Vehicle Description
1969 Volkswagen Kelmark GT
Kelmark Engineering was founded in 1969 by Russ Keller and Randy
Markham. After years of development they introduced the "Kelmark 1"
which was unveiled in 1974. The car was a cross between a Ferrari
246 and a popular corvette show car that was making the rounds at
the time. It was available in both VW and V8 versions. In addition
to the VW based model there were also 2 mid engine versions with
ladder frames and VW front ends. One model utilized the VW
transaxle while the other was a corvair transaxle. The major
differences between the first version of the Kelmark and later
models was smaller side windows and air vents above the door
handles. After realizing that the original Kelmark was difficult to
build they shut down operations, redesigned, and re-introduced the
Kelmark as the "Kelmark 2". The changes in models included
re-engineered doors, and deck lid. The "Kelmark 2" was offered in 2
models. The "Independence" and the V8 "Liberator". In addition to
the Kelmark they also offered a car called "The Sleeper". It was a
mid-engine V8 chassis with a VW Bug Body, a V8 conversion for the
corvair, and chassis kits for other popular handcrafted cars of the
day. Sometime in the mid 1970s the "Independence" was renamed the
Kelmark GT.
For consignment, an homage to the Ferrari 206/246 Dino of days gone
by looking very racy white its black and red stripes over white.
While the sporty looks are there the recoiling of your wallet in
horror maintenance costs are not thanks in part to the
underpinnings and drivetrain being pure Volkswagen Beetle. In need
of some TLC but still a drivable car, you're sure not to lose this
in the field of Corvettes and Mustangs at the next car show.
Exterior
In 246 Dino style, the racy low front end has black covered aero
headlights. A long low front end races rearward to a tinted swept
back windshield, (it's from a Ford Pinto in case you were
wondering), and to the standard swinging doors with their glass
sourced from an Impala of the era, (the glass is actually inverted
rear door glass from the Impala). To access the engine and rear
storage compartment, twin flip up doors are on with a small air
scoop on the engine cover lid along with louvers for heat
extraction. The back panel angles sharply but gracefully down and
inward for more aero looks and hovering above is a racy 2 pedestal
rear spoiler. A trio of Dino style chrome trimmed round tail lights
are on either corner. All the fiberglass is bathed in white with
red highlighted black racing stripes that begins below the front
grille eventually forming a stripe that runs through the center of
the car. More striping, in a red with black highlighting
accentuates the rockers and wheel flares. A small tinted vertical
glass window on the back has deep "flying buttress" B pillars to
frame it on either side. Like new staggered width tires wrap 20"
Ruff Racing multi-spoke alloy wheels on all 4 corners.
Interior
Keeping it simple and lightweight for the interior, we see black
racing bucket seats with white piping and white rectangular inserts
in the center. Slightly faded black carpeting covers the floors and
also this racer has a black headliner although it is sagging.
Upfront a wood laminate dash panel houses a tachometer, speedometer
and a few other gauges all courtesy of VDO with black faces and
yellow lettering. On the sides are seat matching door panels which
are also covered in black vinyl with white highlighting and have a
clean black armrest and black window crank. Another interesting
aspect of this car is that while appearing small the interior is
quite roomy and can accommodate my slightly portly frame with ease
as well as this being the original Kelmark interior which has held
up nicely.
Drivetrain
A 1776cc VW 4-cylinder engine is on the back and has an auxiliary
cooling fan mounted to the right side. A single Weber 2bbl carb
feeds this engine and a 4-speed manual transmission and 4.125 final
drive work together to make this racer look-alike move with
ease.
Undercarriage
Underneath us very clean, solid steel flooring, rockers, and the VW
steel framing. Now on are front disc brakes working with rear drums
and a dual exhaust with tubular piping and stock style mufflers.
Giving the racy ride is an independent front suspension working
together with a rear independent swing arm suspension. All clean
and very solid down below.
Drive-Ability
It starts right up and after a bit of a climb in it was off to the
test track. Here it's performed like well...A VW! Nice handling,
and just a fun driver you'll feel like you are ready to take on the
Scuderia at LeMans. Nice fiberglass that will never rust, and the
reliable VW 4-cylinder, is racing on a low cost for gas budget. A
few frowns were noted during my time behind the wheel. The
passenger's door is locked and won't open, the driving and signal
lights do not work, the right headlight doesn't illuminate, the
horn does not toot and the temperature gauge is non functional.
An interesting build looking like the Ferrari 246 Dino, all
fiberglass, and a sweet looker for a fraction of the cost!
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
