Has Anyone Built A Kit-Car?

[naomi24]

If so, I would like to hear your experiences. Knowing what you know now, would you do it again?

My husband is considering fulfilling his long-held ambition to build a Cobra. I said I don’t mind at all – as long as there’s enough room in the boot for my shopping. Well…. I may as well get rid of mine and use the new one. Can’t think why he wasn’t impressed. :o)

http://www.aksportscars.co.uk/

[Old_Geezer]

Cobras are nice. Never built a kit car myself but used to have a friend who built one. Takes a lot of determination and time, and appeared to need much thinking on one's feet, working out how to get things that should go together but don't seem to, to actually work. As I recall some ability to go off piste and fit alternatives that are actually available, helps. Unlikely to be a five minute, all goes smoothly, thing.

[murraymints]

big undertaking..I know a few started and sold on as jobs in progress !!

[douglas9401]

Mark Evans built one for TV, Naomi, maybe get top tips there.

https://www.markevans.co.uk/television/a-car-is-born/

[TWR]

I understand once assembled the car has to go through a thorough inspectors test for road worthiness.

[CrapAtCryptics]

Its actually a relatively easy process if you have some basic skills and the ability to follow the jargon. The negatives are, for a Cobra, heavy insurance, relatively high fuel consumption, expensive spares - tyres etc. and visiblity to other road users. By that I mean as its a lowish car people around you in larger modern vehicles may not see you as easily - a pal had a car reverse up onto his front as he "did`nt see you in my mirror".

[Arrods]

TWR is right about the IVA test. A lot depends on what engine is used. Wheeler Dealers on SKY bought one second hand, the owner not being able to get it through the test because of the emissions test. WD had to make some adjustments to the carburretor (about £60 for parts) but more importantly it needed a replacement exhaust (about £1,200 I think). I hope it all goes well.

[EDDIE51]

That is not a 'self build' they are made to order in the factory.
The customer chooses the options , body style,interior, engine, gearbox etc and they build it for you. You can go and visit them to see your car being made.

[naomi24]

Eddie, from the website:

//We have 5 different options for you to choose from . Your choice will depend on a number of factors including your budget, the amount of time you have to spare and the amount of space you have in which to build your car. //

[Old_Geezer]

It'd cost more to have a kit car built for you.
But had I the cash it'd be the only way I'd know there'd be a finished car at the end !

[Baldric]

Here we go again :o(

[naomi24]

Baldric, Sorted.

[EDDIE51]

They offer everything from a full in factory build to selling the parts to build it yourself. Most people take the factory build option as it is then professionally built by a recognised motor manufacturer . That saves having to have the completed car tested for safety and correct construction which costs quite a bit extra on top of the build price.
Another option is to buy a 'rolling chassis' with engine ,gearbox and wheels fitted from the factory ,then complete the bodywork and interior yourself.
A lot easier than a full 'self build' .

[ladybirder]

Isn't that exactly what Mr N wants to do - i.e. build it himself?

[Baldric]

///That is not a 'self build'///

So that ^^^ wasn't actually correct then Eddie?

[naomi24]

Eddie, so after telling me I’d got it wrong you’ve now taken the trouble to find out I’m not. Jolly good.

[EDDIE51]

Baldric as I said you can choose anything from a full factory build to a full self build.

[Baldric]

Not @ 10:24 you didn't

[TWR]

If the Oh intends to self Build Naomi, be prepared for bad tempers, loneliness, Moods.

[naomi24]

TWR, I don't foresee any of that. He'll love it! As for loneliness, I'll no doubt be out there with him at times - but only in an advisory capacity of course. ;o)