TOPIC: Not a Fiberglassic but very cool! 1952 Homebuild

Via eBay at : http://www.ebay.com/itm/191602395824?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIThttp://www.ebay.com/itm/191602395824?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

From the listing description:

Up for auction is a 1952 Gibbs 14' Twin Cockpit Runabout in Very Good Condition. Found at an estate sale stored for decades upside down in the rafters of a barn; this is a hand built all metal hull that started out as automobile hoods from two 1947 Ford Coupes. Back in 1952; this ex air force bomber pilot was looking for a sleek little boat to cruise the river and possibly do a some racing. Unfortunately; at that time the weekend pleasure boat industry was still in its' infancy and out here in the middle of "Corn Country" it was nonexistent. With no suitable choices available; he decided to just do it himself and what better way to get started than with parts of his favorite post war model. Clamshelled, welded, and even lead seamed; the only wood used is in the transom and splash rails. Everything else is metal; the rib cage is 1 x 2 channel with 1 x 3 mains, the gunnel rails are 2 x 3 tube, and the skin is all 1/16 sheet. As I was told by another family member; outfitted with a 25 horse Johnson; the first season on the Mississippi was quite memorable and educational as well. Apparently; lead fill and the pounding of waves don't mix and the seams slowly started to leak. Looking for a practical solution; it was decided that this new product called Fiberglas was the answer and at the same time an upgrade for the metal milk crate seats was in order. The Black Geometric and Pink material was chosen to match the interior of the owners '49 Pontiac. Unfortunately; as farm work, family, and other responsibilities took priority; the boat never did get finished and after several years (1955 to be exact) it got put away. Don't know how they ever got it up there in the first place but trust me; getting it down was Really a Lot of Fun !! (wish we had shot a video) Cleaning out the decades of bird nests and raccoon poop was NOT !!

Since then we have added the Rat Rod style tilt bed trailer and the hood ornament. It has been to a few shows and gets tons of attention. Nobody has ever seen or even heard of anybody ever building anything like it. It is truly a One of a Kind boat and searching the net confirms that as well. A lack of storage space and our next upcoming project (restoration of our family owned 1954 Chris Craft) now dictates that we let this one go. We would like to find it a good home and one that appreciates its unique value. Shipping will be at the buyers expense (from Jacksonville, IL 62650) and we will be available and work with whomever you choose. Any questions, please ask. Thanks for looking.

p.s. The Johnson in the photos is Not included. Thanks.