CONTENTS November 2003

REGULARS

HYNESIGHT 7

The editor reflects on a drive in a genuine AC Cobra Mk IV, celebrates the ingenuity, universal affordability and the sheer enjoyment of buggy building a cheap buggy and reflects on the need for driver training as kit car power to weight ratios become ever greater.

NEWS 8

It had to happen; Stuart Taylor Motorsport pioneers the MX5-based kit, Jago launches its Sierra-based Geep chassis, Onyx announce the new Firefox for Exeter and a whole lot more.

YOUR SAY 16

Have you got something to say? Have we upset you, pleased you, got it wrong or confirmed your view? This is your chance to air your criticisms or congratulations.

CLUBS 116

Iain Ayre presents his usual sideways view of kit car life, highlighting the activity of the clubs as well as a couple of cars for the Display Cabinet.

FEATURES

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE 52

It's not often we get the chance to compare a kit form replica with the genuine article so when a Kirkham 427 S/C Cobra meets a 1966 427 S/C, you try to spot the difference.

ALMOST . . . BUT NOT QUITE 58

The Pilgrim Sumo has been an absolutely huge success and now, with Sierra running gear and a Chevy V8, it has the potential to compete with the top dogs but it needs a few development tweaks.

WHO DARES, SPINS 62

With kit cars becoming ever more powerful, Matthew Stead urges you to think about your driving, learn the techniques and get the best from your car on road and track.

ON THE RIGHT TRACK 84

The R/T takes the Stylus back to its competition roots and with a 225 bhp Ford Duratec under the bonnet and Tim Benbow behind the wheel, it's a formidable combination.

TUBULAR CELLS 90

Caged is a company making roll-over bars and cages for sports and competition cars. They look pretty simple but as ever, there are good ones and bad ones. This company does it right.

GENTLEMEN, START YOUR ENGINES . . . if you can! 94

Ron Champion's ‘Build Your Own Off-Road Buggy' book prompted the RAF's University Air Squadrons to get busy for an 8-hour endurance race. We were in the pit-lane.

ANOTHER LEVEL 100

Iain Ayre compares a Caterham Seven and a Dutton; two cars at opposite ends of the popular sports car spectrum, but both striving for the same goals.

DONINGTON ROUND-UP 112

The Donington show lived up to its top three billing with a good manufacturer support, a great display, new cars, plenty of club action and the Sunday attraction of the circuit.

THE REAL DEAL 122

It's amazing what you find in kit manufacturer's garages. Hawk cars' Gerry Hawkridge has an AC Cobra Mk IV. After a lifetime of replicas, Ian Hyne tried the real thing.

WORKSHOP

ARRESTING TOPICS 106

The kit industry is great at adding power so David Hill balances things up by concluding his thesis on scrubbing it off with a look at brakes and braking.

STOKES' STUFF 126

It's probably only kit cars and classics that still use grease guns but David Stokes sorts the good from the bad whilst adding a few other bits and pieces that will interest you.

WORKSHOP Q&A 128

Iain Ayre recalls his many automotive problems and employs the lessons learned to hopefully solve yours.