Which first kit car?
Discussion
Hi everyone, first ever post!
I've had an almost mint 1975 MG midget for a bit and whilst I love the thing to bits, it seems to spend as much time in bits keeping it reliable as I use it every day!
Couple that with the fact it doesn't feel comfortable abouve 65mph on the motorway, understeers like crazy on roundabouts, and the rear end is a little agricultural in wet corners too, and I'm looking for something a bit different.
I like the old british sports cars, spridgets, B's (even the GT), DB5, e-type, cobra etc. But want something that handles a bit better, has a bit more ooomph, and I can afford (other wise it'd be a db5 or cobra!). I would throw money at the midget, but being a 1500 it have to start with a new engine and drivetrain, followed by a lot of chasis mods, which would be a shame as its completely rust free and original (well, a BMH re-shell) at the moment.
So the criteria, 200ish bhp, 2 seats, classic car looks, fully independant suspension all round, probably with an LSD. Any cobra's based on an older Jag or big old rover V8 saloons maybe?
I've had an almost mint 1975 MG midget for a bit and whilst I love the thing to bits, it seems to spend as much time in bits keeping it reliable as I use it every day!
Couple that with the fact it doesn't feel comfortable abouve 65mph on the motorway, understeers like crazy on roundabouts, and the rear end is a little agricultural in wet corners too, and I'm looking for something a bit different.
I like the old british sports cars, spridgets, B's (even the GT), DB5, e-type, cobra etc. But want something that handles a bit better, has a bit more ooomph, and I can afford (other wise it'd be a db5 or cobra!). I would throw money at the midget, but being a 1500 it have to start with a new engine and drivetrain, followed by a lot of chasis mods, which would be a shame as its completely rust free and original (well, a BMH re-shell) at the moment.
So the criteria, 200ish bhp, 2 seats, classic car looks, fully independant suspension all round, probably with an LSD. Any cobra's based on an older Jag or big old rover V8 saloons maybe?
Welcome to the forum
Is this a kit to build, or are you going to buy one that has already been built
For any given car, it will usually be cheaper to buy a ready built car, as people can never sell them for what it costs to build. If you buy a built one, read the thread a little lower down, and be careful!
Is this a kit to build, or are you going to buy one that has already been built
For any given car, it will usually be cheaper to buy a ready built car, as people can never sell them for what it costs to build. If you buy a built one, read the thread a little lower down, and be careful!
Buying a kit and building it, thats 3/4 the appeal! Not fussed about loosing money on it, as long as it's not a £14k build for a £1k car.
Ohh, and I'd rather something that came as a big bag of bits (+1 donor car) to be bolted together rather than too much welding/cutting/drilling and having to source parts form loads of different cars.
Ohh, and I'd rather something that came as a big bag of bits (+1 donor car) to be bolted together rather than too much welding/cutting/drilling and having to source parts form loads of different cars.
With the budget and requirements mentioned I would be looking at (if I wanted conentional) MNR, the MK Indy type R, both based on the Ford Sierra, as are most other 7 types, ignore the engine and get a 2ltr Duratec with a bellhousing from Rally Design.
If I was looking for something a bit newer design wise, and mid engined, then it would have to be something from the MEV range
If the choice will wait til May, then get along to the Stoneleigh Kit Car show, if you can't wait then you need to head north and do some visiting
If I was looking for something a bit newer design wise, and mid engined, then it would have to be something from the MEV range
If the choice will wait til May, then get along to the Stoneleigh Kit Car show, if you can't wait then you need to head north and do some visiting
I doubt that you would be able to build a Cobra or C/D type for that money but you will get a Seven style, for that sort of money you are well into the Westfield SEI bracket if that floats your boat. Or if you want old school and keep the Midget connection try the XI, but that doesn't get IRS. Mine is comfortable at motorway speeds (with a 5 speed box) BTW. IRS, as I understand it, isn't of great benefit unless you plan to do lots of track days, as a well set up live axle is difficult to tell from IRS during normal road driving.
For something a little different that gets very good write ups for driver experience why not try the Sylva Riot? Or the Marlin Sportster?
Lastly, as has been suggested, go to Stoneleigh! Plenty to look at there from the manufacturers with the benefit of hundreds of owners willing and able to tell you everything (and more) than you ever wanted to know about their particular pride and joy.
For something a little different that gets very good write ups for driver experience why not try the Sylva Riot? Or the Marlin Sportster?
Lastly, as has been suggested, go to Stoneleigh! Plenty to look at there from the manufacturers with the benefit of hundreds of owners willing and able to tell you everything (and more) than you ever wanted to know about their particular pride and joy.
What might be worth a look, considering the classic theme you are after, is looking into a used Fisher Fury, IRS with a Zetec fitted. A good one will set you back less than £7k, use it and enjoy, then if necessary strip it and upgrade the mechanicals. A good Fury handles as well as most with pure 60's styling, you would be surprised how quick they cover ground. It means no IVA hassle and financially better sense to start from a road legal base.
"as a well set up live axle is difficult to tell from IRS during normal road driving. "
yes, but the midgets live axel is particualrly s***! Its held in place by two great big rubber bands and the whole car feels like one end isn't realy attatched to the other. Don't get me wrong, Ilove it to bits, but I just want something that handles nicely and doesnt make me spend the next 3 days wondering if its going to blow up after a run up the motorway. Short of some major work, mk4 midgets will never be quick (mk3's at least you can work on the engine).
Not realy a fan of 7 or atom styled cars, would rather soemthing with a proper convertible and/or hardtop, not the tent that passes for a roof on the 7
yes, but the midgets live axel is particualrly s***! Its held in place by two great big rubber bands and the whole car feels like one end isn't realy attatched to the other. Don't get me wrong, Ilove it to bits, but I just want something that handles nicely and doesnt make me spend the next 3 days wondering if its going to blow up after a run up the motorway. Short of some major work, mk4 midgets will never be quick (mk3's at least you can work on the engine).
Not realy a fan of 7 or atom styled cars, would rather soemthing with a proper convertible and/or hardtop, not the tent that passes for a roof on the 7
Edited by thisisnotaspoon on Friday 29th January 16:32
Are you thinking of something a little more 'old school'? In which case, what about a Royal Sabre (think they're still made by somebody) or an SS100 replica. You'd probably struggle on budget for the latter though.
You could always look at a Fisher Fury. Very very rapid, gorgeous retro looks and you can build one with a full screen, reasonable hood etc. Engine choice is up to you. Most people don't bother with 200+hp but there's nothing to stop you putting a V8 in the front. Performance will be a world away from an MGB even with a basic 4 cylinder in though.
You could always look at a Fisher Fury. Very very rapid, gorgeous retro looks and you can build one with a full screen, reasonable hood etc. Engine choice is up to you. Most people don't bother with 200+hp but there's nothing to stop you putting a V8 in the front. Performance will be a world away from an MGB even with a basic 4 cylinder in though.
I always think that the Marlin Sportster is a handsome car, very 'old school'. It also uses running gear from BMWs, which are still quite easy to get.
http://www.marlinsportscars.co.uk/sportster/
http://www.marlinsportscars.co.uk/sportster/
MKnight702 said:
IRS, as I understand it, isn't of great benefit unless you plan to do lots of track days, as a well set up live axle is difficult to tell from IRS during normal road driving.
Funnily enough, many people see it the other way round, ie not much difference on the track, but the IRS being better on the road, especially more bumpy ones, where the reduced unsprung weight of the IRS makes it easier for the wheels to comply with irregularities in the road surface without tasking the whole car with them as they do so.Jerkins said:
I always think that the Marlin Sportster is a handsome car, very 'old school'. It also uses running gear from BMWs, which are still quite easy to get.
http://www.marlinsportscars.co.uk/sportster/
Nice looking but marlin aren't known for great customer service which is vital on a first build.http://www.marlinsportscars.co.uk/sportster/
Bloody overpriced too!
jason61c said:
Jerkins said:
I always think that the Marlin Sportster is a handsome car, very 'old school'. It also uses running gear from BMWs, which are still quite easy to get.
http://www.marlinsportscars.co.uk/sportster/
Nice looking but marlin aren't known for great customer service which is vital on a first build.http://www.marlinsportscars.co.uk/sportster/
Bloody overpriced too!
Hi thisisnotaspoon, welcome to pistonheads.
As a kit builder, I would like pass on the advice that I was given as it has proven to be sound.
Buy a kit that has a proven record of being IVA (SVA in my day) compatable, from a reputable manufacturer who, in your best judgement, is still likely to be in business to advise, support and supply parts at the completion end of the build. It will make life so much easier.
Good luck with your project.
Regards
Bill Bob
As a kit builder, I would like pass on the advice that I was given as it has proven to be sound.
Buy a kit that has a proven record of being IVA (SVA in my day) compatable, from a reputable manufacturer who, in your best judgement, is still likely to be in business to advise, support and supply parts at the completion end of the build. It will make life so much easier.
Good luck with your project.
Regards
Bill Bob
Why not buy a TVR Chimaera or S Series and rebuild it? Will have plenty of change from £14k (a decent car to start with will be £5K to £7k) and you will have a very capable and classically styled road car.
Sorry if i'm posting this in the wrong forum
P.S i also get the TVR insured under kit car policies
P.P.S And as i am sure you all know a lot of the running gear and ancillaries are Rover / Ford / Vauxhall
Just a thought
Sorry if i'm posting this in the wrong forum
P.S i also get the TVR insured under kit car policies
P.P.S And as i am sure you all know a lot of the running gear and ancillaries are Rover / Ford / Vauxhall
Just a thought
Edited by lewis s on Saturday 30th January 23:08
insurance on a TVR is £3200 with £1400 excess! I'm hoping a kit car will come in a a similar price to the midget (£350)Gassing Station | Kit Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff