All Cylinders

Kit cars: Some assembly required

Stories and photos by Bryan Bullock

It sounds like an old-timey mail order ad, but for a low price you can own a coveted sports car. The catch is, there's some assembly required. You'll have to build the entire car piece by piece—but don't worry, it comes with directions.

Like a model toy car, kit cars include all the parts for the vehicle, except a couple donor components, like the engine. Although there are original kit car designs, replicas of rare or out-of-production speedsters are the most popular.

Nick Zeyen's replica Shelby Cobra roadster was delivered by a 53-foot semi as a bare frame and 11 huge boxes. Even for Zeyen, an auto mechanic, it was an intimidating sight. "It took me three hours to go through one box," he said.

With the aid of a two-inch-thick instruction manual, he pieced together the Cobra in six months, despite the suggested build time of two years. Zeyen considers the process an "experience for everyone," although if you don't know a spoon from a socket wrench it will take some time.

Following directions isn't always easy. Many builders consult a mechanic or turn to a group like the Ohio Cobra Club for help. The Columbus-based club throws a massive kit car event, the London Cobra Show, and members regularly meet up for camaraderie and car talk.

"The Cobra is a pretty rude, crude, indifferent car," said Rick Dorman, an Ohio Cobra Club board member.

The Shelby Cobra is the most popular kit car, with more than 10,000 replicas on the road, according to Dorman. Like a rock star, the original Cobra lived fast but died young. It was only made for a couple years in the '60s, but its racing reputation lives on.

The body styling is English, but under the hood is all-American, so vintage Ford Mustangs can be used for donor parts. While an original Cobra could cost over $1 million, kits start at $14,000.

"The current trend is to buy them done [already built]," Dorman said. It's a little pricier, but it's certainly the fastest way to get behind the wheel of a legendary speedster.

November 29, 2007

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