DIY Supercar - Who doesn't want to own a supercar? In today’s world, where innovation meets determination, building your own high-performance car isn’t just a fantasy for the wealthy—it’s a real possibility for passionate enthusiasts. With the right tools, knowledge, and a bit of elbow grease, you can bring a Le Mans-style track machine to life, right from your own garage. One standout that turns this dream into an achievable project is the Superlite SL-C—a head-turning, track-focused beast that blends raw performance, design flair, and surprising affordability.
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| The Superlite SL-C is an American-built Le Mans-style road racer, reminiscent of the British Ultima GTR, available as a self-build or a turnkey-minus car requiring only the buyer’s chosen drivetrain. (Picture from: SupercarWorld) |
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| The Superlite SL-C is engineered entirely in-house with precision, using a TIG-welded aluminum semi-monocoque frame that forms the core of its striking presence. (Picture from: SuperliteCars) |
What sets the SL-C apart is not just the frame, but the engineering sophistication behind its every component. The suspension setup borrows straight from motorsport technology, utilizing billet aluminum arms and a pushrod system in the rear. Customers can fine-tune their ride using adjustable QA1 shocks and springs, supported by top-tier braking from Brembo four-pot calipers and ventilated discs. Even steering options are flexible, offering both manual and power-assisted racks based on OEM GM parts, giving builders the freedom to match performance with comfort.
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| The Superlite SL-C offers a customizable cockpit that can be configured for a pure track setup or a more refined, street-legal driving experience to suit any builder’s vision. (Picture from: SuperliteCars) |
Interestingly, Superlite leaves the choice of powertrain to the customer, offering compatibility with a broad range of engines—from American V8s like the iconic LS7 to exotic powerplants like Lamborghini V10s or even BMW’s V12. Pairing an LS7 with a Graziano six-speed transaxle transforms the SL-C into a performance monster capable of accelerating from zero to 60 mph in just around 3 seconds. That’s a figure shared with far more expensive and exclusive supercars.
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| The Superlite SL-C allows customers to choose their own powertrain—ranging from American V8s like the LS7 to exotic options like a Lamborghini V10 or BMW V12—and when paired with a Graziano six-speed transaxle, it delivers blistering performance with 0–60 mph in just about 3 seconds. (Picture from: SuperliteCars) |
The exterior of the SL-C is no less impressive. Inspired by endurance racers, its fiberglass body is a visual knockout. Unlike most kit cars that betray their DIY roots, the SL-C’s design feels refined, exotic, and professionally sculpted. Buyers can choose from different rear configurations, ranging from a street-style integrated bumper to a track-ready short tail or even a full-length Le Mans-style version for the ultimate aerodynamic edge. A wide range of optional carbon fiber accessories, including splitters, spoilers, and vents, allows for further customization.
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| The Superlite SL-C offers multiple rear-end configurations—from a street-style integrated bumper to a short tail or full-length Le Mans-style version for maximum aerodynamics—along with optional carbon fiber accessories like splitters, spoilers, and vents for added customization. (Picture from: SuperliteCars) |
Inside, the cockpit can be tailored to serve either as a full-on track setup or a more livable street-legal environment. Whether you're aiming for racing minimalism or a more refined cabin experience, the SL-C offers the flexibility to match your vision.
To make the build process accessible, Superlite offers the SL-C in sixteen separate packages. Only the body and chassis need to be purchased together, while the rest can be acquired piece by piece—ideal for builders working within a budget. Of course, buying all at once saves on shipping, but there’s no pressure to do so. It’s a system that encourages progress at your own pace.
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| The Superlite SL-C isn’t just about impressive specs—it proved its real-world performance in 2011 by dominating the NASA Super Unlimited National Championship with a fully off-the-shelf build, securing pole position and winning every race it entered. (Picture from: Autoevolution) |
Now, how much does this all cost? While the base components start around $67,000, adding a new LS7 engine and a used transaxle still keeps the total well under $100,000—a price point that’s remarkable when compared to traditional supercars offering similar performance. If you’re resourceful and source used parts wisely, the total investment can drop even lower. Alternatively, going all-out with exotic materials and new hardware can take the cost closer to $200,000, but even then, you're building something that can rival the best from Stuttgart or Maranello on the track.
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| The first Australian electric supercar, Varley evR450 is built on the American Superlite SL-C kit base. (Picture from: Autoevolution) |
The SL-C isn’t all about impressive specs—it’s backed by real-world performance. In 2011, a version built entirely with off-the-shelf parts dominated the NASA Super Unlimited National Championship, taking pole position and winning every race it entered. The platform even served as the foundation for the Varley evR-450, celebrated as Australia’s first electric supercar. That’s the kind of pedigree most kit cars can only dream of. | pOkKM4ZRvP8 |
Built in the spirit of iconic endurance racers and tuned to outperform, the Superlite SL-C offers more than just excitement—it offers ownership of something truly personal and purpose-built. It’s not about imitating what’s already out there. It’s about creating something uniquely yours, without compromising on thrill, speed, or presence. For those who’ve always wanted a car that feels like it belongs on the Mulsanne Straight but still turns heads at the local coffee shop, the SL-C is an extraordinary gateway into that world. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SUPERLITE CARS | AUTOEVOLUTION | SUPERCARWORLD ]Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
