From my recent conversations with Dave Lindsey over at Factory Five as well as what I’ve been reading in the forums here, it looks like buying a new 818C kit will no longer be an option for me going forward. In my experience, you should love the car you’re going to build or you won’t have the motivation and perseverance needed to see a project through from start to finish. With that idea in mind, I will say that I like Factory Five’s other kits, but I don’t love them. I have no interest in building one of Factory Five’s other cars, including the new F9. For me it’s either an 818C or it’s a kit from another company. The reason I want to do a Factory Five build so badly is because they have what other companies don’t: resources, education and an active builder community that can lend a hand when I encounter obstacles (which I know I will). With these other companies, you buy the kit and you are stranded on an island and there are almost zero resources available to you.

Where are the best places to find and buy partially-built 818C kits? My only concern is that if I buy a used 818C kit or a partially-assembled build then I will inherit someone else’s shortcuts and mistakes, especially when it comes to body panel fitment. Is buying a used 818C kit just asking for additional hurdles and obstacles that simply aren’t worth the trouble and the time investment? What are the community’s thoughts on this? I really appreciate everyone’s help.