The Rare 1970s VW March Hare: A Must-See

⛔Rare GEMS💣 - The 1970s saw an explosion of creativity in the world of VW-based fiberglass kit cars, but few can rival the distinctiveness of the March Hare. This rare and uniquely designed vehicle stands out in automotive history. Whether it resembles a Hot Wheels toy or not, its bold appearance and enhanced engine features make it a fascinating piece of automotive ingenuity.

The March Hare is a creative marvel in the world of VW-based fiberglass kit cars, a rare and uniquely designed vehicle that stands out in automotive history. (Picture from: Blog.HeritagePartsCentre)

In the realm of automotive oddities, the March Hare kit car is a standout creation, marketed with the slogan "Champagne styling at beer money." This quirky vehicle, designed by Jim Edwards and John Marshall, head of Brigham Young University design school, and produced by Pegasus Design in Arlington County, Virginia. Made from fire-retardant resin, the March Hare was based on a shortened Volkswagen Beetle chassis. Its innovative wedge-like profile was ahead of its time, but it did not achieve significant sales, making it a rare find today.

The March Hare designed by Jim Edwards and John Marshall, head of Brigham Young University design school, and produced by Pegasus Design in Arlington County, Virginia. (Picture from: Drive2.ru)

The design and technical characteristics of the March Hare place it close to the iconic Manx SR, yet it stands apart due to its scarcity and distinctive style. While it shares the classic elements of a strong frame, rear-wheel drive, and a Beetle engine, the plastic body and overall aesthetic make it unique. This car was created for pure enjoyment, promising fun and pleasure to those who appreciate its charm.

With only seven believed to have been produced, the March Hare was designed to ride on a VW chassis and running gear. (Picture from: WeirdWheels)

With only seven believed to have been produced, the March Hare was designed to ride on a VW chassis and running gear, embodying the spirit of the classic Californian beach buggy. Unlike the typical plastic creations of its era, the March Hare offers a more robust and stylish alternative. Its limited production and unique design have made it a coveted item among collectors and enthusiasts of rare vehicles. Only a handful are believed to have survived, some existing only as incomplete kits or mere shells.

This bright orange March Hare was built by Bruce Kirk in St. Louis, MO in 1988 with his teenage son, and sits on a 1965 Volkswagen Beetle chassis and features a 1,641cc engine. (Picture from: Avtomobili)

Old literature and ads for the March Hare occasionally surface on platforms like eBay, providing a glimpse into its storied past. Early advertisements and dealer letters reveal different design iterations, though the original remains the most appealing to many. Despite its limited production, the March Hare has left a lasting impression on the world of kit cars.

The March Hare boasts a '70s supercar-themed interior with vinyl bucket seats inclined to provide a clear view of the steeply raked windscreen, adding to the car's retro charm.. (Picture from: Avtomobili)

One of these rare gems surfaced at Gateway Classics near Saint Louis, presenting an exciting opportunity for collectors. This bright orange March Hare was built by Bruce Kirk in St. Louis, MO in 1988 with his teenage son, and sits on a 1965 Volkswagen Beetle chassis and features a 1,641cc engine. 

The March Hare sits on a 1965 Volkswagen Beetle chassis and features a 1,641cc engine. (Picture from: Blog.HeritagePartsCentre)

Although completed in the late 1970s, it retains a '70s supercar-themed interior, complete with vinyl bucket seats. These inclined seats provide a clear view of the steeply raked windscreen, adding to the car's retro charm.

The March Hare as created for pure enjoyment, promising fun and pleasure to those who appreciate its charm. (Picture from: Avtomobili)

Additionally, this rare show car boasts numerous enhancements, including a balanced engine, custom steering wheel, and extensive instrumentation. It has won several trophies in its time and continues to attract attention. With a clean Illinois title and detailed documentation, this March Hare is a testament to the creativity and innovation of its era.

The March Hare shares the classic elements of a strong frame, rear-wheel drive, and a Beetle engine, the plastic body and overall aesthetic make it unique. (Picture from: Blog.HeritagePartsCentre)

As this car waits for its next adventure, the question remains: What would you pay for a rare kit car like the March Hare? Its value lies not just in its components but in the story it tells and the joy it promises to its future owner. The March Hare is more than a car; it's a celebration of innovation, fun, and the timeless appeal of automotive creativity. | mxHfMYnXLOA |

Imagine cruising down the highway in this unique vehicle, turning heads and sparking conversations wherever you go. The March Hare is not just a mode of transportation; it's an experience, a piece of history, and a symbol of a time when creativity and experimentation in automotive design were at their peak. The thrill of driving a rare and distinctive car like the March Hare is unparalleled, making it a prized possession for any car enthusiast. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BLOGHERITAGEPARTSCENTRE | FIBERCLASSIC.ORG | THESAMBA | WEIRDWHEELS | COLLECTORCARADS | BARNFINDS | AVTOMOBILI | DRIVE2.RU ]

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