The 1960s brought the era of the kit car and most of them were based on a Volkswagen Beetle chassis and engine. But the Cheetah was different, it was a fiberglass-bodied kit that relied on Chevy Corvette infrastructure to become viable. We don’t know how many of the kits were sold and this unfinished version has been lying around for 40 years since its owner passed away. We don’t know how complete the project is and no drivetrain is in sight.
Cheetah kit cars were inspired by the sports car developed by Chevrolet performance tuner Bill Thomas (so much so the car was named after him). Built from 1963 to 1966, it was intended as a competitor to the Carroll Shelby Cobra. Possibly only 12 were built using Corvette gear, like a 327 cubic inch Corvette V8. We haven’t found much information about who built and sold the kits that led to the one here that was a work-in-progress four decades ago.
We don’t know how the history of the seller’s example. We suspect some heirs have come into possession of the car and want it gone (though the Mercury Cougar sitting next to it in the photos might attract more attention). They say it’s in fair condition, but the fiberglass body is bound to need attention after all these years. And the undercarriage is rather crusty and incomplete. No glass is seen, either.
The seller refers to a manual transmission, but perhaps it never was. The status of the title is “for parts only” as it was never titled by the builder. So, if you have some spare Corvette gear hanging around, do you want to tackle this project from yesteryear? From Bay Village, Ohio, this Cheetah kit is available here on craigslist for $2,500. Kudos for the tip, T.J.!
Somebody’s homebuilt for sure. Cheeta-ish, but definitely not a Cheeta. Might be an interesting project for someone if the decimal was one point to the left.
You know who would love this? Geof Hacker from Forgotten Fiberglass
I agree with Rick, doesn’t look even remotely like any Cheeta I’ve seen. I wonder if it ever turned a wheel? After studying the rear axle locating system, I’m not sure I would want to be the test pilot. Normally I’m a real sucker for old, odd things but this is beyond even my warped imagination and proves that not everything back in the day was pretty.
I think I would take the Sparrow over this Cheetah although I know it would be a difficult dissension.
If this was closer I would prolly go and get it. I’m a sucker for oddball orphans such as this. I even have a 400 sbc in the barn looking for a home. I agree Forgotten Fiberglass is place for this.
Agree with others, this is a home built job not a Cheetah…front end is totally different than any Cheetahs of the day!!!
Does anyone else see shades of Aston Martin in the front end?
Ugly-er n my gramm-ma
I suspect it was called a Cheetah, before the Bill Thomas Cheetah was created. People take things like doors and windows for granted. they’re really hard to do correctly.
Why do you suspect that?
It’s grotesque.
This is a Cheetah:
Cheetahs are outrageous, and outrageously cool.
Got excited at first. Thought it might be one of Ruths since it’s in Ohio. Then I put my glasses on. Lot of differences especially quality. Not sure what this is.
Home built!
Chassis is scary.
Don’t see rear springs?
Looks like the body was made on and bonded to the chassis?
Door fit is really impressive.
Wonder if coat hanger wire is visible on the inside of the body?
It is on this Crosley that has been accused of being a kit car by those that just don’t know
I’m sure this is a replica, but very cool.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wi-bvKtSQk0
Your biggest problem if you were able to get into it, would be trying to get out.
PairsNPaint, WOW YES! That is a Cheetah!
Probably one of the ugliest cars I’ve ever seen.