The Fiberfab Jamaican: A Rare Breed of Kit Car That Revives Classic Automotive Design

When it comes to classic cars, enthusiasts are always on the lookout for unique and rare models that showcase the best of automotive design from bygone eras. One such rarity is the Fiberfab Jamaican, a truly remarkable kit car that captures the essence of vintage sports cars while offering modern-day excitement.

The Birth of the Fiberfab Jamaican

The Fiberfab Jamaican was the brainchild of Warren "Bud" Goodwin, a passionate car enthusiast who wanted to create a vehicle that combined classic aesthetics with modern technology. Goodwin founded Fiberfab in California in the late 1960s, specializing in fiberglass body kits for sports cars.

Fiberfab Jamaican: a rare breed of kit car

by Paul Grant (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4191 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	27 pages
Hardcover	:	614 pages
Item Weight	:	2.13 pounds
Dimensions	:	6 x 1.31 x 9 inches

FREE

The Jamaican, introduced in 1969, was Fiberfab's answer to the demand for an affordable and customizable sports car. The body of the Jamaican was designed to fit on various chassis, including the Volkswagen Beetle, making it accessible to a wide range of enthusiasts who wanted to build their dream car.

Distinctive Design Features

The Fiberfab Jamaican's design was heavily inspired by the iconic lines of the Jaguar E-Type, one of the most beautiful cars ever created. The long, flowing hood, sleek headlights, and curved fenders give the Jamaican an unmistakable vintage appeal. The low-slung stance and aggressive rear end design further enhance its sporty persona.

One of the standout features of the Jamaican is its unique canopy-style convertible top. The top can be easily removed, transforming the car into an open-top roadster that allows drivers to fully experience the thrill of the open road. With the top back on, the Jamaican exudes elegance and sophistication, turning heads wherever it goes.

Performance and Customization

The Fiberfab Jamaican offered a range of engine options, allowing owners to tailor their car's performance to their preferences. From the reliable Volkswagen air-cooled engines to more powerful options like Ford V6 and V8 engines, enthusiasts had the freedom to create a Jamaican that suited their driving style.

Customization options were aplenty with the Jamaican, both in terms of aesthetics and functionality. From different paint colors and finishes to personalized interiors, owners could truly make their car a unique reflection of their taste and personality. Many enthusiasts also added performance upgrades like suspension modifications and brake enhancements to further enhance the car's driving dynamics.

A Rare Find Today

The Fiberfab Jamaican, despite its undeniable appeal, is a rare breed of kit car today. Its production ceased in the early 1970s, making surviving examples highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike. Due to their scarcity, a well-maintained Jamaican in good condition can command a premium price on the classic car market.

Owning a Fiberfab Jamaican is not just about the thrill of driving a unique and beautiful car; it's also about being part of a small and passionate community of enthusiasts who appreciate its timeless design. Car shows and gatherings dedicated to Fiberfab vehicles provide opportunities for owners to showcase their prized possessions and share their love for these rare automobiles.

The Legacy of the Jamaican

Although Fiberfab is no longer in operation, the impact of the Jamaican and other kit cars on the automotive industry cannot be overlooked. These vehicles allowed individuals to express their creativity and passion for cars, revolutionizing the concept of car customization and personalization.

The Fiberfab Jamaican, with its graceful lines and spirited performance, stands as a testament to the enduring allure of classic automotive design. Its rarity and timeless charm ensure that it will continue to captivate car enthusiasts for generations to come, reminding us of the golden age of automotive styling and the ingenuity of kit car manufacturers like Fiberfab.

The Fiberfab Jamaican is a true gem among vintage kit cars, reviving the spirit of classic automotive design and offering enthusiasts the opportunity to create their dream sports car. Its timeless beauty, customizable nature, and rarity make it a sought-after collector's item, treasured by those who appreciate its elegance and performance. The Fiberfab Jamaican will forever hold a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts, reminding us of the endless possibilities that lie within the world of kit car customization.

Fiberfab Jamaican: a rare breed of kit car

by Paul Grant (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4191 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	27 pages
Hardcover	:	614 pages
Item Weight	:	2.13 pounds
Dimensions	:	6 x 1.31 x 9 inches

FREE

Inspired by the worldwide leading stylistic trends of Italian master coachbuilders, Fiberfab ─ the all-time greatest kit car manufacturer ─ radically parted ways with its stereotype of an amateurish copycat maker and surprised and toasted many kit car enthusiasts upon the of Jamaican in the fall 1967, so beautifully styled that it almost looked as though it had been sculpted by the same hands of its European near-counterparts. Lean, timeless and aggressive, Jamaican definitely gave the kit car industry a new eye for the general public and helped burn down some prejudices, however severe flaws and a series of misfortunes which tormented Fiberfab stability on the market undermined its success and a possible breakaway from the kit car segment. Available for a sheer amount of floor pans, ranging from those of British sports cars like Triumph, MG and Austin-Healey, to air-cooled Volkswagen and powerful Chevy V8s, Jamaican was fully able to bind its outstanding outfit with the most varied kind of owners. This article is summed up to a brief profile of a harshly overlooked and lost classic born out of the US auto industry offshoots.