I'm bored but i have a plan

[spud69]

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.

[Tatey]

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.

[Bonzo]

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 !!

[spud69]

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.

[Bonzo]

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.

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

Spud you have a PM

Cheers

Chris

[Bonzo]

Originally Posted by spud69

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.

Still giving this matter a little thought.

If you decide to go full speed ahead with your plans. Give a little thought into building a set of good quality, sturdy jigs.

You'll be glad you did if things take off. They will take hours off the the production times of some of the components.

[Jezzer99]

If you're looking for a business opportunity, isn't RAW Engineering up for sale? No idea what you'd be looking at for that sort of thing but quite interested though