I'm bored but i have a plan
 

As above. I've spent the last 4 years self emplyed, my own boss, but due to a downturn in work i'm now sat back behind a desk waiting for 5 o'clock. Anyway i have a plan.

What's the consensus of opinion for being a part time builder for the roadster and selling these on, probably through piston heads, as a new car. I have somebody who can rent me some garage space and i now have the knowledge and tools to build the Haynes to a good standard. I need to carry on working for a while to clear my overdraft but while i do this i could build another roadster with a view to selling then eventually ditch work to do this full time.

Last time i talked to MNR and Great British Sports Cars (Robin Hood) they both said they have never been busier and i know i can undercut them on price with spec just as good. The cars will be the same as mine through iva with cvh engine then upgraded to a brand new zetec on carbs / throttle bodies. Or would it be better to go for a new registration rather than age related?

Anybody considered this or got any experience, or would there be any problems using the Haynes design to sell on.

If you decide to make a business of it you'll need to take out product liability insurance, which would be around £5000 once you start off. The insurance basically covers you incase something goes wrong with a car and someone gets injured because of it.

It sounds like a good idea, but i'd guess that you'll have to get permission from Chris and possibly haynes in order to do it, since you'll be profiting from Chris's idea.

I did give this matter some thought a while back.

Firstly, would you be building as an amateur or as part of a business. ?
You may find it likely that the IVA process is different between the two.

If you are going to be presenting cars for on a regular basis as an amateur built one, it will almost certainly flagged up on the systems at both VOSA & DVLA.

I think the only option would be to produce cars as a low volume manufacturer.

What sort of numbers per year would you want to build ? . Would you build to order ?
Several cars on the go at the same time would lead to a large capital outlay

One of the major issues is that of final pricing. From what I have seen of the 7 type self built car. It is often very difficult to sell a car for enough money to fully recover the initial build costs.

As far as I know, to obtain a current registration mark, the car will have to be built using all new components. Although I think you can use one fully reconditioned component provided it is to an as new spec, with documentation to prove it. ( Limited to engine, gearbox & diff I believe )

As you say though, the kit car market is reasonably buoyant, in spite of the current economic climate.

My advice, find a gap in the market & exploit it !! ;)

Thanks Bonzo,

you're about the same as me in your thoughts about this, i think the way forward is to build another part time, take about 6 months, and test the market.

The ideal outcome would be to manufacture as a low volume manufacturer, 6 per year, making to order. Maybe the best way forward is to put out some advertising and see what interest there is out there. I think once people looked at the product and tried the 'demonstrator' there could well be a market for it. Especially considering the price of Caterhams and others.

There would definately be no harm in building a market tester. ;)

Building a second car would give you a wonderfull chance to build to your own liking & taste.
Bet there was many a time during your first build you said to yourself " I would have done that different if I had to do it again " :)

I say go for it, worst case is you'll end up with a much improved Mk2 verion of the Roadster. :cool:

True. Many of the top manufacturers of 7 type cars carry a high price premium. :eek:

Spud you have a PM ;)

Cheers

Chris :)

OH DEAR
Big Chris has just hit spud with a multi million pound lawsuit and and a 50% rake off of all future profits !!!!!!!!!!!!
and by midday Monday will also own 95% of his house, wife, kids and dog!!!!!!!!

LOL
the meaness of it all eh
LOL
cheers les g

I've got to do something to assert my authority :D

Cheers

Chris :)

I wasn't aiding & abeting, honest :eek: :eek: :D :D

Too late Les and Chris the ex-wife already did that 8 years ago, but now i'm happy.

Anyway thanks for the responses, my daughter is going to help me put a web page together just to test the ground.

If so i intend to do one part time just to see how it goes.

Cheers...Andy