Newport News, VA | USA
$1,850
/ USDDescription
Vw Brazilian sports car. Ventura by l’automobile. Super rare Brazilian vw sports car with vw type 3 running gear. No engine (uses a type 3 vw motor like a squareback or fastback type) Needs resto but nice fiberglass body. Uses all glass and latches and gauges from Brazilian vw production cars like the sp2 And the vw puma. No paperwork. Floor pans need work. Has swing axle trans and factory disc brake beam . No title or any other paperwork. Project car . ...
Our Take:
- The 1978 Volkswagen Ventura is a noteworthy piece of Brazilian automotive craftsmanship. Produced by L'Automobile, it's one of those rare sports coupes that borrowed heavily from the Volkswagen parts bin, specifically using the VW Type 3 platform. With its production limited to Brazil, spotting one outside its home country is like finding a needle in a haystack, especially since the production numbers weren't high to begin with.
- Underneath the fiberglass shell, the Ventura was equipped with mechanicals from the VW Type 3, much like the Squareback and Fastback. What's interesting is that although it lacks an engine in this listing, it originally housed the same air-cooled boxer engine familiar to any vintage VW enthusiast. This makes it possible to restore with relatively available parts, assuming you can track them down.
- The use of common Brazilian VW parts, like those from the SP2 and the Puma, signifies a cost-effective approach while maintaining an exotic flair. Its features such as the swing axle transmission and factory disc brakes were top-tier for its era, hinting at its spirited aspirations despite its modest roots.
- Although described as a project car without a clear path to legal street use ("no paperwork" isn't music to a buyer's ears), the Ventura's allure lies in its unique status. It represents a moment in time when small manufacturers could still make a mark using clever parts integration and standout design, much like how a chef improvises with limited ingredients to create a gourmet meal. For those willing to tackle its restoration challenges, it could be a rewarding journey into automotive obscurity.
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