We just featured a Devin Special which was in rough shape and in need of a complete restoration, so when we came across this 1961 Devin D with documented history and which has already been restored, we got excited. The majority of the Devin Ds were kit cars, but a small handful left the factory fully assembled and this car is one of them. The current seller, whom happens to be a relative of the original owner, has listed this fantastic car here on eBay where it has a current bid of $25,000, but the reserve has yet to be met.
The Devin D isn’t as flashy or as fast as its bigger sibling the SS, but the D is still a blast to drive. The D is a super lightweight and while its 1776 cc VW Beetle engine only produces about 40 horsepower, the 1,200 pound curb weight and Devin tuned suspension should allow this car to handle like a dream. Devin used standard Volkswagen Beetle components for the suspension and drive train, but they tweaked the rear suspension and re-timed the torsion bar. This gave the Devin D impressive balance and fantastic handling.
We love how clean and well done the interior is in this car, but it isn’t surprising since the factory built cars had well finished interiors. The original owner bought the car new and drove it for 7 years as a daily driver, until he spun the car out in the rain and damaged the transaxle. The car was then put on blocks in the owner’s garage for 15 years, until his niece’s husband bought the car. The car then set in his garage for several more years, until he finally had the means to repair and restore the car. After getting the car back to its former glory he has driven and shown it regularly.
Twenty five grand may seem a bit high for what most would consider a kit car, but given its condition and the fact that it is one of only a few factory built Ds, we think it’s well worth it. We love the lines of the D and this one looks great with the yellow paint and the polished Porsche rims. We think this car would make for a great vintage racer or weekend track car, but we would hate to see it get damaged again.
I bought this outrageous car…it will arrive on Maui Dec. 8, at which time I will drive it up to 10,000 ft to the top of Haleakala.You snooze you loose….
Nice Gregg, please keep us updated.
Thanks for the nice comments in this well written article, although I would have to say that the 1776cc powerplant puts out a bit more than 40hp. This Devin has been in my family for 50 years and I know it will enjoy life in paradise with Gregg. Gregg is driving the heck out of this car as it was intended and I know it’s in great hands and in great company as it sits next to a couple other fantastic cars!