Rare Kit Car: 1969 Behrens Convertible

Disclosure: This site may receive compensation from some link clicks and purchases.

I thought this car looked familiar. Unless it has a twin, it appeared here on Barn Finds more than three years ago. Either it didn’t sell then or was sold and is on the market again, but its location in Parksville, British Columbia is the same. The photos this time aren’t as good, and the kit car is available again here on craigslist where the price is either $123,456 or that’s the placeholder the seller used (it was $24,000 in 2021). T.J. found this possible 1 of 2 builds for us as a tip!

What we know of the Behrens Roadster is that it was a kit car like the Meyers Manx, Bradley GT, and other DIY cars of the 1960s and 1970s. The seller then and now says only two of them ever saw the light of day (it was described as a 1963 model then and a 1969 now). The fiberglass body sits atop a VW chassis (we think) and uses a VW engine and transmission. We don’t know if the Behrens was a kit that you finished assembling yourself or if it was delivered as a complete vehicle.

Unless there are two of these machines in British Columbia, this one is said to have 20,000 miles (but the odometer is broken) while the other listing showed 42,000. It’s probably in great shape, though the 2021 photos presented a cleaner car and included a variety of photos, not just exteriors. We’re told the roadster has a few little dings and scratches as you might expect for the age. The canvas top, which covers the fiberglass headrests, is said to be in good shape.

The seller says $3,500 has been spent on recent work, which we’re told is for the clutch (that’s one expensive Beetle clutch), and an invoice is provided. It apparently has won some trophies at car shows and they’re part of the deal. The seller has recently purchased a Lotus 7, so either space or capital is needed to support that acquisition. What would you give for this 2-off car?

Comments

  1. John EderMember

    Behrens apparently sourced their Chief of Design from the local School for the Visually Impaired.

    Like 21
    • JDC

      Bradley started selling kit cars in 1970. Apparently that saw this and said, ” You think that’s ugly? Hold my beer!”

      What most of these kit cars don’t have in appearance, they definitely don’t make up for in performance.

      They really contribute about as much to automotive history as that Viper limousine posted on here a couple days ago.

      Like 16
  2. Alex L

    That front glass looks to be repurposed rear glass. Maybe from a corvette?

    Like 4
  3. hatofpork

    Impala and some kind of British tail lights?

    Like 4
    • Martini ST

      Those outer tail lights are ’49 Ford.

      Like 3
  4. Big Bear 🇺🇸

    Yes.. hatofpork 1965 Chevrolet Impala tail lamps. But it’s still ugliest ride I seen yet. Some cars should not been built. 🐻🇺🇸

    Like 5
    • CCFisher

      I think they’re 1964 Impala taillights mounted upside-down. 1965 Impala taillights were larger.

      Like 2
  5. scott m

    That back end is busier than a long tail cat in a roomful of rocking chairs, and I’d be happier with a motor in front, but I like it! I also like the Daimler Dart SP 250, so there you go :^}

    Like 2
  6. Mark F.

    Lol. Rear window for a windshield, hood scoop on the trunk. No wonder there were only 2. I think the other taillights and the convertible top are MG items.

    Like 2
  7. PairsNPaint PairsNPaintMember

    To paraphrase Forrest Gump, “Ugly is as ugly does.”

    Like 1
  8. Melton Mooney

    …and somehow the front still resembles a Beetle.

    Like 1
  9. Claudio

    Rare does not make desirable, this is fugly and overpriced

    YOLO

    Like 3
  10. Bakes

    Needs more lights.

    Also needs to be viewed in a very very dark room.

    Like 2
  11. Steve RM

    The rear end would look a lot better without those Impala taillights. Way too busy.

    Like 1
  12. Jack Quantrill

    Mercy! This is one ugly beast!

    Like 2
  13. MarkO

    Beauty is in the eye of the
    BEASTHOLDER!
    (There is an A$$ for every seat)

    Like 2
    • Jack Quantrill

      You’re right. Neighbor had a Pontiac Aztec. His pride, and joy!

      Like 2
  14. Scott J MARQUISMember

    Some cars are so quirky and awful they’re actually attractive. This isn’t one of those cars.

    Like 3
  15. BCB42

    Why the yellow Westfield Blade(?) in the ad pics?
    Much better car than this!

    Like 0
  16. Tom

    This appears to have been shot at and missed then sh-t at and hit. Sorry.

    Like 1
  17. Jack Quantrill

    These oddball cars generate a lively repartee! Keep them coming.

    Like 2
  18. Wademo

    Fiberglass. Could be made to look better for sure. Even put the body on a front motored chassis. The possibilities are endless, just needs a reasonable price and an energetic buyer.

    Like 0
  19. angliagt angliagtMember

    Looks like it was influenced by a Sabra.

    Like 0

Leave A Comment

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Barn Finds