The Sabra Sport: Israel’s Vintage Sports Car That Made History
Did You Know Israel Made Sports Cars in the 1960s?
The Sabra Sport car, designed by Yitzhak Shubinsky and produced by Autocars Co. Ltd. in Haifa, became a bold symbol of Israeli innovation.
Partnering with Britain’s Reliant Motors, the Sabra car blended international engineering with local pride. It featured an Ashley body, Leslie Ballamy chassis, and a powerful 1700cc Ford engine.
What’s in a Name?
The name “Sabra” was a brilliant choice. It signifies a person born in Israel, as well as the resilient cactus fruit — tough on the outside, sweet on the inside.
This dual symbolism became the car’s logo and embodied the spirit of the new nation.
And by the way, did you know that the Sabra Cactus is not really native to Israel? You can learn more about it here!
Debut at the New York Auto Show
In 1961, the world got its first glimpse of the Sabra GT at the prestigious New York Auto Show.
The first 100 cars were manufactured in the UK by Reliant before production moved to Israel, where around 350 cars were built between 1964 and 1968.
Production ceased after the Six Day War, but the legacy lives on.
Over 100 Sabra cars are still traceable today, making them rare and sought-after collector’s items.
️ Sabra Sport Car Specs
- Engine: 1700cc Ford Consul
- Transmission: ZF 4-speed manual
- Body: Lightweight fiberglass
- Chassis: Leslie Ballamy design
- Brakes: Front disc, rear drum
- Performance: 0–60 mph in ~16 seconds
Why the Sabra Still Matters
The Sabra Sport car wasn’t just a vehicle — it was a statement. It proved that a young country could build a world-class automobile with limited resources
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