General Guides: A beginners guide to Kit Cars
From Classic Car Life
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Learn more about how to find kit cars for sale and how to get the most from a classic car sale in the guide below.
Kit Cars For Sale: A Beginner’s Guide
Kit cars can be quite a confusing phenomena for the uninitiated, so why not take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions about kit cars:
- What is a kit car?
A kit car is simply the phrase used to denote a collection of body parts and mechanical components that can be used as the building blocks to create a safe vehicle for the road. Kit cars can be as simple or advanced as you like, as long as there’s a semblance of a vehicle that is fit for road use.
- What basic components make up a kit car?
The most basic kit car of them all will consist of the body of the car and the chassis, as well as a small number of basic components to allow the car to function. An enthusiast should consult with a manufacturer and private vendors to find appropriate parts. Visiting a classic car sale could also help uncover any missing components that you might need.
- How should I treat the body and chassis of a kit car?
A kit car’s body can be constructed from Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP), or fibreglass as it is more commonly known. Take the appropriate amount of care when you are restoring the body of the kit car – a gel coat will help to offer a smooth finish. The chassis will generally be made out of form sheet metal; however other materials can be used – it’s best to consider which chassis option is best for your individual kit car.
- Should I buy a donor car?
In most cases, this is an essential requirement for anyone building a kit car. Consult with the manufacturer to find the specified donor car. Most donor cars will stem from mass produced used cars for sale (think Ford, VW etc), and these cars can provide a sufficient amount of mechanical components that can be transferred and fitted into the kit car.
- Should I build the kit car myself?
Opinions can vary – the way you approach the building of the kit car will be dependent on your level of experience with car restoration and mechanics. Some people prefer not to carry out the actual building of the car themselves, and leave it to more knowledgeable classic car enthusiasts – it really depends on your levels of confidence regarding the build.
If you are taking the plunge and building the car yourself, ensure you have a clean, dry working environment in which to start the process. You’ll also need to invest in some high quality garage tools in order to do the job properly. However, the most important factor you’ll need to consider with the build is budgeting – can you meet the costs and timing involved in the build to make a success of the project? If so, keep a record of the amount of time and money spent on working on the kit car.
- What are the legal requirements to make my kit car roadworthy?
A four wheel kit car will need to undergo a Single Vehicle Approval test before it can be deemed roadworthy. Provided the car passes the SVA at a certified testing centre, it can be used on UK roads. Try and avoid taking the test until you are sure a kit car is in the best possible condition for safe driving.
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