This article includes a list of references, related reading or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. Please improve this article by introducing more precise citations where appropriate. (April 2009)

This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding reliable references. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (May 2008)

This article may require cleanup to meet Wikipedia's quality standards. Please improve this article if you can. (May 2008)

American Specialty Cars (commonly known as ASC) is an automobile supplier of highly engineered and designed roof systems, body systems and other specialty-vehicle systems for the world’s automakers. The company is headquartered in Southgate, Michigan, in the United States.

[edit] Founding

The company was founded by Heinz Prechter in Los Angeles, California as the American Sunroof Company in 1965.^{[citation needed]} The company soon expanded its operations into Detroit by 1967. The company first supplied OEM services to the Ford 1968 Cougar XR-7.

[edit] Innovations

ASC invented the glass-panel "moonroof", both the inward- and outward-folding soft convertible tops, and modern retractable hardtops.^{[citation needed]} In the industry, ASC became well known for converting standard coupe automobiles into convertibles on an OEM basis.^{[citation needed]} The company also engineers convertible tops for automakers to build themselves. Other original-equipment firsts for ASC include the mobile video system (on the Chevrolet Venture) and the powered sunroof.

[edit] Currently

The company has since changed its name in 2004 to highlight its new corporate focus on being a complete specialty-vehicle development partner for the world’s automakers. ASC also went under new managment, they ran the company into the ground and layed off/let go allmost all employees, they shut down all of the plants that were open then also revoked all severance pay from eligble employess, they then started the comapany back up in warren and act as if none of it happend.

[edit] Products

[edit] Recent ASC concepts

• ASC Cosmos
• ASC TriLite
• ASC Diamondback
• ASC-Suzuki Wave

[edit] Current ASC products

• Chrysler 300C Helios (prototype convertible conversion)
• Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder (convertible conversion)
• Toyota Camry Solara Convertible (convertible conversion)

[edit] Past ASC products

The Saab 900 convertible prototype made by ASC.

ASC McLaren Mustang

• ASC McLaren Capri (coupe and two-seat convertible)
• ASC McLaren Mustang two-seater
• Buick GNX (high-performance turbocharger)
• Chevrolet Camaro (convertible conversion)
• Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 (convertible version)
• Dodge Dakota PickUp Truck (convertible conversion)
• Mitsubishi 3000GT Spyder (convertible conversion)
• Nissan 240SX (convertible conversion)
• Pontiac Firebird (convertible conversion)
• Pontiac Grand Prix Turbo Grand Prix (high-performance turbocharger, body kit)
• Porsche 968 Convertible (convertible conversion)
• Saab 900 convertible prototype
• BMW Z4 (OEM convertible hardware with Edscha Cabrio-Verdecksysteme)
• Chevrolet SSR (convertible hardtop engineering
• Dodge SRT-4 (external modifications)
• Pontiac Grand Am SC/T (external modifications)
• Dodge Shadow Convertible
• GMC Syclone/Typhoon (high-performance turbocharger, body kit, AWD)
• GM J platform - (Chevrolet Cavalier and Pontiac Sunbird/Sunfire convertible conversion)

[edit] References

• Supplier offers some sunny concepts
• ASC Is Now American Specialty Cars

[edit] External links

• ASC Incorporated.
• American Sunroof Corporation (West Coast)