1956 Bangert Manta Ray Show Car

1956 Other Makes Bangert Manta Ray Show Car Description

1956 Bangert Manta Ray Show Car

Inspired By The 1954 Buick Wildcat II Concept Car

Sting Rays, Barracudas, Marlins, Sharks, Manta Rays and more. A recent show in Connecticut pulled together a host of exotic cars with "ocean inspired" names and called it "Show Cars From The Sea." The Bangert Manta Ray that headlined the show could now be yours.

Three Bangert sports car models were offered from 1954 thru 1957 with the "Manta Ray" being the second in the series. Noel Bangert's inspiration for the design of the Manta Ray was the 1954 Buick Wildcat II show car built from the new wonder material for cars - fiberglass. Approximately 15 to 20 Manta Rays bodies and sports cars were produced - just four are known to exist today.

For Auction Today

Elwood Caufmann finished his Manta Ray in 1956. He detailed his story in a handwritten 4-page story which is included in the sale of this car. Missing for nearly 50 years, the Cauffman Manta Ray was found several years ago and brought to Florida for documentation and restoration. In 2015 it appeared on Ray Evernham's "AmeriCarna" Velocity Channel TV show in unrestored condition. After its appearance, the restoration undertaken was both a tribute to Noel Bangert, the designer of the car, and Elwood Cauffman, the builder of this car. With this in mind, the body was returned to its original design and the mechanics and chassis kept closely to Cauffman's original build. The debut of the restored Manta Ray took place at the 2017 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance.

Technical Specifications:

• Refurbished Chevrolet 350
• Custom built chassis by Elwood Cauffman
• Original 3-speed Ford transmission
• New gauges and wiring
• New gas tank and filler
• New brake cylinders, master, lines, and shoes
• Quick disconnect steering wheel
• New windshield glass
• New upholstery
• New Halibrand style wheels
• New tires

American Sport Specials are coming into their own. More and more they are seen at vintage races, rallys, tours and on the fields of the finest concours in the world. Most recently a class of these sports cars appeared at the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and the 2015 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance. This may be your chance to own something quite rare - an American Special -- with all the flair of European design, but with American power and at a reasonable cost.

Links of Interest:

Article: American Postwar Specials/Sports Cars - Published in the 2015 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance Progam

Hagerty Valuation Guide: Glasspar

Hagerty Valuation Guide: Woodill Wildfire

Auction Results: LaDawri Conquest Sold for $57,200 at Mecum in Denver, CO - June, 2018

Auction Results: 1953 Victress S1A Roadster Bid to $150,000 at Mecum, Chicago, October, 2015

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Shown Below Are Photos of The 1956 Bangert Manta Ray Being Auctioned in this Sale

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Vintage Photos, Posters, and Other Detail

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Buick Wildcat II Show Car Above

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Transportation costs and arrangements from origination (Tampa, Florida) to buyer's location are the responsibility of the buyer. This car is being advertised locally and we reserve the right to end the auction at any time. This car is sold "as-is." People have different opinions and expectations of old cars. It is your responsibility to inspect this vehicle or send a third party inspector for your satisfaction. A $2000 non-refundable deposit is due within 48 hours of the end of the auction. Full payment via electronic/bank transfer is due no later than 7 days from the end of the auction.

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Offered By

Undiscovered Classics of Tampa, Florida

"We Find, Research, Restore, Show and Sell America's Lost Automotive Treasures"

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