Highlights
- One of only 300 J4s built
- Larger 389CI Pontiac V8 - most had 350CI V8s
- Bespoke roofline to improve usability
- Custom Targa roof
- Attraxtive dark green with black interior
- Well kept car in good condition
The Appeal
Jim Kellison was a man of mystery. Some say he was a fighter pilot, flying helicopters, jets and fighting in Korea. Others that he was part of the USA Air Force’s ground crew, an expert in maintaining high-performance jet fighters.
What is certain is that from a teenage obsession with building custom hot rods, Jim later became renowned for building some of the best fibreglass cars of the 60s and 70s. His designs were clearly influenced by his time around those jet planes. To call them ‘kit cars’ would degenerate them; as the Kellison marque’s loyal band of enthusiasts know, these are much more bespoke cars of their own distinctive design, engineering and character.
Every Kellison car had a ‘J’ prefix and the ‘4’ arrived in the 70s. As was the Kellison way, you could have a J4 pretty much any way you wanted - whether based on a short Triumph TR3 chassis or longer Corvette running gear. Just 300 were built before the Kellison project imploded (after which Jim, eclectic as ever, went to run a book store) and this car is likely amongst the last assembled. We understand it was assembled in the mid to late 1970s.
Most J4s had Chevrolet 350CI V8 power, but beneath the attractive, curvaceous fastback bodywork of this car lies a Pontiac 389CI (6.4L) V8, of the sort fitted to the GTO and good for 335bhp. Enthusiasts will note the manual gearbox in the well-trimmed black cabin. The front suspension is from a Xk120 Jaguar, while at the back is a General Motors solid rear axle.
Finished in understated dark green, this car features a modified roof line to make access and egress easier. There is also a Targa roof and swing-arm steering column.
The car is said to be in very good order, with only a few indications of its 50-odd years. Kellison is one of the most interesting boutique classic car brands and the J4 perhaps its best and most beautiful model. These cars are rare arrivals on the sales scene and this one looks very tempting.
The History and Paperwork
- Built and first registered in the mid/late 70s according to the seller
- Identity is from a 1973 Pontiac which provided the donor engine and gearbox
- Spent time in the USA before arriving in Europe
- Chassis number 2Y17M3L12356
The Condition
- Dark green paintwork in good general condition with some areas to note
- Paintwork is not perfect in terms of finish or condition but is certainly presentable
- Modified higher roofline to allow easier access and egress and increase cabin space
- Fitted with custom targa roof which seals well and is in good condition
- Believed to feature donor Corvette C2 windscreen, glass and roof frame
- Fibreglass bodywork appears to be in good order with no reported cracks or starbursts
- Rear window has a louvred cover and is believed to be damaged underneath
- The rear window has been kept in place to allow buyer to commission a replacement
- Painted wire wheels with centre hubs and Kellison centre caps
- Tyres appear to be in good order
- We understand that the underside is well kept with no issues reported
- Black vinyl and suede interior in very good condition with bucket seats as shown
- Seats show little wear and thick carpets in black are also well kept
- Carpets show light fade but it is even and they remain presentable
- Black vinyl dashboard with classic-style analogue dials and classic period radio
- Swing-arm steering column to allow easier access and egress
- Three spoke leather-rimmed wheel with Corvette decal on boss
The Mechanics
- 6.4L 389CI Pontiac/General Motors V8 engine
- Engine also fitted to Pontiac GTO and good for 335bhp
- In factory specification car is fitted with four barrel carburettor
- 4spd manual General Motors gearbox from Pontiac donor car
- More powerful than most J4s that had 350CI engines
- Jaguar XK120 front suspension
- General Motors solid rear axle
- No reported running or driving issues
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