If you’ve frequented Barn Finds for a while, you’ll know I love Fiberfab Jamaicans. This one is being sold for the bargain price of $1,500 through this ad at Hemmings. This particular kit was based on a 1960 MGA and was last on the road in 1997. It’s located at TS Imports in Pandora, Ohio–a great place for British car parts, service and expertise!
It looks like Chevrolet rear lights were used on this particular kit, which also features the MGA fuel filler. The rear window comes from a either a 1965-66 Mustang fastback or an early Porsche 911 (sources differ, but I think this is a 911 rear window), while the windshield is from a C2 Corvette. If you are interested in learning more, the entire assembly manual can be viewed and downloaded here.
I think these are either MGB or MG Midget seats, which actually look to be in serviceable condition. Of course, most of the interior will need refurbishment or replacement. I’d ditch that ugly rusty steering wheel right after I steered the car off the trailer at my house!
Ted (TS Imports owner) must have pulled off the bonnet to show what MGA parts are left. The engine is stuck, but the ad does add humorously that there are no rods sticking through the block. We’re told that the frame has a rust hole on the bottom of the frame on both sides, located below the door hinge pillar. One nice thing about this car is that MGA floorboards were originally plywood, so they won’t be hard to replace (assuming it’s needed).
I can’t help but wonder how this car would work with the Buick/Olds/Pontiac/Rover/Triumph 215 cubic inch aluminum block V8 attached to a TR8 or Rover 3500 5-speed transmission. But I’m afraid the Jamaican will have to remain a dream for me at the moment — but please promise me I get a ride if you buy this one and put it back on the road!
Oh! you had me at Fiberfab! I had one of these, found it at the Portland Swap meet back in mid 1990s and traded a PU for it. Ironically just attended the same event last weekend but did not see much for kit cars there this time.
I feel the MGA donor was okay for back in the 70s but not today and sold my MGA donor to a restorer who was repairing a wrecked car, I made enough to pay for the purchase had it not been a trade. I was all set with a Datsun 260Z for a donor but at last minute sold the body along with another donor car 280Z to a guy in Idaho and bought a Fiberfab Banshee/Caribee shell instead as I liked the curves better.
Used to be a Yahoo discusssion group for Fiberfabs and we got input from the companys son and family who had some great insights. Sadly the list moderator shut it down.
Kit cars are as good or bad as the person building them. I have not seen pix yet, but heard my Jamaican is already completed and on the road.
Assuming the donor ‘A’ was in good condition back when this conversion happened, this is how to help turn a $10K to $20K MGA into maybe $1.5K today.
Well, if all goes well, this one will end up with me. I am intrigued by the 1960 MGA chassis and engine, which is appealing to me. If I get this, the body will come off, a full restoration fo the chassis will take place while the body gets paint, and then a fun reassemble. This car could be a head turner for a kit car, and I’ll do what I can very efficiently. Hope I can get it, and if I do, wish me luck!!
John of The Cole Car Collection (Facebook)
John keep us posted, there is a lot of info on these and fiberfab. The Jamaican was based on the Lamborghini Miura loosely, And at one point I was offered a Maseratti BiTurbo as a donor car and was an interesting idea.
The Jamaican came in basically 3 flavors with the top of the heap being a full on tube frame car made for a V8. Know a guy from the old forum who has 2 and one of them is the V8 Version with a 427 BBC chevy motor, The whole car lifts at speed on the freeway so gotta address the aerodynamics.
But a talented builder can have a very nice custom ride if a DIY
Good luck, John! Tell Ted I said hi when you see him!
Good luck, Sir. The little Jamaican can be a great little car. But I’m more interested in your restoration of the chassis. If you can find a way, let us see it as you get time.
Jamaican me crazy with dees kit cars, mon.
Funny😊
just a quick point TR 8 motor is no relation to the Buick/ Rover 215
Geoff, sorry, but it is. BTDT.
I think Geoff a was thinking of the Triumph Stag. That engine is unique and different.
I think the tail lights are from an early 70s AMC Matador
Yep, I think the same thing. The Vette tail lights are flatter, these look concave.
I picked up a Jamaican II for $1000 last summer. It has the factory tube frame for the Corvette suspension and V8 engine. Front head lights were replaced by previous owner with 240Z buckets providing for a more sporty look. I have always enjoyed the beauty of these kit cars. Alas, I have two projects before working on the Jamaican. The Lyrad GT Mark I (found on this site Fall of 2011). The Lyrad now has a Miata suspension, fabrication altering the rear section (provided by Jim Simpson), 275GTB type vents and work progressing to completion of mechanics for a test run sometime in the next year. Second project is a recently acquired 1962 Factory Works 12 hour Sebring race car.
Here is a photo update of the Lyrad GT (now) Mark II. Search Lyrad on this site to see the Mark I version.
I commend you guys have a few artists in my family I’ll stick with it engineering electrical and mechanics this is what I call craftsmanship
Here’s my baby
Paul, Sweet!!!!! And people (Some) say Kit cars are just cheap repops, but I feel they are an opportunity for a DIY to build a work of art if you choose.
(-Or- conversely a Bradley GT with a surf board what ever floats your boat)
But really hard to argue with the style of that baby,. Bet you get a rubber neckers and questions (What is it??). I am sure you are justifiably proud.
(Details on donor car, drivetrain, mods?)
Love the honey combs!
Thanks Sluggo,
It is a 69 and built on a TR4A chassis, running a worked TR6 engine, hot cam, flows, LSD, BMW half shafts, Supra 5 speed, Aldic mags. Only done a few thousand kms since total ground -up resto by a mechanic and museum owner. Been used for hill climbs, fun fast and unique in my part of the world NZ.
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