FAB1

FAB1 is the name given to the pink six-wheeled car in the "Thunderbirds" franchise.

The original series and films

In the original Supermarionation TV series "Thunderbirds" (1965-1966), as well as the films "Thunderbirds Are GO" (1966) and "Thunderbird 6" (1967), FAB1 is a modified Rolls-Royce. Owned by Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward, the car is usually driven by her chauffeur Parker. The driver sits in a central position at the front of the passenger compartment, which is covered by a bulletproof bubble canopy. The car has been modified by Brains, inventor of the Thunderbirds machines, with gadgets and gizmos, including heavy artillery concealed behind the radiator grille and front and rear headlights. It is also equipped with smokescreen- and oil-dispensors, extendable tyre-studs for increased traction, and hydrofoils or outriggers for travel on water or snow respectively. Rolls-Royce supplied a radiator grille complete with Spirit of Ecstasy for close-up shots of the car.

A full-sized replica of FAB1, based on a six-wheeled Bedford coach chassis, was constructed to transport Gerry and Sylvia Anderson to the London premiere of "Thunderbirds Are GO". However Rolls-Royce were not impressed by the car and made several attempts to purchase it and have it destroyed. However, the vehicle survived and now resides at the Cars of the Stars Motor Museum in Keswick, Cumbria. [http://www.members.aol.com/cotsmm/cott3_9.html]

FAB2, Lady Penelope's yacht, appeared in the "Thunderbirds" episode "The Man From MI.5" but was apparently lost by Parker in a game of poker.

FAB3 is a racehorse owned by Lady Penelope. It is kept at Ascot Stables and has won numerous derby races.

"Thunderbirds" (2004 live action film)

In the live-action film "Thunderbirds" (2004) the car was still pink and had six wheels and a glass canopy (now tinted). The Ford Motor Company supplied the prop - a heavily modified Ford Thunderbird.

The vehicle supplied by Ford was actually fully functional (except that it couldn't fly), completely road-legal and appeared in a segment on UK motoring show "Top Gear" where it was road-tested by James May. He noted that it wasn't the most practical car ever conceived, mostly due to its excessive length which made it difficult to drive through small English villages.

The boot panels would open to expose the gas turbine engine before flight and wings would extend from the undercarriage. During flight, the rear set of wheels folds into the vehicle's body completely. This prevents them from creating unnecessary drag and so slowing the aircraft down.

Skis for going over heavy snow are also added to the vehicle. The bullet-proof, run-flat tyres are fitted with studs in order to give extra traction.

The central passenger compartment of FAB1 doubles as an emergency life raft in the event of an emergency at sea. Buoyancy tanks hidden in the body panelling ensure that the compartment remains afloat after it has broken away from the rest of the vehicle.

Lady Penelope also owns a yacht, FAB2, and a winning racehorse, FAB3.