Post-War America saw a number of fiberglass sports cars compete with nimble imports from MG, Jaguar, and others. Soldiers returning from Europe had acquired a taste for the sporty and fuel-efficient roadsters. These tiny cars offered a driving experience far removed from American offerings’ jouncy suspensions and seats that looked like your Grandma’s couch. Smaller manufacturers competed for a slice of that pie with limited production models and DIY kits. Furthermore, crafty individuals often took a stab at their own versions, as may be the case of this interesting Henry J. sports car in Detroit, Michigan. It includes Henry J. mechanicals, Corvette parts, and a custom fiberglass body. Offered here on craigslist.org, the diminutive two-seater could be yours for $7500. Thanks to Roger for suggesting we revisit this interesting vehicle that was reviewed here on Barnfinds.com back in November by our own Russell Glantz.
Anyone hoping to see an early Corvette V8 under the hood may be put off by the sight of the Henry J. four-cylinder. While curb weight remains a mystery, it’s likely about a ton. The little four-popper turns but does not run, no surprise considering the seller estimates over 50 years of storage!
A shapeless void between the cockpit and nicely-penned rear suggests design energy waned as the project ran on. Cosmetic details and convenience features like an opening trunk may have lost priority to the builder’s desire to drive a finished vehicle. A more Corvette-like rear might, I submit, glean approval from the original designer. Few details accompany the listing, and the rollback truck suggests few will emerge. Unless someone famous built this car, I’d encourage a new owner with the vision and skills to improve it!
Plywood door panels and what look like aircraft surplus seats fit the period perfectly, though please fit new padding and upholstery. Oddly not pictured, the Corvette dash and windscreen should make fitting and sporty cosmetic elements in this presumably one-off sports car. How would you change this homemade special?
That is an ugly mug.
Like a Figaro and a jar of yeast had a baby in a lumberyard.
Some angles look not too bad, while other angles need help.
“Blobs”, not “angles”
Looks like the front of this thing just sucked a lemon, it’s way too rounded all over, there’s no defining lines on it to emphasize the actual shape!
Blasphemy to associate the word “Corvette” with this dung beetle.
I’m sorry, but all you haters probably haven’t built anything better. This is period cool, period.
And probably could not!
Not building anything would still be better by default Steve.
Set of fins from a 59 eldorado, and maybe a reworked grill from a 54 Hudson… Yeah!!That’s the ticket!!!
the Vette DNA is about 1% ancestry…
Looks good to me I d drive it,you don’t have one.
Unlike most of the people commenting here, I really like this one. Very cool car that catches the vibe of the “build your own sportscar with the new wonder material fiberglass” of the time.
Just for fun, would be interesting to put in a wind tunnel and see what the Cd number is.
Like the steering wheel.
I thought this looked familiar – it’s basically unforgettable.
I do admire the builder’s creativity.
Someone like Mike Wolfe would be into this.
The “profile” picture is interesting, it’s just my opinion but it looks like this car could have looked better if the engine were swapped to the rear….at least that’s the quickest way to explain it. On that trailer the front looks too high and the rear too low.
I agree. Looks like a Figaro that got rear ended by an old corvette. A trunk and some subtle rear fins would definitely make a huge improvement.