Now listed here on eBay, this 1980 Elite Laser 917 represents one of the more intriguing and uncommon kit cars ever built. According to the seller, this example is number 549 out of roughly 650 produced by Elite Enterprises. Based on the legendary Porsche 917 race car, these kits were originally designed to be mounted on Volkswagen Beetle platforms. However, this particular Laser 917 has been modified far beyond its original intent, it now sits on a custom tube chassis with Porsche 914 front and rear suspension and a Buick 231 V6 mounted mid-engine.
The seller explains that the car has been part of an estate and is being sold as a project vehicle. It’s noted that the engine hasn’t been started in six to eight years, though the cylinders have been treated and the engine turns freely, not locked up. It features a Holley intake and carburetor, and is paired to a Porsche 914 five-speed side-shift transmission. It also includes disc brakes all around, though the lines and calipers will need replacement before any real driving can take place.
As expected for a long-stored project, the seller reports that it’s wearing its original gel coat, which shows some fading and minor cracks. The pans are described as shot, though they’re simply flat stock metal that could be replaced during restoration. Two of the roller wheels won’t hold air, and the windshield reportedly has a flaw along the lower edge where the laminate (PVB) is separating slightly.
Despite its needs, the foundation is appealing. The car’s tube chassis setup, mid-engine layout, and 914 components make it far more advanced than the typical Beetle-based Laser 917 kits of the time. The package also comes with build manuals, books, and assorted parts, as pictured in the listing. It’s being sold with no title, as one was never issued, and is available for local pickup only.
The Elite Laser 917 kits have become increasingly collectible among fans of period kit cars and oddball recreations. While purists might look elsewhere, enthusiasts of creative engineering and unique fiberglass projects will recognize the rarity and potential here. The mid-engine design and Porsche-based running gear give this example a leg up over many similar kits that relied on simple VW underpinnings.
For the right builder, this could be a one-of-a-kind chance to bring a vintage Laser 917 back to life, and perhaps even put a fresh spin on one of the most memorable home-built sports cars of the 1970s and ’80s.
Would you take on a rare project like this one, or leave it as a preserved piece of kit car history?
When i was young i wanted one of these. The more photos i see the worse it gets.
917 has a beautiful, brutal style, shaped in the wind tunnel. This not so much.
There goes the neighborhood
One of my HS classmates had one of these our senior year. His was yellow. Just the garden-variety VW underpinnings, not what this one has. The smell of the interior always made me think of Six Flags.
Looking at the conversion, I see what probably stopped this one in its tracks. Noting where the front of the engine is, your almost going to have to sit next to it its so far forward. I also noted in the photos while the comments address the delaminating on the windshield, nothing is said about the crack running down from the top. What I see here is a great start to a simple project. Remove this body from its chassis, install on donor VW pan, drive.
No way jose!! I will pass ! Period bad taste! Happened to be in know the real thing ! Is by far some cheap resemble lines !
Awesome. Now I just need to source an air-cooled flat 12 to complete it.
They’re even uglier in person.
If it were green, it might- even more strongly- resemble the Praying Mantis.