Shaq’s Supersized, Supercharged Vaydor Roadster
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Pricing pre-owned kit cars - opens in new window or tab. is a tricky task. The sum can be more (or less) than the whole of its parts. Adding a colossal celebrity owner to the equation makes the job even more complex. Case in point: Shaquille O’Neal’s magnificent Vaydor Roadster offered on eBay in 2021 by TJ Chapman Auto of Salt Lake City, Utah.
What Is a Vaydor?
The sporty, angular Vaydor is one of the best-designed fiberglass kit cars of the modern era. Based exclusively on the 2003-2007 Infiniti G35 coupe chassis, the Vaydor is built on a proven platform.
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Carolina Vaydor, located in Greensboro, is the exclusive dealer for the Vaydor Infiniti G35 kit. Florida-based Supercraft - opens in new window or tab. builds the kits—and produces complete cars to order from the kits.
Shaq signed over the title to the Vaydor.
Shaq ordered his Vaydor in August 2017, according to the Dupont Registry. The car was custom-built to accommodate his ample proportions. The floor pan and lower dashboard required alteration to provide space for the 7-foot-1 star. A new owner might need to modify Shaq’s custom Diesel Dog Mafia branded seats for a good fit.
Supercharged Superstar
Supercraft built the roadster on an all-wheel-drive automatic G35 chassis, adding a Procharger Supercharger to raise the V-6 engine’s output over the standard-issue 280 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque.
Procharger claims a 45 to 50 percent power gain with their bolt-on intercooled system. It’s fitted with an air suspension providing five inches of adjustment, along with Brembo brakes - opens in new window or tab.. The car rides on 22-inch black and red three-piece forged Amani alloys - opens in new window or tab. wrapped with Lexani LX-Thirty tires - opens in new window or tab..
The Vaydor is in excellent condition overall, with some slight imperfections in the paint and interior.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Vaydor?
Carolina Vaydor, which handles Vaydor Infiniti G35 sales, estimates the cost for a DIY build at approximately $40,000. That's if you do all the work yourself. Here’s how the numbers break down:
- Brand new Vaydor Roadster Kits start at $15,000.
- Bump it by $5,000 for the interior bits.
- There’s another $2,000 to $4,000 for the upholstery kit.
The most significant variables are the donor car and drivetrain. Thankfully, there’s no need to start with a pristine Infiniti G35. The kit swaps out the body panels and interior.
Supercraft will do the job for $47,000 for a relatively basic installation. A turn-key custom Vaydor with all the goodies can run upwards of $120,000.
A Little Bit About the Big Guy
One of the greatest centers of all time, Shaq played for half a dozen teams, winning four NBA titles over his 19-year career. He starred in nearly 20 movies, including Kazaam and Good Burger, and countless television shows. Maybe you’ve seen Shaq get into comical arguments with Charles Barkley on ESPN’s “Inside the NBA.” He is the pitchman for countless products.
Born in Newark, NJ, Shaq is a spokesperson for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation - opens in new window or tab. generously donates to underserved youth throughout the United States.
Meanwhile, the garage of Shaq’s $28 million home near Orlando reportedly can hold 17 cars. His collection is wildly diverse, ranging from a stretched Lamborghini Gallardo - opens in new window or tab. and a supersized 6.7-liter V-8 diesel Ford F-650 - opens in new window or tab. to a wee three-wheeled Polaris Slingshot - opens in new window or tab..
One of those 17 slots was cleared out with the sale of the Vaydor on eBay.
This article was originally published on April 27, 2021.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.