UC_Portolio_Book

19 1956 Bangert Manta Ray (2017) Noel Bangert designed and built three models of the Bangert sports car from 1954 thru 1957. The second model was known as the Manta Ray and debuted to great acclaim at the 1955 Petersen Motorama in the Pan Pacific Audiorium. All three models of Bangert sports cars were used as racing cars too and it was common to see them in road races throughout southern California. This particular Manta Ray was built by Elwood Caufmann in 1956. Thought lost since he sold it in the 1950s, we found it in Texas in 2010 and quickly acquired it and shipped it to our home base in Tampa, Florida. Ironically, we had located Elwood Caufmann back in 2008 and he lived on Dunedin Beach in Dunedin, Florida—my home town and the location of where the photo on the left was taken. I think Elwood would have been proud that his Manta Ray “ retired ” to Dunedin, Florida just as he did. It ’ s estimated that just 12 Manta Rays were built and only 4 of these rare sports cars are known to exist today.