For some reason the 1970s and early 1980s were the time where so many people tried to launch either short or large run sports cars into the market. Some were scratch built but most were modified versions of factory produced cars. Machines like the DeLorean defined the era but there are others, loads of others that would make a long list of names that are now lost to the sands of history. Before today the Draper Motor Cars Kentera was one of those for us. BangShifter Bob Miller tipped us to the fact that one of these oddballs is for sale in Detroit and while it may not be something that people will be clamoring to collect in 20 years, the thing is bad ass and unique in its own way.

Based off of a late second generation Pontiac Firebird, the car has been hot rodded while maintaining the, ummm, unique look that Kent Draper was trying to achieve. George DeLorean, John DeLorean’s brother built the 12.5:1 compression Super Duty 455 engine under the hood, the thing has Wilwood brakes, Herb Adams suspension parts, and a transmission that the seller claims is a “three speed hooked to a four speed”. We’re thinking that it is a Doug Nash 4+3 but do not know for sure. If so, that hairy 455 seems like it would shatter the thing like a China vase, but that’s just us.

Kent Draper had big plans for his cars and promoted them aggressively. Like so many other attempts, this one did not exactly live up to the hype or the projects sales numbers. If you love Pontiacs and want a unique and interesting off-shoot of the brand’s history, this 1978 Draper Motor Cars Kentera may be the weird whip for you.

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