Restoring the Bill Thomas Cheetah: Uncovering the Forgotten American Muscle Car Rival to the Shelby Cobra on Craigslist

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60s Cheetah Kit
60s Cheetah Kit

The Bill Thomas Cheetah, a half-finished masterpiece, exudes raw, retro allure. With its Aston Martin-esque front end and sweeping silhouette, it epitomizes the iconic 60s kit car aesthetic.

This fiberglass-bodied creation was the brainchild of renowned Chevy engine tuner Bill Thomas, designed as a direct competitor to the Shelby Cobra.

60s Cheetah Kit
Restoring the Bill Thomas Cheetah (Cheetah)

The Cheetah was meticulously engineered to accommodate Chevy’s potent small-block V8s, offering enthusiasts a platform to unleash their tuning prowess. In essence, it was a lightweight, V8-powered missile aimed squarely at the heart of American sports car racing.

In a twisted turn of automotive history, the Cheetah, not the Shelby Cobra, could have been the poster child for American muscle cars of the 1960s. A Craigslist ad near Cleveland, Ohio, offers a look into this alternate reality.

60s Cheetah Kit
Restoring the Bill Thomas Cheetah (Cheetah)

An unfinished Cheetah kit car, abandoned by its original owner after a tragic turn of events, sits exposed to the elements.

Its fiberglass body shell, now weathered and worn, begs the question: can this relic be restored into a roaring beast of the road? Only a true automotive wizard could breathe new life into this forgotten project. If you’re up for the challenge, this $2,500 Craigslist find might just be your ticket to building a one-of-a-kind American icon.

Published
Dana Phio

By Dana Phio

From the sound of engines to the spin of wheels, I love the excitement of driving. I really enjoy cars and bikes, and I'm here to share that passion. Daxstreet helps me keep going, connecting me with people who feel the same way. It's like finding friends for life.

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