The world of kit cars is vast and deep, with wide variations in build quality and performance. Those enthusiasts who choose to build their own or refurbish cars built in the past by amateur hands are truly committed to their craft, as the financial upside is often limited. When it comes to choosing which kit car to collect or restore, finding one that was originally delivered with a decent level of fit and finish is the way to go, and this 1982 Apollo Verona listed here on Facebook Marketplace seems like an option that models its DIY roots fairly well. The asking price is $31,500 for this COVID-era project.

The seller mentions that he made this British-inspired roadster his project when the infamous lock-down era began, and the end result is a car we don’t often see in any condition, much less restored. The Verona was the second act for the same company that made the stunning V8-powered Apollo GT coupe many of us remember seeing on the big screen in the Herbie The Love Bug series, but it was not nearly as exotic or expensive. Clearly taking a page from the likes of MG and Morgan when landing on a final design, Apollo clearly wanted to build a more reliable version of those well-loved sports cars by using readily available Chevrolet V8 drivetrains to provide both strong performance and easy maintenance.

While I can’t personally offer a guarantee of the Apollo feeling like a higher quality kit car, the photos seem to validate that the fit-and-finish was far better than most self-assembled models at the time. The dash fits the car well, with a full set of gauges and a three-spoke steering wheel that doesn’t appear to be awkwardly centered relative to the driver’s seating position. Leather-covered bucket seats with a fully carpeted interior and center console also add to the general completeness of the car, along with a convertible boot top that folds down nicely and doesn’t look like an afterthought.

The seller lists plenty of details that should inspire confidence you’re buying a car that may have been slightly obsessively restored. The listing highlights include a 327 Chevrolet V8 paired to a 350 Turbo Hydramatic transmission; wrapped tubular exhaust headers; a cabin heater and defroster; a new top and boot cover; front and rear disc brakes; a new radiator and transmission cooler with electric fan; new tires mounted on gorgeous wire wheels; and much more. With less than 50 Veronas ever sold, this is a rare find listed by a seller who seems to have addressed the big items, allowing the next owner to simply enjoy it. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Sam61 for the tip.