Rare ONES - The automotive world has long been a stage for creativity and bold innovation. Among its many unique stories, the name
"Condor" stands out, albeit in two vastly different contexts. On one hand, there’s
the Aguzzoli Condor, an Italian creation defined by its sophisticated European styling. On the other, the
Condor Stinger—a 1970s American-made kit car—captures the era’s spirit of raw performance and the burgeoning DIY car culture. While these cars share a name, they are entirely unrelated, each reflecting the distinct automotive philosophies of their origins.
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| The Condor Stinger, a 1970s American-made kit car, embodies the era’s spirit of raw performance and the rise of the DIY car culture. (Picture from: AllCarIndex) |
However, the car we’ll focus on here is the
Condor Stinger, which was developed by
Condor Coachworks in Canton, Ohio. In
1976,
Condor Coachworks, led by
Russ Keller, launched the
Condor Stinger as part of their line of kit cars. Unlike the ready-to-drive sports cars of the era, the
Condor Stinger was a project car, offering enthusiasts the chance to build their own custom vehicle.
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| The Stinger, developed by Condor Coachworks in Canton, Ohio, was a standout model in their line of customizable kit cars for enthusiasts. (Picture from: AllCarIndex) |
The company marketed it as offering “the most comprehensive kit on the market,” and while that claim could be debated, there was no denying the appeal of the Condor's performance and customization options. The Condor Stinger
kit offered two types of chassis. The first was a lightweight version
that utilized components from the Volkswagen Beetle, including its
floorpan and suspension bits.
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| The Condor Stinger was marketed as “the most comprehensive kit on the market,” boasting undeniable appeal with its performance and customization options. (Picture from: RareComponentCars) |
The second, more robust version, was designed to accommodate
a more powerful V8 engine and
included parts from
the Ford Pinto, providing a more rugged and performance-oriented build. In both versions, the Stinger was designed with a mid-engine layout, a feature not commonly seen in kit cars of the time, and it used
a Turbo-Hydramatic transmission, sourced from
an Oldsmobile Toronado, for improved performance and handling.
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| The Condor Stinger kit featured two chassis options: a lightweight version using Volkswagen Beetle components and a sturdier version built for a powerful V8 engine with Ford Pinto parts.. (Picture from: RareComponentCars) |
The bodywork of the
Condor Stinger was perhaps its most striking feature. Inspired by
the wedge-shaped design of
the Lamborghini Countach, it took the bold angular lines of the Italian supercar and gave it an American twist. Unlike
the Countach's iconic scissor doors, the
Stinger featured
a unique central entry system where the entire roof and windshield tilted forward to allow access to the cabin. This design not only gave the car a futuristic look but also made it easier to get in and out compared to the scissor-door style found on many high-end sports cars.
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| The Condor Stinger featured a unique central entry system where the entire roof and windshield tilted forward to allow access to the cabin. (Picture from: RareComponentCars) |
Inside, the
Condor Stinger offered a high degree of customization. The
"Deluxe" kit included
a full interior,
complete with upholstery,
carpets, and
a wiring harness. The kit also came with
all the necessary glass,
a heater system, and
even a hydraulic mechanism for the canopy, allowing the driver to open the car’s central section with ease. The options didn’t stop there—buyers could also choose from
air conditioning,
a suite of digital gauges for a space-age look on the dashboard, and other features that made the
Condor feel ahead of its time.
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| The Condor Stinger featured a mid-engine layout, rare for kit cars of its time, paired with a Turbo-Hydramatic transmission from an Oldsmobile Toronado for enhanced performance and handling. (Picture from: RareComponentCars) |
However, despite its innovative design and extensive customization options, the
Condor Stinger faced challenges in the market. The kit car movement in the U.S. was beginning to shift, and as tastes evolved, the
Stinger’s bold design and relatively high price tag—
ranging from $16,000 to $20,000 for a factory-assembled model—made it less appealing to mainstream buyers. Production numbers were low, and while it may have found a following among niche enthusiasts, the
Condor Stinger was ultimately a rare sight on the road.
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The Condor Stinger's bodywork, inspired by the wedge-shaped design of the Lamborghini Countach, was most striking, particularly evident in its taillights. (Picture from: RareComponentCars)
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Today, the
Condor Stinger remains a piece of automotive history—a reminder of a time when building your own car was as much about passion as it was about performance. It’s a car that represented the adventurous spirit of the 1970s, where the combination of DIY ethos, performance, and bold design all came together in a unique package. While the
Stinger may not have had widespread commercial success, it certainly captured the imagination of those who had the skill and vision to bring it to life.
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| Unfortunately, the futuristic design of the Condor Stinger failed to drive strong sales, leading to its swift disappearance from the American market. (Picture from: RareComponentCars) |
In the end, the
Condor Stinger stands as a testament to the creativity and ambition of its makers, even if its time in the spotlight was brief. As rare as it is today, it continues to intrigue automotive enthusiasts who appreciate its daring design, innovative features, and the story of how it tried to carve its place in the history of custom sports cars. It may not have achieved the lasting fame of some other iconic cars, but for those who are fortunate enough to own one, it remains a rare and valuable part of automotive history.
*** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | RARECOMPONENTCARS | HOTRODMAGAZINE | JUSTCARS | ALLCARINDEX | ROAD&TRACK ]
