A 1980 Sterling Sebring, a rare kit car blending 1970s supercar aesthetics with a Volkswagen Beetle chassis, is up for sale in the Netherlands, rekindling interest in a bygone era of DIY automotive innovation.
This Sterling Sebring, offered through Car & Classic, features a striking red finish, black vinyl interior, pop-up headlights, and a signature single-piece canopy roof that lifts for entry. Priced with both U.S. and Dutch documentation, the car retains its original 1.3-liter VW flat-four engine paired with a four-speed manual transaxle. Its turbine-style alloy wheels and BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires evoke the period’s bold design trends. The seller notes all duties and VAT are settled, making it an attractive option for collectors.
Originally developed in 1971 by British designers Richard Oakes and Phil Sayers as the Nova kit car, the vehicle gained fame for its wedge-shaped fiberglass body and futuristic styling. Californian Jerry D. Wills brought it to the U.S. in 1973, renaming it Sterling to avoid conflicts with Chevrolet’s Nova trademark. Built on affordable Beetle chassis, the car appealed to enthusiasts seeking exotic looks on a budget, despite modest stock performance. Some owners upgraded with Porsche 911, Subaru, or V8 engines, transforming its capabilities.
The Sebring variant, crafted by Custom Coach Builders in the mid-1970s, addressed practicality with a taller roofline, integrated bumpers, and headlights compliant with U.S. safety standards. Though production waned by the late 1980s due to shifting regulations, the car’s cult status endures, boosted by appearances in films and magazines like Car & Driver.
Today, its rust-resistant fiberglass body offers restoration potential. Bidders can explore the listing online, where this piece of automotive history awaits a new owner eager to revive its unique legacy.
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