A week or so ago, we featured another Manta Mirage that wasn’t quite this nice. This Mclaren-esque car was created for the World of Wheels car shows and hasn’t been touched much since. It’s for sale here on eBay and is located in Dandridge, Tennessee. Currently bidding is just over $10,000 but has not yet met the reserve.
The seller tells us they purchased this car out of long-term storage and have spent around $1,200 resurrecting it. Since it still wears it’s original 1976-ish tires, I’d sure replace those before returning it back to the street. How do you like the 1970’s paint scheme? There are a few blemishes in the finish and the seller does a nice job of showing them in the listing pictures.
The business end of the car really looks “the business.” What do you think the offset on the rear wheels are? I certainly like the rear wing and air intake a lot better on this car than on the yellow one!
The interior is similar to the other car, but in better shape. I also like the angling of the gauges towards the driver. The seller was in the middle of exchanging the steering wheel for a shallower one so that they could fit under it and into the car. I was amazed at the size of the sills — look at what you have to slide over to just get into this car!
I love the headers on this engine! The seller has fitted a new carburetor, electronic ignition, distributor, plug wires, plugs and replaced all fluids. I’m pretty sure it’s a small block Chevrolet engine, but I’ll bet you can tell me for sure, and maybe even more information from the picture?
As with the other Mirage, this car features the Kelmark conversion of a Corvair transaxle. Ultimately, this is a kit car, not a Mclaren. But it’s an awful lot less money, whatever the reserve may be. Those of you that liked the yellow one, what do you think of this one? And those that felt the yellow car left something to be desired, does this car answer the issues? Be sure and let us know!
That is bad-ass…. best Manta I’ve seen in a while!
I wonder how strong that Vair transaxle is. I think the internals are the same as a regular Saginaw 4-speed, which wasn’t a paragon of strength. That said, this thing could be made to look like a Porsche 917 or a Chaparral with a little creative body work. Maybe a ZF 5-speed from a Pantera?
1966 and later Corvair four-speeds are basically a Saginaw and 10-bolt combo of internals.
Prefer the air scoop and the rear spoiler on this one.
Looks well executed. So many of these seem to be offered for sale years (or decades) after the original kit buyer gives up. This one looks like you can actually get in and drive it.
Are those Vega tail lights?
– John
I’m guessing that the gull-wing door sections are missing/not included. sourcing those might be difficult, otherwise dry-weather driving only!
I have a laser 917 kit car and this is really the look I love. I’m pretty short and even in the 917 you have to crawl out of it. Not a car you can get out of quickly if you have to.
Better double check the fire extinguisher systems then.
One well done kit car. Some kit cars are very collectable. Sure a Pantera 5spd would make it better. This looks like a lot of fun just the way it is.
I’d lose the rear wing, but keep those mirrors!
Years back I saw what I thought was a kit of a Martini Rossi Team 917. Found out it was the real deal and registered and licensed for the street. Can’t recall what state the plates were as old age is setting in, but still wondering how they got it through state vehicle laws.
It was titled in Alabama I believe.
Too Cool!!
I really like this, but it wouldn’t be the car for me. Unfortunately I am what could be best referred to as a “well-rounded” individual. If I climbed into the cockpit I’d probably have to take up permanent residence unless I had access to a crane. One can live in hope though.
ok – let me rattle some memory boxes – The paint scheme and graphics at first glance reminded me of the Whittington Bros Apache Power Boats March 83G
or am I just showing my age….
sorry Randy Lanier…not Whittington Bros
Bultaco:
You don’t have to wonder about the strength of the Corvair transaxle, as, IIRC, Jim Hall ran them in his Chaparrals, AT no less! (but I would think they were mightily strengthened with factory help).
Hardcastle and McCormick ride again!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oHpWw7L3d4