Which kit?

Author
Discussion

Will Fisher

Original Poster:

3 posts

256 months

Friday 4th July 2003
quotequote all
Hi all,
I'm new to this place, but I'd like some advice;
I want to start a kit car project, but I'm unsure which kit to go with.

This will be my first project, and I don't really want to spend too much.

Any suggestions?

grahambell

2,718 posts

282 months

Friday 4th July 2003
quotequote all
Hi Will,

Welcome to Pistonheads!

As for choice of kit, largely depends on your requirements. Are you after something to drive everyday or just a weekend toy? Thinking of doing any trackdays? How much mechanical experience do you have (can you weld, spray etc)?

We'll be able to advise you better knowing this.

Will Fisher

Original Poster:

3 posts

256 months

Friday 4th July 2003
quotequote all
This car would be a weekend thing, not really for trackdays.
As for mechanical experience, I have a little but not a lot, but I'm good at learning! That is to say, I can't weld very well.

I was thinking of getting it supplied part built, in a similar mannar to which Tiger Racing can supply their cars.

Sparks

1,217 posts

286 months

Friday 4th July 2003
quotequote all
Hi and welcome to the madhouse!

Most decent kit companies will sell you a car in varying states of build from all bits to full car.

As Graham says, what do type of car do you want, and what is your budget?

Locost 'seven' types will be the cheapest, but there are so many kits to chose from.

Try getting KitCar & or WhichKit magazines to see what is available, and what sort of price things are.

Someone did suggest, on another thread, getting a secondhand car and stripping it, then rebuilding, to get it to how you want it. It will avoid all the SVA hassle etc, and fits in with your thoughts about getting a 'rolling chassis'.

I'll try and answer as best I can, but I'm no expert. Many others on here are though, and should be alon soon

HTH

Sparks

Chris_N

1,232 posts

265 months

Friday 4th July 2003
quotequote all
OK, I'll nail my colours to the mast! Go for a Cobra replica, they've got it all - performance, looks, noise, resale, plenty of good quality well developed kits to choose from.

I built a Dax and have had a lot of fun both building it and driving it!

You won't regret it.

Chris

Graham.J

5,420 posts

266 months

Friday 4th July 2003
quotequote all
Have to agree with Chris on this one, for a weekend kit car I really don't think a Cobra can be beaten.
They look absolutely stunning and providing you get the right engine - sound awesome. I know someone who owns one and we have to push it to the end of the road before he starts it as it echoes off all the houses and the neighbours get a bit peeved.

Whilst se7ens are nice, for a weekend car only I think the Cobra has the edge, the se7ens are a bit too tracky for my liking.....which is good, if you like that sort of thing.....luckily I do

Just my 2 penneth, oh and welcome to PistonHeads

Graham

>> Edited by Graham.J on Friday 4th July 15:21

grahambell

2,718 posts

282 months

Friday 4th July 2003
quotequote all
There are certainly plenty of Cobra copies and Seven derivatives to choose from, and each type has its merits. (Also bear in mind that some kits of each type are better than others.)

Cobras: Brutal looks and - with big V8 - brutal noise, with enough bodywork and boot to provide reasonable comfort and secure luggage space. But, can be pricey to build (and run with big engine) and usually require a paint job.

Sevens: Lightweight and basic, providing superb, intimate handling and rapid acceleration from small capacity engine. Also, basic build, often with combination alloy/coloured fibreglass body, so no paintjob needed. But, very draughty and usually with no secure luggage space.

Still stuck for choice? Well you could go for a sort of combination of the two with the Ginetta G27 or SCS Stylus, which are basically a wider lightweight Seven type chassis clad in a curvy body (available in coloured gelcoat so no paintjob needed). More comfortable and practical than a Seven but cheaper to build than a Cobra.

Like sparks says, check out the kit car magazines for more info on the options, or get yourself along to the Donnington Kit Car show later this year.

Graham.J

5,420 posts

266 months

Friday 4th July 2003
quotequote all
grahambell said:
Ginetta G27


How could I forget, I spend about 2 months looking into one of these, fantastic little cars.

Definately take them into consideration, I did have a load of info on them, I'll see if I can dig it out for you.

Graham

Will Fisher

Original Poster:

3 posts

256 months

Saturday 5th July 2003
quotequote all
Thanks a lot for all your help so far!

I like the like the idea of the sevens, but so want something a least a little practical!

I've had a look at a couple of websites of people who've got Ginetta G27's, and they look fantastic!

Also, it seems that Ginetta is based in sheffield, as am I, so I might pay them a visit next week.

PeetBee

1,036 posts

262 months

Saturday 5th July 2003
quotequote all
Sparks said:
Someone did suggest, on another thread, getting a secondhand car and stripping it, then rebuilding, to get it to how you want it.Sparks

twas me!

Everyone else has given excellent advice, but I would say that the most important thing to do is set your budget first and then see what is available to you.

When looking at the available kits check to see what is included and what is extra, a lot of the Cobra's look affordable but when you add up the price of a quality interior, decent engine and all the chrome it suddenly becomes expensive (I know cos I wanted a Cobra but due to saving for a wedding had to settle for a Dutton )

Buy both Which Kit & Kit Car magazine to make sure you see all the adverts as some manufacturers don't appear in both, this also applies to the guides that they produce.