Described as "2300 pounds of romping stomping hell", Condor Coachworks introduced the "Condor" range of kit cars in 1976, featuring their "Stinger" which had small block Chevy or Ford V8 power. The company was fronted by Russ Keller and got their start in Canton, Ohio (USA). Their goal was provide "the most comprehensive kit on the market".
While that claim was debatable, the firm did offer a variety of packages for the would-be Condor builder. Two distinct box-section, tubular steel ladder frame chassis were offered, built to accommodate small displacement 4 or 6 cylinder motors in the case of the Condor, or the aforementioned V8 for the Stinger.
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| The Condor Stinger in profile |
The lighter chassis used a VW style floor-pan and Bug suspension bits, while the V8 had Ford Pinto parts. The latter version also mounted its engine transversely, amidships, and used the "Turbo-Hydramatic" transmission out of a late model Oldsmobile Toronado, with a bespoke differential out back to deliver power to the rear wheels.
In addition to the partially assembled chassis, the "Deluxe" version of the kit included a full wiring harness, complete interior upholstery and carpets, all requisite glass, a heater unit and ventilation system, as well as a hydraulic canopy mechanism. Options included AC and a suite of digital gauges for a space-age looking dashboard.
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| The Condor Stinger, engine bay exposed |
The fiberglass bodywork resembled an simplified and enlarged Lamborghini Countach if it was crossbred with some 1970's Mopar products. Unlike its Italian muse, with its scissor-doors, the Condor's entire central section tilted up and forward, including its roof, for entry and egress. The car also had side glass that rolled up and down almost completely, rather than the "mail-slot" provided on the Countach.
While your author was unable to determine production numbers, at least a handful were produced between 1976 and 1980. No word on which version was more popular, but one might assume the V8 was the "hot ticket". The company also sold a chassis that was compatible with any VW based kit and allowed a variety of alternative powertrain options.
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| The Condor Stinger |
The company offered "turn-key", factory assembled models as well that ranged between $16,000 to $20K. Not small potatoes for the late 70's... Every once in a blue moon one of these will come up for sale on eBay, like the red example shown, but they are definitely rare. It was an ambitious kit for an ambitious builder but it was, in fact, fairly well thought out.
Unfortunately, the combination of its polarizing design and changing trends in the US kitcar market meant this bird went the way of the Dodo...
Source:
The Complete Guide to Kit Cars - Auto Logic Publications (1979)
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| The Condor Stinger, V8 |
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| The Condor Stinger, at rear |
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| The Condor Stinger, in vintage promo picture |
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| The Condor Stinger, promo shots |
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| The Condor Stinger chassis |
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| The Condor Stinger, rear quarter promo shot |
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| The Condor Stinger in a late 70's advert |
I own one of these. But it's fitted with vertical doors like a Lambo. Set up for big block chevy
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