Why Kit Cars? Trivia Quiz

Answer: True

In general, engine sizes are 1.6, 1.8, and 2.0. Other sizes have been used; it's really up to the builder and what he or she wants. Very popular engines are the Ford Zetec, Mazda MX5, and Honda VTEC. If you are mechanically minded, you could fit just about anything you wanted.

Motorcycle-powered cars are now becoming very popular and range in size from 1000cc upwards. Some are even turbocharged with fuel injection and a standalone ecu. Motorcycle-powered kit cars are very quick, have a high rev range, a six-speed sequential gearbox, and are also very light in comparison to a car engine. The power-to-weight ratio is excellent.

Answer: No

No, it's not a law, but in my opinion, it is best to wear one, especially if your car has no windscreen. It has been known for flying stones to hit drivers in the face, which is not very nice; even a bee or a wasp hurts if it hits you. Another advantage is that it stops the wind in your face, which then stops your eyes from watering.

Answer: Fiberglass (GRP)

In general, most of the bodywork is made from "GRP." The chassis is made from steel and aluminium floor panels. Depending on your funds, you could build a kit car with any materials. Quite a few cars now have carbon fibre dash panels, wheel guards, and trim. Kit cars evolve all the time as their owners improve engine specs, suspension, wheels, and tyres.

Answer: No

You don't have to be a car mechanic, but it would help if you had some sort of motor vehicle knowledge. The car in the photo was built and passed the IVA test and road registration in 2013. The car is on a "G" plate because the donor parts used in the build were from a 1989 Ford Sierra. The DVLA will issue you an age-related numberplate if you have all the history of the build, paperwork, and even photo evidence.

The cars whose age or identity is uncertain are assigned a 'Q' registration number by the DVLA. In the event that this occurs, the original car registration number will no longer be valid, and it must not be displayed. A type of approval process must be completed by your car in order to obtain a 'Q' registration number.

It is possible to obtain a new registration numberplate if all the parts used are new. Second-hand engines, gearboxes are allowed. A V5C, or log book, will be issued to a kit car upon proper registration, at which point it will be handled exactly like a production vehicle from any major manufacturer.

Answer: Type 7

Lotus Engineering, later to be known as Lotus Cars, manufactured the first seven's between 1957 and 1972. Colin Chapman, the founder of Lotus Cars, wanted a two-seater open-top car that was very simple to build and was very light. During the five years of ownership by Lotus, 2500 Sevens were sold. After Lotus discontinued manufacturing the seven, Caterham acquired the rights. The early Caterham 7s were essentially the same as the Lotus; however, over the years, development and specialised parts have improved the build quality of these types of cars.

This particular car is fitted with fully independent suspension and is also fitted with Protech shock absorbers and springs, which can be adjusted for ride height. The wheels on this car are 15". It is generally accepted that the best combination is 15" for road use and 13" for track days.

Answer: No

You don't have to have one, but it is recommended. Many kit cars have just a rear hoop, but in recent years, many kit car owners have gone on track days, so a full cage is better. It also helps to get in and out of the car! Another advantage of a fully complete cage is that the side impact bars serve to disperse energy and stiffen the vehicle in the event of a side-on collision.

Answer: IVA

The IVA test stands for "individual vehicle approval." Originally, the test was known as the "SVA" test (Single Vehicle Approval), which was introduced in 1998. The idea behind the test was to make sure that the cars had been built to meet the necessary standards.

The new IVA test started in 2009. The latest test is more stringent to get a pass, so the builder has to comply with all the rules and regulations. Modern kit cars are now built to a higher standard than they used to be, especially with the new rules in place. If you're going to build your own kit car, joining a group is a good idea.

Help is usually also available from the company you bought the kit from.

Answer: Performance

Compared to a car engine, a motorcycle-powered kit car has the benefit of being incredibly light. Popular engines include the Yamaha R1, Honda Fireblade, and Suzuki Hayabusa. Though there are more options, in my opinion, these three are the most frequently used.

A well-prepared bike-engineered car that's revs over 14,000 rpm sounds amazing. Some are capable of reaching 0-60 in around three seconds. Because of the aerodynamics of the seven-type kit cars, top speed is restricted, but some will still reach over 130mph.

Answer: Space

The fuel tank in the photo holds around six gallons of petrol. This was the biggest I could get to fit with maintenance in mind. This tank was custom-built from my own design by a specialist company. Space is at a premium at the rear with all the independent suspension, pipework, and fuel pump. The space between the rear of the front seats and the rear panel is minimal.

The majority of the seven type kit cars are around the same size in length and width. Some manufacturers even give you the option of a lowered floor to give the taller driver a little bit more room on the inside, especially if a full roll cage is installed.

Popular manufacturers of the seven-type kit cars are. MK, Westfield, Tiger, and GBS. Westfield stopped trading and entered administration in June 2022. For something different, "MEV" offers a rear-engined kit car called the Exocet based on a Mazda MX5 engine and running gear.

Answer: Full Harness

A full harness keeps you nice and snug and stops you from moving around. A kit car's suspension is quite stiff, so you can feel the bumps in the road. You can't tell from the photo; however, this car has four-point harnesses for the driver and the passenger. If I was going to do a track day, I would use a five-point harness.