[Excaliber]

One approach is of course small exclusive market for your product, higher retail price. Ferrari, Lambo many others take this approach. There is some evidence that is changing for some. Jaguar, Mercedes, BMW are examples. Selling more "entry" level cars than ever before. The other classic approach example might be FFR. Make a LOT of them and sell at a good price. Both ways can work.

Hooking up with a "mass" manufactuer has largely been the key for the many of these "exclusive builders". Being able to adapt to smarter quicker ways to assemble, and yet they are able to retain the "old world" and more "exclusive" feeling for their product.

I see Lambo's going this way, Ferrari certainly. There are STILL expensive, exclusive cars, but "value" and reliablilty are FAR enhanced from what they were. A direct result of "hooking up" with the big boys.

Jaguar is now "main stream" with their small cars, far different than even a few years ago! Good? Bad? Whatever, it seems to be working. I hate it myself, I used to "dabble" in Jaguar used cars and the market just FELL OUT after the new models came out! Nobody wants an XJS anymore at a price I can make any money on!

If Kirkhams go with a "body" for your replica frame approach I would think it would be more like the Ferrari move. STILL exclusive to a degree, but more affordable than before. I'm not sure there is an FFR type market (mass production) for Alum bodies. But, what the heck do I know!

Ernie