Best kit car 2023: build-it-yourself motors to buy

AutoVehicle TechBest kit car 2023: build-it-yourself motors to buyGot the time, money and space, why not build your own car?When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

Got the time, money and space, why not build your own car?

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

Jump to category:Top 31. Best overall2. Best American Muscle3. Best GT Style4. Best Hyper Car5. Best Cobra style6. Best classic7. Best DIY8. Best Lotus 11 replica9. Best non-kit carHow to chooseHow we test

Best Kit Car 2025: Jump Menu(Image credit: Caterham)The list in brief ↴1.Best overall: Caterham Seven 1702.Best American Muscle: Factory Five ‘33 Hot Rod3.Best GT style: Factory Five Type 654.Best Supercar: Ultima Evolution Coupe5.Best Cobra style: Dax 4276.Best classic: Ronart W1527.Best DIY option: Westfield SDV8.Best Lotus replica: Westfield XI9.Best non-kit car: Caterham 620R10.How to choose11.How we test

(Image credit: Caterham)The list in brief ↴1.Best overall: Caterham Seven 1702.Best American Muscle: Factory Five ‘33 Hot Rod3.Best GT style: Factory Five Type 654.Best Supercar: Ultima Evolution Coupe5.Best Cobra style: Dax 4276.Best classic: Ronart W1527.Best DIY option: Westfield SDV8.Best Lotus replica: Westfield XI9.Best non-kit car: Caterham 620R10.How to choose11.How we test

(Image credit: Caterham)

Caterham

(Image credit: Caterham)

The list in brief ↴1.Best overall: Caterham Seven 1702.Best American Muscle: Factory Five ‘33 Hot Rod3.Best GT style: Factory Five Type 654.Best Supercar: Ultima Evolution Coupe5.Best Cobra style: Dax 4276.Best classic: Ronart W1527.Best DIY option: Westfield SDV8.Best Lotus replica: Westfield XI9.Best non-kit car: Caterham 620R10.How to choose11.How we test

If you’ve always dreamed of building your own car, the process of putting together a kit car in your garage over months or years can be hugely rewarding. It means you can decide on the exact specification, down to those nuts and bolts, and even save a bit of cash compared to buying a factory-built model.

Those savings mean that you can often build something for the price of a regular family saloon that would normally be way out of your price range. Always wanted a hypercar but have a ‘regular car’ budget? A kit car is the answer. You’ll find replicas of classic Cobras, hot rods and even vintage Lotus models are there for the taking.

While some models are full kits, many rely on donor cars for parts such as the engine and drive train. This often requires a bit more skill to break down the original car, but if you’re comfortable with trips to the scrap yard, it can keep the cost down.

T3’s top 3 kit cars

While there are a wide range of kit cars on the market, if you want the very best, these are the three to consider. Caterham remains the quintessential name in the kit car market, but there are other options to suit your personal style.

Best Overall1. Caterham Seven 170Check AmazonVisit SiteThe best OverallGoing back to basics seems like a redundant notion for one of the simplest, purest sports cars you can buy. But that’s exactly the thinking behind the entry-level Caterham Seven 170. The interesting bit is that they’ve achieved it with some surprisingly modern tech. The engine is a teeny three-pot 660cc turbo affair borrowed from Suzuki. It only knocks out 84hp. But then the 170 only weighs 440kg. So it’s good enough to hit 60mph in just 6.9 seconds.Price: £28,990 |CaterhamRead more belowBest for American Muscle2. Factory Five ‘33 Hot RodCheck AmazonVisit SiteThe best for American MuscleHot Rods have always been beautiful machines with disappointing performance and handling, Factory Five has tried to design a car that drives as good as it looks. The ‘33 Hot Rod looks like something out of a film, and blends the retro and modern to create something truly stunning. Everything is designed and built in the USA, but there are European dealers for UK petrol heads as well.Price: $20,990 |Factory FiveRead more belowBest for GT Style3. Factory Five Type 65Check AmazonVisit SiteThe best for GT styleFancy driving an iconic race car to pick up the kids after school? The Type 65 Coupe was designed to be an accurate replica of the original 1965 World Championship coupe - capturing the look and feel of original 200mph GT cars, but using modern engineering to make it more reliable and comfortable.Price: $22,990 |Factory FiveRead more below

Best Overall

Caterham 170R

Caterham Seven 170Check AmazonVisit SiteThe best OverallGoing back to basics seems like a redundant notion for one of the simplest, purest sports cars you can buy. But that’s exactly the thinking behind the entry-level Caterham Seven 170. The interesting bit is that they’ve achieved it with some surprisingly modern tech. The engine is a teeny three-pot 660cc turbo affair borrowed from Suzuki. It only knocks out 84hp. But then the 170 only weighs 440kg. So it’s good enough to hit 60mph in just 6.9 seconds.Price: £28,990 |CaterhamRead more below
Caterham Seven 170
Caterham Seven 170

Check AmazonVisit SiteThe best OverallGoing back to basics seems like a redundant notion for one of the simplest, purest sports cars you can buy. But that’s exactly the thinking behind the entry-level Caterham Seven 170. The interesting bit is that they’ve achieved it with some surprisingly modern tech. The engine is a teeny three-pot 660cc turbo affair borrowed from Suzuki. It only knocks out 84hp. But then the 170 only weighs 440kg. So it’s good enough to hit 60mph in just 6.9 seconds.Price: £28,990 |CaterhamRead more below

Check AmazonVisit Site

Check Amazon

Visit Site

The best Overall

Going back to basics seems like a redundant notion for one of the simplest, purest sports cars you can buy. But that’s exactly the thinking behind the entry-level Caterham Seven 170. The interesting bit is that they’ve achieved it with some surprisingly modern tech. The engine is a teeny three-pot 660cc turbo affair borrowed from Suzuki. It only knocks out 84hp. But then the 170 only weighs 440kg. So it’s good enough to hit 60mph in just 6.9 seconds.

Price: £28,990 |Caterham

The best kit car overall

(Image credit: Caterham)

Caterham

(Image credit: Caterham)

Caterham Seven 170Not just the best kit car but one of the best driving experiences you can haveSpecificationsKit price:£28,990Engine:660cc Turbocharged Suzuki0-60 mph:6.9 secondsTop speed:105mphMax power:84bhp (170bhp per tonne)Weight:440kgToday’s Best DealsCheck AmazonVisit SiteReasons to buy+Comprehensive kit+Relatively affordable+Great driving experienceReasons to avoid-Used to be much cheaper-Factory build is only a little more-Very much a summer car
Caterham Seven 170

1. Caterham Seven 170

Not just the best kit car but one of the best driving experiences you can have

SpecificationsKit price:£28,990Engine:660cc Turbocharged Suzuki0-60 mph:6.9 secondsTop speed:105mphMax power:84bhp (170bhp per tonne)Weight:440kg

Kit price:£28,990Engine:660cc Turbocharged Suzuki0-60 mph:6.9 secondsTop speed:105mphMax power:84bhp (170bhp per tonne)Weight:440kg

Kit price:£28,990

Engine:660cc Turbocharged Suzuki

0-60 mph:6.9 seconds

Top speed:105mph

Max power:84bhp (170bhp per tonne)

Weight:440kg

Today’s Best DealsCheck AmazonVisit Site

Today’s Best Deals

Check AmazonVisit Site

Check Amazon

Visit Site

Reasons to buy+Comprehensive kit+Relatively affordable+Great driving experience

+Comprehensive kit+Relatively affordable+Great driving experience

Comprehensive kit

Relatively affordable

Great driving experience

Reasons to avoid-Used to be much cheaper-Factory build is only a little more-Very much a summer car

-Used to be much cheaper-Factory build is only a little more-Very much a summer car

Used to be much cheaper

Factory build is only a little more

Very much a summer car

Buy it if✅ You want a project:If building your kit car is the part that interests you, Caterham offers a comprehensive kit with everything you need.✅ You’re new to kit cars:The Caterham kit has everything you need, making it relatively easy to build, even for first time kit builders.✅ You want a great drive:The beauty of the 170 is that it doesn’t just look the part. This is one of the most fun cars to drive in existence, so you’ll not get bored of it.

✅ You want a project:If building your kit car is the part that interests you, Caterham offers a comprehensive kit with everything you need.✅ You’re new to kit cars:The Caterham kit has everything you need, making it relatively easy to build, even for first time kit builders.✅ You want a great drive:The beauty of the 170 is that it doesn’t just look the part. This is one of the most fun cars to drive in existence, so you’ll not get bored of it.

Don’t buy it if:❌ You want a year-round driver:The canvas roof and small cabin make this a great car for summer drives but less so in the cold and wet.❌ You’re on a tight budget:Though one a cheap option, the 170kit is now only slightly cheaper than the pre-built option and requires a considerable tool collection.❌You’re on the larger side:The standard cabin on the 170 is pretty tight, so if you don’t have the build of a racing driver, you might want to consider the 360 in the larger chassis.

❌ You want a year-round driver:The canvas roof and small cabin make this a great car for summer drives but less so in the cold and wet.❌ You’re on a tight budget:Though one a cheap option, the 170kit is now only slightly cheaper than the pre-built option and requires a considerable tool collection.❌You’re on the larger side:The standard cabin on the 170 is pretty tight, so if you don’t have the build of a racing driver, you might want to consider the 360 in the larger chassis.

The bottom line🔎Caterham Seven 170Not only is the 170 a great kit car, it’s a great driver’s car. If you are looking for a project, the kit form provides an achievable build for those new to car building. However, if you just want to drive it, you might be better buying pre-built. ★★★★★

🔎Caterham Seven 170Not only is the 170 a great kit car, it’s a great driver’s car. If you are looking for a project, the kit form provides an achievable build for those new to car building. However, if you just want to drive it, you might be better buying pre-built. ★★★★★

Caterham cars are based on the original Lotus Seven Mark 3 sports car and have remained relatively unchanged since its inception in 1974. The 170 is the entry-level model in the Caterham range and is a replacement for the former 160 model.

While it produces just 84bhp from the 660cc engine, it weighs just 440kg. This means that it produces around 170bhp per tonne – hence the name. It’s that lightweight, bare-bones chassis that makes this car so much fun to drive. It also makes the Caterham a relatively easy kit to put together.

There used to be a significant difference in price between buying the car in kit form and having the factory build it for you. Today though it represents a relatively small difference. So while enthusiasts will enjoy the building process, it’s not the money saver it once was.

Building:The Caterham kits come with everything you need to put them together and will walk you through the process. You can even buy the Draper tool kit as part of the package to help you put it together if you’ve not already got a decent set. You will still need an IVA inspection, registration and plates before it can go on the road.

Driving:The selling point of the Caterham 170 is that it’s so much fun to drive, and even more rewarding if you’ve built it yourself. It’s a down-to-earth sports car with little frills or luxuries, and that’s part of its charm. You feel at one with the road and with the car when you drive it.

The best Kit Car for American Muscle

(Image credit: Factory Five)

33 Hot Rod

(Image credit: Factory Five)

Factory Five ‘33 Hot RodA classic hot rod look with modern handling for advanced buildersSpecificationsKit price:$20,990 (£16,926)Engine:Not included0-60 mph:n/aTop speed:n/aMax power:n/aWeight:n/aToday’s Best DealsCheck AmazonVisit SiteReasons to buy+Great looking car+Lots of customisation+Affordable projectReasons to avoid-Requires a more advanced builder-Lots of extra parts needed-Engine isn’t in the cost
Factory Five ‘33 Hot Rod

2. Factory Five ‘33 Hot Rod

A classic hot rod look with modern handling for advanced builders

SpecificationsKit price:$20,990 (£16,926)Engine:Not included0-60 mph:n/aTop speed:n/aMax power:n/aWeight:n/a

Kit price:$20,990 (£16,926)Engine:Not included0-60 mph:n/aTop speed:n/aMax power:n/aWeight:n/a

Kit price:$20,990 (£16,926)

Engine:Not included

0-60 mph:n/a

Top speed:n/a

Max power:n/a

Weight:n/a

Today’s Best DealsCheck AmazonVisit Site

Today’s Best Deals

Check AmazonVisit Site

Check Amazon

Visit Site

Reasons to buy+Great looking car+Lots of customisation+Affordable project

+Great looking car+Lots of customisation+Affordable project

Great looking car

Lots of customisation

Affordable project

Reasons to avoid-Requires a more advanced builder-Lots of extra parts needed-Engine isn’t in the cost

-Requires a more advanced builder-Lots of extra parts needed-Engine isn’t in the cost

Requires a more advanced builder

Lots of extra parts needed

Engine isn’t in the cost

Buy it if✅ You love Hot Rods:Hot Rods are the original modified cars. They were traditionally classic American cars that had been stripped down and upgraded with bigger engines.✅ You want a custom project:While the kit is described as complete, you can add in your own choice of engine, brakes, wheels and more to get the car you want.✅ This isn’t your first rodeo:This kit is more involved than some as you need to supply some of your own parts. So a more extensive knowledge of cars is required to get this one underway.

✅ You love Hot Rods:Hot Rods are the original modified cars. They were traditionally classic American cars that had been stripped down and upgraded with bigger engines.✅ You want a custom project:While the kit is described as complete, you can add in your own choice of engine, brakes, wheels and more to get the car you want.✅ This isn’t your first rodeo:This kit is more involved than some as you need to supply some of your own parts. So a more extensive knowledge of cars is required to get this one underway.

Don’t buy it if:❌ You want a complete kit:Tough it’s described as a complete kit, you need to add your own engine, wheels, tyres, rear brakes, fuel pump, battery and paint.❌ You’re short on time:The expected build time for this car is around 300 hours, plus body and paintwork. If you’re doing this in your spare time, think of that in months.❌You’re new to car maintenance:Being a custom project you can change up parts, but that means you need to know how things go together – and it won’t always be straight forward.

❌ You want a complete kit:Tough it’s described as a complete kit, you need to add your own engine, wheels, tyres, rear brakes, fuel pump, battery and paint.❌ You’re short on time:The expected build time for this car is around 300 hours, plus body and paintwork. If you’re doing this in your spare time, think of that in months.❌You’re new to car maintenance:Being a custom project you can change up parts, but that means you need to know how things go together – and it won’t always be straight forward.

The bottom line🔎Factory Five ‘33 Hot RodIf you’ve always wanted a Hot Rod, this is a great project option that makes it relatively easy to build. However, due to the nature of the kit, you’ll need to know what you’re doing. ★★★★

🔎Factory Five ‘33 Hot RodIf you’ve always wanted a Hot Rod, this is a great project option that makes it relatively easy to build. However, due to the nature of the kit, you’ll need to know what you’re doing. ★★★★

If you’re a fan of the genre, the Factory Five 33’ Hot Rod kit is a great way to get your very own Hot Rod with relative ease. The kits are made in the USA, but can be shipped globally, and there are also companies in the UK who can take care of that for you.

This is a modern interpretation, so the car is a lot more drivable than traditional Hot Rods – it will go around corners and everything. However, the exact performance comes down to the engine you put in it. Though it’s described as a complete kit, the engine along with some other key parts don’t come with it.

That’s worth bearing in mind when it comes to the price too. Expect to add another £5-10k to buy all your other bits, unless you can salvage them from other vehicles.

Building:The kit comes complete with a detailed assembly manual including pictures, diagrams and drawings. However, as some of the parts must be sourced yourself, there is an element of extra knowledge required to put this project together.

Driving:While this is a replica of a 1930s Ford Hot Rod, it uses modern equipment to provide sports car performance and modern ride quality. This is a much more useable car than most Hot Rods, with both front and rear suspension arms and an aluminium cockpit.

The best Kit Car for GT Style

(Image credit: Factory Five)

Factory Five Type 65

(Image credit: Factory Five)

Factory Five Type 65Get that classic 60s sports car look and feel for a fraction of the priceSpecificationsKit price:$22,990 (£18,546)Engine:Not included0-60 mph:n/aTop speed:n/aMax power:n/aWeight:n/aToday’s Best DealsCheck AmazonVisit SiteReasons to buy+Looks incredible+Far cheaper than buying a classic+A rarity on UK roadsReasons to avoid-A serious project-Lots of extra parts needed-Needs a decent transplant car
Factory Five Type 65

3. Factory Five Type 65

Get that classic 60s sports car look and feel for a fraction of the price

SpecificationsKit price:$22,990 (£18,546)Engine:Not included0-60 mph:n/aTop speed:n/aMax power:n/aWeight:n/a

Kit price:$22,990 (£18,546)Engine:Not included0-60 mph:n/aTop speed:n/aMax power:n/aWeight:n/a

Kit price:$22,990 (£18,546)

Engine:Not included

0-60 mph:n/a

Top speed:n/a

Max power:n/a

Weight:n/a

Today’s Best DealsCheck AmazonVisit Site

Today’s Best Deals

Check AmazonVisit Site

Check Amazon

Visit Site

Reasons to buy+Looks incredible+Far cheaper than buying a classic+A rarity on UK roads

+Looks incredible+Far cheaper than buying a classic+A rarity on UK roads

Looks incredible

Far cheaper than buying a classic

A rarity on UK roads

Reasons to avoid-A serious project-Lots of extra parts needed-Needs a decent transplant car

-A serious project-Lots of extra parts needed-Needs a decent transplant car

A serious project

Lots of extra parts needed

Needs a decent transplant car

Buy it if✅ You want the best-looking car on the block:There’s no denying, the Type 65 is a stunner. This Daytona Coupe replica is based on the cars built for the 1965 FIA World Championship for America and there aren’t many like them.✅ You’ve got time on your hands:This is an intricate kit and comes with a build manual that’s over 200 pages long. Expect a longer build time than the Hot Rod, and also factor in any customisations in the project.✅ You have a bigger budget:The kit cost might be fairly reasonable but many of the extra parts need to come from a fairly high-performance car, so look to double the cost on extras.

✅ You want the best-looking car on the block:There’s no denying, the Type 65 is a stunner. This Daytona Coupe replica is based on the cars built for the 1965 FIA World Championship for America and there aren’t many like them.✅ You’ve got time on your hands:This is an intricate kit and comes with a build manual that’s over 200 pages long. Expect a longer build time than the Hot Rod, and also factor in any customisations in the project.✅ You have a bigger budget:The kit cost might be fairly reasonable but many of the extra parts need to come from a fairly high-performance car, so look to double the cost on extras.

Don’t buy it if:❌ You’re new to kit building:Yes, this comes with a complete manual and with time and plenty of patience you can probably work it out, but this is no Ikea project.❌ You’re uncomfortable driving a left-hand drive:This kit is set up for the original left-hand drive positioning and isn’t adjustable to a right-hand drive for UK or Australian use.❌You’re on the bigger side:This is a car designed for racing drivers, so the seats and cabin don’t have a lot of room. If you’re taller than 6'3" or bigger built you may need to make some alterations to the build.

❌ You’re new to kit building:Yes, this comes with a complete manual and with time and plenty of patience you can probably work it out, but this is no Ikea project.❌ You’re uncomfortable driving a left-hand drive:This kit is set up for the original left-hand drive positioning and isn’t adjustable to a right-hand drive for UK or Australian use.❌You’re on the bigger side:This is a car designed for racing drivers, so the seats and cabin don’t have a lot of room. If you’re taller than 6'3" or bigger built you may need to make some alterations to the build.

The bottom line🔎Factory Five Type 65 CoupeCars don’t get much better looking than a 60s GT, and the Type 65 embodies the very best of that style. While it may not have the refinement of a modern sports car, if you have the patience to build it, it’s a fraction of the price and a lot of fun. ★★★★

🔎Factory Five Type 65 CoupeCars don’t get much better looking than a 60s GT, and the Type 65 embodies the very best of that style. While it may not have the refinement of a modern sports car, if you have the patience to build it, it’s a fraction of the price and a lot of fun. ★★★★

The Type 65 Coupe is based on a car created for the 1965 FIA World Championship for America. Only six of these cars were originally made, making this replica almost as rare but a great deal cheaper to buy.

The design of the car is a complete classic, with elements of the AC Cobra it was based on thrown in. Whether you finish it with all the racing livery is down to you but it really does complete the look.

This kit is now in its third generation and comes in two version. The first requires a Ford Mustang GT as the donor, while the second requires only the engine, transmission and rear end (with rear brakes) adding – plus wheels, battery and fuel pump.

Remember to factor in the price of the donor vehicle or at least the extra parts needed to put all this together. If you’re building this in the UK you may need some extra work to get this road legal too.

Building:Opting for the complete kit means that aside from that engine block, transmission, rear end, wheels and paint, the rest is included. The bound assembly manual is over 200 pages long and takes you through the whole process. However, as this still requires quite a fw donor parts, you’ll need to have a fair bit of motor knowledge to do it.

Driving:Depending on the engine and transmission you use, this coupe should run more like a Mustang than a 60s AC. The kits are designed to be more liveable than the original track cars but don’t expect too many home comforts inside.

The best Hyper (kit) car

(Image credit: Ultima)

Ultima Evo

(Image credit: Ultima)

Ultima Evolution CoupeWhen you want to look like a million dollarsSpecificationsKit price:POA from £46,268Engine:Chevrolet LS V80-60 mph:2.3 - 3.1 sec (depending on spec)Top speed:240mph+ (1020bhp model)Max power:1020hpWeight:950kgVisit SiteReasons to buy+Hypercar styling+Blistering speed+British supercar companyReasons to avoid-A bit spendy depending on spec-No driver aids-You might prefer a factory-built one
Ultima Evolution Coupe

4. Ultima Evolution Coupe

When you want to look like a million dollars

SpecificationsKit price:POA from £46,268Engine:Chevrolet LS V80-60 mph:2.3 - 3.1 sec (depending on spec)Top speed:240mph+ (1020bhp model)Max power:1020hpWeight:950kg

Kit price:POA from £46,268Engine:Chevrolet LS V80-60 mph:2.3 - 3.1 sec (depending on spec)Top speed:240mph+ (1020bhp model)Max power:1020hpWeight:950kg

Kit price:POA from £46,268

Engine:Chevrolet LS V8

0-60 mph:2.3 - 3.1 sec (depending on spec)

Top speed:240mph+ (1020bhp model)

Max power:1020hp

Weight:950kg

Visit Site

Reasons to buy+Hypercar styling+Blistering speed+British supercar company

+Hypercar styling+Blistering speed+British supercar company

Hypercar styling

Blistering speed

British supercar company

Reasons to avoid-A bit spendy depending on spec-No driver aids-You might prefer a factory-built one

-A bit spendy depending on spec-No driver aids-You might prefer a factory-built one

A bit spendy depending on spec

No driver aids

You might prefer a factory-built one

None other than McLaren used an Ultima GTR as a development mule when they were knocking up the legendary F1 supercar. In many ways, that’s all you need to know about the Ultima cars. It’s a pukka bit of kit. Today, it remains one of the very fastest cars money can buy. It’ll just cost you a lot less money than the likes of a million-dollar Bugatti Veyron or any of the new hybrid hypercar brigade from Porsche, Ferrari and, yes, McLaren.

The best Cobra style kit car

(Image credit: Dax)

Dax Cobra

(Image credit: Dax)

Dax 427This Cobra style kit is a popular kit choiceSpecificationsKit price:£25k estimateEngine:Not included (designed for V8)0-60 mph:4.5 secs (typical)Top speed:160mph+Max power:Around 400bhpWeight:n/aVisit SiteReasons to buy+Cobra styling for a fraction of the price+Can be bought in sections+A classic name in its own rightReasons to avoid-Requires donor car-Not a car you’d want to be in for long distances
Dax 427

5. Dax 427

This Cobra style kit is a popular kit choice

SpecificationsKit price:£25k estimateEngine:Not included (designed for V8)0-60 mph:4.5 secs (typical)Top speed:160mph+Max power:Around 400bhpWeight:n/a

Kit price:£25k estimateEngine:Not included (designed for V8)0-60 mph:4.5 secs (typical)Top speed:160mph+Max power:Around 400bhpWeight:n/a

Kit price:£25k estimate

Engine:Not included (designed for V8)

0-60 mph:4.5 secs (typical)

Top speed:160mph+

Max power:Around 400bhp

Weight:n/a

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Reasons to buy+Cobra styling for a fraction of the price+Can be bought in sections+A classic name in its own right

+Cobra styling for a fraction of the price+Can be bought in sections+A classic name in its own right

Cobra styling for a fraction of the price

Can be bought in sections

A classic name in its own right

Reasons to avoid-Requires donor car-Not a car you’d want to be in for long distances

-Requires donor car-Not a car you’d want to be in for long distances

Requires donor car

Not a car you’d want to be in for long distances

Dax is perhaps the best-known for its Cobra kits. The Dax 427, once known as the Tojeiro, is a combination of sinuous British bodywork and brutish power from a Yankee V8. That’s the classic Cobra combo. Engine options are extensive; you can have classic Ford and Chevy pushrod V8s. Or maybe something more modern and multi-valve like a Jaguar lump. Either way, the performance levels are going to be utterly terrifying.

The nice thing about the Dax kits is that you can buy it in stages, with each pack starting from under £1000. The total cost is likely to be around £25k, on top of that V8 engine.

The best classic kit car

(Image credit: Ronart)

Ronart W152

(Image credit: Ronart)

Ronart W152A 50s front-wheel-drive delight for the modern roadSpecificationsKit price:£62,950Engine:Fits either straight six or V120-60 mph:n/aTop speed:n/aMax power:n/aWeight:n/aVisit SiteReasons to buy+Unique car rather than a replica+Accepts Jaguar donor parts+Solid owners clubReasons to avoid-Requires donor car-Serious cost-Tiny aero shield
Ronart W152

6. Ronart W152

A 50s front-wheel-drive delight for the modern road

SpecificationsKit price:£62,950Engine:Fits either straight six or V120-60 mph:n/aTop speed:n/aMax power:n/aWeight:n/a

Kit price:£62,950Engine:Fits either straight six or V120-60 mph:n/aTop speed:n/aMax power:n/aWeight:n/a

Kit price:£62,950

Engine:Fits either straight six or V12

0-60 mph:n/a

Top speed:n/a

Max power:n/a

Weight:n/a

Visit Site

Reasons to buy+Unique car rather than a replica+Accepts Jaguar donor parts+Solid owners club

+Unique car rather than a replica+Accepts Jaguar donor parts+Solid owners club

Unique car rather than a replica

Accepts Jaguar donor parts

Solid owners club

Reasons to avoid-Requires donor car-Serious cost-Tiny aero shield

-Requires donor car-Serious cost-Tiny aero shield

Requires donor car

Serious cost

Tiny aero shield

Thought kit cars were a bit uncouth? Then you obviously haven’t heard of the positively aristocratic Ronart W152. The period bodywork hides high-quality Jaguar components, including straight-six and V8 engines. There’s even a terrifying 500hp Jaguar V12 option. Either, as you sail past all those ghastly oiks in their modern motors, the very last thing they’ll be thinking as they get a taste of your tailpipes is there goes a shoddy kit car.

The best DIY kit car

(Image credit: Westfield)

Westfield

(Image credit: Westfield)

Westfield Sport Single Donor Vehicle KitHow do you make a Mazda MX-5 better?SpecificationsKit price:£18,985Engine:1.6 or 1.8 from Mazda MX-50-60 mph:n/aTop speed:n/aMax power:n/aWeight:Around 545kg (depending on donor)Visit SiteReasons to buy+Can be bought in sections to spread the cost+Affordable donor cars+FunReasons to avoid-Rides low-Spec hasn’t changed much in years-Not as slick as the Caterham
Westfield Sport Single Donor Vehicle Kit

7. Westfield Sport Single Donor Vehicle Kit

How do you make a Mazda MX-5 better?

SpecificationsKit price:£18,985Engine:1.6 or 1.8 from Mazda MX-50-60 mph:n/aTop speed:n/aMax power:n/aWeight:Around 545kg (depending on donor)

Kit price:£18,985Engine:1.6 or 1.8 from Mazda MX-50-60 mph:n/aTop speed:n/aMax power:n/aWeight:Around 545kg (depending on donor)

Kit price:£18,985

Engine:1.6 or 1.8 from Mazda MX-5

0-60 mph:n/a

Top speed:n/a

Max power:n/a

Weight:Around 545kg (depending on donor)

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Reasons to buy+Can be bought in sections to spread the cost+Affordable donor cars+Fun

+Can be bought in sections to spread the cost+Affordable donor cars+Fun

Can be bought in sections to spread the cost

Affordable donor cars

Fun

Reasons to avoid-Rides low-Spec hasn’t changed much in years-Not as slick as the Caterham

-Rides low-Spec hasn’t changed much in years-Not as slick as the Caterham

Rides low

Spec hasn’t changed much in years

Not as slick as the Caterham

Spiritually related to Caterham’s Seven 160, the Westfield SDV is the more intensively DIY option. The idea here is to combine the kit with a single donor vehicle (hence ‘SDV’) to produce the home-spun sportster of your dreams. In this case, we’re talking gen one Mazda MX-5 giving up its soul so that you might drive something seriously exciting. The Mazda’s 1.6-litre lump knocks out over 100hp, which is serious power something as flyweight as a Westfield.

The classic Lotus 11 replica

(Image credit: Westfield)

Westfield XI

(Image credit: Westfield)

Westfield XIThis classic 50s design never gets oldSpecificationsKit price:£23,995Engine:1275cc from MG Midget / Austin Healy Sprite0-60 mph:n/aTop speed:n/aMax power:n/aWeight:n/aVisit SiteReasons to buy+All-time classic design+Cheap donor potential+New version now releasedReasons to avoid-Donor cars now becoming rare-Not really a daily driver-Low windshield
Westfield XI

8. Westfield XI

This classic 50s design never gets old

SpecificationsKit price:£23,995Engine:1275cc from MG Midget / Austin Healy Sprite0-60 mph:n/aTop speed:n/aMax power:n/aWeight:n/a

Kit price:£23,995Engine:1275cc from MG Midget / Austin Healy Sprite0-60 mph:n/aTop speed:n/aMax power:n/aWeight:n/a

Kit price:£23,995

Engine:1275cc from MG Midget / Austin Healy Sprite

0-60 mph:n/a

Top speed:n/a

Max power:n/a

Weight:n/a

Visit Site

Reasons to buy+All-time classic design+Cheap donor potential+New version now released

+All-time classic design+Cheap donor potential+New version now released

All-time classic design

Cheap donor potential

New version now released

Reasons to avoid-Donor cars now becoming rare-Not really a daily driver-Low windshield

-Donor cars now becoming rare-Not really a daily driver-Low windshield

Donor cars now becoming rare

Not really a daily driver

Low windshield

While Westfield offers its own Lotus 7 replica, like Caterham, it’s the Lotus Eleven design that the company is really known for. The curvaceous bodywork looks as impressive on the road today as the original did back in the late 1950s. Originals of the Lotus are extremely rare but this Westfield IX can be built with the help of a donor car for under £24k.

A new 2024 version is now in production with an improved build quality, as well as modern additions such as a 5-speed gearbox option and better brake kits.

The best non-kit kit car

(Image credit: Caterham)

Caterham R620

(Image credit: Caterham)

Caterham Seven 620 RWhen a car is this fast, you’ll be glad a pro made itSpecificationsKit price:£58,490Engine:2.0 litre Ford Duratec0-60 mph:2.79 secs (620R)Top speed:149mphMax power:310bhpWeight:610kgVisit SiteReasons to buy+Incredibly fun to drive+Insanely fast+No building requiredReasons to avoid-Cheaper Caterhams are just as fun-No building satisfaction-You’ll never enjoy driving your regular car again
Caterham Seven 620 R

9. Caterham Seven 620 R

When a car is this fast, you’ll be glad a pro made it

SpecificationsKit price:£58,490Engine:2.0 litre Ford Duratec0-60 mph:2.79 secs (620R)Top speed:149mphMax power:310bhpWeight:610kg

Kit price:£58,490Engine:2.0 litre Ford Duratec0-60 mph:2.79 secs (620R)Top speed:149mphMax power:310bhpWeight:610kg

Kit price:£58,490

Engine:2.0 litre Ford Duratec

0-60 mph:2.79 secs (620R)

Top speed:149mph

Max power:310bhp

Weight:610kg

Visit Site

Reasons to buy+Incredibly fun to drive+Insanely fast+No building required

+Incredibly fun to drive+Insanely fast+No building required

Incredibly fun to drive

Insanely fast

No building required

Reasons to avoid-Cheaper Caterhams are just as fun-No building satisfaction-You’ll never enjoy driving your regular car again

-Cheaper Caterhams are just as fun-No building satisfaction-You’ll never enjoy driving your regular car again

Cheaper Caterhams are just as fun

No building satisfaction

You’ll never enjoy driving your regular car again

Mention kit cars and one brand comes to mind – Caterham. The Caterham Seven is almost legendary, and its ultimate form is the 620 R. It features a mind-boggling 310bhp, has a top speed of 155 mph and can accelerate to 60 in 2.79 seconds - that’s roughly on par with a McLaren P1 and Nissan GT-R! At the heart of the 620 R is a supercharged 2.0-litre Ford Duratec engine, as Caterham put it, “we have done the automotive equivalent of attaching a rocket to a missile” - sounds fun (and slightly terrifying).

The 620 R is actually the only car from Caterham you can’t buy in kit form, but it still represents back-to-basics (yet extreme) motoring.

How to choose the best kit car for you:

Simon LambertChief Motorsport and Technical Officer of Caterham

Simon Lambert

Interested in building yourself a kit car but haven’t the foggiest where to start? Here are some top tips from the Chief Motorsport and Technical Officer of Caterham, Simon Lambert:

Know what you are buying.A Caterham is a complete car in kit form – just add fluids. Most other ‘kits’ need the buyer to source some parts from somewhere else or even make them, hence so many unfinished projects hidden away in garages.

What goes up, must come down.It’s all very well lifting a bare chassis up onto some high stands to make it easy to build, but how do you plan to get it down afterwards? Even Caterham customers forget this and have to find a clever way of getting their newly finished car of stands much higher than their jack can reach.

Be generous with your deadline.Best will in the world, your car may be short of a part or two and the IVA/registration process can take longer than expected. Don’t plan to get it and have it on the road a week later because you’ve booked a track day

Let the professionals take care of IVA.The IVA test is no fun. Allowing Caterham (or other manufacturer) to prepare your finished car for IVA and get it through the process will be worth every penny and ensure your memories are of an enjoyable build only.

Love your garage.Why would you want to spend any time in a cold, dark place full of spiders? If you garage isn’t a bright and pleasant place to be, you’ll find yourself rushing or working in inadequate light. A garage should be clean, well lit and insulated if you’re going to be in it when it is cold (the ten months between September and June). But why stop there? Specialist garage floor tiles mean you can walk around in socks and sit on it to do jobs without getting filthy. A decent sound system, TV and beer fridge are top of the essentials list. Having WiFi and something to access it with in the garage are very handy, as the internet will be your friend when you are stuck.

The quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten.Buying something that needs assembling is essentially an excuse gateway for buying more tools. Quality tools last a lifetime and having the right tool for the job will make all the difference and ensure skin remains on your fingers and nuts and screws can be undone again in the future.

Did I torque that up?Putting a mark across a nut or bolt with a sharpie is a good way of reminding yourself which fixings are torqued tight and which still need doing

How we tested kit cars

How we test the best kit cars

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T3’s top 3 kit cars#

The best kit cars we recommend in 2023#

The best kit car overall#

1. Caterham Seven 170#

The best Kit Car for American Muscle#

2. Factory Five ‘33 Hot Rod#

The best Kit Car for GT Style#

3. Factory Five Type 65#

The best Hyper (kit) car#

4. Ultima Evolution Coupe#

The best Cobra style kit car#

5. Dax 427#

The best classic kit car#

6. Ronart W152#

The best DIY kit car#

7. Westfield Sport Single Donor Vehicle Kit#

The classic Lotus 11 replica#

8. Westfield XI#

The best non-kit kit car#

9. Caterham Seven 620 R#

How to choose the best kit car for you:#

How we tested kit cars#

How we test the best kit cars#

Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox#

T3’s top 3 kit cars

The best kit cars we recommend in 2023

The best kit car overall

1. Caterham Seven 170

The best Kit Car for American Muscle

2. Factory Five ‘33 Hot Rod

The best Kit Car for GT Style

3. Factory Five Type 65

The best Hyper (kit) car

4. Ultima Evolution Coupe

The best Cobra style kit car

5. Dax 427

The best classic kit car

6. Ronart W152

The best DIY kit car

7. Westfield Sport Single Donor Vehicle Kit

The classic Lotus 11 replica

8. Westfield XI

The best non-kit kit car

9. Caterham Seven 620 R

How to choose the best kit car for you:

How we tested kit cars

How we test the best kit cars

Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox