Interesting, isn’t it? Lifting canopy roof, side pipes, a look that at some angles looks stunning and other angles absolutely comical. The forward third makes me think of what a Kellison J6 would look like if it had a second generation and the rear third hints at the AMX/3, if only barely. It’s listed as a 1967 Sterling, and in some elements (mainly the roof treatment) it does resemble a Sterling Nova kit car. But unlike the VW-powered version, this one packs a GM 350/automatic and should be a riot to drive. Does that make it desirable enough to own?
There is no real detailed information about what donated it’s life for the chassis, the suspension setup or anything else, so you’ll have to make your own guess. The 350 and the automatic should be the least of your troubles, and the seller has made sure things like the canopy’s hydraulics, drive systems and basic safety items have been addressed. There are issues that need to be addressed, such as the repairs to the air-conditioning system and the installation of a wiper system (he admits he got lazy and never bothered with it) but he also has put over 4,000 miles on the car trouble-free.
The interior certainly has that homemade feel and could use some upgrading, and if you’re taller than five-foot-ten you might have some fitment issues, but it’s simple and everything looks straightforward. Besides, it’s a kit car…if you don’t like it, redo it to your fashion! Just please, somebody, do something about that repurposed Armco barrier that’s serving time as the car’s spoiler. Anything would be better than that!
So what do you think? In our opinion, there’s hope, but there’s work that needs to happen before it’s up to par: good brakes, better wheels and tires, a visual touch here and there and you’ll end up with a one-of-a-kind that could be ballistic and leave everybody asking the same question: “WTF was that?!”
eBay Link: 1967 Sterling
we had those in Australia – here they were called a Purvis Eureka (with the VW floorpan..) and you’re right about the height thing! In the 80’s I was ` recovering ‘ from a lurid night out on the town and wandered past an upmarket indoor car yard and as I peered in the window there was a red one sitting there looking nice….and they wanted $4,999 for it. I went in for a look and the salesman, sensing a sale, says get in! try it out! So I sat in it, very comfy (with the canopy up) – but I’m 6 foot 3….so he goes to shut the canopy, it contacts my head, and wont shut by a good few inches but he may not have been able to see that from where he was sorta above it so he gave it a hard shove. Not enough to click it shut but enough to screw my neck up! So 10 minutes after I saw the car I was on my way to the chiropractor!! Needless to say I didn’t buy it…
They need to take the drugs away from the designers.
Overall, pretty cool looking. Just a couple issues…. The wing has to go, the hood scoop/bubble whatever is kinda goofy, and replace the trailer rims with something nice.
ANGRYJOE says he’d drive it…but would make a few alterations for the better….wheels, tires being first on the list…then address the interior….brakes and suspension….I could see it being a fun car to own….Me and the boy would have a blast with it.
I dig it. I agree with others on the hood scoop, wheels and wing. I think it would look cool with dual 6-71 blowers sticking out and absolutely massively wide wheels in the back. Chrome anything seen. Top it off with a sick lace, flake, candy, panel paint job and a white tuck and roll or grey tweed and billet interior then hit the summer nationals.
Oh, I could have an absolute ball with that little bastard! There’s tons of stuff I would change, but I could be content driving that as is for awhile.
I’m thinking vintage road racer theme. Bright paint, stripe, and a big ol cue ball with a #13 in it. Also ditch the wing and throw on a set of classic American racing 200s wheels and spinners.