Grant were Oscar nominated. It was a time of peace, and optimism was unbridled… It was then that Rivas roared across the Lago di Como and skimmed the Mediterranean waves off St. Tropez. Thunderboats (also called Hydroplanes) racing with each other at record speed. Stateside, the luxurious Chris Crafts were de rigeur with Hollywood elite.The throaty growl of that big engine built inside gleaming mahogany, rich leather, chrome trim. Leather padded seats displayed movie stars trying out the new bikini fashions. Husband number 3, 4, or 5 behind the wheel, decked out in spotless captain’s finery. No Coast Guard was able to overtake these sleek twin-engine torpedo shaped racers. The curves, the looks, the excitement, the opulence…

Authentic Models Authentic Models strives to create and distribute a comprehensive collection of historic and fine art reproductions worldwide. Haring Piebenga founded the company in 1968, and today AM is a European wholesale manufacturer with warehouses and corporate offices in Oregon and Amsterdam. AM pursues original items at auctions and uses these models for their design ideas. Each hand-made item appeals to the human need for nostalgia, intrigue, and beauty by evoking a story from the past. High-quality construction using only the finest materials ensures that these charming pieces will become treasured heirlooms in their own right.