The sleeper to end all sleepers is now up for sale
When I say the words “Holden” and “Barina”, you most likely don't think of the current Daewanese model, or the little bubbular one from the mid-’90s. You probably think of the slab sided and square first-generation Barina from the 1980s — much like the blue creation attached to this post.
Though these came out before I was spawned forth onto this green earth, they were so ubiquitous and plentiful that it was impossible to not consider them memorable. Known as a Suzuki Swift in most world markets and as a Chevrolet Sprint in the US, it was launched here as a Barina in 1985 — the Monash University Accident Research Centre retrospectively stating that it had “significantly worse than average” occupant safety protection. Fabulous.
Perhaps then it's somewhat ironic that the owner of this incredible 700kW V8 Barina (nee Sprint) that's popped up for sale in the US has fitted no additional side-protection to the car whatsoever.
There is almost no significant clues on this Barina's exterior of what lurks underneath the panels. The only real tell-tale signs of curiosity are the incredibly wide rear tyres.
Of course everything changes once you lever open either end of the literal pocket rocket — both the boot and the bonnet revealing a labyrinth of plumbing, twin turbochargers, and a 6.6-litre Brodix small block V8. Other slightly aftermarket additions to the humble granny mobile include, but aren't limited to; spread-port heads, front brakes from a Datsun truck, and a Ford 9" rear differential. And best of all, it's street legal.
All of this can be yours for the meager sum of just USD$44,995, or approximately NZD$60,000. I mean, it'd decimate a Focus RS in a straight line for about the same money. That makes this a logical choice, surely?
The world may house better, more remarkable sleepers; but I am yet to see them.
