Fiberglass Marvel - Few things ignite passion like the roar of an engine and the promise of open roads, especially when the car in question is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. The Fiberfab Jamaican is a perfect example of this—a car that started life as a humble 1960 Austin-Healey 3000 before transforming into a head-turning racing legend with a sleek fiberglass body and a story as thrilling as the roads it conquered. It’s a tale of creativity, speed, and unexpected twists that shaped this iconic vehicle’s legacy.
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| The Fiberfab Jamaican, designed by Chris and Russell Beebe, was released in 1968 as a stylish and innovative fiberglass body kit for classic sports cars. (Picture from: Silodrome) |
This remarkable car underwent a bold transformation in the late 1960s when it was fitted with the Fiberfab Jamaican body, a lightweight fiberglass design that redefined its appearance and performance. Once converted into a race car, it carved out a name for itself on the track, racking up wins and achieving an impressive 82 mph lap average at Mallory Park. Today, it’s a shining example of how ingenuity and vision can take a classic car to new heights. |
| Released in 1968, the Fiberfab Jamaican was often compared to the Lamborghini Miura, though Fiberfab denied any design connection. (Picture from: Silodrome) |
The Fiberfab Jamaican was the brainchild of Fiberfab, a company founded in 1964 by Warren “Bud” Goodwin and John Hebler. Initially focused on performance parts and body kits for cars from brands like Chevrolet, Ford, and Jaguar, the company soon expanded into creating fiberglass body kits. The Jamaican, released in 1968, was a standout model that offered a futuristic aesthetic inspired by some of the most cutting-edge designs of the era. It could be adapted to a range of chassis, including the Triumph TR3, MGA, and the Austin-Healey 100 or 3000, making it an attractive option for car enthusiasts seeking something unique.
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| This Fiberfab Jamaican Austin-Healey’s interior is minimalist yet relatively well-equipped, especially by the standards of the kit car world. (Picture from: Silodrome) |
Beyond its eye-catching design, the Jamaican delivered improved performance thanks to its lighter body, which reduced the overall weight of the car. This made it a favorite among racers and collectors alike. The Jamaican II, a later version, introduced a custom chassis capable of housing a powerful V8 engine, further cementing its reputation as a performance powerhouse.
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| This Fiberfab Jamaican, based on the Austin-Healey 3000, is powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six engine with around 130 hp. (Picture from: Silodrome) |
However, the history of Fiberfab is as dramatic as the cars it produced. Warren Goodwin, one of the company’s founders, faced legal troubles in 1967 when he was arrested for the shooting death of his wife, Jamaica Karen Goodwin, who also held a role in the company. Convicted of voluntary manslaughter, Goodwin served a one-year sentence but passed away in prison from a heart attack in 1968. Despite this dark chapter, Fiberfab persisted under new management, continuing operations until its eventual closure in 1994. A brief revival in 2003 failed to produce new vehicles, leaving the company’s status uncertain today.
The Fiberfab Jamaican remains a beloved symbol of creativity, speed, and timeless design. Its unique blend of classic engineering and daring innovation captures the imagination of car enthusiasts worldwide. Every curve and detail tells a story of ambition and resilience, making it more than just a car—it’s a celebration of the enduring spirit of automotive artistry. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FIBERFAB | SIIODROME | WIKIPEDIA | RARECARNETWORK ]Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone
