Archer Coachworks Neo-Classic Kit Car

Description

Archer Coachworks of Valparaiso, Indiana, was among the more ambitious American neo-classic kit car builders active in the 1970s and 1980s, producing a small number of coach-built open touring cars that combined the body tub of a Fiat 124 Spider with a full-size American chassis and V8 drivetrain. The combination resulted in a car that evoked the proportions of prewar grand touring automobiles while remaining mechanically accessible and serviceable.

Archer's design was recognized at the Specialty Automotive Magazines Association (SAMA) Kit Car National, where it was awarded Best Neo-Classic Car Design in 1986. The seller reports fewer than 50 examples were produced, making surviving examples genuinely rare.

This Archer is built on a 1973 Pontiac Bonneville chassis — a B-body full-size platform that differs from the Lincoln Town Car frame used on more commonly documented examples — powered by the Pontiac 400ci V8 and Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed automatic transmission, with the stock Bonneville 10-bolt rear axle retained. The body tub is from Fiat 124 Spider, extended and fitted with fiberglass fenders in the Archer's distinctive neoclassic style.

The car is finished in a two-tone brown and tan with tan upholstery and rides on steel wheels with wire-style hub caps.

This Archer Coachworks Neo-Classic is offered by the selling dealer with a removable hardtop and convertible soft top and a rebuilt Oklahoma title calling the car a 1973 SPCNS.

Highlights

• Built by Archer Coachworks in Valparaiso, Indiana

• 1986 SAMA Kit Car National Best Neo-Classic Design

• 1973 Pontiac Bonneville B-body chassis

• 400ci Pontiac V8 with Turbo-Hydramatic 400 transmission

• Fiat 124 Spider body tub with fiberglass fenders

• Two-tone brown and tan finish with tan upholstery

• Hardtop and convertible soft top included

Build Details

Chassis & Drivetrain:

• Carbureted 400ci Pontiac V8 engine

• Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed automatic transmission with column shifter

• 1973 Pontiac Bonneville B-body ladder frame chassis

• Pontiac Bonneville 10-bolt rear axle

• Power-assisted steering

• Power-assisted brakes

Body & Exterior:

• Fiat 124 Spider steel body tub

• Fiberglass front and rear fenders in neoclassic style

• Two-tone brown and tan paint

• Steel wheels with wire-style hub caps

• Chrome accents

• Removable hardtop

• Convertible soft top

Interior:

• Column gear shifter

• Tan upholstery

• Wood-rimmed steering wheel

• AM/FM radio

• Bucket seats

Known Imperfections

• Images detailing the vehicle’s condition are available in the gallery

• Various paint imperfections, described by seller as an armature repaint

• Convertible soft top requires replacement

• Tires with older date codes

Ownership History

This Archer Coachworks Neo-Classic kit car was recently acquired by the selling dealer.

Included Items

• Removable hardtop and stand

• Convertible soft top assembly

• Spare windshield and frame

Additional Information

This Archer Coachworks Neo-Classic is titled in Oklahoma using the California-assigned identification number CA954417, which matches a riveted plate in the driver's door jamb.

The Oklahoma title lists a rebuilt status as of September 2005 and calls the car a "1973 SPNCS"