WHAT ARE KIT CARS?

Most car enthusiasts often dream of owning a piece of automotive history, with some buying classic cars like the GT40 or the '65 Shelby Cobra. Unfortunately, original classic cars are very rare and prohibitively expensive so alternatives like kit cars, replica cars, and continuation cars have emerged to fill the gap. While kit cars have their appeal, many argue that continuation and replica cars offer a more refined and hassle-free experience for those seeking iconic designs. So, what exactly is a kit car, and how does it stack up against the competition? Let’s dive in.

What Are Kit Cars?

Kit cars are vehicles sold as a collection of parts that buyers assemble themselves into a functioning car. In most cases, builders must source a donor vehicle and a patchwork of donor parts —such as engines, suspensions, or interiors. This DIY approach can lead to challenges, including lengthy build times, high financial investments and inconsistent quality, compared to the professionally crafted standards of continuation and replica cars.

What Is the Purpose of a Kit Car?

The point of a kit car is to give car enthusiasts a hands-on, personalized experience in building and customizing their rides. They often mimic classic or unique designs that are pricey or hard to come by. With kit cars, you can dive deep into your passion for cars, but this freedom comes with trade-offs: the process can take years, costs can spiral beyond initial estimates, and the final product may not always match the reliability or polish of a factory-built continuation car.

What Is the Difference Between a Kit Car and a Continuation Car?

The automotive world offers three main options for classic car enthusiasts: kit cars, replica cars, and continuation cars. Each has its own approach to recreating legendary vehicles, but they differ significantly in construction, ownership experience, and value. Here's a quick breakdown of those differences:

Manufacturing and Assembly

Kit Cars: Sold as a set of parts, kit cars require the buyer to assemble them independently or hire help. Sourcing donor vehicles or parts adds complexity and often stretches the timeline from months to years.

Continuation Cars: Built by manufacturers to the exact specifications of the originals, these cars are fully assembled to the same style, assembly, and design as the original, these cars spare owners the labor and uncertainty of a kit car build.

Customization and Design

Kit Cars: Builders can choose styles, parts, and systems to match their preferences, creating a unique vehicle. However, this flexibility can lead to mismatched components or amateurish finishes.

Continuation Cars: Stick closely to classic designs ensuring a consistent recreation backed by professional craftsmanship.

Cost and Accessibility

Kit Cars: Often marketed as a budget-friendly option, kit cars can seem appealing until you factor in the cost of donor parts, tools, and labor. Many builders find minimal savings, and usually go over budget, compared to buying a completed car.

Continuation Cars: Priced higher due to professional assembly, R&D and manufacturing costs, but reflect a premium investment justified by warranties and compliance with safety standards.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

Kit Cars: Demands significant automotive expertise, patience, and mechanical skills. Without advanced skills, builders may struggle with quality of build or troubleshooting issues.

Continuation Cars: They require little mechanical know-how and are designed for ease of ownership with dealer support and professional service options.

Warranties and Support

Kit Cars: Rarely include warranties. For support, builders often rely on forums, their own expertise, or hire specialists for repairs.

Continuation Cars: Backed by manufacturer warranties and access to authorized service centers, offering peace of mind.

Market Value and Resale

Kit Cars: Market value is unpredictable, influenced by build quality and market demand.

Continuation Cars: Hold value better and enjoy a stable resale market due to professional construction and broader appeal.

Looking For A Better Alternative to Kit Car Companies? Turn to Hillbank Motorsports!

The reality of kit cars—years of assembly, unexpected expenses, and the hunt for donor parts—can overshadow the initial excitement. If you’re interested in purchasing a kit car, contact Hillbank Motorsports instead to get a licensed high quality continuation model of your favorite classics. We offer '60s-era American sports car models and handle Superformance brand consignments. With 40 years in the industry, we strive to meet every client's needs. Contact us to learn more!