This Fiberfab Avenger GT12 kit car is one of the outliers that’s actually built to a high level with a legitimate powerplant under the hood. Powered by a flat-six transplanted from a Corvair, the Avenger wears an average paint job with a gorgeous interior that more than makes up for it. The seller notes that it runs out quite well and sounds more than a little bit like a 911 when it’s running through the gears. The best part about this example is it was originally built in the late 60s / early 70s and it has managed to stay largely identical to how the first builder put it together. The seller has listed here on eBay with no reserve and bidding over $5K.
This picture is how the sellers received the car when it rolled off the transporter, wearing some very period-correct wheels that have since been replaced. The knock-off wheels in the first photo are not included with the sale, and it’s hard to tell which rollers will accompany the kit car on its way to its next owner (I personally like the original wheels seen here the best – I hope the seller kept them.) The original builder of the Fiberfab performed did the paint job in his garage as his first-ever whole car respray, and the seller notes that it’s OK but with plenty of imperfections in the metal flake. Still, those imperfections are part of the charm.
The seller notes her husband is an upholsterer so the cabin obviously benefits from a professional’s touch. The period-correct sport bucket seats are trimmed quite nicely, and the same goes for the carpets and door panels. This Fiberfab avoids the typical faults of many kit cars which is that the interior can look like the builder ran out of time/patience/money (or all three) and simply cobbled together whatever was lying around the garage for a cabin. The interior can truly make a kit car like this feel like it was built at a factory as opposed to someone’s backyard, and I suspect that’s a big reason why bidding has been so active – it presents so well.
Of course, it doesn’t hurt that it’s likely also fun as all hell to drive, with a powerplant that’s actually well-suited for the racy body. The drivetrain has some minor issues related to the starter dying out every few months. The seller believes it may be the ring gear on the flywheel, but hasn’t disassembled the transmission to find out. Regardless, it sounds like it isn’t a frequently re-occurring issue, and at least it’s a problem with a likely solution.
While kit cars are definitely an acquired taste, examples that are built to a high level with a respectable powerplant under the hood will always draw a crowd. So would hit the streets in this kit car?
I agree. There are a lot of poorly conceived kits but this one looks well thought out. If it’s running on Beetle brakes I would do disc conversions as the drum brakes were just adequate on a Beetle. The Corvair engine does have a similar 911 engine sound. I like it.
I find it hard to believe that they would remove what appears to be an original set of polished Halibrand wheels worth possibly more than the car.
Go fig. 🤷🏽♂️
I’m curious if the VW hubs are “wide” fives, or the smaller size. Also about how old the spacers are he says you get. Those Buick Oldsmobile rally wheels are nice looking but don’t really suit the style of the car.
If those are real magnesium kidney bean wheels they will probably get swapped for aluminum repros, available cheap
I think evenrude 2-stroke v8 on 8 carbs would sound and look wicked in this
You never see them this nice. Well built. Would love to see it in person.
You didn’t see them this nice back in the 70’s
Disc brake conversion….Tesla model 3 drivetrain …suspension…targa top.
That’s a 140 hp version of the Chevy flat six, with a good tune will more than push that bug around. Unless the transaxle has been set up for the extra power it will eat it up. Nice looking build for a kit.
Hey Jeff,
Nice write up. This certainly is one of the nicer GT-12’s I’ve seen as well. In the original build plans, DIY’er had a choice of direction with either air-cooled VW or Corvair running gear. I drive the one piece body style, mounted to a 1971 IRS pan with a 2300cc stroked displacement(approximately 150hp). I own and have owned several interesting vehicles(muscle, vintage, sports cars). I became interested in this particular style because it had a cool look that you could build and make it your own. The low clearance to the deck coupled with the pre-engineered handling of an IRS pan make these a blast to drive. Continue to innovate not duplicate…
I had one of the factory built ones. Tube chassis, Corvair engine/trans/suspension. Even with just the 110hp setup, the thing would haul! I am going to have to go through my camera and see if I can find some pics to post later today.
Never this nice. Lots of important little details here rarely tended to on these. I like the Hallibrand style wheels, but think it looks even better on those very period correct Magstars.
Oh My what a rocket looking little piece of art. Well done , great engine. GONE sold an hour ago for $8700
Nice looking kit car for sure!! Amazing to me how much it resembles a GT-40!! Would certainly be worth a look at if you were local to this car!!
Buyer backed out. Still for sale.
Relisted!
https://www.ebay.com/i/313074571056