I am positive you all can relate to losingspending a lot of time searching automotive categorized adverts, whether or not they be on public sale platforms like Carry a Trailer or Vehicles & Bids, websites like AutoTrader or Vehicles dot com, or, maybe most enjoyable of all, Craigslist. Whereas phrases like “grandma,” “husband,” and “property” can convey up some nice outcomes, my favourite phrase to go looking on Craigslist is “uncommon.” Generally the vehicles that pop up are decidedly not uncommon, however normally there’s an ideal mixture of vehicles which might be genuinely uncommon, whether or not that is particularly due to the trim or spec, or as a result of the automotive itself is uncommon. It is particularly good on Los Angeles Craigslist, as our metropolis has extra automotive selection than perhaps wherever else within the nation.
Earlier this week whereas doing my common search, I got here throughout one thing that actually is uncommon: a Manta Mirage. However not simply any Manta Mirage. This Can-Am–fashion package automotive has been closely modified, even fitted with wheels from a Plymouth Prowler, and you recognize what? It is kinda superior.
It is in all probability quick
The Mirage was produced by Costa Mesa, California-based Manta Vehicles, an organization run by brothers Brad and Tim LoVette, the previous of which designed the automotive. Round 1,000 of them had been constructed between 1974 and 1986 — this itemizing says it is a 1967, however I’ve to think about that is a typo of 1976. It used a metal spaceframe chassis, a mid-mounted small-block Chevy V8, unbiased entrance and rear suspension, disc brakes, and a fiberglass physique with butterfly doorways and a detachable roof. The Mirage was designed to seem like a road-legal Can-Am race automotive, however this explicit one has a ton of customized elements, like a taller nostril with built-in lights, a vented hood, an enormous roof scoop and an enormous rear wing.
This is what the itemizing says about this explicit Mirage:
Over 400 horsepower 400 Chevy engine. 4-speed transmission. Entrance disc brakes. Rear drum brakes. Entrance air adjustable suspension. Aluminum radiator. with electrical followers. A/C and heater. 4-point harnesses. All gauges work nice. Has flip indicators and headlights. Lamborghini Orange Pearl exterior paint with black inside. Automotive has 3,898 unique miles snice constructed. Appears and runs wonderful!
You should purchase it
The Craigslist itemizing has a worth of $34,000, which appears about in keeping with what others have just lately gone for, however this stuff hardly ever come up on the market, and this one is clearly modified, so who is aware of if it is actually a good worth. The vendor says this Mirage has a transparent Utah title, and it’s insured, however that he bought the automotive in commerce, registered it on this situation, and “would not know a lot” concerning the historical past. In basic Craigslist vogue, he additionally has some notes to potential patrons:
Don’t need assistance promoting. No free rides. I wouldn’t have time for “present and inform”. So, in case you are severe about this automotive name me. I’m prepared to think about cheap provides (no low-ball provides), equal commerce, or commerce with money.
P.S. I’ve been getting ridiculous provides. No boats, no motorhomes, no bikes, no ATVs. Thanks.
If you wish to drive one thing completely wacky that matches the Jalopnik colours, I believe this Manta Mirage may very well be the automotive for you. It is positioned exterior St. George, Utah, and the advert has solely been up for 3 days on the time of this writing. You may see the itemizing right here.