Why are folk so snobby about "kit cars"?

Why are folk so snobby about "kit cars"?

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Discussion

spoodler

Original Poster:

2,092 posts

155 months

Monday 11th August 2014
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Okay, forgetting for a moment the badly built Duttons and the like, why do so many on here insult even beautifully built and finely engineered kits?

Post a pic' of a shoddily built standard car (like so many post-war classics) and despite it having never been much cop it will often escape any real criticism, but a kit car generally draws casual insult despite its high quality build, excellent finish etc. and the justification would appear to be because it's a kit. So what? Is that a bad thing in itself?

spoodler

Original Poster:

2,092 posts

155 months

Monday 11th August 2014
quotequote all
LotusOmega375D said:
Well this is PH's Classic Car sub-forum, so I can't imagine much love being shown to kit cars on here.
Presumably then, no love would be shown by "Classic" types toward buses, tractors or boats for example. I would have thought that a well built kit in a classic style would be appreciated on here rather than derided.

As for "classic kit cars", I note the sub forum for these is rarely visited so they would appear to be an even more obscure taste... you'd think that would keep the cost of Rochdales and Unipowers down but such is not the case...

spoodler

Original Poster:

2,092 posts

155 months

Tuesday 12th August 2014
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Hadn't really intended to start an argument over replicas (tho' I should have known better). Was just making a casual observation whilst waiting for the rain to stop! The amount of times I've noticed a reaction to a car on here that could be summed up as "ugh, so it's just a kit car" as if that is an inherently bad thing... yes, some are badly styled, some are badly built but the same comments can be applied to Ferrari or Alfa Romeo if wanted, or especially to the likes of Zagato.
The Ronart, in the "spotted" thread, is an obvious example of a modern(ish) kit styled with cues from the 1950s racing cars, the fact it doesn't look like a Vanwall is neither here nor there in my opinion (regardless of whether the owner wishes to put Vanwall or Kia badges on it!). A more valid question is does it produce a desirable vehicle with classic influences? My answer would be "yes", others will have a different opinion but surely that should be based upon the vehicle not prejudice that it was built from a kit.
Right, I'm off to play with my Jaguar powered Austin... smile*


  • "Grrr, hot rodders cutting up nice old cars and building them differently to the way they "should" be..."
Appreciate them all as far as I'm concerned!

spoodler

Original Poster:

2,092 posts

155 months

Monday 18th August 2014
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heightswitch - maybe they're all awaiting delivery of their 3D printers...

spoodler

Original Poster:

2,092 posts

155 months

Friday 22nd August 2014
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Yep, you pretty much got it in one... twas only a casual observation whilst killing time so I don't take opinions like those of the Crack Fox at all seriously.

I've owned bikes, trucks, hot rods, classics and old bangers and rate them all on the fun I have owning them, not on the badge, whether it be Bristol, Porsche, Panther, Cortina V6, Herald pick up truck, Vincent Hurricane, 2CV... and I very nearly bought an N.G. this week...