Hey everyone,

Of of our long time readers, Rick, us parting ways with his Factory Build Sterling. This car was one of 3 built at the sterling factory and was used for print advertisements, and other promos. This car is really nice. Since rescuing it Rick has put many sleepless nights to make this one of the finest sterling examples you will see. I could talk about it all day but I am just going to quote his eBay auction.

Here we go – one of (3) factory built Sterling kits used in their advertisements. Built by the R&W Automotive company in 1975, the car was used extensively to promote the brand. Featured in the Midwest Component Cars ad slicks, along with the other two built, this car toured the country briefly before being bought by a doctor in Philadelphia. A year later it was sold to a collector just west of Pittsburgh were it stayed for more than 30 years. I purchased it in 2011 after hearing of the owner’s illness and being contacted by the family. It has always been garage kept. The paint, while showing wear and tear, is original – all handpainted by R&W.

The interior is mostly original, I’ve dropped the floor pans full length and swapped the seats for more comfort. Originally outfitted with A/C, I’ve upgraded the system and is fully remote controlled. The A/C will need charged, but all components are new and in place. Engine is a fresh 2056 type4 from FAT Performance, equipped with dual 40 Weber DCNF’s. The engine isn’t even out of it’s run-in period yet! The engine is ripe for a fuel injection system. The Webers work, but could be better. I’ve also fabricated a custom exhaust with a collector that incorporates a unique water fueled heat system, more for a proof of concept than anything else. It does work – quite a bit too well – and as a proof of concept needs refined to handle the heat. As such, the exhaust should be redone as it hangs quite low under the chassis. I can direct with some ideas on how to accomplish that. Engine also has a full compliment of gauges – including aircraft grade cylinder head temps with a single digital readout at the dash (gauge to the left of the radio).

The car has new disc brakes on all four corners (with e-brake), a custom 11 gallon fuel tank installed in the stock location and a re-manufactured freeway flyer transaxle complete with mid-mount support and full Kafer bar system to held support and spread the weight of the T4 engine.

A full build thread can be found here – don’t forget the www at the front and the .html at the back of the link: (sterlingkitcars.com/members_n_forums/builders-journals-see-our-projects/507-sterling-100aa) showing all the trials and tribulations along the way. Overall the car presents very well. It is always the hit of any aircooled show, getting gas is an adventure all it’s own.

I will include a set of OE fiberglass seats with covers that were in the car initially to the winning bidder. I’m doing that because they will gain you about an inch of headroom for the sacrifice of comfort. The seats in currently are modified Miata seats – they are comfortable, recline (needed) but may sit too high for some people.

I will state here: if you are more than 6′ tall, or are on the, shall we say, ‘average American weight’ side you will likely not fit or fit comfortably. Driving position is laid back and can be claustrophobic for some people. Please do your research before bidding. For local bidders, tours of the car are welcomed and encouraged. KNOW WHAT YOU ARE BUYING! It is not a daily driver or commuter, though some owners in sunnier and warmer climes have done that. It will require periodic maintenance as any Volkswagen base kit.

Parts are still available through Sterling Sports Cars in PA.

A non-refundable deposit of $1500.00 is due within 24 hours of the winning bid. Balance to be paid before pick-up or at time of pick-up in person. Cash or certified funds only for the balance – PayPal ok for the deposit. Will help load within reason for shipping. Titled, registered and inspected in PA.

Starting bid for this gem is $8,000 and the BIN is $16,500. I have not asked but I am going to guess his reserve is somewhere in between hahaha. And yes I know we knock a lot of other high priced kit cars but this one is unique and not some hacked up bradley with a fresh rattle can paint job.

You can see the everything you need to know about it (what was not above) here http://www.sterlingkitcars.com/members_n_forums/builders-journals-see-our-projects/507-sterling-100aa.html

Below are a few pics. Want the rest? Click on the link and check out the auction here http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=2&pub=5575009554&toolid=10001&campid=5337106048&customid=&icep_item=151867440840&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg