This was the period I got into kit cars, the time when every week there was a new Lamborghini Countach or AC Cobra rep hitting the market, when such offerings as the Dutton Phaeton/Melos, Jago Jeep, Covin Turbo, Carlton Carrera etc were considered industry standards and a bloke called Lee Noble had only just designed the mk1 Ultima.
I was entranced by the Lambo reps, having been a long-time fan on the Countach. I used to read all of those ads for the various kits (Broadbest Primo, Brightwheel CRS etc) promising you a 'body/chassis kit for only £3295'. It took me a while to realise that that was all you got, the body ansd chassis. No suspension components, no running gear, no trim/glass etc and that building a half-decent one would set you back about £10,000+. Added to which most of them were so badly executed you had to spend a lot of time fettling them before they even looked presentable
I can't say as I've really got a particular favourite one. The Lambos and fake snakes I loved for their look, but things like Dutton Phaetons & Silva Leaders as there was a vague possibility of me owning one some day. There was a Leader on Ebay recently, 1600cc Fiat twin cam, didn't sell (reserve not met) but looked nice. If I hadn't already been comitted I'd probably've been interested
What are your faves & why?

TX Tripper, seriously weird! Or some of the early '50s specials. Rochdale, Elva & Typhoon etc. Had a Rochdale GT a couple of years ago, how they ever intended to gat a family of 4 into one (as it was advertised) is beyond me.

I quite liked the lomax 332 or 233 or 323 or whatever they called it, was that from the 80s?

Started at about 13 with an Impala, fiat 500 or 126 based ugly thing, then a Covin as it was Escort based and finally in my late 20s the Minari never did get round to it ffor cash reasons as a kid, then no garage when I got my first and second houses and then finally cash reasons again even when I had a garage so I went the route of Locost as you can payit up in stages.

I used to wait for the school train at the place where Steve Johnson built Magentas. Most folks have no idea what they are or what they look like but they won rallys, beat lots of exotic machines in endurance races and events and there a hundreds still around. They pop up on Ebay at an unhealthy rate!
I bought my first one when I was 14. I have owned most models and still have a couple in the garage......nuff said??!!


[Edited on 30/5/06 by owelly]

I was also a fan of Dutton (because of the prices). Was quite partial to the Phaeton

There was a car called the Avante. Beelte based that I thought about building, but didn't have any money. Not much has changed

ATB

Simon

for me too it was the dutton pheaton or if you can count it the capri tickford ? worth a try anyway ! cheers scott