Kit car industry and how to revive interest and sales
Discussion
Very interesting as an idea. Would it sell, the Subaru powered Murtaya is very close to a new kit TVR, they have had problems with low sales. The main problem I see with this is the type of people who were TVR's customers in the last few years are not the same as those would buy a kit. If they were the Murtaya would be selling to them.
I bet some will try to copy a TVR in the near future.
Personal I think for a kit car Marcos offers more. Less baggage and lower profile mean lower expectations.
I bet some will try to copy a TVR in the near future.
Personal I think for a kit car Marcos offers more. Less baggage and lower profile mean lower expectations.
Unless it was staged for the Top Gear Team to find, but the episode where they went to Blackpool and found the TVR factory, there were S2/3 body moulds just laying around the yard, and even some actual panels, maybe enough to put something together. Dimensions may be similar to some of the cobra replicas, which may give a platform for a TVR body, and a chassis from a Cobra would give the flexibility of engine choice, maybe one of the surviving replica Cobra companies could be persuaded to have a look.!!
Anyone out there watching this ?? Please join the discussion.
Anyone out there watching this ?? Please join the discussion.
Oh I am getting excited by this . .. . Surely the earlier models like the S series are potentially too old for copyright laws or a strong bargaining position to use just the body shells on ex-cobra chassis, there will be issues with bolting them together, but once you have the tooling to alter one you can start production? I know this may be over simplification but you have to start somewhere and by using existing components you are cutting the costs significantly.
I am sure there will be someone out there with a much greater knowledge of these things that will point out the shortfalls. But what a chance to bring TVR back home and continue the Growl.
By the way if anyone likes this idea and takes it on please give me a call..!!
I am sure there will be someone out there with a much greater knowledge of these things that will point out the shortfalls. But what a chance to bring TVR back home and continue the Growl.
By the way if anyone likes this idea and takes it on please give me a call..!!
Edited by S2Mike on Friday 13th July 13:47
The TVR ethos, really requires the grunt of the original to be successful. Breathtaking looks and sheer power are a very sexy package in sports cars.
The BMW would be a much better base than an MX 5 base for such a vehicle. The MX 5 was set up for a much lesser powerful drivetrain and is therefore inappropriate as a base, IMO.
Great for a lightweight racer along the lines of the brilliant MEV X5 range by Stuart Mills of Mills Experimental Vehicles in Mansfield. A remarkable series of packages in a remarkably clever flexible series of designs, with several different body styles giving real flexibility to the kit car enthusiasts already. This is IMO by far the best innovative package currently available in Kit Cars, and the one I would go for see: http://www.mevltd.co.uk/mevx5_gallery.htm
But, like the various Ferrari clones, doomed to failure by their totally inadequate underpinnings, a 4.6 litre engine in an MX5 base is just not a good idea. I think retaining the bigger V8's is undoubtedly the way forward for a TVR rebirth. But I also think the chances of any deal with the current owners are slim to nonexistent.
My experience with a Dutton base and a V8 engine shoehorned into it has taught me that. Had to completely rebuild the car with all new drivetain and front and rear suspension. I bought it knowing it was undrivable although legally registered with the V8 change. It was unsafe at any speed the front end was from an Escort and permanently on the bump stops and the entire car flexed on changing gear. Drop the clutch in the wet and you simply spun around and around.
I knew that when I bought it, but I thought it could be tamed. It has been, but only with a total rebuild with different undergear, significant triangulation on the square tube chassis and major changes to the rigidity and strength. Still has the original Dutton chassis, strengthened underneath.
The BMW would be a much better base than an MX 5 base for such a vehicle. The MX 5 was set up for a much lesser powerful drivetrain and is therefore inappropriate as a base, IMO.
Great for a lightweight racer along the lines of the brilliant MEV X5 range by Stuart Mills of Mills Experimental Vehicles in Mansfield. A remarkable series of packages in a remarkably clever flexible series of designs, with several different body styles giving real flexibility to the kit car enthusiasts already. This is IMO by far the best innovative package currently available in Kit Cars, and the one I would go for see: http://www.mevltd.co.uk/mevx5_gallery.htm
But, like the various Ferrari clones, doomed to failure by their totally inadequate underpinnings, a 4.6 litre engine in an MX5 base is just not a good idea. I think retaining the bigger V8's is undoubtedly the way forward for a TVR rebirth. But I also think the chances of any deal with the current owners are slim to nonexistent.
My experience with a Dutton base and a V8 engine shoehorned into it has taught me that. Had to completely rebuild the car with all new drivetain and front and rear suspension. I bought it knowing it was undrivable although legally registered with the V8 change. It was unsafe at any speed the front end was from an Escort and permanently on the bump stops and the entire car flexed on changing gear. Drop the clutch in the wet and you simply spun around and around.
I knew that when I bought it, but I thought it could be tamed. It has been, but only with a total rebuild with different undergear, significant triangulation on the square tube chassis and major changes to the rigidity and strength. Still has the original Dutton chassis, strengthened underneath.
I see some very positive ideas regarding the “TVR-kit” idea;
Ajprice: I also thought the BMW 3 series would make a good donor car, there’s plenty about and big engines, ok straight six’s instead of V6-V8’s, but later TVR’s ran straight six’s so we’re not moving away from the brand too much.
KDIcarmad: I’ve discussed the Murtaya poor sales before, with people in my very large circle of car fans, and the underlying problem seems to be why bother with a kit-car, when the Subaru has such a good following of its own? I seem to get the same answer every time, and I have to agree. Most people would rather spend the money on tuning an existing Subaru than build a kit car, also the styling of the Murtaya is not radical enough; the trade-off for a factory finished Subaru, for a hand built kitcar isn’t justified I’m afraid.
S2Mike: I saw that Top Gear episode, and know what you’re referring to. Maybe a company that already has a Cobra in its line up could take it up, but I think a quality, triangulated chassis is needed, and not some of these poor ladder frame cobras, as Steffan has pointed out, the end result could be worse than the original.
Also the “TVR-kit” MUST capture the ethos of the original (as mentioned by Steffan), with real grunt, noise and looks, perhaps with a retro-twist. I would really love to re-engineer the Griffith or Cerbera, but the more I think about it, I’d love a tasty S3, with modern tweaks to the lines, running an LS3 V8 mated to a 6 speed Camaro gearbox…… now where’s my drawing board? Hmmm…
Ajprice: I also thought the BMW 3 series would make a good donor car, there’s plenty about and big engines, ok straight six’s instead of V6-V8’s, but later TVR’s ran straight six’s so we’re not moving away from the brand too much.
KDIcarmad: I’ve discussed the Murtaya poor sales before, with people in my very large circle of car fans, and the underlying problem seems to be why bother with a kit-car, when the Subaru has such a good following of its own? I seem to get the same answer every time, and I have to agree. Most people would rather spend the money on tuning an existing Subaru than build a kit car, also the styling of the Murtaya is not radical enough; the trade-off for a factory finished Subaru, for a hand built kitcar isn’t justified I’m afraid.
S2Mike: I saw that Top Gear episode, and know what you’re referring to. Maybe a company that already has a Cobra in its line up could take it up, but I think a quality, triangulated chassis is needed, and not some of these poor ladder frame cobras, as Steffan has pointed out, the end result could be worse than the original.
Also the “TVR-kit” MUST capture the ethos of the original (as mentioned by Steffan), with real grunt, noise and looks, perhaps with a retro-twist. I would really love to re-engineer the Griffith or Cerbera, but the more I think about it, I’d love a tasty S3, with modern tweaks to the lines, running an LS3 V8 mated to a 6 speed Camaro gearbox…… now where’s my drawing board? Hmmm…
Dreamspeed said:
KDIcarmad: I’ve discussed the Murtaya poor sales before, with people in my very large circle of car fans, and the underlying problem seems to be why bother with a kit-car, when the Subaru has such a good following of its own? I seem to get the same answer every time, and I have to agree. Most people would rather spend the money on tuning an existing Subaru than build a kit car, also the styling of the Murtaya is not radical enough; the trade-off for a factory finished Subaru, for a hand built kitcar isn’t justified I’m afraid.
It needs to be more radical and/or not Subaru based. I know someone who owns a P1 Subaru and loves the Murtaya. Mostly for the styling and its use of the Subaru parts. I still believe you could see this as a modern TVR.
If I put TVR back in production I would use a Jaguar (Ford) donor. Keeping it British. Almost as many old jag's many as BMW.
KDIcarmad said:
It needs to be more radical and/or not Subaru based.
I know someone who owns a P1 Subaru and loves the Murtaya. Mostly for the styling and its use of the Subaru parts. I still believe you could see this as a modern TVR.
If I put TVR back in production I would use a Jaguar (Ford) donor. Keeping it British. Almost as many old jag's many as BMW.
Yes, the Murtaya should be more radical and have chosen a Non-Subaru donor. There are plenty of boring donor cars with large engines out there for sale. Personally I think old Lexus’s or “Lexi” I know someone who owns a P1 Subaru and loves the Murtaya. Mostly for the styling and its use of the Subaru parts. I still believe you could see this as a modern TVR.
If I put TVR back in production I would use a Jaguar (Ford) donor. Keeping it British. Almost as many old jag's many as BMW.
could be a good source for parts, which the Kit-car world hasn’t touched yet.But, as you say, there’ll always be someone who like’s the Murtaya as it is, after all they have sold some.
But back to the “TVR-kit”; I absolutely agree with you, I would 100% prefer the TVR brand to be, once again, British; but although Jaguar do a nice V8, the auto box wouldn’t work. And if memory serves, there aren’t any British in-line manual gearbox’s commonly available to handle big power, and if there were, you’ve got the problem of the engineering cost of mating the two together, which would have to be recouped and would ultimately put the final build price up.
The good points for the BMW donor, is the Engine/gearbox/clutch and perhaps pedal assembly could fit straight in, right from the donor, as-is, without any modifications, which is obviously more cost effective. I know it’s a trade off, but you’ll also gain quality parts as well.
The T5 gearbox in the Cerbera (ford) was pretty well pushed to its limit, and is quite an old box today. I also think 6-speed is the way forward, on a more modern TVR-tribute-kit.
Perhaps a BMW donor budget kit TVR S3 - maybe total build cost of £20-25K or a LS7- 6speed with AP brakes etc.. for £30-35K? Would anyone actually buy one or just buy an original? I’m not sure myself. If I got the TVR brand, with the LS7- I might be tempted, but without the TVR brand, I’m not sure.
If any of you guys seriously know how to build decent TVRs and sell them on for a profit then there is a certain Russian guy, Nicholas I think his name is, who would appreciate a phone call.... He's spent millions trying already...
This thoery has the same flaws as somebody trying to make a VW splittie or MK 1 / 2 Escort kits, the fact is you can buy a TVR in need of resto for under £5k, just buy one, strip and rebuild it. No IVA and it says TVR on the logbook.
Even if you could build your own TVR from scratch, I think the KGB will kick your doors in.
This thoery has the same flaws as somebody trying to make a VW splittie or MK 1 / 2 Escort kits, the fact is you can buy a TVR in need of resto for under £5k, just buy one, strip and rebuild it. No IVA and it says TVR on the logbook.
Even if you could build your own TVR from scratch, I think the KGB will kick your doors in.
Just noticed this from Steffan:
"Great for a lightweight racer along the lines of the brilliant MEV X5 range by Stuart Mills of Mills Experimental Vehicles in Mansfield. A remarkable series of packages in a remarkably clever flexible series of designs, with several different body styles giving real flexibility to the kit car enthusiasts already. This is IMO by far the best innovative package currently available in Kit Cars, and the one I would go for see: http://www.mevltd.co.uk/mevx5_gallery.htm"
Really? I deeply admire Stuarts skills, achievements and some of his cars, but thats not quite true is it?
"Great for a lightweight racer along the lines of the brilliant MEV X5 range by Stuart Mills of Mills Experimental Vehicles in Mansfield. A remarkable series of packages in a remarkably clever flexible series of designs, with several different body styles giving real flexibility to the kit car enthusiasts already. This is IMO by far the best innovative package currently available in Kit Cars, and the one I would go for see: http://www.mevltd.co.uk/mevx5_gallery.htm"
Really? I deeply admire Stuarts skills, achievements and some of his cars, but thats not quite true is it?
Dreamspeed said:
I absolutely agree with you, I would 100% prefer the TVR brand to be, once again, British; but although Jaguar do a nice V8, the auto box wouldn’t work. And if memory serves, there aren’t any British in-line manual gearbox’s commonly available to handle big power, and if there were, you’ve got the problem of the engineering cost of mating the two together, which would have to be recouped and would ultimately put the final build price up.
The T5 gearbox in the Cerbera (ford) was pretty well pushed to its limit, and is quite an old box today. I also think 6-speed is the way forward, on a more modern TVR-tribute-kit.
There must be a Ford box that would fit? Not the T5 as it was pushed to its limit. A US gearbox? The T5 gearbox in the Cerbera (ford) was pretty well pushed to its limit, and is quite an old box today. I also think 6-speed is the way forward, on a more modern TVR-tribute-kit.
Furyblade_Lee said:
If any of you guys seriously know how to build decent TVRs and sell them on for a profit then there is a certain Russian guy, Nicholas I think his name is, who would appreciate a phone call.... He's spent millions trying already...
This thoery has the same flaws as somebody trying to make a VW splittie or MK 1 / 2 Escort kits, the fact is you can buy a TVR in need of resto for under £5k, just buy one, strip and rebuild it. No IVA and it says TVR on the logbook.
Even if you could build your own TVR from scratch, I think the KGB will kick your doors in.
Yes, you’re right. I have brought up this point before, and I think this problem affects many other manufactures.This thoery has the same flaws as somebody trying to make a VW splittie or MK 1 / 2 Escort kits, the fact is you can buy a TVR in need of resto for under £5k, just buy one, strip and rebuild it. No IVA and it says TVR on the logbook.
Even if you could build your own TVR from scratch, I think the KGB will kick your doors in.
It’ll cost about the same to completely re-engineer an old original TVR as it would to build a kit, so most people are going to buy the restoration, because you’ll have an original and if done well it will go up in value.
I think the timing is wrong for TVR-kits, maybe in 50 years’ time when original S3’s are half a million pounds!
While we’re on this subject, IMHO I don’t understand why anyone would put money into these Ferrari/Lamborghini/Aston martin fakes, when real ones can be bought for just a bit more. If you search the net, as I do, you’ll stumble across original Aston DB7’s for as little as £15K a DB9 for as little as £30K, Ferrari Mondial’s £10K, Ferrari 348’s £25K, Ferrari 456 gta’s £25K, Ferrari F355’s and 360’s £35-£40K, Lamborghini Diablo’s and Gallardo’s £50K (import from Dubai).
In fact just the other day, I stumbled across an original 2002 Murcielago for £67K.
Yes, I’ve heard the argument that these cars are temperamental, and cost thousands to run if anything should break, but they are original marques and is a chopped up old MR2 going to be any less temperamental, ok the parts may be cheaper but I still think they’ll have problems.
I would love to know what people think about fake engine covers in the back of front wheel drive Ferrari “replicas” or Fake plastic brake disc’s covering the donor’s small discs?
But back to the TVR-kit, I think today, the only viable TVR replica would be a TVR Speed12. There are only 6 left (I think) and cost over £200,000 if they should ever come up for sale.
But I still like my LS7-6speed AP brakes retro TVR S3 idea!
Dreamspeed said:
I would love to know what people think about fake engine covers in the back of front wheel drive Ferrari “replicas” or Fake plastic brake disc’s covering the donor’s small discs?
That's quite unusual, though. Most don't do that. I think the 'running costs' argument is a strong one. An MR2 based kit is well within the skills of an average home-mechanic to service. I've spent most of my life under the bonnet of various cars and I wouldn't want to service a Ferrari. Even independent specialists aren't exactly cheap.
I'm still intrigued, though, as to why some of these fakes are acceptable and some not. Fake Ferrari=Bad, Fake AC=Good.
KDIcarmad said:
There must be a Ford box that would fit? Not the T5 as it was pushed to its limit. A US gearbox?
I was pondering this all last night, and I’m still stumped. Also regarding your comment about as many old jags as BMW’s, were you referring to the X-type? Which I believe has a ford transverse V6, similar to the Mondeo and Cougar? If you are, maybe there’s a ford “guy” on piston heads who may know of a way to turn this engine around and mate it directly to a ford in-line gearbox?Yeah, the T5 has had its day; the only affordable gearbox I know of, that can handle big power is the US Camaro T56- 6speed. 500bhp clutches aren’t that expensive either, but then there’s the engineering cost of mating it to the Ford V6…. Back to square one again!
Ferg said:
That's quite unusual, though. Most don't do that.
I think the 'running costs' argument is a strong one. An MR2 based kit is well within the skills of an average home-mechanic to service. I've spent most of my life under the bonnet of various cars and I wouldn't want to service a Ferrari. Even independent specialists aren't exactly cheap.
I'm still intrigued, though, as to why some of these fakes are acceptable and some not. Fake Ferrari=Bad, Fake AC=Good.
I have only seen the fake Ferraris up close at the many Kit-car shows I visit every year across the country, so I’m only referring to what friends have said while at the show with me.I think the 'running costs' argument is a strong one. An MR2 based kit is well within the skills of an average home-mechanic to service. I've spent most of my life under the bonnet of various cars and I wouldn't want to service a Ferrari. Even independent specialists aren't exactly cheap.
I'm still intrigued, though, as to why some of these fakes are acceptable and some not. Fake Ferrari=Bad, Fake AC=Good.
But all have said negative comments about these fake add-ons, and all the cars on show seemed to have them. So I can only comment on them.
I think it may be a good idea if we can all decided what the difference is between a “fake” and a “replica” on this thread, perhaps then we will have a common ground to start with.
So I’ll start off……
IMHO, a fake would be a Ford Cougar, Peugeot 406 coupe still retaining its front wheel drive format, but with fake plastic engine covers in the back, with fake plastic “Brembo” brake covers over the small Ford/Peugeot brakes. The MR2, although closer to the original, because it’s now rear wheel drive, is still an MR2 under the fake fibre-glass body panels.
A replica closely matches the original it’s trying to copy, so as you’ve brought up the AC Cobra, if the kit had a bespoke chassis, closely matching the original, the body lines and interior matched the original and most of the drive train and mechanicals closely matched the original layout, i.e. Large capacity in-line V8 mated to 5 speed manual, real Brembo brakes, then I would consider that to be a replica.
Also the replica has its place in the car world, because usually the original is extremely rare and extremely expensive if one should ever come up for sale, so the only way most people can experience such a car, is via the replica route.
I would however, like to point out, whether anyone has taken the time to build either a fake or replica, I am still respectful of their hard work, and it’s really just down to personnel preference at the end of the day. I’m not trying to “bash” anyone with a fake, it’s just personally, it’s not for me.
Furyblade_Lee said:
Just noticed this from Steffan:
"Great for a lightweight racer along the lines of the brilliant MEV X5 range by Stuart Mills of Mills Experimental Vehicles in Mansfield. A remarkable series of packages in a remarkably clever flexible series of designs, with several different body styles giving real flexibility to the kit car enthusiasts already. This is IMO by far the best innovative package currently available in Kit Cars, and the one I would go for see: http://www.mevltd.co.uk/mevx5_gallery.htm"
Really? I deeply admire Stuarts skills, achievements and some of his cars, but thats not quite true is it?
It is my opinion. Formed over 50 years (to the year!) since I started on a neighbours E93A based Ford Falcon Special in 1962 as a schoolboy. I was most willing to learn from experience. This was in reality, a dreadful car, underdeveloped and with an asthmatic 1192 cc side valve engine but my projects got better as kits improved."Great for a lightweight racer along the lines of the brilliant MEV X5 range by Stuart Mills of Mills Experimental Vehicles in Mansfield. A remarkable series of packages in a remarkably clever flexible series of designs, with several different body styles giving real flexibility to the kit car enthusiasts already. This is IMO by far the best innovative package currently available in Kit Cars, and the one I would go for see: http://www.mevltd.co.uk/mevx5_gallery.htm"
Really? I deeply admire Stuarts skills, achievements and some of his cars, but thats not quite true is it?
As an exceptional value for money package which can be back on the road for an excellent price. I cannot think of a competitor that would not cost at least twice as much. There are huge savings in the retention of the complete MX5 underpinnings, which need not be disturbed, but can remain in position ready for the new body. A huge weight saving is another benefit. All the suspension and set up being designed for a low riding sports car is a third.
I could go on but I think the point is made. Certainly in my opinion.
Dreamspeed said:
A replica closely matches the original it’s trying to copy, so as you’ve brought up the AC Cobra, if the kit had a bespoke chassis, closely matching the original, the body lines and interior matched the original and most of the drive train and mechanicals closely matched the original layout, i.e. Large capacity in-line V8 mated to 5 speed manual, real Brembo brakes, then I would consider that to be a replica.
Also the replica has its place in the car world, because usually the original is extremely rare and extremely expensive if one should ever come up for sale, so the only way most people can experience such a car, is via the replica route.
I think that particularly with the Cobra, the looseness of your acceptability parameters only serves to aid those who feel fake Cobras are more acceptable than fake Ferraris. I would suggest that the various chassis' layouts and often Chevrolet engine are far from being an attempt to accurately 'replicate' the original Ford powered, twin-tube ladderframe AC. A five speed 'box? Brembo brakes? Accuracy?Also the replica has its place in the car world, because usually the original is extremely rare and extremely expensive if one should ever come up for sale, so the only way most people can experience such a car, is via the replica route.
The idea of things being acceptable as replicas if the original is too expensive is an odd one. Surely that's related largely to the buyers disposable income? Once the running costs are taken into account a real 355 may well be out of reach of an MR2 based car owner.
My own view is that I'd rather kit-builders built original designs...without that thinking we would not have had Lotus or TVR I would imagine, BUT I see no reason to distinguish between different 'levels' of fakes.
Ferg said:
I think that particularly with the Cobra, the looseness of your acceptability parameters only serves to aid those who feel fake Cobras are more acceptable than fake Ferraris. I would suggest that the various chassis' layouts and often Chevrolet engine are far from being an attempt to accurately 'replicate' the original Ford powered, twin-tube ladderframe AC. A five speed 'box? Brembo brakes? Accuracy?
The idea of things being acceptable as replicas if the original is too expensive is an odd one. Surely that's related largely to the buyers disposable income? Once the running costs are taken into account a real 355 may well be out of reach of an MR2 based car owner.
My own view is that I'd rather kit-builders built original designs...without that thinking we would not have had Lotus or TVR I would imagine, BUT I see no reason to distinguish between different 'levels' of fakes.
I was generalising, and didn’t want to give a 20 page assay on the subject of what is acceptable as a replica. I used the reference of the AC cobra because you brought it up and due to its rarity and cost. (I believe only 500 were ever made and there are only about 200 left, and can cost anywhere between $250,000 to $1.5 million dollars)The idea of things being acceptable as replicas if the original is too expensive is an odd one. Surely that's related largely to the buyers disposable income? Once the running costs are taken into account a real 355 may well be out of reach of an MR2 based car owner.
My own view is that I'd rather kit-builders built original designs...without that thinking we would not have had Lotus or TVR I would imagine, BUT I see no reason to distinguish between different 'levels' of fakes.
I deliberately brought up the 5-speed manual to prove a point; yes I know the original was 4-speed, but where are you going to get an original 4-speed Ac Cobra gearbox from today? So you have to choose something that is affordable and available today, and there are many 5-speed in-line gearboxes’ to choose from.
It’s the same with the Brembo brakes. I have no idea where you can get original Ac Cobra brakes, and obviously hubs today, so a close facsimile must be sourced, and if you’re running big power, just as the original, then a set of Brembo brakes is a wise and fair compromise.
I think most people, and I hope you may agree, that a high-end quality AC Cobra replica, is significant closer to the true car it’s trying to emulate, that a Peugeot 206 Coupe with some stick on plastic bits and Ferrari badges?
As to the MR2/Ferrari kit’s out there; to get a believable look-a-like, will cost you £25,000-£30,000 which doesn’t seem to make sense, when a REAL Ferrari 355 can be had for around £35,000.
But I do agree with you on your point about building an original design, and yes without such original thinkers, we wouldn’t have Lotus, TVR or Noble, to name but a few, today.
The only thing I’d add as a personnel note is I am not a fan of anything fake on any car. I really don’t like fake stick on air-intakes, or cheap device’s stuck up the exhaust pipe to make it sound like you have a dump valve.
It’s things like this that I, and I hope most car enthusiast would regard as Fake, whereas everything on the AC Cobra replica has a purpose and works just as the original did.
I would like to keep this debate going, so if anyone has a different view, even if you don’t agree with my points, then please add your comments.
Dreamspeed said:
Stuff
I take all of your points on-board, but I'd suggest that given a bit of time I could easily select cars which blur the line you are making between acceptable and non-acceptable fakes. It can NEVER be black and white and as long as you say that some things are OK because finding a closer match would be difficult etc etc then you will never make a hard and fast distinction.The Ford vs. Chevy engine thing? Are you suggesting Ford V8s are unavailable? Or just the CORRECT Ford V8? Or is it that they are too much money? Isn't that the case? People are quite happy to bang on about making their car a 'replica' but not if it goes outside budget!
And what is an 'acceptable' 355 replica? Should we draw up a list of things it must have? There's a guy on here somewhere had an MR2 with a V6. Suppose he built a Dino kit with it? More or less acceptable?
I don't expect answers to these questions, of course, just pointing out the difficulty in drawing a line. I still maintain that there's no difference between building a Chevy-engined, cruciform chassis, 5 speed Cobra as building an MR2 based 355...both fake, both great fun, one seems to be the subject of possibly snob-based derision..
Gassing Station | Kit Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff