One of these vehicles could serve as an ideal substitute for the supercar you’ve been eyeing.
Looking to create the illusion of immense wealth? How about considering a kit car? Kit cars are designed to mimic pricier or exotic vehicles using more affordable materials. While kit cars are budget-friendly, they still allow you to join the ranks of renowned companies like Ferrari, Porsche, and Bugatti.
Many Americans aspire to own an exotic supercar like a Ferrari, Lamborghini, or Maserati, but the reality is that most of us don’t have a spare $250,000 just lying around for such a purchase. Furthermore, even if we did have the funds, the high insurance and maintenance costs associated with these luxury vehicles can be prohibitive.
The Ford GT is undeniably one of the world’s most celebrated and high-performance cars, often a dream vehicle for many. However, it comes with a price tag of well over $200,000. So, what options are available if you don’t have that level of financial resources? Well, here’s some advice…
Take a look at our compilation of 10 affordable kit cars that closely resemble supercars, allowing you to create the impression of opulence:
1. Aldino K/O – $10,995
2. Factory Five Cobra Mk IV – $11,000
3. Bauer Catfish Roadster – $14,000
4. Prova Lamborghini Countach – $20,000
5. Factory Five Type 65 Coupe – $22,000
6. Factory Five GTM – $24,990
7. Lister Bell Lancia Stratos – $35,000
8. Caterham Seven – $38,000
9. Race Car Replicas RCR40 – $46,000
10. Superlite SL-C – $51,000
These kit cars offer the aesthetics of high-end supercars without the exorbitant price tag, enabling you to turn heads and create the illusion of wealth.
1. Aldino K/O – $10,995
The Aldino K/O was an excellent choice for novice kit car enthusiasts. Many DIY car kits can be challenging to assemble, demanding extensive expertise from the owner. However, the Aldino K/O took advantage of the Pontiac Fiero chassis as its foundation, making it considerably more straightforward to put together compared to many other kits.
The Aldino K/O kit represents the culmination of more than two decades of design expertise, thanks to Joe Palumbo, a trailblazer in the kit car industry. The Aldino brand has enjoyed a long and successful history, primarily due to its reputation for being user-friendly and cost-effective.
Complete Kit: The Aldino Car Company offers a special deal on a KIT CAR magazine subscription: $11,995-$10,995 = a $1,000 price reduction for the Complete Kit.
2. Factory Five Cobra Mk IV – $11,000
If you’re seeking the allure of a late ’90s Ford Mustang or looking to turn heads with a car that commands attention, Cobra Replicas’ model fits the bill. For approximately $11,000 and a few hours of work, you could be cruising the streets in this jaw-dropping Cobra replica.
Factory Five has a solid reputation as one of the top kit car manufacturers, and their Mk IV Cobra mirrors the classic Cobra while incorporating some safety and strength enhancements. It almost seems too good to be true; this is a fantastic DIY project that won’t break the bank like the original. It’s an ideal candidate for an enjoyable father-son project.
3. Bauer Catfish Roadster – $14,000
The creators of the Bauer Catfish were dedicated to keeping the car lightweight by eliminating the roof, doors, and even windows. Their efforts paid off, as the Catfish tips the scales at just 1,500 lbs (680 kgs), which is roughly two-thirds of the weight of a standard MX-5!
If you’re looking to build an affordable kit car, Bauer’s Catfish is an excellent choice. It’s built upon the economical and readily available Mazda Miata MX-5, with a wide array of aftermarket parts to choose from. Priced at just $14,000, the Catfish kit includes everything you need to create your own car, making it one of the most cost-effective kit cars on the market.
4. Prova Lamborghini Countach – $20,000
Constructing a replica of an iconic supercar like the Lamborghini Countach is a significant undertaking. Without proper execution, your replica might look like an amateur’s project. Prova Designs offers an affordable solution with its Countach body kit, priced at $20,000. It’s a far more budget-friendly alternative to the genuine article while maintaining that cool appearance.
If you’re a devoted car enthusiast who enjoys hands-on work, Prova’s Countach kit is tailored for you. For those seeking an even more impressive ride, Prova also offers a turnkey model equipped with Audi V8 running gear.
5. Factory Five Type 65 Coupe – $22,000
Factory Five’s Daytona Gen 3 kit includes all the necessary components to complete your car, ensuring compatibility and simplifying the assembly process. Surprisingly, it comes at a reasonable cost of $22,000.
This kit from Factory Five utilizes a custom-welded steel chassis and a handcrafted composite body to produce one of the most popular Cobra replicas on the market. Built by hand, it provides options for a small block V8 engine, including Ford’s Coyote and Chevy’s aluminum LS series.
6. Factory Five GTM – $24,990
Factory Five Racing offers a variety of kits for car enthusiasts, but their signature model is the GTM. Its appearance is akin to a limited-run factory-built supercar, yet it’s astonishing to realize that individuals can assemble it in their garages using basic tools.
Based on a C5 Corvette donor car, Factory Five provides all other components required for the build, except for the transmission. Given its popularity among kit car enthusiasts, Factory Five has reported that production slots for 2021 and 2022 are already filled.
7. Lister Bell Lancia Stratos – $35,000
For many car enthusiasts, driving a legendary rally car like the Lancia Stratos remains a dream, especially given the steep prices starting at $550,000. Lister Bell, however, offers a comprehensive kit, minus the original’s quirks, for just $35,000. While it’s not pocket change, it represents a significant savings compared to the genuine Stratos.
This kit includes everything you need to construct a modernized working Lancia Stratos rally car, complete with a 2.5-liter Alfa Romeo engine. Your only additional expense would be for an engine if you desire more power.
8. Caterham Seven – $38,000
The Caterham 420R provides a classic-style motoring experience that you can feel in the wind and your bones. As you accelerate on winding roads, the wind rushes through your hair, and a track day couldn’t get any better than with the Caterham 420R. This home-built pocket rocket can reach 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds.
The Seven 420R can trace its roots back to the Lotus 7, which made its debut in 1957. Its design is straightforward, making it popular among home mechanics. For those who aren’t mechanically inclined, turn-key models are available—fully assembled vehicles ready to drive away from the dealership. Serious DIY enthusiasts can opt for incomplete kits and build their own.
9. Race Car Replicas RCR40 – $46,000
Ford’s legendary Le Mans racer, the GT40, is a highly sought-after collector’s item. However, only a few were built, and fewer still were road-legal. The RCR40 replica kit from Race Car Replicas is one of the few replicas that garners respect due to its meticulous attention to detail. It’s set to go under the hammer at an auction with a top bid of $140,000.
Race Car Replicas offers three tiers of their RCR40 kit: an entry-level version, an intermediate kit, and a complete option-laden kit. An enthusiastic DIY mechanic can invest $46,000 in their project, and the results will be as good as the effort they put into it. A specimen finished in period-correct colors is undeniably stunning.
10. Superlite SL-C – $51,000
The Superlite SL-C is a lightweight race car that excels in both performance and handling. The car’s creators aimed to ensure that builders could complete the vehicle with minimal effort and get it onto the track swiftly.
Priced under $50,000, the SL-C features a fiberglass body designed to minimize weight, along with an all-aluminum chassis. It boasts an eye-catching appearance, but spectators may not have many chances to admire it, as it’s incredibly fast and can keep pace with vehicles costing significantly more.