Fiberfab was founded in 1964 by Bud Goodwin and John Hebler in Palo Alto, California. Originally producing fiberglass body parts for Mustangs, Corvettes, and Jaguars, they built this rare American sports car. Reportedly, only 12 were made, and the original name was “Banshee,” but GM bought the rights to the name for their Pontiac Banshee concept car. The Caribee was built on popular sports-car chassis, such as the Austin Healey 100 chassis used for this car. This 1966 Caribee is available here on craigslist in Vernon, Connecticut, for just $28,500. Thanks Tony Primo for this tip.
The Austin 100 chassis is a 1954 model BN1. A certified copy of the factory record from the British Motor Heritage Trust is available. The engine is a 2.6-liter 4-cylinder. It has a full stainless exhaust underneath and a chrome valve cover. Gauges are by Stewart Warner. Carburation is handled by 1 ¾” SU carbs, and there is a larger cam. It also includes a cold-air intake box.
The red paint is newer, as the car was originally Metallic Gray. There is no information on when the repaint was completed, but the seller notes that “the paint is very presentable but shows its age as any old fiberglass car.” The interior looks like it came straight out of a 1960s British sports car. The one thing the interior would benefit from is replacing the Grant steering wheel with a proper woodgrain one. The seats are from a C3 Corvette. The seller also states that the fuel gauge and speedometer are inoperable and that the mileage shown is incorrect and unknown. And check out the fancy gull-wing doors and front-hinged hood.
Based on the information in the craigslist ad, it appears there is a substantial amount of documentation, including hand-drawn wiring diagrams, final checklists, dealer paperwork, and a Fiberfab brochure from the local Connecticut distributor. If you have never heard of Fiberfab, I encourage you to look them up online. They are still in business after all these years and have produced some interesting kit cars. Also, with several owners over the years, parts of their history read like a novel. Growing up in the 60s and seeing all the different kit cars made me hopeful that I would build one someday. I still haven’t built that 356 Porsche Roadster kit yet, but if you have a dream and want a better-built kit car, this may be the one you are looking for.
A not looking great kit car with a 4 cyl. at $28,500. GLWS.