VariEze does it

…composite construction for his 1975 prototype 1835cc Volkswagen powered VariEze, initially designed to break speed and distance records in its lightweight class. Subsequently, Rutan enlarged and strengthened this design to allow use of the heavier but much more reliable Continental engines, usually the O-200.

Fast (fibre)glass in perspective

Even today, in 2010, the VariEze looks and sounds futuristic. So just imagine the impact this shape had on homebuilders back in 1975. It must have seemed straight out of Buck Rogers! Not only its appearance, but its mouldless foam-and-glassfibre composite construction was revolutionary in an era when amateur built aeroplanes only materialised after years of gestation from plans, not from the kits that have since become so commonplace. Prior to the VariEze, the available materials were just glued wood, welded steel tubing or riveted aluminium.