Budgeting for a Kit Car......
Discussion
I have been sat in the pub this afternoon discussing the possibilities of building a kit car jointly with a mate. We decided we could do it. I'm having a garage built in my back garden in the spring to house the focus, so sticking another one on the side to build the kit in wouldn't be a problem.
Aside from the garage, every other expense Car wise would be split 50/50. And if we don't have the money for a part, we don't buy it until we do.
We both like American Muscle Cars from the 60's era, so have decided on either a Cobra or a GT40. The cobra is the first choice because it has no roof, wind in hair, throbbing V8 under the bonnet
We're looking at the Gardner Douglass 427 Euro kit as the first choice, and fitting a Ford 427 V8 (
) This wasn't my idea, but if we can't get hold of a good one the 351 will do as a reasonable substitute.
The plan is to buy the Kit July/August/September time and build it over the winter to hopefully have it ready for next spring. Saving up as much money as we possibly can between now and then.
Obviously we need to budget but haven't clue where to start. Kit cost aside.
How much should be budgeted for the engine? SVA? Incidentals? Contingencey?
TIA
Stuart.
Aside from the garage, every other expense Car wise would be split 50/50. And if we don't have the money for a part, we don't buy it until we do.
We both like American Muscle Cars from the 60's era, so have decided on either a Cobra or a GT40. The cobra is the first choice because it has no roof, wind in hair, throbbing V8 under the bonnet
We're looking at the Gardner Douglass 427 Euro kit as the first choice, and fitting a Ford 427 V8 (
) This wasn't my idea, but if we can't get hold of a good one the 351 will do as a reasonable substitute. The plan is to buy the Kit July/August/September time and build it over the winter to hopefully have it ready for next spring. Saving up as much money as we possibly can between now and then.
Obviously we need to budget but haven't clue where to start. Kit cost aside.
How much should be budgeted for the engine? SVA? Incidentals? Contingencey?
TIA
Stuart.
There aren't many a soul who has built a car 'on budget'.Not saying it can't be done,just when you start and realise for a few pence more 'that' fuse box is far better quality etc soon adds up.The cobra cars use a lot of fixture and fittings ,all chromed and to look near as authentic,must be used.There are cheap alternatives to 'look' the same but you pays your money.Cheap chrome and poor manufacture.At least if you need to ask questions to who supplies what,the bunch on here are always happy to spend someone elses money.I seem to think that on this theory maybe cost plus 25% might see you near the mark.Good Luck.it's not an easy thing to budget.Also,look out for adds which say VAT and postage and packaging on top.This can make something seem reasonable arrive a great deal more expensive than in another place.
When I say 'Budget', I don#t mean we are gonna set a price and not exceed it, if we were doing it on budget I dont think we would use the 427 engine for a start, it WILL need to be rebuilt. However, as we are in this together from start to finish, we need a rough Idea on how much it will cost us, even if it takes us 2 years or so to complete.
My mate is one of these people who believes that if your gonna do something, do it right. And NEVER Sticks to a budget.
My mate is one of these people who believes that if your gonna do something, do it right. And NEVER Sticks to a budget.
Have a play around with this...
Madabout build cost estimator
It will be a good starting point and give you some ideas on what you need to consider.
You need to know a few figures yourself first such as the basic kit cost (no doubt you already know this), then simply play around
with the rest of the figures and see how you get on. Good luck.
John
www.madabout-kitcars.com
Madabout build cost estimator
It will be a good starting point and give you some ideas on what you need to consider.
You need to know a few figures yourself first such as the basic kit cost (no doubt you already know this), then simply play around
with the rest of the figures and see how you get on. Good luck. John
www.madabout-kitcars.com
Cheers John.
I think my Welchia worm problem has resurfaced so I can't get the estimate, but at a rough guess we're looking at nearly £22k for this which seem WAY over the top for a kit car. We could buy a TVR Griffith for that money and still have enough for a Return trip to Australia. I think there is something slightly wrong there.
I think my Welchia worm problem has resurfaced so I can't get the estimate, but at a rough guess we're looking at nearly £22k for this which seem WAY over the top for a kit car. We could buy a TVR Griffith for that money and still have enough for a Return trip to Australia. I think there is something slightly wrong there.
Sorry to tell you but that sounds about right. A good Cobra replica will set you back a minimum of 15k but anything upto 30k.
The more budget end is going to be 8k to 15k with 8k getting you a pinto based model.
GT40s are even more.
What sort of budget were you thinking? It might be easier to steer you towards a kit best suited to your budget.
The more budget end is going to be 8k to 15k with 8k getting you a pinto based model.
GT40s are even more.
What sort of budget were you thinking? It might be easier to steer you towards a kit best suited to your budget.
Well, to be honest we were 'expecting' around 15K for the kit, but for some reason hadn't budgeted for the engine,
The budget works out as follows
£8500 for the chassis, which comes rolling as it will be the GD427Euro with there special suspension on it.
£8000 for the body, which includes everything else
£7000 MAX for the Engine and Gearbox. This money must either buy a new one or rebuild an old one but buy a new 'box.
So adding contingencies, SVA fees, it's slowly creeping up to the £25K mark.
It will take both of us nearly 2 years to earn that sort of money, so I think this project will be done in stages.
The budget works out as follows
£8500 for the chassis, which comes rolling as it will be the GD427Euro with there special suspension on it.
£8000 for the body, which includes everything else
£7000 MAX for the Engine and Gearbox. This money must either buy a new one or rebuild an old one but buy a new 'box.
So adding contingencies, SVA fees, it's slowly creeping up to the £25K mark.
It will take both of us nearly 2 years to earn that sort of money, so I think this project will be done in stages.
Stuart,
Just a thought to stir the grey matter - but if you like V8's, basic engineering, and want something a little unusual that could be a practical DIY job, how about a DeTamaso restoration? I've no idea if the costs would be in the same league as a ground-up Cobra build, but it's something that's always appealled to me as an alternative to a repro Cobra/GT40 etc.
John S.
Just a thought to stir the grey matter - but if you like V8's, basic engineering, and want something a little unusual that could be a practical DIY job, how about a DeTamaso restoration? I've no idea if the costs would be in the same league as a ground-up Cobra build, but it's something that's always appealled to me as an alternative to a repro Cobra/GT40 etc.
John S.
TVRAdict - I must say, when I read your first post my gut reaction was £20k. If your spooked by this then have a re-think about doing a Cobra.
What about a V8 Rush or Westie? Also, if you go for the Griff will it give you the pleasure your gain from building a kit? If your not that bothered then go for the TVR. That way you'll get instant gratification and no problem solving.
Paul
What about a V8 Rush or Westie? Also, if you go for the Griff will it give you the pleasure your gain from building a kit? If your not that bothered then go for the TVR. That way you'll get instant gratification and no problem solving.
Paul
tvradict said:
If looking for an engine, try these:
http://forum.madabout-kitcars.com/viewforum.php?f=5&sid=c313560006d422c48fc9cab101a3b85b
Have a look at my website, I built my Dax RV8 for around £15K, built alot of bits myself and saved money by keeping away from Dax parts where I could. I think youll agree its a good cobra, it received third prize in 2002 at the National Cobra Meeting. Have won a couple of other shows with it since. OK its not a 7.2L but that could be added later, but what for I dont know. Once youve built it you will just keep on going with it like I am. Supercharging it at the moment,(300bhp easy) then going to change the lump over to a 4.6 and stick blower on that to aim for over 400bhp.
Phil
www.replica-cobra.co.uk
>> Edited by daxtojeiro on Saturday 3rd January 22:13
Phil
www.replica-cobra.co.uk
>> Edited by daxtojeiro on Saturday 3rd January 22:13
Phil, would have to agree, you have definately done yourself proud on a budget of £15k. Fabulous looking car and well executed build from the photos on your website 
John
www.madabout-kitcars.com
John
www.madabout-kitcars.com
Stuart....
Some things I have thought about.....
Have you ever considered what would happen if you fell out with this friend of yours halfway through the build, as building a kit car, from experience, can at times be very stressful, also when it was finished, who would drive it, and when, also how would you feel if HE wrapped it round a lampost??
In addition, in a few years time what would happen if due to circumstances you decided to sell it, and he didn't want to, but couldn't afford to buy your share out???
These possibilities need to be considered imo
Some things I have thought about.....
Have you ever considered what would happen if you fell out with this friend of yours halfway through the build, as building a kit car, from experience, can at times be very stressful, also when it was finished, who would drive it, and when, also how would you feel if HE wrapped it round a lampost??
In addition, in a few years time what would happen if due to circumstances you decided to sell it, and he didn't want to, but couldn't afford to buy your share out???
These possibilities need to be considered imo
Well, sadly it's not really an issue anymore, after some further research, for the spec we are after, £25K is cutting it fine. costs could get as high a £30k and we can't afford to go that high at the mo. We decided right at the beginning we would build a Replica 427, not a Replica 427 with a 350 engine.
We have decided to leave the Cobra until we can both 'comfortably' afford to build the car to the Replica spec.
I on the other hand still want a project so am looking a various 7 kits, and may build one next winter.
I am thinking about the Quantum Extreme or a Tiger Avon. But am Open to any suggestions.
Again, unless it fits in my budget it will get done in stages and the gap between stages could be sometime.
We have decided to leave the Cobra until we can both 'comfortably' afford to build the car to the Replica spec.
I on the other hand still want a project so am looking a various 7 kits, and may build one next winter.
I am thinking about the Quantum Extreme or a Tiger Avon. But am Open to any suggestions.
Again, unless it fits in my budget it will get done in stages and the gap between stages could be sometime.
could always look out for a part built kit..... many people have situation changes during a build and find themselves with a need to sell the part complete car on.
Lots of people shy away from these part built kits so invariably they are cheaper, and if you go in with your eyes open and are prepared to take the thing apart and rebuild it from scratch you may find yourself a bargain that will fit your budget.
Or
You could buy a competed car strip it down and buid it to your own spec.
Lots of people shy away from these part built kits so invariably they are cheaper, and if you go in with your eyes open and are prepared to take the thing apart and rebuild it from scratch you may find yourself a bargain that will fit your budget.
Or
You could buy a competed car strip it down and buid it to your own spec.
I think I would be one of those people who would shy away from a part-complete car. Particularly as a strip down and rebuild would be necessary. And it could end up that when the person put together what they have they bodged it quite a bit and buggered it up.
I'll keep my eyes on the classified in the Kit mags.
Are there any kits that I shouldn't go anywhere near in a part built form?
I'll keep my eyes on the classified in the Kit mags.
Are there any kits that I shouldn't go anywhere near in a part built form?
personally I would steer clear of locost but thats just me, there are probably lots of quality locosts out there but it's just something I wouldn't touch.
There are 2 reasons:
1. You don't know the quality of the work i.e. has the chassis been bought or made if it has been made who made it with what can they weld did they weld it in such a way to prevent heat distortion etc.
2. I'm not that brilliant mechanically and I don't know one end of a welding rig from the other
There are 2 reasons:
1. You don't know the quality of the work i.e. has the chassis been bought or made if it has been made who made it with what can they weld did they weld it in such a way to prevent heat distortion etc.
2. I'm not that brilliant mechanically and I don't know one end of a welding rig from the other
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