TheSamba.com :: View topic - 1957 LaDawri Sebring

Fri Aug 16, 2013 1:51 pm

NEED TO KNOW ASAP.... so we can make an offer as he is rady to unload it.

Ran into this today and I have absolutely no clue what this thing is... it's sporting a 36hp engine and chassis...

Fri Aug 16, 2013 1:53 pm

Sweet... buy it.

Fri Aug 16, 2013 2:00 pm

Why do you need to know what it is to make an offer? Either you like it or not. :D I like it! Make an offer, worst he can do is say no.

Scott

Fri Aug 16, 2013 2:14 pm

It's is on the table..... Just want to know what the hell it is.... It is sitting on a matched July 1957 chassis & motor... Going back now for a second look and some more pics

I thought it was maybe like Jeff L's Alken but its not....

I love the lines and never seen anything like it EVER! Looks like what you would get throwing a corvette & fiat in a blender and the fiberglass is nearly 3/8" thick and built like a brick shithouse.....

Fri Aug 16, 2013 2:17 pm

That thing's frickin awesome, who cares what it is. buy it and then find out.

brad

Fri Aug 16, 2013 2:46 pm

I like the body style buy I'd be hard pressed to give $2k for it. I'd feel AWESOME getting it for under $1k. I'd feel pretty good at $1.5K, but anything above that and I start asking "what am I getting for my money?". BTW< I'm a cheap ass.

As much as I love big horsepower and such, I really think I'd build that like it were an old 1950's coach-built VW. Hop up the 36'er with an Okrassa kit or Judson, some 356 aluminum brakes (or aluminum drum simulators) and gauges and old MG seats. Lower it a little (EVERYTHING looks better lowered) and add some wide 5 X 5.5" mangles (chrome rims) and drive the crap out of it. Hey maybe deck it out with some "gumball" numbers on the side and some old sponsor logos like an old race car....

Fri Aug 16, 2013 3:31 pm

Looks pretty similar to a Devin (close enough actually)

Fri Aug 16, 2013 4:05 pm

I've got to get out more often, as I knew what it is the minute I saw it - It's a LaDawri... my usual finders fee commission is 10%, but 5% will be fine.

http://ladawri.org

http://www.forgottenfiberglass.com/fiberglass-car-...june-1960/

IMHO, $2k is stealing it... these are rare. It's more valuable than that if body is good -

bnc

Fri Aug 16, 2013 4:12 pm

It is an Ladawri Daytona coach kit... body built between 1958 & 1963 and sitting on a matching numbers 1957 chassis & engine and it can be driven away on it's own means... though I would need to swap some dry rotted tires to make the 18 mile trip successfully...

So you think there is a safe maximum bet on this on this???

Ladawri coachworks1963 sales brochure

Fri Aug 16, 2013 4:16 pm

didget69 wrote: It's a LaDawri... my usual finders fee commission is 10%, but 5% will be fine.

http://ladawri.org

bnc
Damn! You beat me while I was typing! ---LOL---

Fri Aug 16, 2013 5:13 pm

Page 19.... Volksquest on the Daytona model...

Fri Aug 16, 2013 5:35 pm

Nice find, steering wheel is a bit illegal.

Fri Aug 16, 2013 5:47 pm

0nebadbug wrote: So you think $2k is a safe maximum on this on this???

Not if you want to plan on winning it

Fri Aug 16, 2013 6:16 pm

dan macmillan wrote: Nice find, steering wheel is a bit illegal.

Maybe in Canada. Not totally certain to any potential illegality here in the States.

bnc

Fri Aug 16, 2013 6:43 pm

Well... considering a moderator stepped in and updated the thread subject? Is it safe to assume these are not of the garden variety kits ...?

The call was made, the funds are on the table, we meet in the AM...

Personally? I love its lines & while I've never done a "kit" project of any sorts, I can say that I do know at least thing or two about FB buggies, kits in general & the knockoffs etc... that said, I have never ever seen one of these before anywhere... How desirable are these things?

...feel free to elaborate your thoughts...

Fri Aug 16, 2013 7:02 pm

I'm with John on his motor choice, a vintage engine with period correct parts would look sweet. I don't know if it was originally molded on the car, but I'd shave the cowl induction hood before I even washed the dirt off. Personally I think it ruins the lines of the car. Everything is so nice and rounded and then this stupid wedge sticking out of the hood, but hey, that's just me. Cool car, I'd park it in my garage any day.

brad

Fri Aug 16, 2013 7:06 pm

didget69 wrote: dan macmillan wrote: Nice find, steering wheel is a bit illegal.

Maybe in Canada. Not totally certain to any potential illegality here in the States.

bnc

It varies by state, illegal in UT at least, I believe legal here in CA.

http://blogs.lawyers.com/2011/01/what-makes-a-car-street-legal/

Fri Aug 16, 2013 7:10 pm

LaDawri's are highly collectible to the right people. They were one of the first "kits" available, even though they were mostly coachbuilt cars. One of the best reference sites here http://www.forgottenfiberglass.com/ will give you more background on the car. Yours looks complete and undamaged - $2K is a steal for that car. Clean it up and get it running well (and replace what needs replaced on the brakes/running gear) and you could easily triple your money if you wanted to re-sell.

Oops.. just saw bnc beat me to the FF link. Oh, and the steering wheel is illegal in all 50 states, by the way. Federal law requires steering wheels to be "in the round". Flat bottoms are ok.

Fri Aug 16, 2013 7:33 pm

Being in running/driving condition adds to the value. My assumption had been for a non-runner. I still would try to get it for less if possible (basic business sense).

Fri Aug 16, 2013 7:52 pm

Letterman7 wrote: Federal law requires steering wheels to be "in the round". Flat bottoms are ok.

Can you find that published someplace?

The only federal standard dealing with steering equipment I can find is about collapsible steering columns (standards 203 and 204). It also really just applies to new manufactured vehicles.

http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/import/FMVSS/#SN204