Kit Cars Allow You to Take the Wheel of the World's Most Sought-After Vehicles

Since the 1960s, kit cars have provided enthusiasts with an opportunity to craft personalized vehicles and produce affordable versions of rare sports cars. Originally, these cars earned their name as manufacturers sold them in parts, akin to a large-scale model kit. Buyers were responsible for assembling the components using detailed instruction manuals. Typically, this involved fitting new body parts onto an existing chassis, with the Volkswagen Beetle being one of the earliest and most popular platforms for such projects.

Today, however, some kit cars are professionally assembled in workshops using entirely new parts. These high-end kits come at a premium but are constructed to superior standards. They often serve as precise replicas or recreations of rare and costly vehicles, such as the Shelby Cobra or Porsche 550.

One of the most prominent replica manufacturers is South Africa's Superformance, which currently produces officially licensed versions of the Cobra, Corvette Grand Sport, and Ford GT40. To delve deeper into the kit car manufacturing and ownership experience, we spoke with Justin Mahaffey, a representative from Superformance's U.S. division.

Meyers Manx and the Start of Kit Cars

Kit cars can be viewed as an evolution of the hot-rodding culture that emerged in the 1940s and 1950s. As intricate custom cars and speed shops gained popularity, they created a demand for a more affordable option that enthusiasts could build at home using basic tools. Kit cars emerged to meet this demand, enjoying a surge in popularity during the second half of the 20th century.

The first kit car to truly capture attention was the Meyers Manx dune buggy in 1964. It was conceived when California surfer Bruce Meyers identified the need for a budget-friendly beach vehicle. At the time, the Manx kit sold for around $600, plus the price of a VW Beetle donor car. The kit transformed the Beetle with a lightweight fiberglass body, enhanced suspension, and reinforced bumpers.

The straightforward design and distinctive appearance of the Meyers Manx led to numerous companies producing imitation kits. In late 2020, Motor Trend estimated that approximately 5,000 original Manxes were built between 1964 and 1970, with nearly 250,000 clones produced. Thanks to the Beetle's ease of modification, it also served as the foundation for countless other kits over the years, including replicas of the Porsche 356 and Ferrari Dino.

The Cobra

Following the Manx, one of the earliest widely recognized kit cars was a replica of the iconic Shelby Cobra. Approximately 100 of these replicas were constructed by Steve Arntz, a former Shelby engineer, in the mid-1970s, roughly a decade after the original car's debut.

These Arntz Cobras featured Chevy V8 engines and Jaguar transmissions, sharing little with Shelby's original design beyond appearance. Since the 1970s, numerous companies have produced their own versions of the Cobra kit car, with varying levels of fidelity to the original. Today, the Shelby Cobra remains one of the most replicated designs, with kit car production far exceeding the number of original vehicles ever made.

Today, Factory Five and Superformance stand out as two of the most renowned and trusted manufacturers of Cobra replicas. Factory Five's offerings are relatively budget-friendly, starting at approximately $15,000. From there, buyers are responsible for providing their own drivetrain and assembling the vehicle. For just over $20,000, the company can also include a new engine and transmission in the kit.

Superformance Cobras are crafted to a higher standard, with prices starting at $60,000 or more. Many components are meticulously designed to match Carroll Shelby's original specifications, as Superformance is the sole company authorized to use the Shelby name and logos.

Superformance's Cobra and GT40 models were even featured in stunt driving scenes for the historical racing film, "Ford vs. Ferrari." Customers can choose between a more economical fiberglass body or an authentic aluminum one.

Vehicles are delivered primarily assembled as rolling chassis. "Rollers are purchased through one of our authorized dealers," explains Justin Mahaffey. "While most customers hire an engine installer to handle the drivetrain purchase and installation, a few opt to tackle the installation themselves." This approach minimizes the assembly work required by the buyer.

Modern Kit Car Options

One of the most exciting kit cars introduced in recent years is the Exomotive Exocet, built on early Mazda Miata platforms. This kit transforms the already lightweight roadster into an ultra-minimalist machine, weighing under 1,600 pounds (725 kilograms) and lacking windshields, doors, or fenders.

The kit is also affordable, starting at under $8,000, plus the price of a donor car. Buyers are responsible for full assembly and can choose to retain the stock Mazda engine or upgrade to more powerful alternatives.

Factory Five offers a couple of contemporary sports car designs, the GTM and 818. The mid-engine GTM features a custom aluminum chassis and fiberglass body, paired with driveline components from a C5 Corvette. The GTM starts at just under $25,000, excluding the engine and assembly costs. The 818, a smaller and more affordable option, comes in at under $10,000 but requires the installation of a turbocharged Subaru engine.

Ultima Sports, based in the U.K., provides low-profile supercar kits starting at around $50,000. Buyers can choose between coupe and convertible designs, paired with a range of Chevy V8 engines capable of producing up to an impressive 1,200 horsepower. Each model is paired with a six-speed manual transmission, making it unsuitable for inexperienced drivers. Kits are available either in parts or with the chassis pre-assembled.

Kit Car Registration and Ownership

A common concern about kit cars revolves around their road legality. In short, kit cars are street legal in the United States. However, owners often face additional hurdles during the registration process, which varies depending on local regulations.

"Each state has its own set of regulations and procedures for these types of vehicles," explains Mahaffey. California is among the most stringent states regarding kit cars, which it classifies as "specially constructed vehicles." The state limits titles to just 500 such vehicles annually, each requiring thorough safety inspections to ensure components like brakes, lights, and seatbelts meet street-legal standards.

Other states, such as South Carolina, have more lenient regulations, allowing kit cars to be registered through a process similar to that of production vehicles, though with a unique constructed vehicle title. For detailed information on kit car legality, the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) provides an online resource outlining registration requirements across all 50 states.

Insurance is essential for every vehicle. Agencies specializing in collector cars, like Hagerty, are equipped to create tailored insurance policies for kit cars.

"Most customers choose a stated value policy for insurance," Mahaffey notes. These policies typically offer reasonable rates but limit the number of miles driven annually, often around 3,000 (4,828 kilometers).

Kit cars often lack modern safety features such as airbags, crumple zones, and backup cameras, so they should be driven carefully on public roads. Treat them as you would a classic car. While their performance can be tested on racetracks, it's crucial to equip the vehicle with safety gear, including helmets, fire extinguishers, heat-resistant clothing, and rollover bars, to ensure safety.