Completed Kit Cars for Sale: Everything You Need to Know

Hi Jake! Are you looking for a unique car that you can truly call your own? Have you considered the idea of building a car from a kit? In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about completed kit cars for sale. From the advantages and disadvantages to the ins and outs of purchasing one, we’ve got you covered.

Introduction

What are completed kit cars?

Completed kit cars are exactly what they sound like – cars that have been built from a kit. These kits typically include all of the parts necessary to assemble a car, including the frame, body, engine, and other components. Some kits are more comprehensive than others, and the level of difficulty and amount of work required to complete the car can vary.

Why choose a completed kit car?

There are many reasons why someone might choose to purchase a completed kit car. For one, it can be a great way to own a unique and customized vehicle without having to build it from scratch. Additionally, completed kit cars can be less expensive than purchasing a brand new vehicle or even a used car in some cases. Finally, building a kit car can be a fun and rewarding project for those who enjoy working on cars.

What to consider when purchasing a completed kit car

There are several factors to consider when purchasing a completed kit car. First, it’s important to research the manufacturer and ensure that the kit is of high quality. It’s also important to consider the level of difficulty involved in assembling the car, as some kits may require more expertise and experience than others. Additionally, it’s important to factor in the cost of any additional parts or modifications that may be necessary to get the car roadworthy.

Where to find completed kit cars for sale

There are several ways to find completed kit cars for sale. Some manufacturers sell completed cars directly, while others may sell through dealers or individuals. Online marketplaces such as eBay and Craigslist can also be a good place to find completed kit cars for sale. Finally, attending car shows or auctions can also be a good way to find completed kit cars for sale.

How to ensure the car is roadworthy

Before purchasing a completed kit car, it’s important to ensure that the car is roadworthy and safe to drive. This may involve having the car inspected by a professional mechanic or taking it through a state inspection process. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that the car has all of the necessary paperwork and documentation, such as a title and registration.

What to expect when owning a completed kit car

Owning a completed kit car can be a unique and rewarding experience, but it’s important to understand that there may be some challenges involved. For one, completed kit cars may require more maintenance and upkeep than traditional cars due to their unique design and construction. Additionally, finding replacement parts or repairs for a completed kit car may be more difficult than for a traditional car.

Pros and cons of completed kit cars

Like any major purchase, there are both advantages and disadvantages to owning a completed kit car. Let’s take a closer look at some of the pros and cons.

Advantages of completed kit cars

Customization

One of the biggest advantages of owning a completed kit car is the ability to customize the vehicle to your liking. With a kit car, you can choose everything from the body style and color to the engine and transmission. This makes it a great option for those who want a unique vehicle that stands out from the crowd.

Affordability

Completed kit cars can also be less expensive than purchasing a brand new vehicle or even a used car in some cases. This is because the cost of the kit can be significantly less than the cost of a traditional car, and there is often no markup or commission involved in the purchase.

Satisfaction

For those who enjoy working on cars or tinkering with engines, building a completed kit car can be a fun and rewarding project. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of completing a car from scratch and seeing it come to life on the road.

Disadvantages of completed kit cars

Complexity

One of the biggest challenges of owning a completed kit car is the complexity involved in building and maintaining the vehicle. Depending on the kit, the level of difficulty involved in assembling the car can vary, and repairs or maintenance may require specialized knowledge or tools.

Reliability

Because completed kit cars are built from a kit, there may be quality control issues or inconsistencies that can affect the reliability of the vehicle. Additionally, finding replacement parts or repairs for a completed kit car may be more difficult than for a traditional car.

Safety

Ensuring that a completed kit car is safe to drive can be a daunting task. Because the car has been assembled from a kit, there may be issues with the way certain parts are installed or connected. Additionally, some completed kit cars may not meet safety standards or regulations.

Completed Kit Cars for Sale: The Complete Guide

To help you better understand the world of completed kit cars for sale, we’ve put together this handy table. This table contains all of the information you need to make an informed decision about purchasing a completed kit car.

Manufacturer
Model
Price Range
Level of Difficulty
Required Modifications
Ford
AC Cobra
$20,000 – $50,000
Intermediate
Engine, transmission
Chevrolet
Camaro
$30,000 – $70,000
Advanced
Engine, suspension
Porsche
356 Speedster
$50,000 – $100,000
Expert
Engine, body

FAQs

1. What is a completed kit car?

A completed kit car is a car that has been built from a kit, which typically includes all of the parts necessary to assemble the car.

2. How long does it take to build a completed kit car?

The amount of time required to build a completed kit car can vary depending on the kit and the level of experience of the builder. Some kits may take several months or even years to complete.

3. Are completed kit cars safe to drive?

Ensuring that a completed kit car is safe to drive can be a daunting task. Because the car has been assembled from a kit, there may be issues with the way certain parts are installed or connected. Additionally, some completed kit cars may not meet safety standards or regulations.

4. What modifications may be necessary for a completed kit car?

The modifications necessary for a completed kit car can vary depending on the kit and the level of customization desired. Common modifications may include swapping out the engine or transmission, installing new suspension components, or upgrading the brakes.

5. Can completed kit cars be driven on public roads?

Yes, completed kit cars can be driven on public roads as long as they meet local safety and emissions standards.

6. What are some popular completed kit car models?

Some popular completed kit car models include the AC Cobra, Shelby Cobra, and the Porsche 356 Speedster.

7. How much does a completed kit car cost?

The cost of a completed kit car can vary widely depending on the manufacturer, model, and level of customization. Prices can range from a few thousand dollars to well over $100,000.

8. Is it possible to finance a completed kit car?

Financing options for completed kit cars may be limited or nonexistent, depending on the manufacturer and the lender.

9. Do completed kit cars retain their value?

Like any car, the value of a completed kit car can vary depending on factors such as the age, condition, and rarity of the vehicle. In general, completed kit cars may not retain their value as well as traditional cars or collector’s items.

10. What should I look for when purchasing a completed kit car?

When purchasing a completed kit car, it’s important to research the manufacturer and ensure that the kit is of high quality. It’s also important to consider the level of difficulty involved in assembling the car, as some kits may require more expertise and experience than others. Additionally, it’s important to factor in the cost of any additional parts or modifications that may be necessary to get the car roadworthy.

11. How does owning a completed kit car compare to owning a traditional car?

Owning a completed kit car can be a unique and rewarding experience, but it’s important to understand that there may be some challenges involved. Completed kit cars may require more maintenance and upkeep than traditional cars due to their unique design and construction. Additionally, finding replacement parts or repairs for a completed kit car may be more difficult than for a traditional car.

12. Can completed kit cars be insured?

Yes, completed kit cars can be insured just like traditional cars. However, insurance rates may be higher due to the unique nature of the vehicle.

13. What paperwork and documentation is necessary to purchase a completed kit car?

When purchasing a completed kit car, it’s important to ensure that the car has all of the necessary paperwork and documentation, such as a title and registration. It’s also important to ensure that the car meets local safety and emissions standards.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many factors to consider when purchasing a completed kit car. From the level of difficulty involved in assembling the car to the cost of modifications and repairs, it’s important to do your research and carefully weigh your options. That said, owning a completed kit car can be a unique and rewarding experience for those who enjoy working on cars and want a truly customized vehicle. We hope this guide has been helpful and informative, and we wish you luck on your search for the perfect completed kit car!

Disclaimer

It’s important to note that owning a completed kit car can be a complex and challenging endeavor, and there are risks involved. It’s important to take all necessary precautions and ensure that the car is safe and roadworthy before driving it. Additionally, it’s important to follow all local laws and regulations related to owning and operating a completed kit car. The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only, and readers should consult with a professional mechanic or other expert before making any major decisions related to purchasing, building, or owning a completed kit car.