Our Current Issue
Complete Car Builder is the essential companion for any built-not-bought enthusiast, whether their interests lay in kit, custom modified or more extreme car builds. Our third issue has just hit store shelves... and is jam packed with car building goodness. If you like what you see, why not Subscribe here?
Choose your fighter
We put not one, but five of MK Sportscars' current models to the test as we try to put across how different a Lotus Seven-like roadster can be with one simple ingredient change. As such, the real test is how much the choice of engine matters when building this most classic of homebuilt sports car designs... spoiler alert, it's one hell of a lot.
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But while it may be tempting to focus on the paper figures, we found that the ideal compromise between usable road performance and trackday bliss can be found lower down the power 'bands.'
Different class
It's amazing what you might find in an event field in Nottinghamshire, but even by show standards this Auburn Speedster replica was clearly something else. Built in the States and refined in South Yorkshire, this huge on dimensions, huge on details, recreation has all of the glitz and glam of 1930s American glam albeit without the wallet-devouring maintenance bills.
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This once hard working kit turned retirement cruiser's story is one that isn't to be missed.
Star of stage
No car building journey is without the odd hiccup, but Mark Brown the dream of replicating the Ford RS200 Group-B rally monster had plenty in the way... not least its producer going bust as soon as he began to pick up tools.
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Despite the initial woes, he ended up relishing the freedom of making things work his way... and the final build's use of VAG Turbo powertrain shows he isn't one for placating the Blue Oval purists. The finished build should still wow all though, and should find plenty of use on track and road soon.
taking on the mainstream– Lee Noble PT2
We chat with Lee Noble again to learn how he moved from kit cars to the darling of Top Gear and Evo magazine. Lee goes into the momentous highs and difficult lows as he tells the story of how he took on Lotus and Porsche from his Leicestershire base – warts and all.
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If you've ever dreamed of setting up your own marque, let this be a warning that not everything outside of DIY building is sunshine and roses.
Also inside:
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How to go Cyclekarting
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The story of the home built Aston Martin that brought the battle to Le Mans
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Our guide to the BMC A-series engine
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The past and the curious – we dive through our
extensive build archive
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The 1981 Custom Car Show
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Product Reviews
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Industry news
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Clubs and events​
And so much more...
