A friend just tipped me off to this very unusual GT-40 inspired kit car for sale in Salt Lake CIty, Utah. The seller describes it as being made in 1972 by “Unique Mobility, Inc.” (who appear to have been a kit car company that primarily built electric vehicles, but I’m not sure), but says it wasn’t finished finished until 2003 and might be the only one of its kind. I don’t think I’ve ever seen another like it. Asking price is an unreasonable $35,000 unfortunately.
The body is a one piece design (and looks like it has an inner skin as well), with modern modifications like shaved door handles with remotes for the doors and trunk, and a VW floor pan that’s been modified to accept a mid-engine V8 design (Ford 289) using Corvair rear suspension and transaxle. The car is essentially new (and comes with all of the recent receipts), having been driven 125 miles, and is registered as a special.
If anyone knows more about this car’s history, please let me know.
To the best of my recollection, Designers Manufacturing was in Denver, and built Volkswagen dune buggies and kit cars in the 70’s. This original design was called Astra, but not to be confused with the Aztec based Astra. They later switched to try focusing on electric cars, and changed the name to Unique Mobility.
I can think of 2 others I know to exist.
I can think of 2 others I know to exist.
Ooops! The name is not Astra; it’s Alta, I think.
Ooops! The name is not Astra; it’s Alta, I think.
I am thinking this car was called the Shrike. It was advertised in Complete Guide to kit cars back in the late 80’s
I am thinking this car was called the Shrike. It was advertised in Complete Guide to kit cars back in the late 80’s
I own one of these cars. It is called an ALTA. I bought it in the 70s from a company named Unique Mobility in Denver. They did make electric cars for a while and are possibly still in business in another way or something. Mine is actually in the storage unit. I put a buick 215 v-8 engine in it and its been sitting. Needs interior and work. A fun project for someone. If you are looking at one, look at the passeneger side interior wheel well. There is a stamp number for the first 5. Mine is number 2 and actually belonged to the owner. If I remember right, there were only 17 made. Mine was raced at CDR raceway in CO Springs if anyone is familiar. We have the original brochure somewhere. One of the selling pitches was that it was wind tunnel tested. Cutting edge at the time.
I am interested in selling mine although seeing all this conversation about the car makes me second guess that decision.
If you are interested, let me know. I live in southern Oregon
Frank
nogginhill@earthlink.net