Gerald Wiegert facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gerald Wiegert
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Wiegert with a mock-up prototype of the Vector WX-8 at the 2007 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show
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| Born |
Gerald Alden Wiegert
July 12, 1944 |
| Died | January 15, 2021 (aged 76) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
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| Education | Transportation design, vehicle and product design |
| Alma mater | Center for Creative Studies Art Center College of Design Northrop University |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur Vehicle engineer and designer |
| Years active | 1970–2021 |
Gerald Alden "Jerry" Wiegert (born July 12, 1944 – died January 15, 2021) was an American engineer and businessman. He was famous for starting two companies: Vector Motors and Aquajet. He also designed the cool products these companies made, like super fast cars and unique watercraft.
Wiegert first became well known in the late 1970s. He started developing "The Vector," a very powerful sports car. He wanted it to be America's answer to famous European cars like Ferrari and Lamborghini. This idea later became the Vector W8, which was built and sold from 1989 to 1993.
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Gerald Wiegert's Life and Work
Early Life and Car Design
When Gerald Wiegert was young, he loved cars and airplanes. In high school, he won a design contest. This award gave him a full scholarship for university design courses. It also encouraged him to become an engineer.
In 1970, he started working in the car industry. He was a design helper for big companies like Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors. In 1971, he created his own company, Vehicle Design Force. His goal was to build an American supercar.
The Vector Car Project
The first concept car from his company was called "The Vector." Wiegert announced that this car would use a special Wankel engine. He also said it would cost $100,000. The concept car even appeared on the cover of Motor Trend magazine.
Over several years, the design changed and improved. It was first marketed as the Vector W2. Later, it went into production as the famous Vector W8.
Challenges and Comebacks
In the 1990s, Wiegert had a disagreement with an investor company called Megatech. This company tried to take control of Vector Motors. They even fired him from his own company.
But Wiegert fought back in court. He eventually won back the rights to Vector Motors. This included the company's name, designs, and ideas. In 2008, he brought the Vector brand back. He then started working on a new sports car called the WX-8.
Water Adventures with Aquajet
Wiegert also started another company called Aquajet in the 1990s. This company made personal watercraft. Aquajet's Jetbike models were designed to feel like "motorcycles for the water." They also had a very cool, futuristic look.
The Jetbike even won Boating Magazine's Innovation Award in 2000. The Jetbike was shown on many TV shows. These included Beyond 2000, The Extremists, Planet X, The Next Step, and CNet.
Gerald Wiegert passed away on January 15, 2021.
