Fiberglass reinforced plastic technology of the 1950s brought forth a wide array of futuristic designer body kits designed to be mounted on a variety of existing car chassis. This allowed enthusiasts of lesser means to build a swoopy-looking sports car for a faction of the cost of a new one. There is an example of one of these builds on auction on eBay in Tampa, Florida with a current bid of $6,600 and an unmet reserve. Thank you Barn Finds reader Craig Johnson for providing the tip!
Canadian Leslie Dawes was one of the most prolific designers and builders of fiberglass body kits of the 1950s and 60s. Dawes and his team created no less than 14 different models over the eleven years that the firm was in business. LaDawri kits could be mounted on nearly any chassis with detailed instructions provided to the buyer on how to cut down and modify their frames to accept the body kit. Popular chassis donors included Henry J, MGA and Triumph TR2 and 3.
The car for sale on eBay is reputed to have been owned by Domino’s Pizza founder Tom Monaghan. The seller acquired the car and brought it Tampa where he had the body removed, cleaned up and remounted. What chassis it was built on, we do not know. The paint is said to be original and a number of body modifications were made, mostly running light placement and appearance. The chassis is shown in the photos but I cannot identify it – perhaps our eagle-eyed Barn Finds readers can?
There has been a recent surge in interest in home built specials from the classic fifties and sixties time period with values of these once throw-away cars climbing to the point catching the attention of “serious” collectors. In fact, a class dedicated to these cars was part of the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours and 2015 Amelia Island Concours events. Depending where the bidding on this auction goes, this could be your chance to participate in uppercrust events at a fraction of the cost. What do you think?
There sure are a lot of ‘Vette styling cues on that body.
It’s like a ’61 Vette in many parts and especially around the wheel openings.
The seller is Geoff Hacker of Forgotten Fiberglass, he’s a maven of these old glass bodied cars.
I have one built on a 50 Ford chassis, was said to have been Olds powered, but who knows. It is a future project for retirement.
This seller sure like mid-50’s fiberglass “kit” cars. He also has two others for sale on eBay.
Steve R
I gather – through other sources – that Geoff Hacker is selling down some of his collection.
Lack of suitable storage space and too many project at my home is, sadly, the deal-breaker for me. He has a really wild Croseley-based special that I’d love to add to my fleet, along with the LaDawri.
’53 era chev frame?? Modified, used same awful front end as the same year ‘vette. Love the looks of this. Good luck to the new owner. Would love to see this done!!!
-looks like a speed boat on wheels..
Henry J Chassis was the original intended design platform for these Conquest and Daytona bodies. Unfortunately, the rear kickup in the frame is right under the seats, pushing the driver way up in the air. Same with the 49-51 Ford chassis that was often used .