TIV 1 is an early tornado interceptor, built in 2003 by Sean Casey in order to film IMAX movie footage from near/inside a tornado. It is prominently featured in Season 1 of the Discovery show Storm Chasers, but was largely replaced by TIV 2 in Season 2. Upon being replaced, TIV 1 was kept as a backup vehicle for several years before being abandoned on a farm in Kansas, where it sat neglected for several years before being offered up as a scavenger hunt prize for whoever could find it first. TIV 1 is now in the ownership of contest winner Robert Clayton and is being restored/upgraded. Specs: Base vehicle: 1997 Ford F-Super Duty (F-450) Engine: Navistar T444E (7.3L Powerstroke) V8 (210 hp @ 3,000 rpm, 425 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm) Transmission: ZF 5-speed manual Drivetrain layout: Front engine, rear-wheel drive Weight: ~14,000 lbs (6350 kg) Lowering system: Airbag (previously winch) Armor: 1/8" plate steel Anchoring system: Horizontal clawed arms x4 Build cost: ~$81,000 USD Total intercepts: 10-12* First intercept: May 12th 2004 Notable intercepts: ?
