Biz op?

[rikker]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BARN-FIND-Lotus-7-Locost-Roadster-Kit-Car-Molds-Parts-Lot-Great-Business-/261129169392?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item3ccc82e9f0#ht_664wt_1163

[speedwagon]

The price is right. It is too bad that energy and time are wasted on the young. besides I have enough. but for those who might be thinking; a poor economy is the best time to start a business and this would be a good one, built in customer base for spares and likely the best base car in the Miata,

[DavidL]

Has anyone heard of Coveland? This is a new one to me.

[MHKflyer52]

Coveland went out of business I think four or five years ago.

They where trying to make a round tube locost frame and I think they produced two or three before they went to the wayside. They also where trying to make replacement parts to the best of my knowledge for the locost community.

I am not sure but I think it was a rebirth of the closed CMC Locost business that was in Florida but was relocated to upper New York State as it showed up on the different forums about the time CMC closed its doors.

Seem to have been a promising upstart that just fell pray to the down turn of the economy.

Just my belief which should be taken as a grain of sand in a playbox.

[B-T]

You can make a small fortune in the component / kit car business these days. You just have to start with a medium to large fortune! I started one to do an exposed frame roadster with a guy in Kentucky. Our now defunct company was called Matrix Motor Werks, and we were trying to do a new interpretation of the classic Lotus 7 with a mid engine layout. We made 3-4 cars and I realized there is absolutely no room for profit based on what people are willing to pay for an unknown brand car. I would recommend staying away from this "opportunity" unless you feel like explaining to your wife or parents why you can't afford the mortgage / rent in the next year or so... If you want a car similar to the one pictured the guy in Kentucky is still making them. We did the green car with a Porsche 914 engine and transaxle, he has built some others using Subaru power and one with a Chevy small block.

 

BT

Edited November 19, 2012 by B-T

[MHKflyer52]

B-T,

 

The green car in the photos looks like it would give an Atom a run for its money.

I like it a lot. Are their more photos of the green car that can be viewed or a web site one can go to to get more information.

[Canadian 7]

Jim was the importer for Robinhood 7s - what a nightmare that was...trust me I know! That was the stainless round tube chassis that he had. There was also a monocoque chassis. Ron.

[B-T]

Here are some more photos of the green car. It drove really well, and the current owner reports that it was very quick on a recent trip to Deal's Gap. Not too much power though from the old 4 cylinder air cooled motor. Anyway, the guy who is still making them is Danny Puchalski in Richmond, KY (just south of Lexington), and his email is dpook317@att.net . Danny did all the design and fabrication, I provided the funding and completed the car (installed drivetrain and wiring). Here are some other pics you might like...

BT

[WestTexasS2K]

BT that is a good looking car.

You are right the best way to make a small fortune in this business is to start with a large one. It's a tough out there

[MHKflyer52]

B-T,

 

Thanks for the other photos.

I think the car looks great and if I where looking to purchase another seven type sports car I think this would be one that I would have to consider as it appeals to my minimalism taste and it is unique.

[B-T]

Thanks for the compliments. It was fun and educational to build the car. I like the way it came out, and I thought it would be a hit, but unfortunately most people that are interested have less to spend than it really needs to cost.

 

BT

[powderbrake]

Being a manufacturer means you make the investments and take the risks, and as you said, it is difficult to find customers who are willing to spend anything these days.

 

The car looks great, and the dual cupholders are a hoot! You just wait until the passenger is taking a sip of his drink, and you hit the gas. This works best if the passenger has a very good sense of humor.:ack:

[WestTexasS2K]

DP cars new model looks very similar. It's a mid engine layout as well. I think they are using GM ls v8 engines. The problem with mid engine lay outs is the transmission cost.

Engines are reasonable a the Trans can be a deal breaker.

[BusaNostra]

True...mid engine transmission cost like the Hewland will break your pocket. I think hi powered bike engine is a good solution for this business. I know some guys producing this car in Asia .... dirt cheap - they are selling the chassis & body kit to the 7 enthusiast in Japan & Singapore.

No money to make this stuff in the US. Registering it is like convincing your wife to shop at pep boys..............so many red tapes.

 

 

DP cars new model looks very similar. It's a mid engine layout as well. I think they are using GM ls v8 engines. The problem with mid engine lay outs is the transmission cost.

Engines are reasonable a the Trans can be a deal breaker.

[ayseven]

I agree that is a nice looking exo car! One of the best looking ones I've ever seen.

 

I don't honestly think there are many margins to be had in any kit car business, unless you ramp up to FFR's level. For the average consumer (whom you need to survive), you still end up with a fairly unreliable, English car. But I've never owned a Caterham!

 

Making things in Asia is a stupid idea. Shipping costs a fortune now, service is zero. AND it kills our economies. We can thank the big US business people for that one, which helps drive down wages for Americans.

 

Anyways, I think the idea that we all drive cars, so we should be able to get most people on board with the idea of a tiny little pocket rocket, based on a car from the 60's, is a little optimistic. There just aren't that many crazy people out there (well there are, but you know what I mean).