The header kit would prove essential for the final build many years later. I chose Manta red gelcoat for the finish with a tan interior, and ordered several of the available accessories. I discussed my potential purchase with Tim Lovette, who had developed the car with his brother Brad, and placed an order for my kit. The problem was that the kit was not very far along and I already had my rose-colored glasses in place. Before fully committing to a purchase, I inspected a Manta kit that was started by a builder within a reasonable driving distance from my home. Also, the Cobra kits of the time were using Jaguar components, while the Manta used mostly low cost, readily available parts. I ordered a Manta sales publication and found their pricing to be more attractive. I had been looking at Cobra kits when they were just being introduced, but they were priced beyond my limited budget. The Manta styling had a lot in common with the race cars. The article got the juices going since it was written when Can-Am Group 7 racing was still active and the McLaren cars were dominant. I believe it may have been Road and Track or Car & Driver. I still have the article, but I cannot tell for sure which magazine printed it. My first exposure to the Manta Mirage kit was in a comprehensive article in an automotive publication. I think it’s best to explain the long journey in a series of phases as follows. One that has seen me transform from an ambitious young guy with a full head of hair, to an old bald guy who, fortunately, retains his love for the car hobby, and remains eager to experience new projects. It’s difficult to describe a project that has spanned a period of forty years.
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