Dynamic Performance K1 Attack...(pic by Tony Sissons)

The alarm bells started ringing back in early May when the National Kitcar Motorshow didn’t set any records and seemed a little subdued event though attendance was good. Unusually, there weren’t even that many new launches to get our teeth into and without the major jumpstart to sales that Stoneleigh normally main lines into the industry’s veins each spring.

The Dynamic Performance/K1 Attack was still the ‘one most likely to’ and there’s no doubt that this impressive modern sportscar kit powered by Honda VTEC is potentially one of the most impressive newcomers for many years and remains (maybe) a Noble M12 beater.

Crendon Replicas - CR427. (Pic by Tony Sissons)

Kitcars received the usual bits of coverage from the mainstream press and we at totalkitcar will continue to strive to increase that although the LSIS group test that Circuit Driver magazine conducted at Bedford Autodrome and published in March didn’t go down very well with most of the invited manufacturers and the opinions ranged from ‘hatchet job’ to ‘disappointing’.   

Other notable moments saw the sale of industry ‘big-guns’ Caterham Cars and Robin Hood Sportscars, both to venture capitalists and the demise of Rally Sport Replicas.

Things remained a little subdued all summer and although some manufacturers remained busy with full order books throughout the year, most only reported odd bursts of activity.

By September we had our own event at Brands Hatch – totalkitcar LIVE! And even though I say so myself this was a resounding success that will grow into an even bigger spectacle in 2006, with a northern event at Oulton Park (March 25) and again at Brands Hatch. Basically, the concept involves manufacturers demonstrating their cars to potential customers and enthusiasts in the passenger seat. Much like our old Action Days at Castle Combe, which were responsible for selling so many kits over the years, and indeed totalkitcar LIVE was responsible for selling over 70 kits – A pretty good result and hugely encouraging too.

In February we conducted the first ever group test of Lotus Seven-inspired cars. See totalkitcar magazine Summer 2005 for the results. (Pic by Gary Hawkins)

The standard of manufacturers demonstrators continues to rise and during 2005 the vast majority of the many cars I drove were superb and among them the highlights were the MAC#1 Type ZR, Crendon CR427, Westfield Eleven, Westfield Sport 2000S, AK427 Supercharged, Tiger R6 Duratec, MK Indy, Sylva Riot, K1 Attack, Aeon GT3, Sebring MXR, a brace of DAX Tojeiros and the superb Blackjack Zero. I can’t actually remember the last time I nominated a three-wheeler among my yearly highlights.  

We go into 2006 with a new level of enthusiasm and no sign of a slow down in new manufacturers. We’ve just compiled the latest update to our unique KITLST for totalkitcar magazine Spring 2006 issue and there’s no fewer than 75 changes from three months ago. Real shifting sand stuff. I know of at least SIX interesting new projects due for launch this year.

Talking of our own magazine, we’ve been sufficiently encouraged by public demand to move from a quarterly to bi-monthly frequency and that’s got to be good news.

The best news is that this wonderfully colourful and exciting industry – with over 225 manufacturers in the UK alone – is set fair for a fabulous 2006, with most manufacturers reporting a fine end to 2005 and I for one will raise my glass to that, and I assure you, nay PROMISE you that both totalkitcar online and magazine will bring you the very best kitcar information, news and roadtests as always. Thanks for your support and kind comments.

Here’s some more reasons why this industry is great…………

Aeon Sports Cars - GT3

AK Sportscars - AK427

DJ Sportscars - DAX Tojeiro de Dion

Tiger Racing - R6 (pic by Gary Hawkins)

Marlin Cars - 5EXi (pic by Martin Foster)

Westfield Sports Cars - Sport 1600i

Caterham Cars - R400 (pic by Rob Hawkins)

Ultima Sports - GTR (pic by Rob Hawkins)

Gardner Douglas - GDT70 (pic by Gary Hawkins)

Hawk Cars - SPF40

Sylva Autokits - Riot

Raw UK - Striker

The totalkitcar GTM Spyder. Now with 210bhp! (pic by Gary Hawkins)

Talking of GTM. Our own Spyder project has had a few delays but is now on course to appear at a few shows in 2006. It is fairly unusual in that it features Honda VTEC power and on Dave Walker’s rollers it chucked out a very pleasing 170bhp in standard guise. It’s since had Jenvey throttle bodies, Emerald M3D K2 ECU and Piper Cams, with power now an entertaining 210bhp at 8500rpm!

So, what does 2006 hold in store for us then? Well, I think that there’s going to be a big upturn in interest in GT40 replicas, and although for many years after GTD’s spectacular demise we only had a couple of companies producing kits, 2006 will see no fewer than EIGHT UK makers including Hawk with the splendid SPF40. Whatever happens, the kitcar industry can almost guarantee that it will be another colourful year. Stay with totalkitcar and enjoy the ride…

Words By Steve Hole

Photos by Carol Hardy, Steve Hole, Gary Hawkins, Tony Sissons, Antony Fraser and Paul Harmer.

© 2006 CAR PR Ltd and totalkitcar® - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED