The brown 917 shown in this brochure has a special place in my heart. I personally have over 200 hrs of wet sanding this car before it went to the pinstriper for its graphics and to its photo shoot for this flyer. After that was done it went to the Mpls/St.Paul airport terminal as a display model. A lot of my blood, sweat & tears went into that car.
I have a build manual for a Laser 917 I built in the early 70’s. I also have dealer info from Elite Enterprise and a personal correspondence from Gerald Knapp about possibly buying his molds and equipment because of his leukemia diagnosis in the mid 70’s. I have some other Elite brochures and a business card as well.
I know very well that in the movie “Herbie goes to Montecarlo” (1977) there is a red Laser 917 used for the shot and racing scenes.
I’d like very much to know more about this car that was shipped there in France in 70s by Mr.Knapp! Thanks
-Andrea
Hi Steve
Was wondering if it would be feasible to get a copy of that buIld manual or are there too many pages to copy?
I purchased number 66 this past May. Also is there anybody still making little bits like the headlight covers? Willing to pay a little for the copy.
Thanks
Joe
Hi there, my name is Andrea ,I’m Italian and i am a Herbie Fan!
(The White Beetle whit n° 53 on the side and stripes)
So I know very well that in the movie “Herbie goes to Montecarlo” (1977) there is a red Laser 917 used for the shot and racing scenes.
I’d like very much to know more about this car that was shipped there in France in 70s!
Someone know any info about? Have you got any info where are those cars now? Any special/rare photos from archives in 1977?? Thanks
And how I can contact Mr.knapp? I know he was the owner of Elite Enterprises, Inc in Cokato, MN that built those cars for Disney! Please, let me know soon! It’s important for my experience…
PS: Who can I contact for more info? Thanks of everything
-Andrea
ANDREA,
The 917 from Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo is at the Hollywood Star Cars Museum in Gatlinburg, TN. USA. Website is starcarstn.com I got some great photos there to help with my 917 project.
That car in Gatlinburg is NOT one of the TWO cars used in ‘Herbie goes to Monte Carlo.’ It is the later body style and has the incorrect graphics on it. I illustrate this point very clearly in my book ‘THE Elite Enterprises Laser 917 Enthusiast’s Guide’.
I have been to the museum and have seen their car. Ironically, the car in Gatlinburg does have the notoriety of being the example used by the Porsche Club of America in the 2017 ‘Top 5 Worst Porsche-inspired atrocities of all time’ rankings, coming in at 4th place.
We have a book published in 78 by Elite Enterprises “Laser 917 Technical Engineering Manual and Construction Guide” Any idea of what is it worth? I cant find another one on the net. The size of the book closed is 18.5×14.5. Have pictures here: http://jimsaircooled.com/laser_917_guide
Just sold one for a Bradley GT 2 for $45 on eBay. I would put it there with a starting bid of $19.99 and see where it gets you. You know, just like with kit cars its only worth what the end user will pay for it. Me personally would not pay $45 but hey someone will.
Madlee. Im not sure what sort of wiring diagram you are looking for. If you are trying to use the old wiring that came with your car I would not. My advice would be to rip it all out and go with a Rebel Wiring kit. save yourself a lot of hassle
Thank you, Do you know if there is a specific model or part number for the rebel wiring harness? I would like to have the more modern features, like support for radio, and other power options,hid lighting things of that sort.
If you are looking for more circuits to power things I would just go with the Rebel Wire VW Bug Universal Harness -12 Volt . It is 12 circuit and more then enough for everything. $199 and you are done. Not to mention they are a breeze to install
Hello German,
I recently acquired s/n 008 (in competition yellow) of 649 produced. Mine is an ‘A’ body with no quarter windows. As Donnie says, the value will be in what a buyer is willing to pay. Mine was restored 6 years ago and has some minor visible wear on the body finish and shows some stress cracking typical of a 46 year old fiberglass body. That said, it is in near perfect interior condition with a screaming 1.6L engine and was worth the $8k I bought it for. I would have put more than that into building a $1200-2000 project up to this level of finish.
I am looking for a owner of a Laser that can tell me a little bit more about what i have …..It is a Laser 917 with ultra low miles under 300 …It was left to me by my father in-law and is yellow and purple any help would be great. Our plans are to sell her I just don’t want to get ripped. Once again Thank You very much
Adam
Somebody tell me how to get in touch with the manufacturer or patent holder of the 917 in Cokato, MN. I need an address or contact name. I have to get an original for my car.
You cant get in touch with anyone that was originally involved in Elite Enterprises. I have attempted to contact one of the sons of the original owners with no luck. There was another company years later that introduced the “Syncro” 917 but you wont get in touch with them either.
What is it you are trying to get?
Sandra B Overton lol
May 4, 2018 at 5:53 pm - Reply
Check the FB Laser 917 Owner’s Group. Mark Clapp makes the clear plastic for various years. My headlight covers are 6 years old and look brand new. I just ordered door windows so I can remove the round pop-out vents.
The brown 917 shown in this brochure has a special place in my heart. I personally have over 200 hrs of wet sanding this car before it went to the pinstriper for its graphics and to its photo shoot for this flyer. After that was done it went to the Mpls/St.Paul airport terminal as a display model. A lot of my blood, sweat & tears went into that car.
I have a build manual for a Laser 917 I built in the early 70’s. I also have dealer info from Elite Enterprise and a personal correspondence from Gerald Knapp about possibly buying his molds and equipment because of his leukemia diagnosis in the mid 70’s. I have some other Elite brochures and a business card as well.
I know very well that in the movie “Herbie goes to Montecarlo” (1977) there is a red Laser 917 used for the shot and racing scenes.
I’d like very much to know more about this car that was shipped there in France in 70s by Mr.Knapp! Thanks
-Andrea
Hi Steve
Was wondering if it would be feasible to get a copy of that buIld manual or are there too many pages to copy?
I purchased number 66 this past May. Also is there anybody still making little bits like the headlight covers? Willing to pay a little for the copy.
Thanks
Joe
Hi steve, I was looking to get more info on elite enterprises are they still in business did someone take over the co?
Hello Steve do you still have the build Manuel and information on building a 917
Would love to get a copy of the build manual especially the wiring diagram
Pete
Hey Pete what “Series” is your 917?
Hi there, my name is Andrea ,I’m Italian and i am a Herbie Fan!
(The White Beetle whit n° 53 on the side and stripes)
So I know very well that in the movie “Herbie goes to Montecarlo” (1977) there is a red Laser 917 used for the shot and racing scenes.
I’d like very much to know more about this car that was shipped there in France in 70s!
Someone know any info about? Have you got any info where are those cars now? Any special/rare photos from archives in 1977?? Thanks
And how I can contact Mr.knapp? I know he was the owner of Elite Enterprises, Inc in Cokato, MN that built those cars for Disney! Please, let me know soon! It’s important for my experience…
PS: Who can I contact for more info? Thanks of everything
-Andrea
ANDREA,
The 917 from Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo is at the Hollywood Star Cars Museum in Gatlinburg, TN. USA. Website is starcarstn.com I got some great photos there to help with my 917 project.
Hello Anthony,
That car in Gatlinburg is NOT one of the TWO cars used in ‘Herbie goes to Monte Carlo.’ It is the later body style and has the incorrect graphics on it. I illustrate this point very clearly in my book ‘THE Elite Enterprises Laser 917 Enthusiast’s Guide’.
I have been to the museum and have seen their car. Ironically, the car in Gatlinburg does have the notoriety of being the example used by the Porsche Club of America in the 2017 ‘Top 5 Worst Porsche-inspired atrocities of all time’ rankings, coming in at 4th place.
-Steve C.
I just brought home #10 49er un assembled… I need a few parst.. like the pass. side window and hinges, also the rear hatch window assy.
Do you know what the windshield came out of.??? Need it desperately I have all the other windows and replaced them with Lexan due to the weight
Hey Skip, The windshield is from an Opel GT
We have a book published in 78 by Elite Enterprises “Laser 917 Technical Engineering Manual and Construction Guide” Any idea of what is it worth? I cant find another one on the net. The size of the book closed is 18.5×14.5. Have pictures here:
http://jimsaircooled.com/laser_917_guide
Just sold one for a Bradley GT 2 for $45 on eBay. I would put it there with a starting bid of $19.99 and see where it gets you. You know, just like with kit cars its only worth what the end user will pay for it. Me personally would not pay $45 but hey someone will.
Thanks
i also would like a wiring diagram i have 917-0586 i think its a “D” body.Sure am glad i found this website
Madlee. Im not sure what sort of wiring diagram you are looking for. If you are trying to use the old wiring that came with your car I would not. My advice would be to rip it all out and go with a Rebel Wiring kit. save yourself a lot of hassle
Thank you, Do you know if there is a specific model or part number for the rebel wiring harness? I would like to have the more modern features, like support for radio, and other power options,hid lighting things of that sort.
If you are looking for more circuits to power things I would just go with the Rebel Wire VW Bug Universal Harness -12 Volt . It is 12 circuit and more then enough for everything. $199 and you are done. Not to mention they are a breeze to install
Hi have a Porsche 917 in great condition can anyone tell me how many we’re built,and what it might be worth ? ,text me or call 443-635-2436 Thankx.
Its not rare and its worth what your buyer will pay . Look around at some past sales to get a better idea.
Hello German,
I recently acquired s/n 008 (in competition yellow) of 649 produced. Mine is an ‘A’ body with no quarter windows. As Donnie says, the value will be in what a buyer is willing to pay. Mine was restored 6 years ago and has some minor visible wear on the body finish and shows some stress cracking typical of a 46 year old fiberglass body. That said, it is in near perfect interior condition with a screaming 1.6L engine and was worth the $8k I bought it for. I would have put more than that into building a $1200-2000 project up to this level of finish.
I am looking for a owner of a Laser that can tell me a little bit more about what i have …..It is a Laser 917 with ultra low miles under 300 …It was left to me by my father in-law and is yellow and purple any help would be great. Our plans are to sell her I just don’t want to get ripped. Once again Thank You very much
Adam
i just bought one for 4000. call so we can talk 630 207 6076
I have one and I love it. I will keep it forever. #384
ELITE ENTERPRISES, INC. of P. O. BOX A-F, 690 EAST THIRD ST., COKATO MINNESOTA 55321 .
Somebody tell me how to get in touch with the manufacturer or patent holder of the 917 in Cokato, MN. I need an address or contact name. I have to get an original for my car.
Hi Barbara,
You cant get in touch with anyone that was originally involved in Elite Enterprises. I have attempted to contact one of the sons of the original owners with no luck. There was another company years later that introduced the “Syncro” 917 but you wont get in touch with them either.
What is it you are trying to get?
Is anyone still looking for the manual?
I sent you an email.
I have 0561 red #23
I have a Laser 917. Need windows, headlight covers & hardware. Can anybody help?
Check the FB Laser 917 Owner’s Group. Mark Clapp makes the clear plastic for various years. My headlight covers are 6 years old and look brand new. I just ordered door windows so I can remove the round pop-out vents.