In 1967 my family moved from Woodstock, NY to Orange, CA. I was going into 5th grade. My Dad took me to a Can Am race at Riverside Raceway. If I remember correctly, the Can Am series was an all out, no rules, run what you brung series. As I watched those cars I fell in love. That race started my passion for unique cars. Then in the early 70's I saw a movie called "Gone in 60 seconds". In the movie was a car that looked like a Can Am car. I found out that it was a kit car. It was the Manta Mirage. It used a SBC mid mounted, hooked up to an inverted Corvair trans axle and used VW bug front suspension.
Over the years I've built a car from a kit and I've built a few from scratch. My latest build was my Cheetah inspired build. I detailed that build here. I've always wanted to get a Manta Mirage body and build it with good suspension. Last week I came across an unfinished kit for the Manta. The project was for sale. What was cool to me is that the builder had installed C5 Corvette rear suspension. He also had installed a tubular, Mustang based front suspension. The kit had the rare DOT legal windshield, wheels with new tires, fuel tanks, the original snap in interior, a frame and all of the body parts. I made a phone call and purchased it on the spot. I'm picking it up in a couple of weeks. I feel lucky to find this!
I seem to always need a project. I think that I'll pull the front suspension off and replace it with C4 parts. I have a couple of those in my shop. About 15 years ago I purchased an LS1 out of a wrecked Camaro. This summer I had the engine gone through by an engine building company. It's all refreshed and ready to go. I'll install it and probably use a Boxter S 6 speed trans axle. Once I get the frame I'll decide if I can use it, if it needs modifying or if I need to build a new frame. I have some ideas on how I might modify the car as well.
Here are some pictures of a couple of Mantas and of the parts that I've purchased. Having fun