This little beast was first built in 2000, and the owner supposedly COMPLETELY (his or her caps, not mine) rebuilt it in 2013. Per the seller, the suspension, steering, brakes, differential & axles all came from a Mazda Miata originally, but the seller reworked the suspension; so it’s not clear how much Miata is left. This is claimed to be an adult go-kart and we can see how it could be lots of fun, but we’d sure like to know how it handles, given the unknown suspension.
Power comes from a GM crate 2.8 liter V6. This engine was infamously a dog in the Chevy S-10, but we hold out hope that it motivates this sub-2000 pound vehicle with aplomb.
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Caldwell, ID, US
$5,200 with one bid, $7,200 BIN and 4.5 days to go
Styling, such as it is, is of the buggy variety. We’d love to know the source of that windscreen. Any guesses?
Profile is pure buggy, but without any pretense of off-road capability. As does the seller, we see a bit of Ariel Atom here, but in a homebrew sense.
Truck box is a nice touch considering there would otherwise be zero secure storage. Actually, the spare is also a practical and welcome sight on a custom like this.
Rear view is pure utilitarian with lights likely sourced from a trailer.
Interior is appropriately spartan with typical Grant GT-type steering wheel and metal everywhere. This does have a decent gauge count – another touch missing from many customs.
Seats have Pep Boys Covers and don’t appear to offer much lateral support. We do see lap belts to keep people in, though.
Chrome valve covers dress up this little V6 nicely. This one features a two-barrel carb and we have no idea how much power it puts out.
Here’s the odd front suspension.
And the double coilover rear.
Ad text:
CUSTOM SPORTS/STREET ROADSTER
Not a Lotus 7, Not a Caterham, Not an Ariel Atom…
BUT… it is a “FUN RIDE” (NO the license plate does NOT go with it!) it is MY version of one of those but at a much more reasonable NO RESERVE opening bid of $5,200.00 or a “BUY IT NOW” PRICE OF $7,200.00. $500.00 NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT at auction end or $1,000.00 NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT if you choose the “buy it now” option. Balance due in the form of CASH ONLY at time of pick up in Caldwell, ID. (Near Boise)
I am reluctantly putting my roadster up for sale… and ONLY because I need funds for my newest project. Serious ONLY!
The cage portion of the chassis was welded up and titled as special construction in 2000 with an assigned VIN.
I COMPLETELY re-built it in 2013. I have a clear Idaho title in my name.
I call it my “Adult Go-Kart” for the street. It corners and handles like a go-kart or a slalom racer! The suspension, steering, brakes, differential & axles are all Mazda Miata but I replaced the struts with double coil-overs on the rear and race style rocker-arm suspension and coil-overs on the front. It rides very smoothly, almost NO lean in the corners due to excellent sway bars. It RUNS very well and handles EXCEPTIONALLY!
It has less than 4,000 FUN miles since completion. It has been in several car shows in Colorado, Utah, & Idaho including Emmett Show & Shine and Payette in the park. Always draws lots of attention due to it being quite UNIQUE! You may have seen it with blue fiberglass body panels which do come with it… BUT I like it much better with just the aluminum cowl and windshield as shown in the photos.
The engine is a crate 2.8V6 GM which could be put in a 1987 Camaro or a 1980 Chevy Citation which is how it is currently set up with a re-man 2 barrel progressive carb & standard vacuum advance distributor With coil ignition which makes it emissions exempt in Idaho.
It is mated to a 1985 Camaro T-5 manual trans giving you a 5 speed with overdrive! A custom driveshaft connects the transmission to the Mazda Miata differential.
Almost everything mechanical was new or re-built in 2013:
crate long block, carb, starter, water pump, alternator, flywheel & clutch, brake rotors & pads, custom aluminum radiator & electric fan, tires, gauges, switches, etc. It has hydraulic clutch & brakes plus a hand parking brake to be legal.
It is well engineered and a quality build. It weighs about 1700 #. The “parts” to build it cost almost what I am asking for it with nothing added for my 800 HOURS to build it!
It is locked in a garage in Caldwell, ID, and I am happy to show it to any SERIOUSLY interested person who has the CASH!
There are lots of PHOTOS that show the details and will answer most of your questions. Please call Bob with any questions at 208/xxx-xxxx.