[Karl Bebout]

Wouldn't CS's original cars be considered as much of as "kit car" as those currently from SPF or Backdraft? Rollers imported to the US where engines and transmissions were installed? Of course CS eventually did make a "few" modifications to put the cars on the track, as do lots of SPF and Backdraft people.

Yes, CS developed the cars that we all so dearly love, but putting a big motor in a little car was certainly nothing new. Allard comes to mind. He did choose a beautiful body and used the best power, he could get his hands on (Duntov be dammmmmmed!) and thank goodness those early kit car makers realized what a hoot they were.