Here’s yet another one that has escaped my attention, a 1962 “Jamaican” kit body offered by a defunct company known as Fiberfab. I have to admit that I’m amazed at the number of former kit car companies that continue to surface from time to time. Sure, I’m familiar with some of the better-known participants but I missed Fiberfab. That being the case, let’s take a look at this 1962 Jamaican that is domiciled in Franklinville, New York, and sitting on top of an interesting powertrain. It’s available here on craigslist for $11,500. Thanks to Chuck F. for this tip!
Established in 1964, Fiberfab, went through many gyrations, owners, and name alterations before closing its doors in the ’90s. A rejuvenated version of Fiberfab, known as Factory Fiberfab US was founded in 2003 but it does not appear to be currently operating. At the least, Fiberfab offered nineteen different kits that were either bodies for existing manufacturer’s chassis or a body and frame/chassis kit that could be outfitted with various engines. One of Fiberfab’s more memorable creations was the Jamaican, a sort of Lamborghini look-alike that was designed to attach to a Triumph TR3 and TR4 chassis as well as that of an Austin-Healey or an MGA. There was also a Jamaican II that came with a custom frame that would accommodate a V8 engine. Where things get confusing is that the Jamaican wasn’t introduced until 1968 and our seller is labeling his car as a ’62 model. A DMV title would help with the clarification but there isn’t one…
Our example is equipped with an all-new 402 CI small block Chevrolet V8 (perhaps a 400 with a slight overbore?) and a Turbo-Hydramatic 350 automatic transmission; both are positioned upon an all-new frame and rear suspension that includes a complete Mustang II front suspension. Wildwood disc brakes handle the stopping and it’s all energized via a new “Painless” wiring harness. Sounds like a lot of stuff for a car that is laconically described as one that, “runs and drives“.
The design of the body is sharply creased and aggressive but it’s difficult to get a thorough look at it considering its unfinished, and what appears to be patched condition. There do not appear to be any splits, cracks, or significant damage of any kind but a closer view would be needed. There is no reference to things like missing headlights, taillights, bumpers, trim, glass, etc. I must say that the alloy wheels are impressive looking!
One of the biggest issues working against this Jamaican are the off-kilter images – there isn’t one that portrays a complete image of the subject material. And that then places the onus on a potential acquirer to ask for more detail or just determine that it’s not worth the effort to do so. The interior is a case in point – this shot of the instrument panel is it.
Verdict? There has been a huge amount of fabrication and quality parts that have been incorporated into this custom kit car – it has been set up to run! But still, this Jamaican will need a lot of work. The appeal? Probably limited and that little matter of, “The bad… no paperwork” is a problem. The price? That could be a stumbling block too, what do you think?
Is this the hard-to-find ‘Jamaican Mecrazy’?
This is also a first for me. I like it Style I like the V8, the wheels appear to be from a Volkswagen but I like Style
Hey everyone, take a hard pass on this one until the seller reposts with a comprehensive set of photos, and has the necessary papers. Otherwise, it is just another project that this guy is hoping to pass off on someone at an unrealistic price.
There was one of these on that other site I think a while back, on a Healey chassis. It was brilliantly finished, inside and out, and I have to say it was gorgeous – without a doubt the nicest kit car I have ever seen (well, virtually). Had an Italian/American vibe going, sort of like an Apollo. Did NOT have that horrid hood bulge nonsense going on.
cheers,
BT
Horrid hood bulge – indeed! In my world this is a can of worms. To finish this would require a herculean effort, deep pockets, lots of patience and a goodly portion of luck. No thanks.
Yes that hood.
It is completely unnecessary and a standard factory inlet manifold will render that hood obsolete.
Yes, after all the work that went into it, factory is much better.
Anyone know where the front glass can be bought ?
Don’t see anything here worth 11.5K. Did I miss something?
The ultra-ultra rare cowl induction / air scoop induction system?
Founded in 64… but this is a 62????
Let’s not get nit-picky…LOL
220,221, whatever it takes.
Well as I stated in the write-up, the seller refers to it as a ’62 but research claims the Jamaican was introduced in ’68. That was one of the reasons that I suggested the value of a title, the seller probably has the model year wrong.
JO
Those wheels don’t appear to be alloy, but they are for sure the ‘wide 5’ pattern found on oval track cars almost everywhere… The same pattern as found on vintage Fords. To me, they are totally out of place on a sports-type car.
I’m in the final stages if rebuilding a Jamaican. Mine also features a SBC 400ci V8 and a TH350, all on a 1961 Austin-Healey chassis, and titled as such. Kit was originally built after 1967, for sure, but to the law, it’s a ’61. It takes many hundreds of hours to finish one of these correctly. Just installing all the glass – front Corvette, rear Porsche 911, sides 1964 VW Karmann Ghia – can drive a grown man to drink!
Would love to see the finished product Bill.
Certainly wouldn’t be with you…
Not with you
Looks like the car is built for 1/4 mile at a time and you don’t need a title for that. Bunch of go fast goodies. Some states require you to title by the donor chassis.
Lots of issues here. Price too high. Many hours will be involved. I do like the styling. As The guys were saying, could be a lot of headaches, but before you drop the hammer you need to go to your local DMV and see what would be involved to registering, probably would have to be registered as a homebuilt, and they would issue you a seial number, think thats how they do it in NY. You will then have to submit the car to a behind closed doors inspection thats stringent. If you decide, good luck. Happy motoring!
Cheers
GPC
WTF is this comment supposed to mean?
7 ‘thumbs up’? WHY? This has NOTHING to do with the topic. Another liberal that has to put his two cents in…like anybody cares. He needs to be blocked.
His comment was removed by the editorial staff. It was in fact a violation of the No profanity, politics, or personal attacks requirement.
Let’s stick to the topic at hand.
Thx,
JO
This would look a lot better if it was just a solid primer.
My biggest concern is that horrible blind spot in the hood. It may be hard to see where your going.
You’re right. ;)
It won’t matter as it, likely, will never be driven again anyway, lol.
The one I sold a couple of months ago for $2500 , including the trailer, was built on a TR3 chassis, had a TR3B drive train according to the engine number and did have the C2 Corvette windshield and Karmann Ghia door glass and mechanisms, but had a plexiglass rear window. When these things first came out, all of those parts and the basic donor car were available in nearly any pick-a-part knacker’s yard for very little money. I priced a rear glass for mine a couple of years ago, $500. Didn’t need the side windows or regulators, but my search pretty much came up with: find an unattended Karmann Ghia and do a midnight requisition, basically not available at any cost since Ghias are the new darlings of the air-cooled Vee-Dub crowd now along with “Things”. I did have a spare wonky TR3 title hanging around that went with it that hopefully the new caretaker can convince the DMV is the basis for the car. I was never going to finish it (it had once been a complete, running vehicle) and my son was getting more and more upset with it sitting in his driveway.
midnight requisition ?
Most aircools including KGs, are protected in garages these days wrapped in cotton wool.
The car has Wilwood brakes, not Wildwood.
Fixed, thx.
JO
Aren’t Wildwood brakes made in New Jersey?
rounder, rounder plez.
https://www.google.com/search?rls=en&source=univ&tbm=isch&q=fiberfab+jamaican&client=safari&fir=oGP3KaPRasKfWM%252CnY-pP0VWpaLVRM%252C_%253BtMxl_QTWD9_bOM%252CnY-pP0VWpaLVRM%252C_%253BHiexEkLnPU7RnM%252CXXAR9XVrL6oXRM%252C_%253BdINGOUB7Sw44zM%252CXXAR9XVrL6oXRM%252C_%253Bjl2VVK7Gc87HAM%252CO863O0SC1iAfVM%252C_%253BZGsSerbHrMltHM%252CnFrRvBlA74-6KM%252C_%253BcRy-2M4IrWWtqM%252CgtjwhRPrJpNGJM%252C_%253Bup3a6SiliNTBBM%252CVmn1n9WPLFhbIM%252C_%253BeTfgBQowo0IxQM%252CnFrRvBlA74-6KM%252C_%253BbbrLi9ZEEiljXM%252CnY-pP0VWpaLVRM%252C_%253BDeZr56ohDhnDOM%252CXXAR9XVrL6oXRM%252C_%253BDJOUAU8pjcFbeM%252CXXAR9XVrL6oXRM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kRsy3SOnMXdftqZLruZco8iiGSlCg&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi899z88KzzAhVtFlkFHWcWBXcQjJkEegQIBBAC&biw=1183&bih=683&dpr=1
if so it would be closer to the 50s/’60s Italian dreams we saw then
Rounder, rounder plez? Maybe the weirdest comment I’ve seen yet on BF.
The Pinto taillights look, amazingly, at home on this car. I am not normally a fan of kit cars but, after looking at the Google images of Fiberfab Jamaicans, when these cars are done correctly, they are absolutely BEAUTIFUL.
the 402 was a big block chevy used in trucks.super strong block.i used one in my 18’flat bottom boat.100mph on pump gas with a v drive
Yes, I know what a 402 big-block is, but that’s not what’s in this car. It’s clearly a 1987 (center bolt valve covers) or later small-block V8.
JO