Up in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, a tiny little piece of local motoring history has made it to the market. Up for sale is the Sabre Vario demonstrator. This 1985 take on the Sabre Sprint was more versatile, with removable rear roof section, turning it almost into a convertible with that bit taken off. When not, it had the ease of a full hatchback door. Pretty clever, but I don't think it was very successful. Sabre's Sprint sold in some numbers, but their Vario is almost unique. Could the demonstrator even be the sole Vario that ever materialized? That would certainly not surprise me, as 'Q518 WNL' is the only car I have ever seen photographs of.
From what the seller writes: "Here for sale is the original DC Kit Cars Sabre Vario demonstrator requiring some tlc. Based on the classic Mini this car was used as reliable daily transport before being taken off the road two years ago for some modifications to the rear suspension. It mechanically needs a few jobs to complete, ie finishing hanging the exhaust, hand brake adjustment, MOT etc. The whole interior requires renovation and the dashboard wiring needs attention but is usable at the moment. Mechanical spec: 1275cc A+ engine with unleaded head, verto clutch, 2.9 final drive, front Moulton Smootha Ride suspension, Superlight alloy wheels. Spares available to winning bidder include 1300 power unit & front subframe, alloy and steel wheels and tyres." Interested? You'll find the ad here.
This is not a Sabre Sprint - this is a Sabre Vario. And it is possibly unique in that
Picture courtesy ebay.co.uk
With the Sprint as a starting point, the car's rear was restyled with removable rear/roof section
Picture courtesy ebay.co.uk
Big hatchback door gives easier access to the rear, with tank neatly hidden. Interior needs work
Picture courtesy ebay.co.uk
The same car, now seen without the rear/roof section when it was new, back in 1985
Picture Jeroen Booij archive
Sabre instigator Steven Crabtree is seen here demonstrating the hatch of the Sabre Sprint
Picture Jeroen Booij archive