/ 21 November 2006

Japanese company markets do-it-yourself cars

Japanese auto buffs with a passion for classic European designs will get to be builder, mechanic and driver with new do-it-yourself cars unveiled on Tuesday.

The miniature car requires the owner to put together all the parts of the car, from the steering wheel to the brakes, with the help of a set of tools and an instruction manual — a process that takes up to three days.

The owner “can simply build out his passion”, said niche automaker Mitsuoka Motor, the maker of the K4 Kit-Car.

The Kit-Car, which comes in five colours, is modelled after a 1930’s car, but with the ends shortened. It measures just under 2,5m-long and can run at up to 50kph an hour.

The company warned that once it was up and running, the Kit-Car, which costs ¥756 000 ($6 500) excluding the engine, was no longer a toy and required a proper licence.

“It is considered a regular car under traffic laws,” the Mitsuoka statement said. – AFP