kitcars

Kit cars are real, road legal vehicles that you assemble yourself. They can range from simple cosmetic body shells right up to a full rolling chassis that bears absolutely no resemblance to the original donor car.

Because there is such a wide range of kit cars, from the ultra sporty Ultima GTR through classic cobra replicas and on to fun dune buggies...and anything you could possibly imagine in between! A kit car could also make an ideal base vehicle for a DIY electric car conversion.

There are a number of considerations that you need to bear in mind before you can get out your toolkit and start building the kit car of your dreams.

The first thing you need to do is work out how much you are willing to spend on your completed car. I say 'completed car' as buying the kit is just a small part of the overall cost. The donor car will also have to be sourced and bought and then any extras such as chrome or fancy trim will bump up the price considerably. So you need to set a realistic budget and then stick to it.

Then visit the kit car manufacturers websites or better still, go to shows to take a look at the many owner built cars look when they're finished. Grab hold of the manufacturers brochures and leaflets while you are there to give you a broad overview of the cars you like.

With so many kit cars to build you will need to narrow down your list to two or three favorites, then you can visit the factory and see their cars up close and personal.

The GTM Libra is a bit of a wolf in sheeps clothing. On the outside it is fairly relaxed and understated...while under the hood, there beats the heart of a tiger!

As kit cars go, the GTM Libra has it all. It's stylish good looks coupled with its pacey performance would appeal to anyone wanting something other than a Cobra or Lotus Seven clone.

The Grinnall Scorpion is a stunning three wheeler kitcar powered by a BMW motorcycle engine.

With its squat, wide profile, the Scorpion hugs the bends while it's wide single rear tire bites into the tarmac for maximum grip.

Building your own car can be a significant expense, so it makes sense to get the right insurance cover as you assemble your automotive masterpiece.

Once on the road, there are a number of companies that can provide competitivekit car insurance and as always, it pays to shop around as there are plenty of bargains to be had.