SWEET LITTLE KIT CAR,

Although it's not titled as a Mercedes-Benz, this neat little Gazelle is a bit more affordable and probably every bit as much fun to drive. Famously constructed from kits, they were a pretty successful way for the enterprising hobbyist to give himself something to do on weekends and end up with one of the better-proportioned replicas of the period. And it's still a blast to drive!

The Gazelle is the antidote to the more familiar inexpensive British and Italian sports cars of the period. It offers neo-classic styling that most folks will at least admire as it drives by, even if they don't know quite what it is, and with rear-wheel-drive and a featherweight curb weight, it's entertaining on the road. For a fiberglass kit car, fit and finish are remarkably good, with even door gaps, a snug-fitting trunk lid, and glossy paint that is familiar to anyone who has driven, built, or even seen another Gazelle. Details like the chrome grille, rubber running boards, and exposed side pipes are all part of the vintage illusion.

The seats are pure 1980s cool, one-piece buckets that look futuristic, even in the vintage-looking Gazelle bodywork. There's a matching rear seat that's probably best reserved for children or your briefcase, and a luxurious wood-rimmed wheel gives it an appropriate upscale feel. The custom-made wooden dashboard carries white-faced gauges that proudly spell out that they are "Vintage Reproduction" and there's an AM/FM/cassette stereo over there on the passenger's side. There's a narrow trunk out back, big enough for a few tools and supplies, and it, too, is nicely upholstered with matching tan carpets.

A 3-speed automatic transmission makes it easy to drive and you'll quickly find that it starts when you turn the key and zips through traffic with ease. Disc brakes have decent stopping power and with the light curb weight, power steering isn't needed. Shiny chrome wire wheels really dress it up and carry 205/75/14 whitewall radials all around.

The car is actually titled as a 1981 as that is the year frame and drivetrain, 4 cylinder Ford motor, auto transmission with new battery. It was just tuned, and it does not have a top.