GKD Legend:CKC Guide 2009
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GKD Legend
FOR MANY YEARS, Ford donor cars have been the staple of the kit car industry. But most front engine, rear-wheel-drive cars that bear a blue oval have been consigned to the scrap heap – and that’s why GKD Sports Cars has looked elsewhere for a donor for its Lotus Seven inspired Legend. And the chosen candidate is the BMW 3-series (E36/E46). The correct drivetrain layout isn’t the only reason to commend the BMW donor; GKD points to a number of other benefits. There’s a lot of parts interchangeability, meaning it’s easy to upgrade to performance parts. It also means that any donor from 1991 to 2006 will fit the Legend. Donor cars start from £200 and parts prices are low too – in some cases, cheaper than equivalent Sierra components. Backing up the prestige underpinnings are high quality kit components that are offered at competitive prices. For that reason the Legend is surprisingly affordable. Opt for GKD’s Chassis Pack or Starter Pack as your starting point, and it is possible to get a car complete and on the road from just £6500. Alternatively, the Comprehensive Pack (at £7995) provides everything you need to build the car save for the parts that come from the BMW donor. There are three distinct models in the Legend line-up. The S is the standard road-going version which is designed for fast road use and the occasional track day. The ST (street and track) adds a full bolt-on rollcage and vented side panels. This version is recommended for those opting for high power engines, such as the M3’s. Finally, the R has a 50mm lower ride height and a chassis made from T45 grade tubular steel. Meanwhile, GKD is currently working on a major restyling work of its Evolution, which is also BMW 3-series based. Watch this space.
SPECIFICATION CHASSIS: Tubular steel spaceframe with a back-braced bolt on roll-over bar. BODYWORK: GRP nose, scuttle and wings. Rest of body is laser cut ali ready to fit. DONOR CAR: Any BMW 3-series (E36/E46) produced between 1991 and 2006. ENGINE OPTIONS: A wide range of car and bike engines can be accommodated with the standard fitment being any of the four or six cylinder BMW 3-series E36/E46 petrol engines (E46 engines may require an aftermarket ECU. SUSPENSION: Front – Double wishbones, coil-over dampers, fabricated uprights, BMW hubs. Rear – Double wishbones, coil-over dampers, fabricated uprights, BMW bearings and flanges. STEERING: Rack and pinion. BRAKES: Discs all-round. KIT PRICE: Legend S – Starter Pack (all parts that can only be sourced from GKD Sports Cars) £3895, Comprehensive Pack (almost everything to complete a car except a BMW donor and your choice of a 4 or 6-cylinder exhaust) £7995. Turnkey £12,500 (customer supplies BMW donor parts). Legend ST – Starter Pack (all parts that can only be sourced from GKD Sports Cars) £4795. Comprehensive Pack (almost everything to complete a car except a BMW donor and your choice of a 4 or 6-cylinder exhaust) £8995. Turnkey £13,500 (customer supplies BMW donor parts). Legend R – Starter Pack (all parts that can only be sourced from GKD Sports Cars) £7895. Comprehensive Pack (almost everything to complete a car except a BMW donor and your choice of a 4 or 6-cylinder exhaust) £12,295. Turnkey £17,500 (customer supplies BMW donor parts).
SUMMARY – Using the BMW 3-series as a donor for a Seven-inspired roadster is a brilliant innovation. But like all the best ideas, it’s also a simple one: readily available quality components make their own argument.
BUDGET BUILD COST: Legend S from £6500.
GKD Sports Cars, 17 Firmin Avenue, Maidstone, Kent ME17 4RD T: 08709 104108 E: info@gkdsportscars.com W: www.gkdsportscars.com
ENCYCLOPEDIA of KIT CARS 2012
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