Alphax Firefly
Discussion
what do you think of the Alphax firefly ?
http://www.alphax-kitcars.com/Pictures_firefly.php
I've always liked this little roadster, and wonder if this type of kitcar, or something similar in design, will have a comeback in the kitcar industry.
http://www.alphax-kitcars.com/Pictures_firefly.php
I've always liked this little roadster, and wonder if this type of kitcar, or something similar in design, will have a comeback in the kitcar industry.
Edited by fuoriserie on Thursday 17th April 11:16
I can't view the page at work but if it is the ex-Onyx Firefly then I'm a big fan. I think the Firecat was slightly better looking and drove a couple of Uno Turbo based ones which were great fun. I think the kitcar industry certainly needs more cheap, unique and sensible cars to draw in new fans who might be put off by £15k plus builds with multi donor cars and hundreds of hoursepower. Something based on a punto (or saxo) with a presentable gel coat finish, not too flashy, with a removable hardtop (as an option to a soft top), that is just as usable as their mum's fiesta but a good bit quicker, on the road for £6k would sell out tomorrow! Make it look a bit like a mini TVR (like the Firecat) and you can put me down for the first one!
alex_p said:
I can't view the page at work but if it is the ex-Onyx Firefly then I'm a big fan. I think the Firecat was slightly better looking and drove a couple of Uno Turbo based ones which were great fun. I think the kitcar industry certainly needs more cheap, unique and sensible cars to draw in new fans who might be put off by £15k plus builds with multi donor cars and hundreds of hoursepower. Something based on a punto (or saxo) with a presentable gel coat finish, not too flashy, with a removable hardtop (as an option to a soft top), that is just as usable as their mum's fiesta but a good bit quicker, on the road for £6k would sell out tomorrow! Make it look a bit like a mini TVR (like the Firecat) and you can put me down for the first one!
I agree with you.........but a few friends of mine told me that they could buy a used mx5 for that kind of money and wouldn't think of a firefly !, just wondering if a different design concept could work on this chassis and ask that kind of money?I remeber that Bertone worked on a similar idea using the 1992 fiat cinquecento.........
Edited by fuoriserie on Thursday 17th April 14:54
I think I can talk on this subject with a little authority.... 
The Firefly styling was admired by all that saw it, but the basic problem with kit cars like this, especially in the UK, is that there are mainstream designs and too many older kit cars which can be brought for a fraction of the money.
I think Paul Banham was on the right lines by using cut down mainstream cars to provide the chassis....bodies are relatively easy, but chassis manufacture...
The Firefly styling was admired by all that saw it, but the basic problem with kit cars like this, especially in the UK, is that there are mainstream designs and too many older kit cars which can be brought for a fraction of the money.
I think Paul Banham was on the right lines by using cut down mainstream cars to provide the chassis....bodies are relatively easy, but chassis manufacture...
Kartman said:
I think I can talk on this subject with a little authority....
The Firefly styling was admired by all that saw it, but the basic problem with kit cars like this, especially in the UK, is that there are mainstream designs and too many older kit cars which can be brought for a fraction of the money.
I think Paul Banham was on the right lines by using cut down mainstream cars to provide the chassis....bodies are relatively easy, but chassis manufacture...
Trevor, nice to see you back !, and I agree with you, Banham did have a great idea for the lower end of the kitcar market, with rebody conversions, and I still think it would work on more modern running gear....The Firefly styling was admired by all that saw it, but the basic problem with kit cars like this, especially in the UK, is that there are mainstream designs and too many older kit cars which can be brought for a fraction of the money.
I think Paul Banham was on the right lines by using cut down mainstream cars to provide the chassis....bodies are relatively easy, but chassis manufacture...
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