The Blakely Bantam was a kit car produced by Blakely Motors and was introduced in 1972. This specific example was a 1974 version with 11,000 miles, 2.0-liter engine and automatic transmission. The Bantam was basically a Super 7 replica but with a different frame. The small four-cylinder Ford Pinto engines were a popular choice and were well fitted to the Bantam, hence the “Pinto maintenance” as touted in the ad. The Bantam was interesting as it did not feature doors, a roof or a trunk, and it was built to be used as a track car. It would be produced well into the 1980s and would morph into the Hawk which was largely based on the Bantam. This example was in the July 1978 issue of Hemmings Motor News and was listed at $6,500 (about $23,000 today).
Blakely Auto was founded by Dick Blakely and after the Bantam, he would go on to produce the Bearcat which was a larger model that featured more comforts and daily driving practicality. The larger size would allow for a larger selection of engines as well as the convenience of removable hardtops and actual trunk space. The Bearcat would eventually become the Bernardi, which would bear a resemblance to the MG TD.
The Blakely Bantam still has a following today. Bantams were built primarily in the Midwest, and if you find one, it shouldn’t be too difficult to find parts to revive its Pinto ancestry. Body parts, though, are most likely a different story. As to how many Bantams are out there, we don’t know, but it looks like a fun obscure car that could have a nice following.
