A kit car offers its owner the best of both worlds. A well-executed build possesses the look and feel of a genuine exotic but at a fraction of the real deal’s price. Many companies have trodden the kit car path, with Fiberfab being one of the better-known. This 1967 Valkyrie is a stalled project with the major components intact. A new owner could complete it in its existing form, although its current state allows an opportunity to personalize this ride. The Valkyrie is listed here on Craigslist in Vallecito, California. The seller set their price at $8,500, but they may entertain trades for the right candidate. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P. for spotting this fascinating project.
The list of companies that have attempted to sell kit cars in reasonable volumes is long, and that was never the aim when Fiberfab commenced operations in 1964 in Palo Alto, California. It initially focused on aftermarket fiberglass body parts like scoops and spoilers. It recognized a potentially lucrative market in the kit car sector, releasing the Valkyrie in 1966. There is no hiding the fact this model was based on the GT40, although with kits retailing for $1,495, it was significantly cheaper than the car upon which it was based. Fiberfab took the concept a step further, offering potential buyers turnkey vehicles direct from the factory. The seller purchased this Valkyrie from the previous owner’s estate and has done nothing during the few months it has been in his care. It is unclear when the initial build stalled, but it appears complete. The fiberglass body has minor marks and imperfections, but it seems the new owner could address these shortcomings in a home workshop. The trim and glass are intact, which is a prime consideration when assessing the financial viability of this build. Replacement glass is available, but it is far from cheap. The Valkyrie sits on a bespoke steel chassis, and its condition is unclear. However, with the car in its current state, dismantling it for a frame-off build will probably be the best approach.
Kit car interiors are often their greatest weakness. Companies typically don’t spend a fortune on this aspect of a vehicle’s design, and the fit and finish are determined by the skills of the person performing the build. The photos suggest this interior was probably quite nice in its glory days, but much water has passed under the bridge since. Step one would be for the new owner to spend time performing a deep clean to ascertain what is salvageable. Some parts will be challenging to source, but many existing upholstered components could provide templates for a retrim. As with the exterior, a retrim would give the opportunity to select different colors and materials to personalize this ride.
I will raise my hand and admit disappointment when I saw this Valkyrie’s engine photo. Fiberfab designed this kit to accommodate a V8, allowing buyers to drive from the factory in a turnkey Valkyrie powered by a mid-mounted 427ci V8. It utilized many Chevrolet production components, with the transaxle typically sourced from a Corvair. Well-heeled buyers could specify a ZF unit, which was an expensive but robust option. However, this classic’s engine bay houses a 1600cc Volkswagen flat-four. That powerplant was a popular choice in kit cars because it was cheap and easy to source. This car’s mechanical configuration means it won’t possess the performance to match its looks. That needn’t be the end of the world because if the car sits on its original Fiberfab chassis, locating an appropriate V8 and a Corvair transaxle would dramatically improve its performance. Since the condition of the existing engine is unknown, it is an option worth considering.
Fiberfab joined the long list of kit car manufacturers that are now a distant memory. The Valkyrie was one of its most successful models, and we have seen several cross our desks at Barn Finds. This car won’t appeal to everyone, but it could be perfect for a DIY enthusiast seeking an interesting slice of 1960s American car culture. Are you that person, or doesn’t this Fiberfab tick the boxes?
Sorry, but it’s not a Valkyrie. The Valkyrie has a different chassis and the rear clamshell ‘splits’ behinde the rear window. Forgt the name of this one, but it’s the VW based kit.
While the Valkyrie had it’s on frame for a mid-engine V8, they also made version of the body to fit a VW chassis and this is one of those kits. All the looks of the Valkyrie but none of the scoot. Since it’s basically a VW kit car it’s not worth much. If you want a fun and cheap to maintain conversation piece then go for it, but given what it is, it’s way overpriced.
GT40hp ;~)
The more photos i see the worse it gets.
Twin turbo corvair would run it down the road nicely
I don’t think this is a stalled project. I’m thinking the builder built it, had a lot of fun driving it and it just sat for quite a while.
As far as power goes, there is no need for a front heavy V8. You can build a VW engine with all the power you want.
Front heavy?
In that car, with a VW suspension, yes.
I believe the VW model was called the Avenger. I have a friend with a Valkyrie. It has an Al Barts small block chevy with an Corvair 4 speed trans. The only problem with it was it had 4 wheel drum brakes! Even as light as it was still stopped like an old truck.
The stock Corvair brakes from 65 and up were also used in the Chevelle, the Corvairs weighed 500-700 lbs less. Well maintained and properly adjusted drum brakes work very well. That being said, my V8 Corvair has front discs.
No, it isn’t a Valkyre. Its an Avenger GT12. I owned one back then. They came in 1, 2 and 3 piece versions. I had the 1 piece version.
Yep ,your right, my brother just traded one off that had the Porsche engine . Now hes wishing he had it back…
The way this thing looks it should have a V8, but there’s probably not enough room to put one in. Subaru transplant?
Sorry, but it may look like an exotic, but once the key is turned on, you’re not fooling anybody who knows cars. And that steering column looks awfully long, which could be a problem for some shorter drivers.
Always wanted to build one of these. Visited the factory in CA. and even purchased a turbo Corvair for the project. The Corvair was too nice to chop up and funds weren’t in order at the time, so I never got any further in the pursuit. I’d consider this if it were better priced, and I still lived in Ca. I’m thinking Subaru twin turbo would fit nicely in this…
I’m thinking s period correct hit rodded VW would be the way to go. It’s the way to get respect at a C&C as a period piece. Could it have been featured in Hot VWs, or VW and Porsche? Or put a contemporary Porsche engine in it if you want real provenance.
Throw a 2387cc VW engine in it and scare a whole lot of unsuspecting V8s! Lol!
I dig it! Reminds me of that “Coyote?” kit car on that old TV series.
VW engines can be a lot more powerful than most realize. And based on the dual port 1600 cc engine, 400 hp is quite possible.
Robust engine cases now allow these “little” engines to be street driven and scare the pants off some V8s! Done that many times!! Lol!
I’d probably do the mid engine V8 conversion if I had it. But the alternative VW is significantly lighter and power to weight, yeah I’d try someone in a heartbeat!
Google Manta Montage kit car
That is the car the Coyote is based on
This car wishes it was a Coyote or a Montage
I remember now, that show was called “Hardcastle And Mccormick!”
I’ll gladly trade them for a nice horse trailer.
Wow! 400hp Bug engines, twin turbski Subarus and Corvairs, big block Fords and Chevies! Porsches with horses and no one mentioned putting a Red E Killowatt EV motor in this thing! I think we’re making progress!
No disrespect Big C, but this is ICE world. I do get the electrification of some vehicles. But the technical exists to burn cleaner fuels in Internal Combustion Engines. Call it nostalgia, but the origins of motor cars will always hold dear to us old guys. And some young.
Take Liberace sing with Janice Joplin. It just makes no sense.
I don’t understand people who want to put new wine in old wineskins. A vehicle like this is…why would you want to put a modern drivetrain in a “vintage” car? I just don’t get it.
You’ve never heard sarcasm before? My apologies…
Hi Valkyrie fans. 50 or so years ago I built a Chev. powered Valkyrie, sold it when I got married. I have always wondered what happened to it. The one thing that was slightly different about it was the tail lights, They were installed one above the other (vertical). It also did not use cables to shift. I would appreciate any info. about it . Thanks