About Kit Cars - Motorcar Directory (2024)

FAQs

Do kit cars have a VIN? ›

Kit vehicles are often replicas of well-known and expensive classics but can also be commercial vehicles and trailers. A kit vehicle is registered by the kit manufacturer's VIN (they are exempt from the federal 17-digit VIN requirement) and does not have a model year.

Most times, the existing drive gear and interior are retained. These kits require less technical knowledge from the builder. Because the chassis and mechanical systems were designed, built, and tested by a major automotive manufacturer, a re-body can lead to a much higher degree of safety and reliability.

Making a kit car street legal means ensuring that all the necessary safety equipment is added to your car. While each state requires different things, some items are required regardless of where you are. It's wise to consider this before you build a homemade vehicle. It will save you a lot of headaches later.

In most instances it would be more accurate to say that kit cars are assembled, rather than being built. The engine, for instance, will come as a complete unit, as will the gearbox, though you will often need to attach these two parts yourself, prior to installing them in the car.

Complete kit car packages are also "motor vehicles" under the Clean Air Act. These are packages which contain all of the major components needed for assembly (i.e., body, chassis, engine and transmission). As "motor vehicles" they are subject to all applicable emission regulations.

Replica fans rejoice! After five years of red tape, a new rule handed down from the U.S. Department of Transportation will make it legal to sell turn-key replica cars in the United States. The final rule was signed by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Deputy Administrator James Owens last week.

The average price for a complete kit car runs about $12,000. However, the cost of the components you'll need to source increases the overall outlay. Some kit car manufacturers include some or all of the parts. Depending on the type of kit car you buy, you can expect to pay somewhere between $6,000 and $50,000.

The law and regulations are based on NHTSA's regulatory approach for kit cars assembled from parts by enthusiasts or nearly finished automobiles that lack an engine and drivetrain (“rollers”). Kit cars are subject to NHTSA equipment standards but not vehicle standards.

Kit cars usually lack modern safety conveniences like airbags, crumple zones and backup cameras, so they should be driven with caution on the street. Treat the vehicle as you would any vintage car. You can test the performance of many of these on a racetrack.

How can you tell if a car is a kit car? ›

A kit car is a vehicle that is manufactured as parts in an assembled kit from a company. You may still need to purchase other parts such as the frame and chassis. After purchasing the kit car, you assemble it yourself, then present the new vehicle to the DMV for a new VIN and title.

The VIN may also appear in a number of other locations: Front of the engine block. This should be easy to spot by popping open the hood, and looking at the front of the engine. Front of the car frame, near the container that holds windshield washer fluid.

Documents. You don't have to be near the car to know its VIN number. You may look up the car's title records or check its service records, insurance card, and insurance policy documents. If the car insurance provider has an app, it can be found there as well once you log in.

A vehicle's identification number (VIN) is a unique identifier. The most common VIN format is the 17-digit VIN, which became standard for all vehicles manufactured since January 1981. Vehicles manufactured prior to 1981 may have as few as 5 digits to as many as 13 digits.