Regular readers will probably recognize this 1966 Fiberfab Banshee. We previously saw it in June 2021, but it has hit the market again. Feedback on this classic was positive last time, although some raised reservations about the price. These may now be allayed because there is a high chance that someone could drive away in this classic for a significantly lower figure than the BIN of $28,500 specified by the seller in 2021. The Banshee is listed here on eBay in San Rafael, California. The seller’s No Reserve auction opened at $19,999, but there has been no action. Therefore, somebody could become the new owner with a single bid.
Fiberfab enjoyed a reputation for producing fiberglass enhancements for Corvettes and Mustangs during the 1960s, including a kit called the E/T Mustang. This image from a 2016 Motortrend article provides insight into the sleek front provided by that conversion. It was penned by Larry Shinoda, demonstrating that the company could attract prominent automotive figures through its doors. It diversified from fiberglass accessories into kits and complete cars as the 1960s progressed, with various exotics rolling from the factory. The most instantly recognized are the Valkyrie and Jamaican, but the Banshee deserves recognition. The company only produced twelve kits, meaning finding one in the current market is the equivalent of spotting an automotive unicorn. I previously referenced the styling similarities between the Banshee and the Shelby Daytona Coupe, but there is also a touch of Italian flair about its lines. The company developed a system of bonding steel tubing into the body structure, providing the torsional strength to incorporate gullwing doors into the design. This Banshee features classic Red paint and wire wheels for a classic sports car look. Its overall presentation is exceptionally tidy for a vehicle of this type, with no significant paint or fiberglass issues. The seller acknowledges an alignment problem with the passenger door, but whether basic adjustment would rectify the issue is unclear. The glass shows no marks or chips, with the trim appearing spotless.
Below the sleek Banshee body hides a frame and drivetrain that started life as an Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. Its 2,912cc six inhales through triple SU HS4 carburetors to send 134hp and 167 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a manual transmission with the optional overdrive. Whether this car could top the donor’s ¼-mile ET of 16.8 seconds is debatable. Although the fiberglass body should be lighter than the original steel, the integrated structural tubing might make it a close call. The seller recently replaced the tires, front shocks, distributor, tank sender unit, carb floats, and air cleaner. They feel that some exhaust work and a tune-up would make this mechanically sound driver genuinely roadworthy.
I previously commented upon the tidy presentation of this Banshee’s interior, and I stand by it. Kit cars can suffer in this area, but Fiberfab aimed its models for the top end of the market. Feedback from the previous article focused on the gauge fascia, with one reader suggesting that a machine-turned item would be more appropriate. I agree with that sentiment, but I could probably live with the existing timber veneer. There is little worth criticizing apart from one area of light carpet fading and some stretching on the passenger seatcover. The new owner doesn’t receive luxury touches like air conditioning or power windows, but the radio/cassette player should relieve boredom on long journeys.
Kit cars fill a vital spot in the classic car world, allowing owners to capture the look and feel of an exotic without the almost inevitable high purchase price. The lack of auction action makes it plausible that someone could become the new owner of this 1966 Fiberfab Banshee with a single bid and for considerably less than it was listed for in 2021. If you were tempted last time but felt you missed the opportunity, this might be the chance to right that wrong.
Sleek profile, looking fast standing still…
An opening bid for a ‘no reserve’ auction!??
Hello Adam,
I always love your coverage of the unique and unusual…This certainly falls into that category. In addition to your write-up, the original “prototype” Banshee that was designed and created for public viewing back in the early ‘70’s, was subsequently stolen and never recovered. The fact that this particular model was also very limited in production makes it worth a closer look. All of the heavy lifting has already been performed. Being a drivable example is another plus. With only minor tweaks and possible upgrades this is one unique driver. Certainly there are a lot of naysayers when it comes to kit cars. However, Fiber Fab produced some quality stuff during the 1960’s-‘70’s. Continue to innovate not Duplicate 👍🛠
I watch eBay – I will tell you how this “no reserve” auction without a single bid so far may play out – seller’s best friend enters a bid three minutes to the end. Happens on all online auctions, even the one whose name rhymes with RAT.
Or it just doesn’t get any bids because the starting is too high.
Good looking car. I love the lines. Didn’t Fiberfab also make a V-8 version, the Jamaican?
Ahoi,
Fiberfab Banshee and jamaican were different bodys.
But yes, not all from the Jamaicans were Beetle based.
Some were Austin Healy and some were even V8!
Good looking design let down by the details as often happens with kit cars. The doors look too small and then add to that the thick frame for the side windows. Taillights beveled in to perpendicular would make the Kamm tail look better sorted. As noted, the interior looks well finished for a kit car. Should be fun to drive, but the torquey big six is kind of a weird combination with the racy body, which kind of looks like it belongs with a revvy, overhead cam kind of thing. Still, no such thing as bad torque.
“Yes”:
https://www.autoevolution.com/news/the-jamaican-ii-v8-story-a-60s-american-kit-car-that-looked-coachbuilt-in-italy-214531.html
The only Austin Healey I’ve ever seen was a 100-6 2 seater. With 3 carbs this Healey should outperform the standard twin carbureted 3000s.
JZ2 swap 600hp & paint it metallic silver w/blue mist racing stripes front end lip needs a Chrome lip fabricated.
The rear quarters flared & bigger rear wheels & tires.
Since it’s a 6cyl I’d run the exhaust pipe down the passenger side Spitfire style, better suspension travel 1/2-1 inch more.
It’d be a ripper – just gotta dump thar fake tired old red plastic Hardcastle & McCormick boy racer TV show look.
Great comments on an interesting and rare car. Actually, being offered as just a body from Fiberfab, many frames and engines were used depending on what the owner wanted. We have one. It was mounted to an MGA frame but has different unknown engine mounts welded in. Been sitting in the back of the shop with a ford 289 and T5 sitting in it for over 10 years. Been watching a few sell during that time and disappointed they just don’t bring more for being a very cool vintage piece. Just has not been worth our dollars to restore the one we have.
Let’s hope they become appreciated and we can roll ours into line for a restoration. MIG
That’s how I remember them, with different frames and power combinations available. As a teen I stared at the ads in R & T and Car and Driver during study hall. Kit cars never get the love or revenue they deserve unless they are factory built or finished by an engineer with the equipment and knowledge to make them. Lots, but not all of Factory Five and Beck Spiders are an example of a kit car that have held value. Good luck to the seller and new custodian.