For a majority of automobile enthusiasts, owning a classic roadster is often just a fanciful dream. Original vehicles become harder and harder to find each year, and when you do find an original car, it may often be in poor condition, prohibitively expensive, or just not up for sale. To remedy the demand for classic cars with the difficulty in getting one, more and more people are turning to kit cars.

These 'some assembly required' cars come in many different makes and models, frequently designed after a classic car. In fact, cars such as the Mercedes SSK and the Shelby AC Cobra are now outnumbered by replicas based on the original designs. Surely, the lower cost and ease of purchase must figure in to the steady popularity of kit cars among auto lovers.

As the name suggests, most of these replica cars come in a 'do-it-yourself' kit of parts. If you have a lot of time, a mind for detail, and the facilities to assemble a car from the kit, many people who get into this hobby are devoted for life. The care and precision that go into the construction of a kit car elevates them above simply replica status to a serious art for the auto enthusiast.

However, if you're just looking for a great replica of a classic car, you don't need to devote weeks to putting it together, yourself. Many companies and private individuals offer fully-assembled and fully-operational kit cars for sale. These cars will be more expensive than the kit alone, but the added expense is usually a wise investment for those who are not completely sure that they can put together a running car engine.