Kit Car Name
I wish I had a nickle for every time I've heard "Oh, its just a kit car"
As you all know, the "Kit Car" name has a negative reputation associated with it. It started with a dark history back in the 1960s-1980s when there were many low quality manufacturers of replicars on VW chassis. Many of these early kit cars were all-show and no-go. Most of those poor quality kit car manufacturers went out of business long ago, but their reputation stained our automotive segment.
In addition, many kit car producers over simplify the expertise and time required to complete a car. This leads to a public perception that a kit car is just a big model car that you snap together over a weekend. I think we all know, that it's more involved to build a new car, than the simple "disassemble->paint->reassemble" steps of a muscle car restoration.
We need a better name for our specialty car segment. Lately, I've been describing my SLC as being from a "boutique" car manufacturer. The boutique name already has some recognition to describe low production car manufacturers like Morgan, Noble, TVR, Panoz, KTM, etc. Websters dictionary defines Boutique as "a small company that offers highly specialized services or products".
Boutique cars share many characteristics with kit cars. A Boutique car starts with parts from a high production car manufacturer like the engine, transmission, spindles, steering gear, etc. Boutique cars generally have a custom lighter weight chassis and cover it with a stylish body designed to attract attention. The construction techniques of boutique cars are similar as well, using tube space frame or monocoque chassis and composite body panels (fiber glass or carbon fiber).
The main difference is that kit cars are not fully assembled when they leave the factory. Here too, the line is blurred between boutique cars and kit cars with the availability of "Turn-key minus" cars. Turn-key minus cars are fully assembled road ready cars that are only missing the engine and transmission. These cars can be completed in a weekend.
Its a mystery why people think of kit cars and street rods as being so different. They are both delivered unassembled, have fiberglass bodies, and a custom frame. The only real difference is that a street rod body resembles a vintage American made car.
The one aspect that can legitimately degrade the reputation of kit cars is the quality of workmanship that goes into completing each car. I think its our responsibility to dispel the kit car reputation by building the very best car we are capable of.
What are your thoughts on the promoting the "Boutique car" name?