If you’re in the market for something completely unique to add to your collection of rare sports cars you now have the opportunity to own one of four Bangert Manta Ray cars. Hot damn does this car have a story that rivals any barn find tale we’ve heard. Originally designed by Noel Bangert—who would later become Noel Marshall, talent agent, producer and husband of Tippi Hedren—the Bangert Manta Ray was made out of fiberglass and inspired by the 1954 Buick Wildcat II Concept car. But the Manta Ray wasn’t a complete vehicle or even a kit car, it was nothing more than the fiberglass body. This is where Elwood Caufmann comes in. After getting his hands on a Manta Ray body he spent two years building a car around it. Then this car, one of only four Bangert Manta Rays known to exist, disappeared for nearly 50 years before being restored and ultimately unveiled at the 2017 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance earlier this year. With a story this good, it’s hard to even care about the obvious nods to the animal its named after, the custom built chassis, all new interior or the rebuilt Chevy 350 powering it.
PARTNER
Huckberry’s Essential Holiday Gift Guide
Unzip your coat and have some mulled wine on the house—you’ve arrived at your final gifting destination: The Holiday Gift Guide. It’s like your friendly neighborhood one-stop holiday shop, except instead of balsa wood ornaments, ours is packed with thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list. Future heirlooms, small-but-significant stocking stuffers, and gear for getting out there (or staying in)—are all right here. There’s no music playing in the background though, so you’ll just have to hum Bing Crosby while you click around instead.
