If you’re an automotive enthusiast, you probably love supercars and other rare or unique models. But few of us can afford to actually buy (and run) such ultra-exclusive über-rides. The everyperson’s answer to unrequited supercar love could be a kit car.
Building a kit car from the ground up is not only a satisfying project but also gives you an awesome result that you can be stoked to drive. If you’re thinking of joining the kit cars club, we’ve got some inspiration for you.
Kit Cars Offer Affordable Exclusivity

Building your own car is a lot of work. Like car restoration projects, it’s a big job that can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are plenty of DIY car kits available to help make the job go as smoothly as possible.
If you want to build a kit car — whether it’s a replica of your favorite muscle car, a race car, or even a dune buggy — you can find a replica kit/component car to fit your desires.
Kit cars are sold as a set of parts the buyer assembles — or has the manufacturer or a third party assemble — into a functioning vehicle. They’re usually built around a “donor” engine, transmission, and sometimes a chassis from a regular production vehicle.
When assembled right, kit cars can be head-turning machines for a fraction of the price of a genuine exotic. Plus, if you’re working on a budget, you’ll also appreciate the lower running costs and reliability that mainstream contemporary engineering provides.
Broadly speaking, kit car designs fall into two categories. Replicas emulate famous supercars such as Lamborghinis, Ford GT40s, and Shelby Cobras. Originals, on the other hand, offer a truly unique look and feel all their own.
Buying a DIY Kit Car
When buying a kit car, be sure to do your homework. Many DIY kit car companies are long-established, international car manufacturers with substantial full-time staff.
Others, however, are one-man backyard body-kit operations with patchy reputations. Be sure to do your research before dropping your coin on one of these homemade beauties.
Also, remember that many kit cars rely on a “donor” car for at least the engine and running gear. Buying a crashed vehicle with a totaled body can work and save you a lot of money — provided the essential mechanical components you need are not damaged.

16 Best Kit Cars
LB Specialist Cars STR

Exomotive Exocet

Ultima RS

Factory Five MK4 Roadster

Caterham Seven 170

Beck Spyder

RCR D-Type
DF Goblin

Backdraft RT4

MNR Sportscars VortX RT Miata

Aldino K/O

Smyth VW Jetta/Golf Ute

RCR 917

40/41 Willys Coupe

Speedway Motors 1927 Track-T Roadster

Tornado Sports Cars Ford GT40 Replica
