Is there a Market for a Retro Kit Car ?
Discussion
I have recently purchased the Moulds/Rights etc to the McCOY , a classic Mini based Kit Car , I intend to produce an Inexpensive Hillclimb Car baed on this , and possibly a Road version in due course
My question really is what does anyone think of this , I am happy to hear constructive input , ideas anything that may help me to put this project out in the marketplace.
for anyone who is unsure , this is a McCOY [url]
|http://thumbsnap.com/WoqXBNHm[/url
My question really is what does anyone think of this , I am happy to hear constructive input , ideas anything that may help me to put this project out in the marketplace.
for anyone who is unsure , this is a McCOY [url]
|http://thumbsnap.com/WoqXBNHm[/urlJust to add, Arthur Birchall who worked at the Clan factory in Washington until its demise took the Clan idea (rear engined, imp based) and converted the running gear to mini based front engined)
Arthur was a very nice friendly guy (replaced a Clan window for me at the meeting at Donnington around about 1980 after I leant on it) but I'm afraid the looks of the McCoy never took me as "right".
The car with mini rather than imp running gear was heavier than the Clan I suspect.
Is Arthur still around?
Arthur was a very nice friendly guy (replaced a Clan window for me at the meeting at Donnington around about 1980 after I leant on it) but I'm afraid the looks of the McCoy never took me as "right".
The car with mini rather than imp running gear was heavier than the Clan I suspect.
Is Arthur still around?
Purely a personal opinion but I think the reason the McCoy didn't really take off in the first place was due to the rather ungainly stance and appearance of the car after raising and restyling it to take Mini mechanicals. The original Imp based Clan was a much nicer looking vehicle all round.
With the diminishing source of Mini donor parts I wouldn't think there would be a big market for a re-launched McCoy.
With the diminishing source of Mini donor parts I wouldn't think there would be a big market for a re-launched McCoy.
Lot of competition in the retro kit car market currently. Some very good, indeed, most less so. Very difficult to break even buiding kit cars, currently as I know to my cost, with IVA testing and all the oncosts that process requires. Which is why so many manufacturers are no longer advertising, taking stands at shows etc. I have been building kit cars since the early 1960's still build two or three a year. Retired Chartered Acoountant and kit cars are my hobby. I lose money on most of the builds but I enjoy the challenges.
I remember the Clan from the beginning of that mark. Owned several and they were a very strong secure unit and quite well made. However I aways thought the appearances were an ineffective compromise, personally and less than beautiful in consequence. I wish the OP well with the project always good to see enthusiasm and new energies entering the market. Personally I would hope to see a much more svelte flowing shape reminiscent of some of the 1950's racers. Now, with that set up, then there might be a real interest in the cars? Good luck to the OP in any event!
I remember the Clan from the beginning of that mark. Owned several and they were a very strong secure unit and quite well made. However I aways thought the appearances were an ineffective compromise, personally and less than beautiful in consequence. I wish the OP well with the project always good to see enthusiasm and new energies entering the market. Personally I would hope to see a much more svelte flowing shape reminiscent of some of the 1950's racers. Now, with that set up, then there might be a real interest in the cars? Good luck to the OP in any event!
I think the people that are going to go for this kind of car are going to go for the original Clan rather than the McCoy. It just didn't really do anything that the Clan didn't do better to begin with.
I wish you luck but I wouldn't hold your breath if I were you. Still it's something to play around with but I can't see it making you a fortune. You're not the only one to have picked up this kind of project though I happened across the Jig and moulds for the Siva Mule a couple of years ago and rescued them from a trip to the landfill. However they've just filled up my workshop really and I'd have been better off having the space instead.
I wish you luck but I wouldn't hold your breath if I were you. Still it's something to play around with but I can't see it making you a fortune. You're not the only one to have picked up this kind of project though I happened across the Jig and moulds for the Siva Mule a couple of years ago and rescued them from a trip to the landfill. However they've just filled up my workshop really and I'd have been better off having the space instead.
Skyedriver said:
Is Arthur still around?
Yes he is , living in Cyprus , but not well i believe , been in touch with him via email.Thanks for all the other comments which will be taken on board , I have already been in talks with a company that will 'modernise' the looks to make them more appealing , but as with all things , it will cost, hence the thinking behind the Hillclimb part of the project , no need for IVA.
finishing touch said:
One could argue that the cost of a trailer is about the same as the IVA .
I have also read advice to people selling an incomplete car that it would be worth twice as much with an IVA .
Paul G
( with recently IVA'd car)
The DVLA And VOSA are on a mission to generate business for the IVA earners. Personally I am doubtful that IVA can be avoided unless an aready registered kit car is used as the base. Even then with serious modifications IVA may be required. I cannot see the Mini subframes as adequate to satisfy the bureaucrats. Fact of life with kit car registration IMO.I have also read advice to people selling an incomplete car that it would be worth twice as much with an IVA .
Paul G
( with recently IVA'd car)
Steffan said:
finishing touch said:
One could argue that the cost of a trailer is about the same as the IVA .
I have also read advice to people selling an incomplete car that it would be worth twice as much with an IVA .
Paul G
( with recently IVA'd car)
The DVLA And VOSA are on a mission to generate business for the IVA earners. Personally I am doubtful that IVA can be avoided unless an aready registered kit car is used as the base. Even then with serious modifications IVA may be required. I cannot see the Mini subframes as adequate to satisfy the bureaucrats. Fact of life with kit car registration IMO.I have also read advice to people selling an incomplete car that it would be worth twice as much with an IVA .
Paul G
( with recently IVA'd car)
road, hence no need for IVA.
I suggested that if you have an off the road car you must also factor in the cost of a trailer and tow bar on your daily driver to get to such events.
Personally I didn't find the IVA a huge problem, and that's with a scratch built flatpack, i..e. 2x1 sheets of ally & 7m lengths of box.
The biggest hassle was the distance from home to IVA test centre. North Essex to Norwich, twice.
Cheers
Paul G
Lots of companies out there offering replacement mini su frames with all sorts of engines - red tops, bike, Honda etc.
Heck, even contact Z cars and put the engine in the back again like the Clan original.....
Just don't expect to sell shed loads and retire to live comfortably of the proceeds!!!
PS I have always quite liked them - did you get the 'estate' moulds too?
Heck, even contact Z cars and put the engine in the back again like the Clan original.....
Just don't expect to sell shed loads and retire to live comfortably of the proceeds!!!
PS I have always quite liked them - did you get the 'estate' moulds too?
I'm probably a more mainstream kit-car fan. TBH I think it looks truly terrible. It suffers from a terrible juxtaposition of styling cues that for me simply do not work well togther.
To sell in numbers it would need (all IMO obviously):
Given the above bullets, it may well be easier to start from scratch if you want to turn kit manufacture into a business.
To sell in numbers it would need (all IMO obviously):
- A radical overhaul of the styling to carry a consistent theme throughout.
- An improvement in panel fit.
- A modern doner.
- Easy build
- High quality coatings for chassis and suspension components.
- For competition use, a robust integrated FIA or RAC approved roll-cage.
- Handling >= to that of similar priced competition cars.
Given the above bullets, it may well be easier to start from scratch if you want to turn kit manufacture into a business.
Agree with others - tidy up looks and give it a donor refresh and it could be worth a go!
Is this a GRP monocoque though? I believe it is and if so, it would be relatively expensive to produce - how cheap were you going to pitch it??
Also, with it being a coupe, you run into several issues when comparing to a Seven/Exo style car - roof, doors, glass & full bodywork all adding weight and adding to the complexity of the build. You will get more noise inside the car too!
I don't want to be the voice of doom because I think the kit car industry is seriously lacking in diversity at the moment, but I'm not sure why I'd buy a McCoy to hillclimb with, rather than a Seven of some description?
I do absolutely wish you the best of luck with the project though!
Is this a GRP monocoque though? I believe it is and if so, it would be relatively expensive to produce - how cheap were you going to pitch it??
Also, with it being a coupe, you run into several issues when comparing to a Seven/Exo style car - roof, doors, glass & full bodywork all adding weight and adding to the complexity of the build. You will get more noise inside the car too!
I don't want to be the voice of doom because I think the kit car industry is seriously lacking in diversity at the moment, but I'm not sure why I'd buy a McCoy to hillclimb with, rather than a Seven of some description?
I do absolutely wish you the best of luck with the project though!
Is there a market for a retro kit car?
Possibly.
But there would surely be a market for replicas of classic kit cars.
Look at the desirability of the original Cox GTM or the Unipower GT.
Look at the prices commanded by early Ginettas. Or TVR Vixens/Tuscans/Granturas etc. They are all kit cars.
And I am certain that there is still a market for a Moke replica or a classic VW based Buggy, despite the fact that Minis and Beetles are often regarded as too valuable to chop up.
And the old GP Spyder was a splendid thing, which might even be possible without IVA?
Of course, the intellectual property and production rights will be an issue in many cases.
The trouble with the McCoy is that it has no classic cachet and that many people will regard it as an unhappy reinterpretation of a Clan Crusader.
And a quick Google suggests that moulds for the original Clan Crusader are still being used.
I quite like the McCoy, but there are lots of other things out there that would tempt me more. If I was hell bent on a front engined Mini coupe, then I would also be tempted by the Marcos or the Midas.
Out of interest, how many McCoys were originally sold?
Possibly.
But there would surely be a market for replicas of classic kit cars.
Look at the desirability of the original Cox GTM or the Unipower GT.
Look at the prices commanded by early Ginettas. Or TVR Vixens/Tuscans/Granturas etc. They are all kit cars.
And I am certain that there is still a market for a Moke replica or a classic VW based Buggy, despite the fact that Minis and Beetles are often regarded as too valuable to chop up.
And the old GP Spyder was a splendid thing, which might even be possible without IVA?
Of course, the intellectual property and production rights will be an issue in many cases.
The trouble with the McCoy is that it has no classic cachet and that many people will regard it as an unhappy reinterpretation of a Clan Crusader.
And a quick Google suggests that moulds for the original Clan Crusader are still being used.
I quite like the McCoy, but there are lots of other things out there that would tempt me more. If I was hell bent on a front engined Mini coupe, then I would also be tempted by the Marcos or the Midas.
Out of interest, how many McCoys were originally sold?
mistrale said:
Lots of companies out there offering replacement mini su frames with all sorts of engines - red tops, bike, Honda etc.
Heck, even contact Z cars and put the engine in the back again like the Clan original.....
Just don't expect to sell shed loads and retire to live comfortably of the proceeds!!!
PS I have always quite liked them - did you get the 'estate' moulds too?
I will have a word with Z Cars Heck, even contact Z cars and put the engine in the back again like the Clan original.....
Just don't expect to sell shed loads and retire to live comfortably of the proceeds!!!
PS I have always quite liked them - did you get the 'estate' moulds too?
I have looked at other Subs but i was trying to keep it affordable.and I have the 'estate' Moulds too
Frankthered said:
Agree with others - tidy up looks and give it a donor refresh and it could be worth a go!
Is this a GRP monocoque though? I believe it is and if so, it would be relatively expensive to produce - how cheap were you going to pitch it??
Also, with it being a coupe, you run into several issues when comparing to a Seven/Exo style car - roof, doors, glass & full bodywork all adding weight and adding to the complexity of the build. You will get more noise inside the car too!
I don't want to be the voice of doom because I think the kit car industry is seriously lacking in diversity at the moment, but I'm not sure why I'd buy a McCoy to hillclimb with, rather than a Seven of some description?
I do absolutely wish you the best of luck with the project though!
Thank you Is this a GRP monocoque though? I believe it is and if so, it would be relatively expensive to produce - how cheap were you going to pitch it??
Also, with it being a coupe, you run into several issues when comparing to a Seven/Exo style car - roof, doors, glass & full bodywork all adding weight and adding to the complexity of the build. You will get more noise inside the car too!
I don't want to be the voice of doom because I think the kit car industry is seriously lacking in diversity at the moment, but I'm not sure why I'd buy a McCoy to hillclimb with, rather than a Seven of some description?
I do absolutely wish you the best of luck with the project though!
Pat H said:
Is there a market for a retro kit car?
Possibly.
But there would surely be a market for replicas of classic kit cars.
Look at the desirability of the original Cox GTM or the Unipower GT.
Look at the prices commanded by early Ginettas. Or TVR Vixens/Tuscans/Granturas etc. They are all kit cars.
And I am certain that there is still a market for a Moke replica or a classic VW based Buggy, despite the fact that Minis and Beetles are often regarded as too valuable to chop up.
And the old GP Spyder was a splendid thing, which might even be possible without IVA?
Of course, the intellectual property and production rights will be an issue in many cases.
The trouble with the McCoy is that it has no classic cachet and that many people will regard it as an unhappy reinterpretation of a Clan Crusader.
And a quick Google suggests that moulds for the original Clan Crusader are still being used.
I quite like the McCoy, but there are lots of other things out there that would tempt me more. If I was hell bent on a front engined Mini coupe, then I would also be tempted by the Marcos or the Midas.
Out of interest, how many McCoys were originally sold?
According to the research I have done , approx 86 or so and 1 Estate Possibly.
But there would surely be a market for replicas of classic kit cars.
Look at the desirability of the original Cox GTM or the Unipower GT.
Look at the prices commanded by early Ginettas. Or TVR Vixens/Tuscans/Granturas etc. They are all kit cars.
And I am certain that there is still a market for a Moke replica or a classic VW based Buggy, despite the fact that Minis and Beetles are often regarded as too valuable to chop up.
And the old GP Spyder was a splendid thing, which might even be possible without IVA?
Of course, the intellectual property and production rights will be an issue in many cases.
The trouble with the McCoy is that it has no classic cachet and that many people will regard it as an unhappy reinterpretation of a Clan Crusader.
And a quick Google suggests that moulds for the original Clan Crusader are still being used.
I quite like the McCoy, but there are lots of other things out there that would tempt me more. If I was hell bent on a front engined Mini coupe, then I would also be tempted by the Marcos or the Midas.
Out of interest, how many McCoys were originally sold?
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