Robert writes, “Here are some pics of my car. I’ve recently been in contact with the people who designed this car and have been learning much about it and the history surrounding it as well. The prototype was called a Gazelle and was developed by ex Fiberfab employees who were fed up with FF’s lack of quality in their manufacturing techniqes. The company was Hebina Plastics and they were on to something good. In 1969 they were up against some difficulties so they sold the company to yet another FF dissident who was ready to start doing things “right” and it became Voegele industries. Here is an exerpt from the letter I received:”
I was able to buy Hebina Plastics for not much cash and I was determined to bring to market a classic sports coupe which contained quality features heretofore unknown in the world of “kit” cars….Built in steel roll bar, steel tubing beneath the doors, steel door frames & jambs with piano hinges joining them, steel tubing within the doors (this later became standard in all cars for crash protection. In our case, the intent was to maintain the dimensional integrity of the FRP doors). We also had separate pieces of molded FRP for headliners and as innerliners for the hood, trunk, and headlight covers, as well as the doors. One of the biggest quality features that we added lay with the resin we used. We bought isophthalic polyester resin when the rest of the competitive was using orthothalic resins. The cost difference was only something like $100 per car, but it gave us much improved strength and, more important, dimensional integrity. That is, each part would better keep its molded shape.
Anyway, we made a number of minor changes to the original Gazelle shape (dual headlight covers, hood and rear quarter window options, etc.) and we developed packages such as instrumentation, wiring harnesses, upholstery options, etc. We had a pretty good thing going for us. We hired a sharp local guy (Ron Mitchell) as our Sales Manager. He had worked with J. Walter Thompson Co. (advertising) on the Ford account in Detroit. Like me, Ron loved cars. By the way, I was commuting some 60 miles from Walnut Creek during much of this period.
I won’t get into the blow-by-blow of our experiences at this point, but suffice it to say that we worked very hard. I remember, at one point, being awake for three days and three nights without sleep when we were preparing to exhibit in the New York International Car Show in (I think) 1970. That, too, is another story.
In all, we sold some 150 Amante’s, including one in England, one in the Orient, and one somewhere in the Middle East. In 1970, the economy took a turn for the worse, and our business fell off dramatically.
“As you can see, she’s a rare car indeed. I would like to help get the word out on this quality built component car and if anyone has questions, please contact me at rherron@smwireless.net.”
So nice to see this article on the Amante GT. I have one that was never finished, but plan on finishing it myself soon. Very excited now after seeing what a finished product can look like!
So nice to see this article on the Amante GT. I have one that was never finished, but plan on finishing it myself soon. Very excited now after seeing what a finished product can look like!
i just pick up a amante gt #ca pwb-3-70-101 to fix up and drive. bruce wilkerson arlingtion texas
i have an amante gt also were are you located?
arlingtion texas(fort worth/dallas texas)bruce.wilkerson@tx.rr.com .I like to have a assembly manual for the amante GT think you bruce wilkerson arlingtion texas
Hi,
I enjoyed your story about Hebina Plastics and Voegele Industries. They used to be at 858 Aldo Avenue, in Santa Clara, CA. A couple of decades ago, I bought an Amante GT that was advertised in the Auto Trader as a “Ferrari NAE”, whatever that is. I bought the car and transported it home to play with, and at the same time, I advertised in the Auto Trader. To my surprise, someone called me almost immediately and offered to buy the car at the advertised price. The purchaser turned out to be John Hebbler – the “Heb” part of Hebina Plastics. He went over the car thoroughly enough to find some of the original gel coat that had not been painted. From the color – red – he told me that this was the third Gazelle out of the molds, and the only one they had ever made with red gelcoat. He paid me and drove the car away to Clear Lake, where he lived.
Tom
Hi, I have 2 of these cars, one on a vw right hand drive chasis and the other, just the body, less wind shield and trim. I am interested in finding more info on these especially the type of glass used for wind shield , rear and side window and recommendation of window tracks. Thanks so much. I would be glad to send pics.
Regards
We would love to see some photos. Send us a little info and photos to info@fiberclassics.org .
Thanks
Donnie
kit car magazine had a article called Amazing Amante tells specs can write kit car magazine to find.
I own a Amante bought it in 1985 for 6hundred dollars. it is on a 68 vw chasis. body was made 1972. drove it for 3 years and still setting in garage. has corvaire tail lights and only one headlight on each side. motor has 500 miles on it. found article about Amante in old kit car magazine titled AMAZING AMANTE. seen these selling for 6000 dollars complete. 4000 rough.running. cool car like to pull it out of garage and watch people slow down on high way to look at it.
I’m looking for amante. I had 1 in the 70s fun car. Lost it to a pickup truck reck. Want a retirement project. ..
Mark are you still looking for an Amante? I have 2 of them
Yes I am still looking I’ve bought a kelmark gt. But still want a amante if the price is right . where are you located. I’m@ motohead8@gmail.com
Are your cars for sale ?and what part of the country. And price
just picked up an amante gt and was wondering if anyone knew where to get a windshield for it
i bought a Amc Rambler Marlin got windows that way. there is a article in kit car magazine about the amanteJan.98 issue. I own a 1972 amante. on 68 vw chasis.
I am looking for an Amante GT. I live in CO and can be contacted at terasoar@yahoo.com
Are you still looking for an Amante?
To Don Lowry….regarding your interest in finding an Amante. Don, I know that it was your Dad and (I t hink) your uncle who ran The Amante at the Bonneville salt flats and broke the (then) world’s speed record for (I think) engines under 2000cc. You and I had some conversation in the near past. I am the Voegele from Voegele Industries. There was one on ebay about 2 months ago. It was a ‘barn find’ which had not been used for some 50 years. If you are interested, I may still have the phone number for the guy, although it may be gone now.
Hey Bill. Nice to see you join us. One of my favorite cars of the day is the Gazelle/Amante GT. I had the opportunity a few times over the years to purchase one but it always came down to if I had room or not. Usually not!
I have one for sale, very nice, complete run and drive great!!
Do you still have the amante . I’m hunting for one
I have owned an Amante GT since 1984. It is hand made tube frame and 1966 Corvair front/rear suspension and 110hp/4speed. It is a complete car and through the years I have driven it to Corvair meets in Houston/Minneapolis/Kansas City plus many in state Corvair meets plus to Kit Car Nationals in Columbus Ohio. The car was awarded distance award there for being driven furthest. I live in Denver Colo. Steve G
Hey guys, just bought one 1971 Amante GT from the USA. I live in Lithuania. Starting some works on it and soon it will be painted in Ferrari red color. It had in late 70’s little fire in the engine bay, but it’s so easy to fix everything, so I hope I will drive it through the summer with a big smile on my face.
Wow no posts from Amante GT owners since May 2020. I still have my car described in an above comment and still use it when weather is good and my time allows it.
Curious how the group from the past is doing and how many cars are still active out there.
I am in Denver Colorado
Steve G