Does anybody have any idea how many Californian Speedsters FiberFab built under their own name?
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I suspect NONE! FiberFab pioneered some unique, outstanding (albeit difficult to build) kit cars: Aztek, Jamacia, ClodHopper, Bugatti, Banshee, Scarab (3 wheeler motorcycle powered), Jet-a-Boat, etc. Many were NOT VW pan based but included: AH 3000/MGA/TR 3/4 chassis and various V8 engines (too many variations for the companies profitability).
CMC got their initial Speedster molds and tooling from IM (Automobili Intermeccanica) in 1979/80 when Frank Reisner sold his 50% to Tony Baumgartner. CMC used FF to further their marketing of the Speedster but don't believe FF flashed any bodies or completed subframes - they just sold CMC models on their invoices and suppled FF emblems. FF had a big dealer/parts network established). I found nothing saying they actually built them through online resources. Not sure when the California flared model or the later 359 model molds came about - one says C was from the onset.
Online, I found -
In 1982 Fiberfab’s largest competitor, Classic Motor Carriages, purchased the company and renamed it Fiberfab International. Classic Motor Carriages had little interest in the designs originated by Fiberfab and were primarily interest in obtaining the trade name and dealer network. Fiberfab produced and continued a handful of models under the Classic Motor Carriages brand name, but most where discontinued and eventually
By the mid-1980s Fiberfab’s focus was marketing CMC products such as the Gazelle (1929 Mercedes-Benz SSK), 427 Cobra (Shelby replica), Porsche 356A Speedster, etc., and all original Fiberfab designs, save for the MiGi II, were abandoned and the original Fiberfab molds left to rot behind CMC’s Miami manufacturing facility.
The most popular post-merger product was the Speedster, which was sold as a turn-key vehicle or an unassembled kit intended for the customer or, in many cases, third-party constructors. It was built using the existing CMC molds and merely re-badged as a Fiberfab – Fiberfab had nothing to do with the replica’s development.
Two versions were initially available ???), the stock-appearing “Speedster” and the club racing-style “Speedster Californian.” Some of these cars were finished to a very high standard, with actual Porsche interiors, emblems and hardware and I know of several replica Speedster owners who regularly pass them off as the real deal. Added several years later was the Fiberfab Speedster 359, a polarizing 911-style roadster which many Porsche enthusiasts consider to be an abomination.
I Have a FiberFab build manual dated 6/85 - content is the same as the CMC one.
Amazing how hard it is to find info on early kit cars - like how many produced - even on those companies that existed for years.
I was wondering because mine has a FiberFab serial number plaque. This clearsup the confusion. Thanks
Here's supporting link - Donnie apparently worked for CMC back in the '80's -
Fiberfab Speedster (fiberclassics.org)
The Fiberfab Speedster was the same exact car as the Classic Motor Carriages Speedster. It was marketed as a Fiberfab after CMC purchased them to make the brand more appealing.
Another interesting link -
USA - Fiberfab (1964–1996) (motor-car.net)
I'd love to find a FF Bonito in US!
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@WOLFGANG, I see Bonitos mentioned from time to time on thesamba.
BTW, Congrats on recognizing the Jensen Healeys. People who can identify that make/model are very few, indeed.