| If you want a sports car, but don't fancy any of | | | | particular problem. |
| the current offerings, why not build your own? | | | | Once you have placed your order for a kit, the |
| There is a huge market for sports kit cars, | | | | work really begins. Even before the kit arrives, |
| ranging from the basic Locost right up to Italian | | | | you should find yourself the cleanest, most |
| Supercar replicas. This article aims to give you a | | | | mechanically sound donor vehicle that you can. |
| taste of what you could be driving if you decide | | | | The better the donor, the better the finished |
| to build it yourself. | | | | sports car you will be driving. All salvagable |
| So you have decided to build your own sports | | | | mechanical parts should be removed and cleaned |
| car, but where do you begin? I suggest that you | | | | as per the kit builders manual. If you are not |
| take a look at a few models that take your | | | | totally happy with the condition of a part then it |
| fancy from a variety of manufacturers. Taking | | | | should be replaced. Don't take risks with your |
| for example, a Cobra replica, there is a wide | | | | safety. It is wise at this stage to get insurance |
| range of build options as well as cost and skill | | | | for your kit project. |
| requirements. So you will need to set a budget | | | | For most kit cars, assembling the car is relatively |
| and look at your own mechanical abilities before | | | | straightforward. Any manufacturer that has sold |
| you make a commitment to a particular | | | | more than a few kits will have a comprehensive |
| manufacturer. | | | | manual detailing every step, in the right order. If |
| Next, I suggest that you check out the | | | | you have questions then go back to the |
| manufacturers Owners Club. Many have websites | | | | manufacturer, Owners Club or forums. You will be |
| or forums where you can post questions or | | | | surprised at how helpful your fellow kit builders |
| check out potential problems you may have. If | | | | are. It is in the manufacturers best interests to |
| the kit manufacturer offers poor support or badly | | | | help you as much as possible, and many have |
| finished components, the forums are where you | | | | dedicated helplines for this purpose. After all, when |
| will find out! | | | | you drive the car, you will become a traveling |
| Now you should have a shortlist of potential kit | | | | advertisement for their brand. |
| car projects, a budget to work to and a fair idea | | | | After you have assembled the car you will need |
| of the mechanical skills required. You now need to | | | | to ensure that any testing and paperwork is in |
| pick a kit. In order to make a selection, I suggest | | | | order before taking to the road. Again, the |
| that you go to the kit car shows or | | | | manufacturer and Owners Club are the ideal |
| manufacturers open days and chat to other kit | | | | people to point you in the right direction. |
| car builders. Remember, they have valuable | | | | When you take your completed sports car on the |
| experience in building your chosen model and can | | | | road, you will feel a sense of achievement as you |
| offer advice if you should get stuck with a | | | | drive a hand built car that you built yourself. |