Exotikits

[Twincam16]

You know what I mean - that '70s/'80s boom of outlandish and exotic cars based on really mundane bits - Novas, Avantes, Eagle SSs, Chargers, that sort of thing.

Well, I've been looking at cars to buy in the summer, and these look like cheap, cheerful, cheap-to-run/insure bits of fun, that I can pick up in good condition for a grand or so, and they can all be uprated in every way when I have the money.

My question to the kit gurus would be this - are they worth it? I just like the idea of, rather than buying a deadly-dull Eurobox, I'd rather have something with a hydraulic roof, or gullwing doors, or an oddball interior.

Also, anyone got one?

[z1000]

There's a couple on ebay at the mo.

[jonleeper]

Am currently rebuilding an SS. The look just caught my attention and I was hooked. The avaliability of parts and performance upgrades for the VW Beetle is amasing and means that you are unlimited in your scope. There is also a very friendly bunch of builders, both Novas and Eagles, on their respective websites. The cars are just good looking and individual. Go get on!

Jon

[Twincam16]

Thanks. Basically, my list of cars comprises: Fiat X1/9, Ford Capri, Ford XR4i, Mitsubishi Colt Sapporo, Reliant Scimitar SS1, Toyota MR2, and any cheap sports kit car based on something ordinary and easy to fix, like a Ford or a Beetle. I'll go looking, and buy whichever one takes my fancy, that's close to home, and that I can afford.

Can't wait!

[Ferg]

I don't know what your budget is, but how about a K3....?

[Twincam16]

Ferg said:

I don't know what your budget is, but how about a K3....?

Oh yeah, the GTM Rossa K3. If I saw one of those I'd be interested, yes.

My budget is up to £1.5k, £2k absolute maximum. I need something that's relatively cheap to run, interesting and different, simple mechanicals, cheap insurance, fairly reliable if treated properly, has proper weather protection and a boot. A stereo would be nice too.

I just like the idea of kit cars like this. All my friends are currently boring my socks off telling me that I must buy a 'nice little Astra' on finance , and I want to surprise them all with knee-high styling and hydraulic doors

[basil brush]

Funny but I was following a Nova through Leeds on Sunday evening. I haven't seen one for ages.

I personally wouldn't go for one with a beetle engine as the sound just doesn't go with the car. Fine with a buggy or rail but not with a swoopy sports car.

[anonymous-user]

If you do go for a Nova or similar, make sure you take a good look at the windscreen - they're bloody difficult to get hold of and damned expensive when you do.