The Phantom Corsair

A photo of Ray Russell's Gadabout from 1944. The front of the Phantom Corsair can be seen behind the car. When the photo was taken, the Phantom Corsair was owned by William Stroh, a friend of Ray. Photo courtesy of Hemmings Daily.

The Phantom Corsair is a custom-built concept car designed by Rust Heinz, a member of the H. J. Heinz family. Distinguished by its unusual provisions for safety and comfort at high speeds, the six-passenger aluminum coupe was built by Bohman & Schwartz coachbuilding company in 1937.

Plans Terminated

Bohman & Schwartz built one Phantom Corsair prototype using a Cord 810 front-drive and a Lycoming engine, at a cost of approximately $24,000. Originally intended as a pilot model for a limited production, the Phantom Corsair plans were terminated when Rust was killed in an accident.

The Young in Heart

In 1938 The Phantom Corsair was featured in The Young in Heart comedy as the "Flying Wombat" automobile.

William Stroh

William Stroh of Grosse Point, Michigan owned the Phantom Corsair from circa 1943-1945. Willam was the third owner of the car.

Harrah

The car is currently being displayed at the Harrah Collection at National Automobile Museum in Reno, Nevada.

Magazine Features and Appearances

Trend Book 101 Custom Cars