OK, so we are all interested in making cars, but not as mass manufacturers. I'm sure many of us might like to convert our hobby into some form of
money makng enterprise, and indeed quite a few have already done that.
But, does the kit car world need another LSIS? Not really. There are more n the market than I could shake two sticks at. But, when I am daydreaming
about having my own little company turning out kits I need to have something particular in mind, but what should it be?
Any thoughts on this? What is the market lacking at the moment?
Your thoughts are welcome
quote:
Originally posted by mr henderson
what are the obvious gaps in the kit car market?
I quite fancy a 3 wheeler, 2 up front using the back end off a bike.
Kit wouldnt be too hard.
I know there are a few around already but I doubt if anyone had any great ideas they would post them up...as they'd be shooting their own
pipedream in the foot.
more like its saturated are the moment, especially 3 wheelers. as donor cars are reaching the point that you need to be a computer expert just to get them running, fewer and fewer folk will be willing to take the plung. On top of that, kit cars seem to be climbing in price while second hand cars are falling. l wonder what is in store for this industry.
quote:
Originally posted by mr henderson
Any thoughts on this? What is the market lacking at the moment?
Your thoughts are welcome
I really like the idea of Mid engine, with the abundance of FWD vehicles on the road they make more sense long term than the 7 style. Pretty sure
thats where the industry will head long term AIMHO obviously. 400 bhp 6 speed zlet midi anyone
Service. The same with any industry. Providing service costs money though, as time = money. I spend a lot of time asking a lot of questions, that to a
mechanic, seen banal and simple, and take a lot of time. Maybe I'm not the normal kit car person, but I represent a possible target market for
any business.
I don't think you can provide really good service, and still make money. That's just what I've concluded after 1 1/2 years of building.
Something light and with minimal bodywork so it's relaitevely simple to build.
Also, the , most obvious donors nowadays are front wheel drive, so it would make most sense to use one of those mid engines or possibly even a bike
engine.
So, a modern mid engined seven with the possibility of a bike engine.
Oh wait, it's already been done...
it seems like the atom is the car to ape at the moment .there are a couple of copies already out there using focus drivetrains
quote:
Originally posted by froggy
it seems like the atom is the car to ape at the moment .there are a couple of copies already out there using focus drivetrains
I see service has been mentioned a couple of times. interesting.
At the moment it seems to me that the only kit car that caters for tall people is the Luego Viento, most of the other cars I've seen, especially
the coupes, set off my claustrophobia even thinking about trying to get in one.
In fact, if a kit manufacturer were to make a 2 seater coupe that could accommodate tall people in comfort I think they would have found a gap in the
mainstream manufactured market too!
[Edited on 11/5/08 by mr henderson]
I have to say, from my experience, that cars for tall people aren't that hard to find. I'm 6'3" and fit in my Indy just fine. There's even 3" or so behind my seat too. The new/upcoming Epona is designed to fit people up to 6'4", which if it ends up as a coupe and a soft top, should help fill the gap you're looking at! Otherwise, if there's two or more similar cars out there, I'd tend to go with the one that's best supported. Not necessarily the cheapest or best, but the one I'm most likely to actually finish!
A sportscar for £250......
Mick
quote:
Originally posted by Dangle_kt
I quite fancy a 3 wheeler, 2 up front using the back end off a bike.
Instead of re-inventing the wheel purchase part built kits, there are many around, completing and then retailing them as finished cars. You couild
also offer servicing and build assistance. Maybe , this would be a less risky venture.
Barry
One major thing is missing from the market IMO - proper weather protection. It is what I originally looked for when I started my build but I only
partly achieved it - I've still got leaky doors but hopefully the new version will have sorted it out once and for all, along with electric
windows too.
Fair weather driving is not for me - I like to use my car all year round 
quote:
Originally posted by RazMan
One major thing is missing from the market IMO - proper weather protection. It is what I originally looked for when I started my build but I only partly achieved it - I've still got leaky doors but hopefully the new version will have sorted it out once and for all, along with electric windows too.
Fair weather driving is not for me - I like to use my car all year round
quote:
Originally posted by mr henderson
OK, so we are all interested in making cars, but not as mass manufacturers. I'm sure many of us might like to convert our hobby into some form of money makng enterprise, and indeed quite a few have already done that.
But, does the kit car world need another LSIS? Not really. There are more n the market than I could shake two sticks at. But, when I am daydreaming about having my own little company turning out kits I need to have something particular in mind, but what should it be?
Any thoughts on this? What is the market lacking at the moment?
Your thoughts are welcome
I wish you could buy bikes in kit form, I fancy a big ass American chopper but without the gargantuan custom build price tag. Something like this.... linky
Very obvious
A Gwiz style electric thingy
quote:I think the next 'big' thing will be electric power. Also as said before clip on hard tops for the top selling 7's like MK, MAC1 etc.
Originally posted by Bob C
Very obvious
A Gwiz style electric thingy
If it's a gap in the market you're looking for, try a 4 /5 seater, lightweight, mid engined car with a good soft top. Lots of us are family
guys needing another seat
quote:
Originally posted by Marcus
If it's a gap in the market you're looking for, try a 4 /5 seater, lightweight, mid engined car with a good soft top. Lots of us are family guys needing another seat