Manta Mirage "McLaren M6A Style" Sports Car

Many of you, even the serious collector, that have taken the time to view these photo's, may have never seen one and/or have with no real knowledge of their history! Either way, they are a rare sight and always special in their own presence, as not one is exactly alike! Some were built by the designers, while others were privately assembled! 

So I will start with some History! In the late 60's, two Brothers, Brad and Tim Lovette of California were into road racing and building fiberglass bodies for Cam-Am Race Cars and decided there was a market for a street legal version!  In the early 70's, it became reality, together they designed a version similar to a "1968 McLaren M6A" Race Car that would become the "Manta Mirage" Sports Car! This would be their Premier Car and later that decade they would create the Montage! Manta Cars, closed for business in the early 1980's. 

Ok, STOP for Minute! Think of It!! A hand built Fiberglass Body, Rigid Chassis, Mid Engine Chevy V8, 4-Speed and 4 Wheel Independent Suspension equipped Sports Car weighing in @ 1500lbs that's Street Legal! It's Fast! A properly equipped Manta Mirage with a 350, may easily take some of your favorite production sports cars!  These machines are NOT for the weak at heart and can be brutal to drive on a regular basis! Staying at the speed limit can in itself be a real challenge! Ok, STOP again! It's gotta make ya Wonder, LIGHTWEIGHT, POWERFUL, LOW, SMOOTH, SLEEK AND SLIPPERY! Sounds Kinda Fishy!, Huh! Without question … The Manta Mirage is possibly one of the most stunning and unique custom automobiles ever created in the 70's! 

Now that you have a little taste of history, let's move onto how this Specimen came about!  Specifically sought after, located in Glendora, California and purchased by the current Idaho owner in January of 2002. What sparked the search was a strong lifelong desire to own a "Manta  Mirage" and a need for a promotional tool for "Lighter Than Air America" who is highly specialized in the area of aerial advertising and promotion with Hot Air Balloons! To Learn more, Click here>> www.lighterthanairamerica.com.

In the words of the owner, “What I wanted, was a car that we could rebuild to fit our needs, a car that we could customize from top to bottom then utilize as a company show car to promote the various aviation events we produce. If a car ever looked like it could fly, a Mirage would be a prime example. People look at unique cars, and if we could capitalize on that basic interest to promote our company, our aviation events and our clients, then owning this car could become a real bonus for us." On to the restoration!

Once it was resting in Boise, Idaho she would go thru a complete body off restoration and modernization! The original body was removed and treated to painstaking attention to detail!  (see sub-page pictures) The 35 year old glass body needed the common crack repairs, alignment, reinforcement and some re-working of original design areas without detracting from it's original beauty. The rear end was modified, the wing was added, all vents repaired/opened and the front air intake was redesigned! The body crew re-engineered the functional access cover to the radiator and brake reservoir in an attempt to help with the age old ‘heating’ problem that attacks most all Manta’s … The new cover is designed to actually create a low pressure area (the top of a wing in reverse) and draw air into the space! It's an Aerodynamic thing! Then it was time to re-finish her in a super smooth coat of Bright Yellow, Hand Laid Pin Stripes and Airbrushed Flames flowing off her nose! NICE!

While the body was off, the chassis components were rebuilt as needed! One of the first things was the addition of an Underbody Safety Skid Plate as these babies are very low! The owner did not want the "Up Yours" feeling from a piece of road debris! The battery was relocated, the Airbag Mustang II front & Airbag rear suspension were rebuilt, radiator & overflow re-worked, detailed and more.... You get the idea, safe and road ready!  The rare Alloy Wheels were polished to perfection, powder coated body color centers and wrapped in new phat radial rubber!

On to the power! The Small Block Chevy and Saginaw 4 speed trans were completely rebuilt by "Intimidator Customs" of Boise, Idaho!! Top Notch attention to details, include: Polished Aluminum Intake, Holley Double Pumper Carb, Powder Coated Headers with Borla Mufflers, HEI Ignition, Custom Billet Flamed Dress Valve Covers and Air Filter! Everything is neat, tidy and most of all, CRISP!! The is one healthy ride & you may consider bringing an extra pair of shorts! Way more Fun than the Law may allow, so be careful!

In Closing, this is a very special car in more ways than one! First, it's a Very Nice Example of a Manta Mirage and Secondly she has been a Star since her recent restoration!  She's been seen in several TV Ads, Hot Air Balloon Promotions across the Country and will appear next in the 2006 "Dupont" customer calendar! A great addition to any collection! BUY NOW!! ** ** ( see below note ) GOOD LUCK!!!!  EASY FINANCING  

Known Items: The exact history prior to the restoration is unknown and comes with a packet full of old copies of brochures, magazine pages and misc history! It was originally titled in California as a "1960" though we aren't sure why and believe that it was professionally assembled in the mid to late 70's! Interestingly, during the restoration, it was noted that this unit was originally painted and not the typical gel coat body, which fuels additional speculation as to the actual age of this Mirage. According to the current owner "That’s not a bad thing. It is rumored, and we stress, this is only a rumor, that three cars were built early on by the brothers Lovette prior to actual Mirage production, that were simply hand laid glass without the colored ‘gel’" This car is in good working order and has approximately 50 miles since it's complete restoration in 2003-2004! The "Coca Cola Ballooning" Decal on the bottom of the wing is a soft transfer and can be easily removed if desired! Finally, this car is NOT your everyday driver and should NOT be considered as such! No Windshield Wipers or Heater. This is a great piece of history to pump up yer adrenaline and bring smiles of admiration from others! Not Perfect and Not New but "It Is What It Is!", ONE HECK OF A TOY and/or Promo Tool! I Hope you enjoyed the Visit!

CONTACT SELLER

• Phone Number: 1.877.243.9327