Which do I build?!
Discussion
Right!
After following the threads of Mag vs Mag, I thought I would put up one of those "Old Fashioned" questions!
As a relative newcomer to the scene, I am faced with a dilemma!
I have never built a car before, and have never done more than very basic routine maitenance on an engine.
Having said that, I am a qualified mechanical service engineer, and if you give me a comprehensive manual, I can strip/service/rebuild just about anything.
That's the background stuff out of the way....
I have been to a few shows in the last year, but this year's Stoneleigh pushed me to commit to a build project.
As a typical red-blooded male, I fancy a Cobra replica, and am looking at a Sumo, or if I can find a little more cash, a Dax.
The management on the other hand (for management, read wife!) found herself rather taken with the Speedster replica by Chesil, and the Royale Sabre (Vintage Motor Company)
Whilst I do not have a magical self-filling wallet, I am prepared to invest a fair sum of cash into the project.
The purpose of the car is to:
a) Enjoy the whole building experience (and prove to myself I can do it!)
b) Enjoy driving the thing as a road car rather than a track day monster.
Any advice from the experienced amongst you will be much appreciated!
There is another option which I believe is quite good, the BMW based Marlin. See the link below for a pic and link to the company.
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=33538&f=30&h=0
It is a bit seven like, but with a character of it's own.
Your 'road based' criterior may mean this is not an option, but then the Cobra/speedster replica are O.K. but both can rapidly become very expensive to create a goog car.
Just to say this is 'read' knowledge, having not had the oportunity to build my own car yet.
Sparks
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=33538&f=30&h=0
It is a bit seven like, but with a character of it's own.
Your 'road based' criterior may mean this is not an option, but then the Cobra/speedster replica are O.K. but both can rapidly become very expensive to create a goog car.
Just to say this is 'read' knowledge, having not had the oportunity to build my own car yet.
Sparks
Meeja,
It looks like you've already compiled a short list. Try doing the sums and you may find it becomes a little shorter. Also keep an eye open for an abandoned project whilst continuing your research.
All the kits on your list are worthy contenders for your hard earned dosh. There may be others worthy of a closer look as well.
It looks like you've already compiled a short list. Try doing the sums and you may find it becomes a little shorter. Also keep an eye open for an abandoned project whilst continuing your research.
All the kits on your list are worthy contenders for your hard earned dosh. There may be others worthy of a closer look as well.
One of the reasons for the post, is to maybe make the shortlist a little longer!
The amount of money I am prepared to invest in the project means that I am not rushing into buying anything, until I have exhausted all avenues of advice (The Royale went on the list after the management saw the article in Den's mag, and she insisted we go to the VMC open day!)
So I am open to suggestions of contenders for my cash!
The amount of money I am prepared to invest in the project means that I am not rushing into buying anything, until I have exhausted all avenues of advice (The Royale went on the list after the management saw the article in Den's mag, and she insisted we go to the VMC open day!)
So I am open to suggestions of contenders for my cash!
As the owner of a self-built Dax Cobra replica I am pretty biased but would say you would have a great time building and subsequently driving one of them.
I have at one time or another had a good look at all the other options you mention and they all seem to be good quality kits. I think at the end of the day it will come down to which you most want to end up living with once the build is finished, balanced with how much you want to spend. You should definitely do all the sums as to how much each will cost you to get to the standard you want.
The thing I would say is that if I add up what I spent on my Dax it would probably sound like quite a lot but because it was spread over quite a long period, buying bits and pieces as and when I needed them, it never really seemed like I was spending vast sums and having to starve myself to afford it. Maybe it's just that I diverted money into the car that would have been blown anyway doing other things had I not been in the garage building a car!
Good luck whichever way you go.
Chris
I have at one time or another had a good look at all the other options you mention and they all seem to be good quality kits. I think at the end of the day it will come down to which you most want to end up living with once the build is finished, balanced with how much you want to spend. You should definitely do all the sums as to how much each will cost you to get to the standard you want.
The thing I would say is that if I add up what I spent on my Dax it would probably sound like quite a lot but because it was spread over quite a long period, buying bits and pieces as and when I needed them, it never really seemed like I was spending vast sums and having to starve myself to afford it. Maybe it's just that I diverted money into the car that would have been blown anyway doing other things had I not been in the garage building a car!
Good luck whichever way you go.
Chris
The best advice I can give is go and see some owners of the car you like.... you'll see if you really like it up close and speaking from experience we are always willing to answer frank questions and take you for a spin.
Also take the wife to see the car as well and try to get them to go for a spin with the owner....
Good Luck
Andy
Also take the wife to see the car as well and try to get them to go for a spin with the owner....
Good Luck
Andy
ultimaandy said:
Also take the wife to see the car as well and try to get them to go for a spin with the owner....
That brings back a hilarious memory...... She was seventh and a half months pregnant when we went to Stoneleigh.... I was chatting to a Cobra owner, who said "Take a seat in it, just to see how it feels....."
She did.
Then spent at least fifteen minutes trying to get out again.....
I ached for days afterwards from trying to keep a straight face.....
The cob owner found it so hilarious, he took a photo!
Meeja,
What are your priorities, and initial budget?
open top two seater, classic looks or more modern?
There are loads to choose from. I like the Sylva stylus/fisher fury and the GTM Libra (completely different to the other two!) Huge difference in cost too.
Isn't there a 'list of available cars' mag produced every year (might be a Which Kit? special) that might help.
Also look at www.kit-cars.com/manlist.html for a list of manufacturers, to find other alternatives.
Sparks
What are your priorities, and initial budget?
open top two seater, classic looks or more modern?
There are loads to choose from. I like the Sylva stylus/fisher fury and the GTM Libra (completely different to the other two!) Huge difference in cost too.
Isn't there a 'list of available cars' mag produced every year (might be a Which Kit? special) that might help.
Also look at www.kit-cars.com/manlist.html for a list of manufacturers, to find other alternatives.
Sparks
Liszt said:
Hmm. Taking my 7 month pregnant wife to the Dax open day to look at a Rush.
I shouldn't worry I took the wife and kid's to an Ultima track day (in my cossie when I was building the Ultima)...... of cause the car broke on track (rear diff) and we had to be recovered the 300miles home.
She was due in 3 days at the time and started having contractions in the breakdown truck on the way home
Meeja said:
Looking for an open top two seater (would REALLY like a 2+2, but I there aren't too many around)
With decent quality hood/weather gear
Initial budget - around £13-15k
I am working to a similar budget but when I did the costings, I was looking at around £18-20K to produce the type of car I was after. Then decided on the Dax Rush as it is a V8 which can fit me in (6'4" lard arse) but still be exciting on the track but usable for the Sunday pleasure trip
Meeja said:
Looking for an open top two seater (would REALLY like a 2+2, but I there aren't too many around)
With decent quality hood/weather gear
Initial budget - around £13-15k
If you are looking for a rear seat, then take a look at the new Pilgrim 356 on a standard (not shortened) floorpan. Sounds crazy and Ian Hyne doesn't like it... mind you he didn't like the Cortina based Sumo either... it could fit the bill as a speedster was on your list in the first place.
BTW. No I don't.....
Not sure if they are still available, but what about a quantum 2+2. See www.quantumcars.co.uk/index2.htm
Based on fiesta mechanicals (cheap and plentiful) and is pretty practical. You should be able to do a good one within your budget.
I think the styling is O.K, but some don't like it.
Sparks
Based on fiesta mechanicals (cheap and plentiful) and is pretty practical. You should be able to do a good one within your budget.
I think the styling is O.K, but some don't like it.
Sparks
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