It's every young boy's dream to get behind the wheel of a racing car, but only a select few get to experience the thrill of competing at a high level. Most end up behind the wheel of a haggard Mazda MX-5 at their local track days. That is quickly changing.
The proliferation of technology and the wide availability of cheap performance parts means that kit-car racing is growing in popularity, and Aeromaster from Bulgaria now offers willing buyers the opportunity to build a replica of the 2003 24 Hours of Le Mans-winning Bentley Speed 8 for the same cost as a brand new Toyota Corolla Hybrid. Yes, please.
The Aeromaster LMP is based on a space-frame chassis that is around four inches shorter, and three and a half inches wider than a Chevrolet Camaro. Aeromaster claims that its LMP racer is an 80 percent accurate replica of the original Bentley racer, but features a simplified chassis setup to ease maintenance.
This kit car comes complete with a safety roll-cage, and the chassis weighs a mere 1,874 lbs, meaning a fully built car can still comfortably tuck in under 3,000 lbs. Aeromaster has designed the engine bay to accommodate V8s or smaller engines, and power outputs are limited to 600 horsepower due to frame limitations. That sadly eliminates any hopes of fitting a Challenger Hellcat engine, but a lightweight Honda K-series swap with a mild turbo kit will do the job just fine.
The kit is available in two trims; the Basic, and the Pro. The base model comes with all the tubing needed to put the chassis together, fiberglass body panels, Lexan and acrylic windows, suspension wishbones, and aluminum undertray. Optional extras include rear fender intakes, an adjustable rear wing, side fuel inlet, and road-legal safety glass. On the inside, Aeromaster can also supply aluminum pedals and a racing bucket seat (there's only space for one).
The Pro starts at $35,100 and is capable of handling 900 hp and two passengers. Inside, the Pro can be fitted with composite panels, a modular pedal box, and an improved steering rack. Optional extras include six-piston calipers with 355-mm drilled rotors. These cars are also available as pre-built units and though they won't get you into the actual 24 Hours of Le Mans, you'll look really cool at your local track day.