Kit cars offer buyers the best of both worlds. Most are exotic-looking vehicles that can’t help but turn heads. They achieve this feat while the svelte body typically rests on pretty humble underpinnings like those provided by a Volkswagen Beetle. However, this 1975 Sterling is dramatically different, with everything below the surface sourced from a turbocharged 1975 Porsche 911. Therefore, this Sterling should have the performance to match its looks.
North American enthusiasts became aware of the UK Nova Kit Car through a March 1973 cover article in Car and Driver magazine. The British company hadn’t planned a US “invasion,” but was inundated with inquiries from individuals and companies keen to sign a licensing deal with Nova. A contract was duly signed with California Component Cars in San Lorenzo, California. The first hurdle was the name, with the American rights to “Nova” held by Chevrolet. Therefore, the Nova became the Sterling, with the first kits emerging in late 1973. The company and rights have since changed hands several times, but new parts remain available for those wishing to keep an older Sterling on the road. The concept was surprisingly simple, and not dissimilar to the one adopted for Dune Buggies. The striking and svelte fiberglass body was bolted to a shortened VW Beetle pan, and thanks to the lower curb weight, the Sterling was a surprisingly sprightly performer. Our feature car has undoubtedly seen better days. The paint is faded and has deteriorated well beyond the point of no return, leaving the winning bidder with little choice but to strip everything away to start from scratch. However, the fiberglass has no significant issues, and it appears that the pan is sound. The photos suggest that the headlamp mechanisms are present, and the ultra-cool power-operated canopy top operates as it should. This Sterling features a few additional scoops, suggesting there might be more to this classic than meets the eye.
Sterling buyers received the hardware to bolt the car’s fiberglass body atop a Volkswagen Beetle pan and drivetrain. That process provided owners with the best of both worlds, because the car looked exotic, but was cheap to build, easy to maintain, and extremely fuel efficient. Performance wasn’t dazzling, but since the car shed its steel body in favor of lighter fiberglass, it wasn’t too bad. This 1975 Sterling is a different beast because it is based on a 1975 Porsche 911 platform. The turbocharged 2.7-liter engine and manual transmission are original to the pan and should place at least 160hp and 170 ft/lbs of torque at the driver’s disposal. It virtually guarantees that an easy sub-16-second ¼-mile ET is within reach, meaning this classic has the power to match its looks. The Sterling sits on Air Ride suspension, while the builder fitted hub adaptors for the Corvette wheels. This beauty runs and drives, but currently isn’t roadworthy. The seller provides the impression that reaching that goal is achievable, and doing so might be an excellent way to occupy the upcoming cold winter months.
Apart from a general lack of performance, the greatest weakness with older Kit Cars is the typically amateur appearance of their interiors. This Sterling is no exception, and its cause isn’t helped by significant deterioration. The components for a retrim are available, or the winning bidder could hand everything to an upholsterer for a custom look. The dash will be the most challenging aspect, but if you have a friend who is skilled with fiberglass, creating a shell that looks more professional might be possible without breaking the bank.
It is a harsh reality that kit cars don’t appeal to everyone. Many don’t deliver the performance their appearance suggests should be available, representing a triumph of style over substance. This 1975 Sterling is a different beast, placing a healthy three-figure power output at the driver’s disposal. The seller listed it here on eBay in Hamilton, Montana. The price sits below the reserve at $3,600 but has reached that point following twenty-five bids. We can only speculate on the seller’s reserve, but what would you be prepared to pay?
There was no 1975 Porsche with a turbocharged 2.7L engine. The engine may be original to the chassis, but the turbo isn’t. It’s hard to imagine a time when it made sense to put a body like this on a 911 chassis.
Oh lord… I know that car. Owner had been working on it for years and definitely got over his head. The price point is for the engine, not the car – and I’m a hard core Sterling owner and historian. It’s a hot mess with more bondo than fiberglass. It needs everything from glass to the obvious (and the dash actually is more or less factory stock from ’77, save for the angled gauges on the passenger side). I hate to say it, but if you’re gonna bid, bid low.
I hate to say it, but that Sterling won’t last long on that frame as what is underneath it is what is worth the money. I’m shocked it is only at less than 4K at this time, but it is in Montana.
The fiberglass on this car looks wavier than the damn ocean. Body work on fiberglass is a pain in the a$$, yes thats rhymes. This car has been drug through hell and back. I’m not sure if we can save this one, at least financially its not feasible. Must’ve been neat in its day.
woah! whats going on with the website? why’d it just look like i was brought back to 2002? weird stuff going on
Oh and @Adam – these were always full chassis’. Nothing was shortened.
I think I would salvage the motor and skip the rest!
You nailed it on the dash and interior description, Adam. This body demands a more modern/sporty dash and interior. This could really be a beautiful car.