I want to thank every one for their input. Very valid points!
First, I love the Cheetah Transporter. I hadn't seen that before.
Tony mentioned "Shark Tank". I've been fortunate to invent a few simple things that have sold well. I invented coin banks in the shape of Dinosaurs and others that "eat" money. I took them to a craft show in 1993 and sold 970 of them. Since then over 1 million have been sold. It's because of them that I've been able to "play" with building cars. (Big Belly Banks)
I also invented a fishing system for my children that I sold on the shopping channel QVC. I sold up to 5000 of them every 8.5 minutes I was on live TV.
I realize that selling a Cheetah kit probably isn't a significant money maker. As far as I know there are 3 companies selling Cheetah kits. BTM in AZ I think still sells true replicas. I think they are around 100K.
Evolution Cheetah sells a body in white package. It's a frame/body roller for $45K. I think they will build a complete car for around 100K. Their Cheetah, as their name implies, isn't a replica. It's their vision if the Cheetah car had evolved. I personally like the look of their car.
Shell Valley has a Roadster Version. Their kit is about 20K. I really like Shell Valley. The former owner, Rich Anderson, was a great guy and kind to me. Dana continues to work there and he's great. Unfortunately I'm not a fan of the look of their Cheetah.
I think that I could sell a body/frame kit for $9900 or less. This would include the aluminum skins, steering components, a parts list and build video. All parts would be readily available. I wouldn't offer any custom changes or build cars.
The good thing is that i don't need money from investors, friends, family, or customers. I don't need to make money from selling kits. (I don't want to lose money though.)
I've had a couple of heart attacks. One they call the "Widow maker". And, I'm having complications from Diabetes. It's depressing that I'm only 62. I still want to build things and be busy. I'm easily bored. One of the reasons for thinking about doing some kits is to be involved in something.
I'm going to wait until I have finished molds and finished bodies to make my final decision. I have a couple of friends that want to build one. I'll have the bodies made for them and build their frames. (I'll tack weld the frames and have a certified welder finish them.) Then I'll have a body made and left in the mold. And, build a frame and leave it in the jig.
As long as I'm healthy enough I probably will build and sell 1 kit at a time.
Tim, I hope that you are doing well. I really enjoyed getting together with the VT Cobra guys. The group was welcoming to me.
