Kit cars represent an exciting facet of automobile culture, offering enthusiasts the opportunity to build their own car to their specifications. These vehicles provide a more accessible entry point for those wishing to own a unique or high-performance car without the exorbitant price tag that typically comes with such exclusivity. Whether you’re a veteran builder or new to the scene, there’s a kit car out there to satisfy your vehicular tastes. Here’s a list of the top 10 kit cars that combine the joy of building with the thrill of driving.
#10 Sterling Sports Cars – Sterling Kit
Starting off our list is the Sterling Kit, which is a celebrated classic in the kit car world. The Sterling is an exotic-looking car that has captivated builders for decades. Its futuristic body style can be placed on various chassis, but it’s commonly built atop a VW Beetle frame, making it a more affordable option. With its gullwing doors and low, sleek profile, the Sterling Kit allows builders to create a head-turning sports car without breaking the bank.
#9 Factory Five Racing – Mk4 Roadster
The Factory Five Mk4 Roadster is a modern tribute to the legendary Shelby Cobra. Known for its muscular stance and sharp handling, the Mk4 kit provides almost everything you need to build your car, except for the running gear. Enthusiasts can fit a variety of engines, from a traditional Ford 427 to more modern powerplants, allowing for customization to preference and budget. The company’s reputation for quality and its comprehensive kits make this a top choice for any DIY car builder.
#8 Caterham Cars – Caterham Seven
The Caterham Seven is the epitome of the lightweight sports car and has a lineage tracing back to the original Lotus Seven. These kits offer a range of models from mild to wild, satisfying both the Sunday driver and the track-day enthusiast. Precision engineering and the ability to tailor the car exactly to your desires make building a Caterham Seven an intensely rewarding experience. Plus, their breathtaking acceleration and cornering capabilities are nearly unrivaled in the kit car world.
#7 DDR Motorsport – DDR GT
If you yearn for the aggressive lines and performance of an exotic supercar, the DDR GT might be the kit for you. With chassis that accommodate a variety of powertrains, including V8 and V6 options, the DDR GT offers a canvas for a builder to create their dream machine. The end result is a commandingly styled car with performance that can be dialed up to match its looks. This mid-engine marvel has the potential to run with some of the world’s most prestigious sports cars.
#6 MEV – Exocet
The MEV Exocet stands out with its exoskeletal design, light weight, and excellent power-to-weight ratio. Utilizing a donor Mazda Miata, the Exocet strips away bodywork for a raw and visceral driving experience. The thrill of the open road (or track) takes on a new dimension when you’re hunkered down in a machine you’ve built yourself. This little powerhouse is perfect for those who find beauty in simplicity and enjoy an open-air experience that’s sure to exhilarate.
#5 GTM Supercar – Factory Five Racing
Another entry from Factory Five, the GTM Supercar is a testament to the advanced capabilities of the modern kit car. Designed to accommodate a GM LS engine, this car is a beast in terms of performance. Its comprehensive kit and relatively straightforward assembly mean that the GTM Supercar is within reach of skilled amateurs. The result is a genuinely fast and good-looking car that can outperform much more expensive mid-engine sports cars on the market.
#4 Westfield Sportscars – Westfield XI
For those who desire a classic aesthetic combined with contemporary engineering, the Westfield XI is a delightful option. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Lotus Eleven, the Westfield XI is a lightweight and joyful car to drive. The kit allows for various engine configurations, ensuring each build can be made unique. And with its open-top and vintage race car vibes, it’s perfect for weekend jaunts and track days alike.
#3 Ultima Sports – Ultima RS
The Ultima RS is a British supercar that you build yourself. It boasts configurations that allow it to house V8 engines capable of pushing well over 1000 horsepower. The car’s aggressive styling and scorching performance numbers mean it’s not for the faint-hearted. With extensive options for customization, you can dial in your Ultima RS to be as tame or as wild as you dare. It’s a kit car that challenges the very notion of what home-built machines can achieve.
#2 Porsche 356 Speedster – Chesil Motor Company
The Porsche 356 Speedster is an iconic car that captures the heart of automotive enthusiasts, and Chesil Motor Company offers one of the finest recreations. The Chesil Speedster is a faithful replica that not only looks the part but also delivers modern reliability and can accommodate a range of performance options. The timeless shape and the joy of piloting a 356 make it a dream project for many, and Chesil’s renowned quality ensures your build will be a standout.
#1 Superlite Cars – SL-C
At the pinnacle of our list, the Superlite SL-C kit car provides an unparalleled combination of performance, customization, and sheer presence. Whether destined for the road or race track, this American-made kit caters to those who demand both supercar aesthetics and mind-bending performance. Its space-frame chassis and fiberglass body are designed to house a range of powertrains, from high-revving V8s to modern turbocharged engines, and its sophisticated suspension setup ensures that all that power is put to good use. The resultant car is a remarkable achievement in the kit car world, delivering jaw-dropping speed and style in equal measure.
Kit cars offer a unique blend of personal fulfillment and automotive performance. Building one of these top 10 kit cars delivers not just a custom vehicle, but an intimate understanding of its inner workings and the satisfaction of having crafted something truly exceptional. Whether it’s your first build or your latest project, each of these kits presents an opportunity to create a car that is distinctly yours, with the character and capabilities to match your automotive dreams. Happy building!