This 1971 Amante GT is a little-known VW-based kit car that could utilize any number of powerplants, from the slow and typical air-cooled motor to a thumping V8. Like so many other kit car builders, this Amante faded into obscurity and few examples exist today. The seller has an “almost complete” 1954 Porsche 356 pre-A engine, along with a 1957 Speedster case, to go with it. For just the car, it’s $3,500; $8,000 with the Porsche bits. Find it here on Facebook Marketplace and located somewhere near Livermore, CA.
Pictures aren’t great, but it’s still the standard formula of an exotic body draped over a commoner’s chassis, and the proportions look as ungainly as every other Bradley GT that’s still on the road. The seller notes this example has been parked since the late 70s due to a small engine fire, and it makes you wonder if this was a home-built kit that wasn’t assembled to professional-grade standards.
The original marketing materials touted the Amante’s “steel tube side rails and roll bars,” along with its “overhead and underdash console” and “mechanically operated headlight covers.” OK, so the feature list isn’t that impressive, but how detailed could you really be for a vehicle that is going to be build in some guy’s garage, likely accompanied by numerous beers or other substances? Keeping it simple was essential.
Of course, you could ask the fine fellows at Voegele Industries to build the whole kit for you and drop a V8 in the middle of it if you wanted. I’ve not seen much evidence of anyone actually doing this; then again, I hadn’t heard of an Amante before 20 minutes ago. The engine components seem like the most desirable feature of this listing, but the seller doesn’t say if he’ll sell the Porsche bits separately.
Wow! Back in the early seventies I remember the neighbor having one of these. It was white and had a loud exhaust. I was too young at the time to ID the engine though.
I detest FarceBook.
I wondered how the hidden headlights work and found this — apparently the lids drop down, rather than popping up:
https://www.undiscoveredclassics.com/wp-content/uploads/scan_168.jpg
More info/pics on the Gazelle/Amante GT here:
https://www.undiscoveredclassics.com/featured-stories/the-1969-gazelle-amante-gt-hebina-plastics-voegele-industries/
Great links, SubGothius.
I have to say, the concept allowed for a lot of personalization, and iterations could span the gamut from mild to wild. Rear or mid-engine Corvair, or even V8 setups.
I noticed that headlight feature too. Pretty unique. Attractive design compared to the typical pop up lights of that era… https://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/1102938.jpg
The body shape is similar to the Puma, although I find the Puma a little better proportioned than the Amante. That small window behind the side windows seems oddly placed to me.
Small block Chevy amidships and its sit down , shut up, and hold on. Price seems reasonable but a personal inspection as to condition of the body seems necessary, probably wouldn’t lose any money if you decided to flip it instead.
A Speedster “case”? What, a suitcase?
Mishmash of parts
Looks like a vacuum cleaner
Since this puppy is VW based, I’d offer $1,750 & forget the porsche parts. For significantly less than $8000, it would be easy to source a
2.0 or 2.2 Subaru turbo engine in good running order.
I have one 69 Amante GT all complete for sale
How much you ask for Amante?
I am looking for doors, glass and headlight covers. If anyone has an Amante they are parting out, please contact me. 714-222-7242.