The Most Popular Kit Car, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the kit car you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 2, 2024 06:41
In the diverse world of automotive enthusiasts, kit cars hold a special place, offering a unique blend of personal involvement and automotive passion. By assembling these customizable vehicles, enthusiasts not only get to own a piece of personalized mechanical art but also enjoy the satisfaction of literally building their own car. This leads to a wide range of preferences and opinions about which kit cars are the best.
By voting for your favorite kit car on this site, you contribute to a collective insight that helps newcomers and seasoned builders alike make informed decisions. Each vote cast sheds light on what makes each model worthy of consideration, from ease of assembly to on-road performance. Your input ensures that the most appreciated models get the recognition they deserve, guiding future enthusiasts in their automotive projects.
What Is the Most Popular Kit Car?
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154votesThe MK4 Roadster is the most popular kit car in the world, according to Factory Five. It's a replica of the iconic 1965 Shelby Cobra, and it's one of the easiest and quickest kits to build.
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235votes
Superformance Cobra
SuperformanceThe Superformance Cobra is a high-quality replica of the original Shelby Cobra. It's one of the most popular kit cars because it's built using the same techniques and materials as the original Cobra.The Superformance Cobra is a kit car inspired by the iconic AC Cobra sports car. It is a high-quality, modern replica that captures the distinctive design and exhilarating performance of the original. The Superformance Cobra offers a thrilling driving experience coupled with the ability to customize and personalize the car to individual preferences.- Engine: Ranging from small-block to big-block V8 options
- Horsepower: Varies depending on engine choice, typically between 350-600hp
- Transmission: 5 or 6-speed manual transmission options
- Suspension: Independent front and rear, adjustable coilover shocks
- Brakes: Power-assisted disc brakes, vented and slotted
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36votes
Caterham Seven
Caterham CarsThe Caterham Seven is a lightweight, minimalist sports car that's been in production since 1957. It's one of the most popular kit cars in the world because it's easy to build and offers incredible performance.The Caterham Seven is a popular kit car that is known for its lightweight and minimalist design, offering a thrilling driving experience. It is a two-seater sports car that pays homage to the iconic Lotus Seven. The car is designed to be assembled by its owner, allowing for a more involved and customized experience.- Weight: Approximately 500 - 600 kg
- Engine Options: Various engine options including Ford, Cosworth, and Suzuki
- Horsepower: ranging from 80 to over 300 horsepower
- Acceleration: 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) in as low as 2.8 seconds
- Top Speed: Dependent on engine choice, up to 155 mph (250 km/h)
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420votes
DeFacto · CC BY-SA 2.5Ultima GTR
Ultima Sports Ltd.The Ultima GTR is a supercar that's built from a kit. It's one of the fastest kit cars in the world, and it's capable of reaching speeds of over 240 mph.The Ultima GTR is a highly acclaimed and widely recognized kit car that offers exceptional performance and stunning design. It is considered one of the most popular kit cars in the automotive enthusiast community.- Top Speed: Over 200 mph
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): Under 3 seconds
- Engine Type: V8
- Engine Power: Various power output options available
- Weight: Around 2,200 lbs
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57votes
Factory Five Racing GTM
Factory Five RacingThe GTM is a mid-engine supercar that's based on the Corvette platform. It's one of the most popular kit cars because it offers incredible performance and looks like a million-dollar supercar.The Factory Five Racing GTM is a popular kit car that combines the sleek styling of a supercar with customizable performance. It was designed and created by Factory Five Racing, a renowned kit car manufacturer based in the United States.- Engine: Mid-mounted LS-based V8 engine
- Horsepower: 400 - 700+ hp
- Acceleration: 0-60 mph in under 4 seconds
- Top Speed: Over 200 mph
- Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission
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65votes
Jaydec · CC BY-SA 3.0The Shelby Daytona Coupe is a replica of the iconic race car that won the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1965. It's one of the most popular kit cars because it's a rare and unique car that looks incredible.The Shelby Daytona Coupe is a legendary kit car known for its sleek and aerodynamic design. It is a replica of the original Shelby Daytona Coupe, which was designed to compete in the 1964 World Sports Car Championship. The replica faithfully captures the essence of the iconic race car, giving enthusiasts the opportunity to own a piece of automotive history.- Engine: Various engine options, including V8 powerplants
- Transmission: Manual or automatic transmission
- Top Speed: Depends on the engine choice, can reach up to 200+ mph
- 0-60 mph: Around 4 seconds
- Weight: Approximately 2,400-2,800 lbs
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711votes
Porsche 356 Speedster Replica
Various kit car manufacturersThe Porsche 356 Speedster is one of the most iconic sports cars of all time. It's also one of the most popular kit cars because it's easy to build and offers a classic look and feel.The Porsche 356 Speedster Replica is a classic sports car kit car that pays homage to the iconic Porsche 356 Speedster. It is a reproduction of the original Porsche 356 Speedster, known for its signature timeless design and exhilarating driving experience.- Type: Kit Car
- Base Vehicle: Volkswagen Beetle
- Engine Options: Various air-cooled Volkswagen flat-four engines
- Power Output: Depends on engine choice, typically ranges from 50 hp to 100+ hp
- Transmission: 4 or 5-speed manual
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86votes
Factory Five Racing 818
Factory Five RacingThe 818 is a mid-engine sports car that's built using parts from a Subaru WRX. It's one of the most popular kit cars because it's affordable, easy to build, and offers great performance.The Factory Five Racing 818 is a popular and highly regarded kit car that offers a lightweight and high-performance driving experience. It is a two-seater sports car built on a modified Subaru donor platform, which ensures reliability and availability of replacement parts. The 818 kit car provides an opportunity for enthusiasts to assemble their own car with modern components and customization options.- Engine: Subaru EJ series engine
- Transmission: 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
- Horsepower: 160 - 600+ hp, depending on engine choice and modifications
- Weight: Approximately 1,800 - 2,200 lbs (820 - 1,000 kg)
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 3.5 - 4.5 seconds
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93votes
MEV Exocet
MEV (Mills Extreme Vehicles)The MEV Exocet is a lightweight sports car that's built using parts from the Mazda Miata. It's one of the most popular kit cars because it's affordable, easy to build, and offers great handling.The MEV Exocet is a popular kit car that is known for its lightweight and minimalist design. It is a two-seater, open-top sports car that is based on the Mazda MX-5 (Miata) platform. The Exocet is designed to provide an exhilarating driving experience and can be customized to suit individual preferences.- Weight: Approximately 600 - 700 kg
- Engine Options: Various options available, including Mazda MX-5 engines and Ford Zetec engines
- Power Output: Ranges from 90 - 240 bhp, depending on the chosen engine
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): Approximately 4 - 7 seconds, depending on the engine and setup
- Top Speed: Up to 140 mph (225 km/h), depending on the engine and setup
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1011votes
MNR VortX RT
MNR Sports CarsThe MNR VortX RT is a lightweight sports car that's built using parts from the Mazda MX-5. It's one of the most popular kit cars because it's affordable, easy to build, and offers great performance.The MNR VortX RT is a popular kit car that combines timeless design and high-performance capabilities. It is a lightweight, two-seater sports car that offers an exhilarating driving experience. The car's sleek and aerodynamic body features aggressive lines that give it a distinctive and modern look. With its open-top design, the VortX RT provides an immersive driving sensation for enthusiasts. Built with quality materials and precision engineering, this kit car is known for its excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail.- Engine: Various engine options available
- Power: Dependent on engine choice, typically 150-250 horsepower
- Weight: Approximately 600-700 kg
- Acceleration: 0-60 mph in under 4 seconds
- Top Speed: Up to 150 mph
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Ranking factors for popular kit car
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AffordabilityThe price of the kit car, including the cost of the donor vehicle (if required) and any additional parts or modifications needed to complete the build. A more affordable kit car will likely be more popular among enthusiasts.
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Ease of assemblyA simpler, more straightforward assembly process with clear instructions and available technical support will be popular among both experienced builders and first-timers.
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Parts availabilityKits that use commonly available and easy-to-find parts will be more popular, as builders won't struggle to source replacement or upgrade components.
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PerformanceMost kit car enthusiasts are looking for a vehicle that offers impressive performance, handling, and driving experience. Kits with strong performance characteristics are generally more popular.
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AestheticsThe design and appearance of the kit car play a significant role in its popularity. A sleek, stylish, and attractive design will appeal to a wider audience.
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CustomizabilityMany kit car enthusiasts enjoy the opportunity to personalize their cars. A kit that offers a range of customization options, from engine and suspension setups to interior and exterior finishes, will be more popular.
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QualityHigh-quality materials, precision engineering, and a reputation for reliability make a kit car more desirable, often leading to increased popularity.
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CompatibilityKits compatible with a range of donor vehicles will generally be more popular, as builders can source a donor vehicle more easily and affordably.
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Brand reputationKit car manufacturers with a reputation for producing high-quality, reliable, and easy-to-build kits will generally be more popular.
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Community and supportA strong community of builders and enthusiasts, as well as easily accessible technical support from the manufacturer, will make a kit car more appealing to potential builders. This support network can also help increase the popularity of a kit.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular kit car. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or kitcar is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2471 views
- 160 votes
- 10 ranked items
Movers & Shakers
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each kitcar once every 24 hours. The rank of each kitcar is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular kit car
Kit cars have been a popular hobby for car enthusiasts for decades. These cars are typically built from a kit that includes all the necessary components to assemble a vehicle, except for the engine and transmission. Because the kits are often sold without engines, kit car builders have the freedom to choose from a wide range of engines, including those from sports cars, muscle cars, and even motorcycles.
There are many different types of kit cars available on the market, ranging from replicas of classic race cars to modern supercars. Some of the most popular kit cars include the Factory Five Cobra, which is a replica of the iconic Shelby Cobra, and the Caterham Seven, which is a minimalist sports car that is designed for performance. Other popular kit cars include the Ultima GTR, the GTM Supercar, and the Superlite SLC.
When it comes to selecting a kit car, there are many factors to consider. Some people prioritize performance, while others are more concerned with the aesthetic appeal of the car. Additionally, the cost of the kit and the complexity of the build are also important considerations. With so many options available, there is sure to be a kit car that appeals to every car enthusiast.
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