There was a time when I couldn’t wrap my head around why the VW-based Gazelle kits had so many followers. After all, they look nothing like the car they’re purported to be “replicas” of and the ensuing attempt just looks silly. But as time wore on, I’ve come to appreciate well-built and loved examples like this one here on eBay, with just over 33,000 miles and listed with no reserve.
This summer I’ve probably seen more of these kit cars running around than since the time they were originally “hot”, which by my recollection was in the late 80s. The cars I’ve seen have clearly been loved if not outright restored, with nice paint and happily humming Ford-derived four-cylinder motors up front. That’s just how this one is set up, and the seller says the Gazelle has seen little use over the last few years.
The interior is quite tidy and almost looks luxurious. I suppose that was a must-have since the Gazelles were attempting to emulate one of the predominant luxury cars of an era. Despite its humble underpinnings and kit car origins, the interior appears to be holding together well with no visible damage, other than some wrinkling on the driver’s seat.
The Gazelles are powered by a 2.3L I-4 Ford gas engine, with some very (fake) exposed fancy exhaust pipes. This is a pleasant surprise, as so many VW-based kits have an anemic Beetle mill residing somewhere inside. Some of Gazelles even received the responsive Cologne six-cylinder engine sourced from Ford’s European operations, but no such luck here. Still, this Gazelle wears appealing colors with impressive cosmetics, and could be a fun ride on the cheap with no reserve.
Cheep fun cute car what’s not to like. Pinto drive train in it was solid and reliable what a great summer run about. I like it.
this one is hard to REGISTER in many states….I talked with Seller and the Title indicates “kit car/homemade”…good luck in many states.
Yeah but… some states will look the other way with the UTV/ATV/golf cart set, but will nail me in the rattley rod or the TC.. Neat runabout with front/rear drivetrain.
I had the sick and anemic VW based EXACT KIT CAR that happened to be a factory built model. Pick it up for a song on ebay. I loved this car in the Minnesota summers. It was a blast to drive and must have been worked over on the engine a bit as I remember how snappy it was over my “62” and “71” Super Beetle. And it would cruise down the highway at 70 all day sipping gas. FUN RIDE and maybe for 3 or 4k, you could have so much fun. FYI…The top and side curtains are a must if you’re in a rainy environment such as “out in the northwest”.
Well, if it was even a close match to whatever it was copying, people would pick it apart. It’s a fun car for someone. I’d feel more stupid driving an accurate 427 Cobra replica because you want people to believe it’s real.
An Excalibur replica! Forget the alleged Mercedes inspiration, this parodies the parody Brooks Steven’s original clean design became.
Was this car on here before?
I just picked up one of these for $1,500 with only 15 miles on it since it was built. But like most, I really hate the stupid looking grille, headlights and horns in the front. Grille sticks out too far is too high and isn’t even close to the original.
So I decided to change it all. I sourced a 1959 Mercedes grille for $75. I’ve narrowed the front of the body by about 3/4 of an inch to meet the grille perfectly. I’ve pulled it back about four inches. I split the hood to give it the same peak as the real MB grille and filled in the unnecessary holes. I’ve shaved the fendermounted turn signals and reverse light. I am relocating the headlights lower and centered between the fenders and will ad vintage fog lights and lose the crossbar. I’ve ditched the very ugly rear bumpers and will be using front W116 Mercedes bumper over riders for the rear bumper. I’ve moved the Fuel fill to the center of the front cowl under a flip top cap from a 67 Barracuda.
Most of these also came this same beige and brown which may have looked great to people in the 80’s, but not it is just boring, so it is going all red. It should look quite different when I’m done.
My dad got tired of his, and gave it to me as a rolling chassis with the pinto v6, c4, and 8″ axle.
Hes now building a steel bodied duece with a flathead v8. So far, Ive NOTICEABLY improved the upper framework, dropped in a rover 4l v8, t5 world clas tranny, and built an independant rear from ’10 C300 MB. Hoping to have it running by easter so I can do bodywork this summer.