So what constitutes a factory built car ?

[Carroll DeWeese]

THe auto manufactures are increasingly having more and more work done by suppliers and then they "assemble" the car in a factory (i.e., "factory assembled"). A "part" is not just a particular piece but a whole grouping pre-assembled as a complete piece. This complete piece is then put with other complete pieces to create the final product.

Some of the limited production vehicles but the major manufactures are built very much like an SPF, except the final assembler is a "manufacturer" instead of an individual. Major pieces may be assembled by a manufacturer and then a custom shop may make the final assembly and tweaks. The manufacturer then sells and markets the finished product under their name. Sometimes the manufacturer sets specs and oversees the process but all the work is done by someone else. Still the finished product is marketed and sold as if the manufacturer did the work.

"Factory built" or "factory assembled" to me implies a certain degree of quality control, repeatability, consistency, and expertise as compared to "kit built". Under the laws of Michigan my SPF is an "assembled vehicle" with myself as the assembler, regardless of who did the actual work. If it is not treated as an assembled vehicle, then I have to meet all standards that would apply to GM, FOrd, etc. for a new vehicle offered to sale to the public. I would have to meet many safety, environmental, and other standards for a "new" vehicle. As a custom, assembled vehicle, I am allowed to produce a vehicle that only must meet minimal standards for streetablility (e.g., mirrors, windshield wipers, tail lights, turn signals, etc.).

My car is as "factory assembled" as any prototype and many limited production vehicles. SPF did the rolling body and Ford Racing did the engine and transmission install. People with the best expertise in specific areas used their expertise to produce my vehicle. NO individual that I know is fully qualified in all areas of assembly. At its extreem definition, "kit" implies something put together from individual parts by one individual.

Think of "kit" and "factory" as two ends of a continuum. Reality alway falls somewhere in between the two. Some so-called "kit cars" are better assembled than some "factory cars", but in general "factory cars " have more repaetability, consistency. etc. than "kit cars."

This does not necessarily make the factory cars better. It depends upon what is valued most. A "custom" work of art is a one of a kind. It requires custom craftsmanship. Factories are not normally set up to build originals. To the extent that it is made in a factory it is normally no longer custom or original. Factories, with quality control, etc., may make very good copies. It all depends upon what is needed and wanted.

Just because it is "kit" or "factory" does not in itself make it good or bad. The finished result compared to what is desired is the true test.