The Classic Motor Carriages Gazelle: Evolution of America’s Iconic Mercedes-Inspired Kit Car
Among the many replica automobiles produced during the late 20th century, the Classic Motor Carriages Gazelle stands as one of the most recognizable and widely distributed kit cars in American automotive history. Styled after the legendary pre-war Mercedes-Benz SSK, the Gazelle allowed enthusiasts to own a vintage-looking roadster at a fraction of the cost of a genuine classic automobile.
Produced originally in the 1970s and later by Classic Motor Carriages (CMC) during the 1980s and early 1990s, the Gazelle became one of the most successful vehicles in the American kit-car industry. Thousands of kits were sold, making it a defining product of the replica-car boom that emerged in the United States during the late 20th century.
This article explores the development, evolution, models, and legacy of the Classic Motor Carriages Gazelle.
Origins of the Gazelle
The Gazelle’s history actually begins before Classic Motor Carriages entered the picture. The car was originally created by Fiberfab, an American kit-car manufacturer founded in California in the late 1960s.
Fiberfab introduced the Gazelle during the early 1970s, designing it as a replica of the famous 1928–1932 Mercedes-Benz SSK roadster.
The original SSK was a powerful and prestigious European luxury sports car, known for its:
- Long hood
- Sweeping fenders
- External exhaust pipes
- Side-mounted spare wheels
Fiberfab sought to recreate this dramatic styling using modern fiberglass construction and mechanical components from inexpensive American donor cars.
The concept proved extremely popular among automotive hobbyists. Rather than buying a completed automobile, customers could purchase a kit containing the body panels and other components and assemble the vehicle themselves.
.
We LOVE cars & cruising around, but sometimes day trips to explore new cities are required (with family or friends) for a spice of variety in your life!
So GO explore!
Cruises & Day/Night City Tours to: Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Marina Del Ray, New York, Niagara, Philadelphia, San Diego, San Francisco, Toronto, Washington DC, etc.:
.
The Transition to Classic Motor Carriages
In 1983, the Gazelle entered a new phase of its history when Classic Motor Carriages (CMC) of Miami acquired the design and production rights after purchasing assets from Fiberfab.
Classic Motor Carriages quickly expanded production and began marketing the Gazelle nationwide through:
- Automotive magazines
- Mail-order catalogs
- Car shows
- airport promotional displays
Under CMC’s leadership, the Gazelle became one of the company’s flagship products and a cornerstone of the American replica-car industry.
Production continued under Classic Motor Carriages until approximately 1994, when the company ceased operations.
Production Timeline
The development of the Gazelle can be divided into three primary phases.
Fiberfab Era (Early 1970s–1983)
- Original design introduced
- Volkswagen-based kits most common
- Sold primarily as do-it-yourself kits
Classic Motor Carriages Era (1983–1994)
- Production moved to Miami, Florida
- Expanded marketing across the United States
- Additional donor chassis options introduced
- Both kit and factory-built versions offered
Post-CMC Era (After 1994)
- Some molds and parts circulated among small replica builders
- No major manufacturer resumed large-scale Gazelle production
Design and Styling
The Gazelle’s styling was deliberately dramatic and theatrical. Designers aimed to replicate the look of a 1920s grand touring sports car, even though the vehicle used modern components underneath.
Typical exterior features included:
- Long hood and short rear deck
- Large chrome radiator grille
- Chrome trumpet horns
- External side exhaust pipes (decorative)
- Dual side-mounted spare wheels
- Running boards
- Sweeping front and rear fenders
These elements gave the Gazelle a distinctly neo-classical appearance, a style that became popular in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s.
Despite its vintage look, the Gazelle was usually built with modern safety features and mechanical systems.
Construction and Engineering
One of the defining characteristics of the Gazelle was its kit-car construction philosophy.
Rather than manufacturing engines and chassis components themselves, CMC designed the Gazelle to use parts from existing vehicles known as donor cars.
Common donor platforms included:
- Volkswagen Beetle
- Ford Pinto
- Chevrolet Chevette
- Mercury Bobcat
- Mustang II
These vehicles provided essential mechanical systems such as:
- engines
- transmissions
- steering components
- suspension systems
This approach dramatically reduced manufacturing costs while also simplifying maintenance.
Gazelle kits typically included:
- fiberglass body panels
- frame or subframe components
- interior trim
- lighting systems
- assembly instructions
Buyers would combine these components with parts from their donor car.
Engine and Mechanical Specifications
Because the Gazelle depended on donor vehicles, specifications varied widely depending on how the car was built.
Typical engine configurations included:
Volkswagen-Based Models
- Air-cooled flat-four engine
- 1.6-liter displacement
- Four-speed manual transmission
Ford Pinto / Mustang II Based Models
- 2.3-liter inline-four engine
- Approximately 88–100 horsepower
- Manual or automatic transmission
Chevrolet Chevette Based Models
- 1.6-liter or 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine
- Automatic or manual transmission
Many Gazelles featured front disc brakes and rack-and-pinion steering, improving handling compared to earlier vintage automobiles.
Gazelle Models and Trim Levels
Although the Gazelle was primarily sold as a kit car, several configurations and trim packages emerged over time.
Gazelle Standard Roadster
Years offered: early 1970s–1994
The standard Gazelle roadster was the most common configuration.
Key features included:
- Two-seat open-top body
- Soft convertible top
- Chrome bumpers and grille
- Rear luggage rack
- Rear-mounted spare tire
This version represented the basic kit sold by both Fiberfab and Classic Motor Carriages.
Gazelle Deluxe
Years offered: early 1980s–1994
The Deluxe package added additional luxury features.
Typical upgrades included:
- Higher-quality interior materials
- upgraded gauges
- improved upholstery
- additional chrome trim
Buyers could also choose upgraded wheel designs and interior color combinations.
Gazelle Factory-Built Model
Years offered: mid-1980s–early 1990s
Although most Gazelles were sold as kits, Classic Motor Carriages also offered fully assembled factory-built cars.
These models were aimed at buyers who wanted the Gazelle’s styling but did not want to assemble the car themselves.
Factory-built Gazelles often included:
- finished paintwork
- fully installed interiors
- completed electrical systems
- professionally installed drivetrains
Because of the labor involved, these vehicles were significantly more expensive than kit versions.
Interior Features
Despite its antique appearance, the Gazelle incorporated many modern amenities.
Interior features typically included:
- vinyl or leather seating
- wood-grain dashboard panels
- classic-style gauges
- AM/FM stereo or cassette player
- heater system
- carpeting and trim panels
Some factory-built examples even included air conditioning, though this was relatively uncommon.
Popularity in the United States
The Gazelle became one of the most widely recognized kit cars of the 1980s.
Several factors contributed to its popularity.
Affordable Price
Gazelle kits often sold for under $10,000, making them accessible to hobbyists.
Vintage Styling
Many enthusiasts loved the idea of owning a car that resembled a classic 1920s luxury roadster.
DIY Culture
During the 1970s and 1980s, building kit cars was a popular hobby among automotive enthusiasts.
Customization
Each Gazelle could be customized with different paint schemes, interiors, and donor engines.
Cultural Impact
The Gazelle was frequently advertised in:
- automotive magazines
- hobbyist publications
- mail-order catalogs
It also appeared at numerous car shows and enthusiast gatherings.
Because of its distinctive styling, the Gazelle became instantly recognizable among replica-car enthusiasts.
However, the vehicle also attracted criticism from some classic-car purists who felt that replica cars diluted the authenticity of original vintage automobiles.
Decline of Production
Gazelle production ended around 1994, largely because of the collapse of Classic Motor Carriages.
The company faced serious legal challenges and financial problems during the early 1990s, including lawsuits related to customer complaints and business practices.
When CMC closed its Miami operations, production of the Gazelle ended as well.
Collector Status Today
Today, surviving Gazelles occupy an unusual niche in the collector-car market.
Because they were produced in large numbers compared to other replica cars, they remain relatively affordable.
Typical prices range from:
- $5,000 to $15,000, depending on condition and build quality.
Values vary widely because every Gazelle was assembled differently.
Well-built examples with high-quality paint and interiors tend to command higher prices.
Future Outlook
The future of the Gazelle lies primarily within the kit-car and replica-car enthusiast community.
Several factors support ongoing interest:
- nostalgic appeal for 1980s automotive culture
- distinctive neo-classical styling
- relatively low purchase price
- simple mechanical components
Because many Gazelles used common donor vehicles such as the Volkswagen Beetle or Ford Pinto, parts remain relatively easy to obtain.
As a result, many examples continue to appear at classic-car events and hobbyist gatherings.
The Classic Motor Carriages Gazelle represents one of the most recognizable and successful kit cars ever produced in the United States. Originally developed by Fiberfab in the early 1970s and later manufactured by Classic Motor Carriages from 1983 to 1994, the Gazelle allowed enthusiasts to experience the appearance of a 1920s luxury roadster at a fraction of the cost of the original.
With its dramatic styling, customizable construction, and accessible price, the Gazelle became a defining product of the American replica-car boom. Though production ended with the closure of Classic Motor Carriages in the 1990s, the Gazelle continues to occupy a unique place in automotive history.
Today, these cars remain a testament to a time when creativity, fiberglass craftsmanship, and enthusiast passion combined to bring vintage automotive dreams within reach of everyday drivers.
