Jim Kellison 1932-2004One of the pioneers of the American kit car industry passed away September 30, 2004, after a brave struggle with cancer. Jim Kellison was born in 1932 and served in the Air Force in the 1950s. After receiving an honorable discharge in 1958, he immediately turned his attention to building his dream car, a beautiful coupe that he molded from fiberglass. This became his first kit car product, the Kellison J-series coupe.
Kellison added roadster versions in a variety of wheelbases, and three dune buggies called the ClodHopper, Sand Piper, and Dagger. Kellison also sold fiberglass bodies molded from the Lotus Elite and the Jaguar D-Type, as well as hot rods and custom Corvette parts. Kellison, Inc., grew into one of the largest builders of kit cars and fiberglass body parts of the 1960s, and some of his designs were also marketed by other companies. The last Kellison project was a replica of the Ford GT-40 that mounted on a VW floorpan or with a custom tube frame with V-8 power. In 1969, he shut down Kellison, Inc., and took a break from the kit car business by opening a used-books store.
But he couldn't stay away from cars. From the mid-1970s until 1980, Kellison began manufacturing a Cobra replica called the Eagle American Stallion. It was subtly reshaped and beefed up under the skin. The Stallion was the first Cobra replica to substantially deviate from the standard Cobra shape, with a longer wheelbase, more interior room, and a lower nose to provide downforce. After Kellison sold his interest in the project, he started a series of businesses dealing in rare coins and jewelry. His final enterprise was The Diamond Palace, a jewelry store in Marysville, California, that is now operated by his son Steve and daughter Robin.
Hundreds of Kellison-designed kit cars are still on the road today, and they are highly prized by their owners. Jim Kellison will be long remembered for his contribution to the kit car industry. KIT CAR is planning a tribute to Jim Kellison and his cars in an upcoming issue, so stay tuned.
The Dragon Series Ii RoadsterDragon motor cars recently debuted their new, original design for their Series II sports car, which they base from donor 1993-1997, 5.7L, V-8 Camaro or Firebird. Everyone knows the performance associated with the Camaros and Firebirds, which weigh in around 3,600 lbs. Dragon's new Series II uses that driveline but in a 2,100lb package. And, with some of the cosmetically damaged donor cars costing in the $2,000 range, you can build your own sports car for a lot less than you might think.
The chassis is a custom-built space frame jig-welded in Dragon's Connecticut-based shop (featured in a tour on page 46 of this issue) and built to SCCA GT1 specs. The driver and occupant sit low within the frame for safety and a low center of gravity, and Dragon designed large cockpits and foot boxes so that even big people can fit comfortably. One option for the chassis is the addition of 1988-1996 C-4 Corvette aluminum suspension pieces and an independent rearend. With stock power, they expect 0-60 times in the low 4s, the quarter-mile in the low 12s, stopping from 60-0 in 120 feet or less, and 1 G of cornering force.
The cost of the complete kit is $14,990 and includes every part and related item that you need to finish your car. The only procedure that you will have to see to is having the driveshaft shortened. No welding, fabricating, parts chasing, bodywork, or painting (the body comes in one of four gel-coat finishes). For more details, call Dragon Motor Cars at (603) 863-5272, or check out www.dragonmotorcars.com.
Carlisle Events/ Speed Channel Tv Special And 2005 Kit Car Nationals DatesCarlisle Events, the folks who produce the annual Import and Kit/Replica Nationals in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, tell of an agreement with Speed Channel to air "Cars at Carlisle," a one-hour television special featuring highlights of the 2004 Carlisle Events show season.