I was very surprised to see this ultra-rare car — probably the only one I’ve ever seen other than the one in the brochure. I can’t imagine that more than a handful exist… Probably the least well-known of Kellison’s designs, the VW-based Shark to me is reminiscent of the Invader GT at the front, but without the awkward rear end. Whoever buys this — asking price “best offer” — is going to have a very special piece of American automotive history. The car is located near Sacramento. Contact Brian at 650hitter@comcast.net.
I know very little about the Shark, other than it fits on a shortened VW chassis and was originally sold by “Lincoln Industries” and also was called the “Wild Thing”, selling for $575 in 1966. When Kellison bought the rights to it in 1968, they soon changed the name to the “Dagger” (presumably because they had a J-series vehicle called Shark). Any info on this vehicle is appreciated.
I just ran across another guise for this car. If you check Petersen’s Volkswagen Book #4 on pages 132 and 134, it’s a Mantis Aegean Coupe, with the headlight covers filled in. (and some really ugly hubcaps)
I just ran across another guise for this car. If you check Petersen’s Volkswagen Book #4 on pages 132 and 134, it’s a Mantis Aegean Coupe, with the headlight covers filled in. (and some really ugly hubcaps)
Can you post any pictures from that book? I can’t find that version for sale anywhere. I bought the Invader GT-5 Listed a few pages back on this site (The yellow one with low profile wheels and tyres). I’ve been trying to figure out what it is exactly. It has many features that are exactly like this Kellison shark but many others that are quite different. The Seller said the original dashboard (that he removed) said “Mantis Targa” The body looks like a Kaylor GT-5 that the previous owner modified. I have not been able to find any information on “Mantis” kit cars.
Thanks
Schmitty
Can you post any pictures from that book? I can’t find that version for sale anywhere. I bought the Invader GT-5 Listed a few pages back on this site (The yellow one with low profile wheels and tyres). I’ve been trying to figure out what it is exactly. It has many features that are exactly like this Kellison shark but many others that are quite different. The Seller said the original dashboard (that he removed) said “Mantis Targa” The body looks like a Kaylor GT-5 that the previous owner modified. I have not been able to find any information on “Mantis” kit cars.
Thanks
Schmitty
Schmitty,
Sorry, I don’t have picture sending capability.
The car you bought would seem to be the one that was on Craig’s List in Springfield, OR. I see the resemblance to a Shark in the front wheel openings, and the upswept side windows, but I’d say that’s concidence.
As far as Mantis Cars goes, the article says to contact Dave Loring / Loring Productions PO Box 667, Port Orford, OR, 97465.
Schmitty,
Sorry, I don’t have picture sending capability.
The car you bought would seem to be the one that was on Craig’s List in Springfield, OR. I see the resemblance to a Shark in the front wheel openings, and the upswept side windows, but I’d say that’s concidence.
As far as Mantis Cars goes, the article says to contact Dave Loring / Loring Productions PO Box 667, Port Orford, OR, 97465.
Thanks for the info Gary. I think I have the mystery mostly solved. I purchased a Mantis brochure on ebay. It turns out that what I have is a Mantis Aegean Coupe II. Dave Loring explains in the brochure that the petersons guide has the Aegean coupe 1 mixed up with the Mantis Gazelle. He also explains in a hand written letter to whomever he sent this brochure (in 1977). That Kellison “ripped off” his design with the shark. The back of the Shark pictured here looks exactly like my car before the previous owner modified it.
Schmitty,
It’s 7-2-09, and there’s a book #4 on The Samba. Ad #744080.