Rare 1975 Manta Mirage Street-Legal Can-Am Race Car

A rare red 1975 Manta Mirage arriving at and leaving the Motor4Toys Charity Car Show & Toy Drive at Los Angeles Pierce College. Originally based in Costa Mesa, CA, Manta Cars was founded in 1974 by brothers Brad and Tim LoVette. The Mirage, originally referred to as the Manta Can-Am or simply the Manta, was inspired by Can-Am race cars of the 1960s, specifically the McLaren M8. The 1,950-lb kit car is powered by a Chevrolet small-block V8 engine producing 820 horsepower. This example was originally owned by Manta and used as the company’s track car. Its current owner has made several additional modifications including upgraded suspension and a carbon fiber rear wing.

You know you're a true car guy when you wake up early on a cold and foggy winter morning and decide to leave home in a car like this. Yes, this may be another '70s replica of a real car most people can't afford. But it does a good job of steering away from being an exact clone of the McLaren M8 (or any other Can-Am racer), and I'm glad I don't see any fake McLaren badges. The Mirage is certainly a cool car in and of itself, and as a kit car sold without an engine it allowed buyers/builders a very high level of personalization. Regardless of whether or not people are familiar with Can-Am racing, this car is sure to turn heads, start countless conversations, and make bystanders wonder who's crazy (and awesome) enough to get behind the wheel.

Would you go for a ride in this Manta Mirage on a cold winter morning? Leave a comment on YouTube and let me know!