Although this kit car almost looks like the wreckage from an alien crash site, it’s actually a Volkswagen Beetle-based kit car from 1970 called an Invader. It’s for sale here on craigslist and is located in Ashby, Minnesota. The seller is only asking $800 for the entire lot. You’ll understand why in a moment.
From here the condition actually doesn’t look bad, and I can even get into the bumpers if I squint. Or kick a field goal through them, one or the other.
And look, it’s got gullwing doors! Wow! In case you are intrigued, I found a link where the original molds were for sale, another one showing a unique load test (click on this one even if you don’t like the car) and another picture showing the kit contents if you bought one new. There is some question whether the car was designed by Bruce Weeks or David Loring, but either way the car is rather unique looking.
Unfortunately, time has taken it’s toll on the interior. And the floor. And the gauges. And, well, just plan on starting over in here. I think I’d look for another bug at this point, although with an $800 asking price if the shape does it for you that might be worth it.
Yeah, that’s asking for a new pan. On the bright side, the engine ran at some point in the past (now there’s a definitive statement!) and there is a clear title. So what do you think? Are you an Invader or an Invadee? Or do you have zero time for this big of a project?
Just think, you could look as cool as this model, but in full color! Note that the doors and headlight treatments on the car for sale are different (I think better, myself).
How cool is this guy? (said with a nod to the 70s) in this shot of the same car as we see above.
I got to say people sure don’t know how to store things do they. They let them sit outside and go to total $h!t and then they want money for a heap of junk. Want does that say about human nature? Any thoughts out there?
From Beetlejuice of course.
Possibly one of the top 3 ugliest kits ever produced…
One of the few occasions I would continue to drive by without even a second look as to what relic sits in the tall grass. Second only to one of those P.O.S. Bricklins. Maybe an errant match to hasten its demise?
OK, I’m generally a supporter of the idea of kit cars, but this one never appealed to me. Not from Day 1. I believe that I still have the copy of Kit Car magazine where the Invader was first announced.
The saying “designed by committee” comes to mind. Where the members of the committee never, ever talked to each other.
Don’t try and title this in Texas, several States are starting to push back on this type of “kit” cars.
I heard something about this. Any links to more details?
Bob, here are two links:
https://jalopnik.com/texas-is-revoking-titles-from-dune-buggies-and-kit-cars-1820177474
2017 http://autoweek.com/article/car-news/texas-dmv-revoking-titles-dune-buggies-and-other-kit-cars
And an older link from 2013 toThe Factory Five Forum
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?10180-No-more-home-made-vehicles-allowed-to-be-registered-in-Texas
More on Google.
Here in Canada (Ontario anyway) insurance is the issue… most companies won’t cover them, or dune buggies. Those that will, charge outrageous premiums…my buddy parted out a dune buggy he spent 5 years building. Existing policy holders were grandfathered, but new owners/policies are screwed.
Test. I’ve tried to post a comment twice but they somehow don’t show up.
Are those turning brakes?
No, they control the flaps for passenger compartment heat. There are ducts through the body from the engine/fan shroud to provide woefully inadequate warmth to the occupants.
I had bell-bottoms like that……
Oh, the car? Fugeddaboudit!
there’s a special kind of dumb … taking a floor pan and running gear from a perfectly good beetle and and making this… A SPECIAL KIND OF FUGLY!
The seventies were so…perky.
LOL, this guy would have to pay me to load the car on a flat bed then pay me mileage to haul it off to the dump! Garbage
Hey there,
Thanks for linking to my website. I just picked up an Invader GT myself. I am NOT a fan of them but this one had a Subaru EJ22T and the price was right. The one you posted has been floating around for many years and has always looked exactly the same.
Landfill!!!