A striking design reminiscent of the Lancias and Volkswagen sports cars, the Ascort was in fact designed by Czech immigrant Mirek Craney at the end of the 1950s.
Arriving earlier in the decade, Craney used his background in plastic engineering and Volkswagen conversion kits to construct a fibreglass sports coupe of his own design.
It was a beautiful design and gained traction by receiving a feature in Modern Motor, before receiving an invite to be displayed at the Melbourne Motor Show.
Interest was high as Craney received 57 orders after its display at the show albeit the price was hefty.
More expensive than an Austin Healey 100/6 and priced close to its inspiration, Porsche’s 356, it proved a difficult sell to many other buyers. Its demise came in 1961 after Craney knocked back an offer from a large US manufacturer to take it on leaving just 19 shells and 13 complete units built.
The Ascort did gain plenty of attention albeit using plenty of Volkswagen parts including a Beetle chassis and Okrasa 1300 engine, while the body was inspired by the Karmann-Ghia coupe.
It was a classy coupe using a fibreglass body, which was not just attractive, but was safe courtesy of being double-skinned and utilising steel tubing to improve its rigidity.
Double fuel tanks were also part of the package, with the interior fitting four, foam sound deadening between the cabin and the engine at the rear, plus seatbelts as standard.
Even the Yanks were excited when it featured on the cover of Road & Track, but alas the features on the Ascort made it problematic to produce in masses and the failed US deal ensured production was restricted to 13 complete units from 19 bodyshells.
Built by Continental Coachwork, which was a subsidiary of Carney’s Hermex Corporation built this extremely rare model.
What could have been?