Carlisle Import/Kit-Replicar Nationals

The Carlisle Import/Kit-Replicar Nationals is an event that showcases and celebrates a wide variety of vehicles; everything from European classics to Japanese sportscars will be displayed, judged and raced throughout the weekend of May 15-17 at the Carlisle, PA Fairgrounds.

Coupled with the Carlisle Import Nationals is the largest kit car gathering in the U.S. This year’s special guest for the Kit-Replicar event will once again be Bruce Meyers, father of the modern day dune buggy. Meyers made his Carlisle debut at the 2008 event and was such a hit that the Carlisle Team insisted he come back for 2009. Meyers has a long history with dune buggies, dating back to the original water-pumpers of Southern California. Meyers took it upon himself to re-design the crude, heavy vehicles into the lightweight version that we are accustomed to today. After being featured on the cover of national automotive magazines like Hot Rod and Car and Driver, The Meyers Manx popularity took off around the world. Over the years, Meyers produced over 7,000 kits stemming from the Manx. He and his wife Winnie hope to make the East Coast debut of his final version of the classic buggy, the Manx Kick-Out at the Carlisle show.

In addition to welcoming back Meyers, the 2009 Carlisle Kit/Replicar Nationals will grow with an increased participation from the Speedster Owners Group. Enthusiasts of 356 replicas plan on making Carlisle the home for their annual gathering again this year, which means the Cobra replicas might just have to watch their backs. For more information, visit CarlisleEvents.com or call (717) 243-7855.

For more car shows, check out the calendar in the latest Kit Car Builder issue or check our Web site. Stop by and see us at the show!

American Gasser Spinoff

American Gasser, Inc. recently completed its spin-off from Active Power, Inc. The new company aims to become a full-service, period-correct reproduction Gasser Coupe fabrication shop. The primary platform, the 1940-1941 Willys Coupe, was exhibited throughout the 2008 show season and has now become the preferred builder for the National Geezer Gasser organization.

American Gasser’s Coupe body/chassis configurations include the following hand fabricated boxed frames, parallel leaf spring/straight axle configuration, rear coilover shocks, ladder bars, and Panhard bar; Ford 9 in. rear end, Hand Laid 4-layer fiberglass body, glass, and hardware.

Nostalgia drag racing has dramatically increased in popularity in recent years. This grass roots level of affordable fun has grown in scale every year with NHRA and the Goodguys Rod and Custom shows, each hosting multiple nostalgic drag racing events.

American Gasser is presently working on a 1933 Willys Coupe and has plans for a 1948 Anglia product this summer. For more information visit: www.americangasser.com.

Check out more great news stories like this in the newest issue of Kit Car Builder magazine.

30 Years of Fun Under the Sun at Knott's

It's hard to believe it is already that time of year, but the Kit Car Builder crew is headed to Knott's Berry Farm in two weeks for the 30th Anniversary of the Fun Under the Sun kit car show. It is always fun and full of beautiful kit cars. The show starts on Saturday April 25th and runs through Sunday afternoon, April 26th at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California. The show is organized by the Association of Handcrafted Automobiles.

Hope you can make it out to the show. Don't forget to stop by the Kit Car Builder booth to say "hello". We promise to provide a full report and loads of photos from the show in an upcoming issue of Kit Car Builder and on the KCB website.

If you have any questions or need more information about the Fun Under the Sun show, contact Dave Martin at (818) 597-8797 or daytonaman@sbcglobal.net.

New GT In Town

Tornado Sports Cars has been producing GT40 replicas for more than 20 years in the UK and now once again has representation in the U.S. in the form of Scott Calabro, Tornado Sports Cars USA, in Southwick, Massachusetts. The Belgian Racing Yellow car shown here is Chris’ RHD demo model that features a 385hp 289cid small-block topped with a set of Weber 44 IDFs and coupled to a UN1-26 transaxle. The car is additionally outfitted with the typical bundle-o-snakes headers, chrome suspension links, lightweight starter, anti rollbars, lightweight alloy radiator, alloy shocks, Wilwood four-piston caliper brakes at all four corners, oil cooler, and BRM knock-off wheels. The car will soon receive the company’s new lightweight cast rear uprights as well. For more details on the car, contact Scott; (413) 977-4408, www.tornadosportscars.com.

For more photos check out the April issue of Kit Car Builder magazine.

June issue sneak peek

Here's a very early look at the new issue just going to the printer today. As you can see by the cover there's a lot to see in this new edition. The story on the sexy Attack alone is worth taking a closer look. There's also a story in there on a scratch-built McLaren made of aluminum and powered by a Honda engine. Also in this issue is an inside look at a new 6-speed transmission, ceramic coatings, show coverage, a hot Daytona Coupe replica, a Lotus 7 cruise, a ride in a Mini Marcos and the first of a new recurring series about tools, among other cool stuff. This issue goes on sale on the newsstands June 1 and subscribers will start getting it in their mailboxes toward the end of April.