Classic Design Concepts, Exxodus Pictures Novi and Livonia
In a timely merging of Detroit’s auto and movie industries, restyling company Classic Design Concepts in Novi, and Livonia-based Exxodus Pictures, have together introduced the FireBreather, a specially designed muscle vehicle in the supernatural thriller Jinn now shooting in Monroe, Mich. The car was designed by the film’s writer/director, Ajmal (A.J.) Zaheer Ahmad, founding partner of Exxodus Pictures, Michigan native and graduate of Pasadena’s Art Center College of Design, who returned to his home state with a grand vision just as the incentives passed. Michiganders got an early look at the FireBreather in February during the Detroit Autorama where the car had a special unveiling.
Ahmad conceived the car while writing the film’s screenplay, before partnering with CDC to produce the film’s prototype and also offer a replica for public sale. Orders will be accepted in May for a special limited edition Signature Series of 50 exact replicas, equipped with 130 custom components including a 600 HP, V-8 engine, priced at $85,000. General editions of this customized Chevrolet SS Camaro, slightly scaled down, are available for approximately $60,000. Having purchased and customized two full prototypes for the movie, plus tooling, development and marketing costs, both companies will have invested a combined total of $600,000, which would not exist if not for the original film being made.
Jinn, the first feature from Exxodus Pictures, stars Ray Park and Serinda Swan, and wraps principal photography on May 7 after shooting mostly in the Monroe area. Classic Design Concepts, founded in 1990 specializes in the design and manufacturing of quality automotive, Original Equipment restyling components.
Total capital investment: $600,000
No. of Signature Series cars for sale: 50
Potential Signature Series Gross Revenue: $4,000,000+
Firebreather Workforce: Staff of 12 (up to 10 new hires)