How could you not love a car with this visage! Obviously just happy to be rescued from being off the road since 1978, this rare fiberglass kit car from the early 60’s is eager for a new home. It may even have the best grin this side of a Bugeye. Thanks goes to Jim S for finding this car here on eBay!

I had never heard of a La Dawri until a friend of mine picked up an unfinished kit that he’s mounting on a TR3 chassis. Looking at Geoff Hacker’s tremendous internet resource Forgotten Fiberglass one can find a copy of the entire 1963 La Dawri catalog. Amazingly, Les and Joan Dawes were offering 14, yes 14, different kit types, of which the Sebring was one (and chosen to be on the cover).

This particular Sebring was constructed in 1962 by a gentlemen said to now be in his 90’s. Somewhat unusually, it was built using a Volvo PV544 drive train. Supposedly this was a custom tubular frame, but I’m not so sure—there are components that certainly look like a Volvo PV544, and some that look like a GM X-frame, but I’m no expert on either of those. Can an astute Barn Finds reader help us out with identification? It certainly does look solid, with massive trailing arms locating the solid rear axle that I believe are from the donor Volvo.

Look at those rear bumperettes! And the “roll bar” which obviously wasn’t there to help with rollovers. It certainly added some style to this body, though.

Interior shots show a much more finished appearance than was typical for a kit car of this period. The Volvo dash is well integrated and it’s apparent that the original builder agreed with Volvo that padding was essential in areas that might contact people. I love the wrap-around windshield, although that look was starting to become dated by the 1960’s.

Large drums front and rear provide the stopping power. I think these are from the Volvo as well. I found an article on converting the front ones to discs, apparently it’s pretty easy, so if you are drum-phobic that shouldn’t stop you from choosing this beauty.

The engine is not as good a story though. The seller states it’s locked up, and it looks like someone has made some attempts to free it up, although all parts removed seem to be included in the sale. I think engine availability and even swapping to a later Volvo engine is an option though. The original Volvo serial number plates are also present, along with a plate issued by the State of Pennsylvania. However, there’s no title.

While beauty is certainly in the eye of the beholder, this is one special I’m having a hard time getting out of my mind. I think the distinctive lines, coupled with Volvo reliability could yield a terrific little sports car with hardly any chance of passing yourself on the road. So, do you think this smiling roadster would be happy in your garage?