This is a read-only archive of the old Madabout Kitcars forum. New posts and replies are no longer possible, but every thread is still here to browse and read.
Hi. Just thought I'd introduce myself to the forums. I've been lurking for a while but only just registered.
My name is Mike. I'm based in the West Midlands. Currently don't own a kit car but in my dim and distant youth previouslyowned a Pilgrim Bulldog and a GTM Coupe. More recently I've owned a string of classic cars - a Ford Escort Mk 2 Harrier, a Fiat X1/9, a '54 MG Magnette ZA and a Sunbeam Alpine series III GT to name but a few.
As with a lot of people who used to own interesting cars, a family has got in the way. I quite like the idea of owning something different and interesting, so I'm off to the Stoneleigh kit car show in a few minutes time to see what has happened to the kit car industry in the past fifteen years.
I quite like the idea of building or owning something electric powered. I've currently got two electric cars, one of which comes to the end of its lease at the end of the year and it would be fun to replace it with something built to my own specification.
Would be very interested to hear what someone that has been out of the industry for a good few years thinks of it now. Not sure what Stoneleigh will be like this year as it looks like the weather will get the better of me going.
You may feel like you are in a bit of a time warp as there is probably still a lot of what was around 15 years ago still going strong today.
Let us know what you think and if anything catches your fancy.
Just got back from Stoneleigh. It's a good show. If you're dithering as to whether you are going to go, I would recommend it.
Today's weather was overcast and chilly with a light breeze, but bone dry. Tomorrow is supposed to be dry, slightly warmer with sunny periods but with still a light breeze: take your coat and you'll have a good day.
I enjoyed going around the club stands, and the halls were busy with some interesting exhibits. What did strike me though is how much the industry has shrunk in the past twenty years - not just in terms of number of manufacturers, but in terms of what is being sold: pretty much everything is either a minimalist sportscar in the Lotus 7/Ariel Atom mould or a Cobra. There was absolutely nothing suitable for a family guy like me. Where is the modern day Ginetta G27, Rickman Ranger or Pilgrim FT? Surely I can't be the only one who needs four seats?
But overall, it was a great day out and has given me lots to think about.