10 Kit Cars You Could Use Daily

Just for fun, Steve looks at a selection of kit cars you could use daily. 

Kit cars are a great symbol of personalisation within the motor industry and people choose them for multiple aspects such as the building process, driving or social aspect of clubs. But believe it or not there are a selection of kit cars that can be pressed into daily service if required and you might have more fun in doing so! 

Quantum saloon 

Based on the humble Mk2 Ford Fiesta mechanicals the Quantum Saloon is a fibreglass monocoque body/chassis which can carry 4 people and more sportier looking than the Fiesta counterpart. Being based on the Fiesta Mk2 has meant replacement parts are cheap and the Fiesta interior is carried over to the Saloon. Engine options range from 1.0 litre to 1.6 litre but more modern Zetec engines can be fitted which offer greater performance. 

Jago Geep/Sandero

The Geep, later renamed the Sandero for copyright reasons with Jeep is a small light weight Willys Jeep replica. The body moulds were taken direct from a WW2 Jeep and as such it matches in size to its WW2 counterpart but has a ladder frame chassis. The Geep/Sandero was fitted with mainly Ford Anglia or Escort running gear. it also comes with either a soft top or hard top but be warned it wont keep out the weather like a regular production car. 

Ginetta G26/G28/G30/G31

Based on Ford Cortina mk3/Mk4 mechanicals these Ginetta models are in many ways similar to the Quantum saloon and is a fibreglass body and galvanised chassis which can carry 4 people, as well as benefiting from a more sportier look than the Cortina counterpart. Being based on the Cortina has meant replacement parts are cheap and the Cortina interior is carried over. Engine options range are the Cortina's 4 or 6 cylinder engines. However, not all the components came from the Cortina as the doors and rear windows came from the Fiesta. 

Quantum 2+2

Also based on Mk2 Ford Fiesta mechanicals the Quantum 2+2 is a fibreglass convertible monocoque body/chassis which can carry 2 adults and 2 children and more sportier looking than the Fiesta counterpart. Being based on the Fiesta Mk2 has meant replacement parts are cheap and the Fiesta interior is carried over to the 2+2. Engine options range from 1.0 litre to 1.6 litre but more modern Zetec engines can be fitted which offer greater performance. 

Sterling Nova

The Nova kit car is the most futuristic looking car on this list thanks to its jaw dropping roof opening design. Despite the supercar looks, underneath you'll find a humble VW Beetle chassis or Ford Cortina running gear which helps keep running costs low. The Nova is coming back into production by Sterling Sports Cars but will have a custom chassis and various engine options including V8's. The Nova has also featured in films such as Cannonball Run 2 and Death Race. 

Quantum H4 

Based on Mk3 Ford Fiesta mechanicals the Quantum H4 is a fibreglass monocoque convertible body/chassis which can carry 2 people and more sportier looking than the Fiesta counterpart. The H4 also benefits from a unique folding roof design which allows it to be a targa top or complete convertible which is known as a Surrey top. Being based on the Fiesta Mk3 has meant replacement parts are cheap and the Fiesta interior is carried over to the Saloon. Engine options range from 1.0 litre to 1.8 litre including RS turbo and RS1800 engines for ultimate performance. 

Nu Dimension 911

The Nu Dimension 911 is a very good replica of the current Porsche 911 992 variant and unlike other kit car replicas Nu Dimension have based this car on the Mk1 Porsche Boxter. That's right, this is a hard top Porsche Boxter and as such all the mechanical and interior components are left alone. Instead, new body panels are grafted onto  the Boxter's shell giving the look of the current 911. This replica is so accurate, that even the headlights/taillights come from the 992 911. 

Toyota MR2 based replicas 

For simplicity I have grouped these styles of kit car together but in affect they are all body conversions whereby you remove various body parts and fit/graft new ones on to give an impression of a different car. In most cases these will often be seen as Ferrari replicas styled to look like the Ferrari 355, Dino or 360 and produced by companies such as DNA. as such all the MR2 mechanicals and interior are retained to aid cheaper running costs and reasonable performance/handling. 

GTM Libra

The Libra was developed as modern incarnation of the Midias and is a fibreglass monocoque which then has Rover Metro subframes and running gear mounted to it. Don't be fooled though as the Libra was a fantastic bit of kit and was available with Rover K series engines and can be converted to run with Honda engines. A targa model was also offered to further the cars appeal and they have been proven to be successful on the track. 

BMW Z3 based replicas 

For simplicity I have grouped these styles of kit car together but in affect they are all body conversions whereby you remove various body parts and fit/graft new ones on to give an impression of a different car. In most cases these will often be seen as Ferrari replicas styled to look like the Ferrari 250, AC Cobra or the unique Bertini GT25 and produced by companies such as Tribute Automotive or Bertini. as such all the Z3 mechanicals and interior are retained to aid cheaper running costs and reasonable performance/handling. 

I hope you've enjoyed this selection of kit cars and let me know your thoughts in the comments section below.