Tuesday, June 4, 2019

Poor Man's Dino: 1979 Kelmark GT Ferrari Kit

Let's face a basic truth. Kit cars aren't for everybody. For everybody who would ever consider owning a kit car, there are probably 50 people who wouldn't touch one..but that only makes them more exclusive and more special...right?  No. Oh.  Okay, well, I still think this would make one sweet daily driver and a much better alternative to a used Honda Corolla ST any day of the week. Find this 1979 Kelmark GT Ferrari Dino Kit offered for $6,500 in Vancouver, WA via craigslist.  Tip from Rock On!

From the seller:

1979 Kelmark GT 
condition: good 
cylinders: 4 cylinders 
drive: rwd 
fuel: gas 
title status: clean 
transmission: manual 
type: coupe 

1979 Kelmark GT, Ferrari Dino replica kit car. This car is complete running and driving, and comfortably handles freeway speeds, The VW type 1 motor has been replaced with a Type 4, 1800cc as would be found in a 914 Porsche, with a new Weber 2bbl. Complete rebuilt front suspension, with disc brake conversion. All brand new wiring with led lighting accents. This car has clear title and is licensed, it draws lots of attention. $6500.

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  1. These things were the cat's ass when I was growing up. The really hot ones had the 455 cubic inch engine and transmission from an Oldsmobile Toronado in them.

  2. I've realized that as I get older, Ferrari ownership becomes less and less likely for several reasons, but mostly cost. I think I could get onboard with a Ferrari replica if A) it was in excellent condition and B) the same purchase price wasn't going to get me something else I prefer. Unfortunately, this car doesn't achieve either for me. It's not bad, but it has needs (terrible LED lights and exhaust at first glance), and $6500 will get me all sorts of other cars I'd like.

  3. I know this one is a disaster however I really like the wheels
    P.S. is a cat's ass a good thing?
    Dingo ate your Dino

    1. +1 on the wheels. They remind me of American Racing "Daisy" wheels (one of my favorites) but with a more tapered spoke. Like a Daisy mixed with a Panasport or Minilite. I wonder who the manufacturer is/was. I'm guessing they're long out of production based on the age of the car.

    2. sean scott said "P.S. is a cat's ass a good thing?"

      I dunno. Our cat seems to be awfully fond of them.

      -Stan (the *other* Stan...)

  4. I had forgotten the Kelmark GT. Probably the most convincing of the near-replicas. Just the door frames that come off a bit heavy. Yes, this one needs to revert to the round rear lights that were on it originally. Seller has chosen strategic but odd camera angles, and some careful special effects. No interior photos, but usually that is the great let-down of these kits.

  5. I've always thought the thick A pillars made
    it look amateurish


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