Almost every kit car takes some inspiration from a more expensive model produced in limited quantities. The problem is, even with the best of intentions behind its conception, the replica falls well short of what the real-deal vehicle looks like. One exception is the Fiberfab Avenger, which was produced as a homage to the Ford GT40 and doesn’t do a half-bad job in its impersonation attempt. This Avenger has been off the road for many years but still looks worthy of rescue, and is listed here on craigslist for $8,500.

The seller notes the Avenger was last registered in 1984, and though it currently resides in California, it still wears its old-school New York license plates. While I’ve never been a kit car guy, the Avenger is one of my favorites, and this one just oozes all sorts of period cool. The Keystone-style wheels, the CB antenna mount on the rear panel, and the white-letter radials all paint a picture of this Fiberfab ripping up the backroads in upstate New York before an apparent engine failure ruined somebody’s good time.

The original engine did indeed implode, but the seller is including a good unit from a Porsche 914. Since it’s mounted on a VW chassis, this replacement engine should bolt up without too much difficulty. This is is still the downside to the kit cars, as the powerplant is always underwhelming compared to the exterior design. Hopefully, the chassis can be modified to handle more power and this engine can either be built up or a 2.7L mill from a 911 can be dropped in instead.

The Fiberfab cars are generally pretty well constructed, and the designs incorporated plenty of parts from other mass produced cars that make replacing items like glass or taillights not as burdensome as you might expect. The seller pulls no punches and still advises that this Avenger will need total restoration inside and out, but the completeness of the car at least makes a comprehensive rebuild seem worthwhile.