An intriguing discovery has surfaced in the online automotive community, sparking fervent discussions among kit car enthusiasts and 80s movie buffs alike. A forum thread on cars.edu.vn, initially discussing a “Kit Car Shell” listed on Craigslist, has ignited a debate – could this be a body kit for the legendary “Wraith Car”?
The original post on the forum highlighted a Craigslist advertisement featuring a fiberglass car body shell. The seller, unaware of its exact origins, speculated it to be either a Lamborghini or a Jaguar 220. However, forum members quickly identified a more captivating possibility: could this be a shell for “The Wraith” car, the iconic vehicle from the cult classic 1986 film, The Wraith?
The car in question, “The Wraith,” is actually a modified Dodge M4S Turbo Interceptor prototype. This sleek, futuristic vehicle, with its striking angular design and blacked-out aesthetic, became instantly recognizable thanks to its starring role in the movie. The film’s popularity has cemented the Wraith car’s status as a symbol of 80s automotive and cinematic cool.
Forum user “splitime” was quick to point out the resemblance to the Wraith car body parts, posting a link to Wraith Innovations, a company known for producing Wraith car kits. This immediately fueled the discussion, with members comparing the Craigslist shell to images of completed Wraith kit cars.
Completed Wraith car kit in silver, demonstrating the potential transformation of the shell.
While the initial poster “DukeOfUndersteer” admitted the shell wasn’t his, the allure of a potentially rare Wraith car kit body at an affordable price point was undeniable. The forum buzzed with excitement and speculation.
However, the discussion took a turn towards identification accuracy. Forum member “JThw8” raised valid points, noting differences between the advertised shell and known Wraith car kit designs. Specifically, the rounded rear and side scoop variations sparked debate about whether this was a true Wraith kit or a similar, perhaps derivative, design.
Adding another layer to the mystery, “dean1484” suggested the shell might resemble a Jaguar 220, while “splitime” countered with the Vector M4S as a closer match, particularly noting the front end similarities. The debate highlighted the visual cues that evoke the 80s supercar aesthetic shared by these vehicles and the Wraith car.
Despite the uncertainties in definitive identification, the forum consensus leaned towards the shell being a Wraith car kit replica, or at least heavily inspired by it. The crucial point for many forum members was the potential value. “wearymicrobe” declared a real Wraith shell “worth way more than 2K” in the kit car world, emphasizing the rarity and desirability of such finds.
The discussion then shifted to practical considerations. “jhaas” contemplated acquiring the shell, even considering using Camaro glass for the windows, though acknowledging the seller’s potentially exaggerated claims. The idea of building a project car around this body kit, possibly for events like the “$2000 Challenge,” began to take shape.
Ultimately, the forum thread underscores the enduring appeal of the Wraith car and the excitement surrounding uncovering automotive treasures, even in fiberglass shell form. Whether a genuine Wraith kit or a close relative, this Craigslist find represents a tangible link to the dreams of 80s automotive futurism and the enduring allure of building your own unique machine. For enthusiasts of kit cars and iconic movie vehicles, the mystery of this “wraith car” shell is a captivating project waiting to be unearthed.
