A kit car is a vehicle that is sold in parts and buyers have to assemble them after purchase. The owner is only provided with components and a detailed manual to build a customised vehicle. Therefore, greater customization options are available for the owners. However, owners are required to use a donor car as a base to build their customised kit car. The donor car can be any vehicle that suits the specifications of your kit car.
Let’s take a look at the history, process and cost of building a kit car.
Initiation of Kit Cars
Sports cars gained rapid popularity during the 1940s and 50s. A number of automotive brands start manufacturing street-legal sports cars for the general audience. However, aftermarket modifications and customisations were either too expensive or difficult for the general audience. During this peak, kit cars stepped into the automotive industry to fulfil that demand during the later half of the 20th century.
Meyers Manx’s dune buggy is considered the first kit car, manufactured in 1964. The car was built on Volkswagen Beetle and the major parts of the car were replaced with fibreglass. Also, the suspension system, bumpers and other components were upgraded.
Modern Kit Cars
Since its early days, kit cars have covered a long journey. The modern kit cars are available in different varieties and can be built on different car body types. This provides car enthusiasts a number of customisation options and are also budget-friendly. For instance, Exomotive Exocet is a kit car built on Mazda Miata that is lighter in weight and powered by a Mazda engine. Similar to it, the Dodge Charger kit car and Lamborghini kit car also represent the modernisation of kit cars.
Let’s dissect the process of building a kit car and also the equipment required for it.
How to Build Kit Cars
In modern times, kit cars are delivered with a detailed manual that provides complete details to assemble different parts. However, despite this detailed manual, basic car knowledge, knowledge of car terminologies and mechanical skills are still required. Your level of expertise will also affect the intensity of difficulties that you will face during assembling the car.
The process of building cars starts with unwrapping and arranging all the parts individually. Once you are done with arranging all the parts, start assembling different systems of the car. The major systems present in the car are:
- Ignition and battery system
- Powertrain system
- Power system
- Steering system
- Brakes
- Suspension system
- Frame (Exterior) System
- Electrical System
All of the aforementioned systems of the car are interconnected: therefore, you can start assembling from any system. However, if you have a lack expertise it is suggested to stick to the guidelines mentioned in the manual.
Kit Car Manual
The kit car manual contains detailed guidelines required for assembling and fabricating the car from scratch. Generally, the manuals are equipped with explanations, pictures of the processes and detailed assistance.
The assistance is related to how to assemble chassis, suspension and how to install lights, wiring, brakes and engine. Some manuals also provide detailed ideas for redesigning and customisation. The common topics covered in the manual are:
- Suspension system
- Chassis
- Powertrain and engine
- Fabrication
- The construction process for beginners and professionals
Even if you are a professional and do not require a manual to build the car, it is suggested to read the manual once. This will help in comprehending the complete process of assembling and making your car functional. For further help, you can concern car garages in Dubai and other Emirates.
Popular Kit Cars of All Time
A number of companies are providing kit cars across the globe. Some of the most popular kit cars are mentioned below.
Exomotive Exocet
The Exomotive Exocet was a lightweight kit car offered with Mazda Miata gear available in the market from the 1990s to 2005. The vehicle was budget-friendly and was also suitable for multiple aftermarket alterations. The car was also equipped with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and CAD software.
The kit car came with a hand-laid composite body exterior with a glossary finish. The exterior was available in 188 different colours. Moreover, three different trims of this kit car were also offered including race, sport and base.
LB Specialist Cars STR
The STR kit car was known for its cabin space and resemblance with the original Lancia Stratos. The kit car was offered with a V6 Alfa Romeo engine that provides it with higher speed. To cater to this higher speed, the car was built on a lighter frame. However, this car was not budget-friendly, as the donor car for it was the original Stratos.
Tornado Sports Cars
The Tornado Sports Car was a lit car that resembled the iconic Ford GT model series. This kit car gained rapid popularity in the market, as Ford only manufactured a limited number of GT40s.
Tornado was equipped with modern features like AC and central locking system. Along with this, a six-point roll cage was also available to ensure the safety of drivers.
Factory Five MK4Roadster
The MK4 Roadster is a V8 kit car that is counted among one of the most favourite kit cars. The car was known for its sporty exterior and higher speed. The most suited donor car for MK4 was the Ford Mustang. It has the capacity to support a V8 engine producing a maximum of 302 hp.
Track-T Roadster
The Track-T Roadster was launched by Speedway Motors. The Track-T was a smaller cabriolet kit car with a seating capacity of two individuals. The Track-T kit car chassis is built on a steel tube that was built to support the spring suspension system. Two varieties of he engine were available including a Ford 2300 CC 4-cylinder engine and a V6 engine.
These were all the details regarding kit cars and now you know what is a kit car. Kit cars are popular among people due to the varied customisable options. However, the UAE government has strict regulations on car customisation. It is suggested to visit these rules and regulations prior to building your own customised car. The kit cars are dept upon a base car on which it can be built. If you are looking to build your own car, browse through these used cars for sale in the UAE and purchase a suitable donor car.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information on kit cars in the UAE.
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