Build your own car! - handbooks for self-assembly (1/2)

Build Your Own Off-Road Buggy - for as little as £100

This is a step-by-step illustrated guide to building a single-seater off-road buggy using standard tools, basic skills and low-cost materials.
This all-colour book shows how to make the tubular frame, and advises how to modify and use cheap but serviceable mechanical components sourced from a donor motorcycle. The end product is a budget-price fun vehicle - and a learning experience in engineering and design.

Product details

Car Builder's Manual - Designing and constructing your own car from scratch

Many people today feel inspired to build their own car, either completely from scratch or by assembling a kit. This book explains in detail, using easy-to-understand text and illustrations, how to plan a project and carry out the tasks required, safely and efficiently to a good standard and within a reasonable time scale.

Product details

Build Your Own Sports Car - for as little as £ 250 and race it! (2nd Edition)

The first edition of this bestseller inspired so many people to build their own sports car that there now exists a thriving Locost Car Club, and an MSA-approved race series for Locosts run by the 750 Motor Club.

This second edition in full colour is updated and expanded, with a new chapter on all aspects of racing a Locost, information on how to get through the Single Vehicle Approval test, and builders' own stories.

Product details

Build Your Own Kit Car

Renowned kit car expert Steve Hole presents a comprehensive guide to planning, managing and executing a kit car build. The first part of the book covers:
- The history of kit cars: detailing the innovations the kit car industry has made in car building technology, and how companies like Westfield and Caterham have become household names
- Types of kit cars, including the differences between kits, replicas and one-off builds
- Choosing the right car for you
- Budgeting for your build
- Setting up your workspace, tools needed and workshop safety
- Building techniques

The second half of the book takes you through a full build project, from chassis, brakes, suspension and engine through to trimming and interiors. The last chapters of the book set out clearly and simply how to get your kit car tested and registered, and guide you through the associated regulations.

Product details

How to Build Cobra Kit Cars + Buying Used - Step-by-Step Assembly Procedures. Complete Guide to Cobra Kit Manufacturers

The original Shelby Cobra left a lasting impact on the automotive world. This lightweight British roadster, equipped with a powerful Ford V-8 engine, set new performance standards, won numerous races, and became an automotive icon.

Despite only being produced for six years, with around 1.000 units built, the Cobra remained highly sought after. In the late 1970s, companies began producing Cobra replicas as kit cars, allowing enthusiasts to build their own. Over time, manufacturers started offering complete rolling chassis and fully assembled replicas.

Author D. Brian Smith, former editor-in-chief of "Kit Car" magazine, provides a detailed guide to assembling a modern Cobra replica, focusing on the popular Factory Five Cobra Mk4. He explains how to choose the right kit based on budget and performance goals and offers practical advice on planning, budgeting, and tool selection. Step-by-step instructions with photos illustrate the assembly process to ensure a reliable and safe replica.

The book also includes a section on buying a used Cobra replica, offering guidance on inspection, evaluation, and test driving for those who prefer a pre-assembled model.

Product details

More information on the CarTech S-A Design books

How to Build A Fiberglass Car - Based on the Construction of the Victress Sports Car

The original contributors, W. I. Boyce-Smith, Edmond Kelly and Hugh Jorgensen, all played a significant role in the design, development and construction of the fiberglass bodied Victress sports car. While the technology of constructing impact resistant lightweight automobile bodies has advanced considerably since this book was first published, many of the exotic materials and composites in use today are beyond the capabilities available to the average home-based "special" builder.

However, this comprehensive and informative book, written in easy to understand language, puts the capability of designing and building a custom bodied special within reach of the home-based enthusiast. The principles it contains are just as relevant today as they were some 50 years ago when this book was first written.

The design process is clearly explained, the raw materials required are described, and the construction process is presented in an easy-to-follow step by step procedure. Obviously, this book would also be a valuable reference for anyone contemplating repairing, refurbishing or restoring a fiberglass bodied automobile. This edition also includes a 40 page bonus section featuring reproductions of Victress sales literature.

Out-of-print and unavailable for many years, this book is becoming increasingly more difficult to find on the secondary market and we are pleased to be able to offer this print-on-demand reproduction as a service to all those automotive "special" builders and enthusiasts worldwide.

Product details

How to Build Tiger Avon or GTA Sports Cars for Road or Track (Veloce SpeedPro)

The step-by-step guide to building your dream sports car on a budget. The Tiger Avon is a high-quality, high-performance cycle-wing roadster, while the GTO is a sleek new design.
Both models are based on readily available Ford Sierra mechanical components with a choice of independent or live axle rear suspension. Engine wise, you can use a straight 4 or V8 of your choice, including Ford Pinto, Ford Zetec, Rover K-Series or even motorcycle units.

Features
- Build a fabulous car on a tight budget!
- Your choice, traditional Tiger Avon or the exciting new GTA!
- Choose whether you want to build the chassis yourself or buy the complete unit
- All body panels are available to buy, or you can create your own body to your design and mould it yourself
- Choose your own power unit: car or motorcycle, 4 cylinder in-line or V8
- Excellent power to rate ratios, even with standard Sierra 'Pinto' engines
- Complete building instructions are provided, including mechanical components, bodywork, instruments and electrical systems
- Includes how to convert an existing Tiger Avon to a GTA.

Product details