Imagine my surprise when searching for more info about this wicked Hathaway Hunter “kit” car to find out our very own Jamie Palmer owns one of the 20 or so known to exist! Fellow editor Jamie actually has one of these delightful concoctions squirreled away in his collection, reminiscent of a Morgan and Jaguar XK120. This is actually the same car he wrote up two years ago, evidently with a new owner who is also selling it on. Find it here on eBay with bidding over $5K and the reserve unmet.
The Hathaway is much more complete since it was last written up, with the missing spare tire added to the back end and a proper windshield sourced. The seller has continued the build with a Ford powerplant, though Jamie pointed out a Triumph TR6 drivetrain is more correct given the chassis is from a 1972 TR6. The seller sourced a replacement engine out of a Ford Capri and had it completely disassembled and rebuilt; it’s since been installed and the seller advises that the engine is still being broken in.
The seller notes that there is still some finishing left to do but doesn’t provide a ton of information on what, exactly, needs doing. He notes that the carpets are faded and should be replaced; he also has a correct soft top ready to go, with the frame, but it needs to be installed. As Jamie pointed out in his original post, these kits were much more than that, as the level of finish work is truly impressive – so many kit cars end up looking rather disheveled after just a short time on the road. It’s a shame that only 20 or so were ever made.
Additionally, as Jamie originally pointed out, “Originally marketed as the Hathaway, the body would accept any TR2 through TR6 frame and drivetrain, of which there were plenty of cheap and rusty ones available in the 80’s.” Similar to how aircooled VWs were regularly cannibalized to create Kelmarks and Bradleys, this is a much prettier kit car and one that I am slightly envious Jamie has in his barn. I may have to visit him sooner than I thought…
You’re welcome any time, Jeff! And if any of you are interested in purchasing this car (or learning more about them) I’d be more than happy to discuss :-) My history with this kit actually goes back a LONG way; I have tried unsuccessfully to purchase the molds not once, but twice…
P.S. Mine is emphatically NOT for sale!
Jamie, are those hood tops metal? They don’t appear to be as “wobbly” as glass pieces typically do.
Also, since you’re familiar with this one, does it reek of garlic? (a weak attempt at Gilroy humor).
Nope, they are fiberglass. Pretty heavyweight 🙂. I don’t know this car in particular, but there are so few out there. I’ve actually heard of another one for sale not that far from me and am looking for some time to investigate it for someone (not me).
I DON’T CARE. I DO NOT CARE!
Faults or not, this is a perfect car for a runabout for us. Thanks for alerting us that this car was still around. We had forgotten about this marque.
Interesting kit car, with styling reminiscent of a pre-WWII BMW 328.
The ol’ SOHC Pinto mill can be made to put out some decent, reliable HP.
One wonders what the reserve is?
Looks like that under hood shelf is big enough to sleep on, or at least put a full tool chest on it if it had all British mechanicals.
Several owners have installed toolboxes and spare parts bins…
LOL, Coventrycat!!
Know why the british like their beer warm??
Their refrigerators are made by Lucas!!!
It looks confused. Has 1950 style pommy body with 1930 USA fenders.
Welllll thennnn… Why did so many of “the rich and notorious” buy the Excalibur, Clenet, Blackhawks and other iterations?
Don’t see where my bid is anywhere near close. Rats.
Lima motor, D shaped ports, 32/36 or pinto webber/holley, XK120-like but lighter/no rust…hummm…
I C price rise above the 7K…wish it had a hrd top too!
(I no – guy wants everything, turbo, shelby drop suspension, bilstiens,).
Ended: Aug 27, 2018 , 10:58PM
Winning bid:US $39,700.00
[ 9 bids ]
On ebay 6/10/23 for $11,900 Buy it Now or Best Offer!