Kit car project puts students to the test

MOTOR vehicle students at Buxton & Leek College are putting their learning to the test in rebuilding their own kit car.

A group of six learners on the Level 2 Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair course are putting in extra hours at the College’s training centre, on the Harpur Hill Business Park at Buxton, to get the car on the road in time to take part in Buxton’s annual carnival parade in July.

Now the determined young mechanics, Daniel Mottram, Luke Mellin, Ashley Knowles, Lewis Gardner, Sebastian Jones-Walker and Jason Redmond, are looking for sponsors to help cover the cost of essential items such as new wheels and tyres, seats and a new braking system. They are also planning a series of fund-raising events including a car wash and pre MOT vehicle checks to bring in the cash needed to fund the rebuild.

Daniel Mottram explained: “The car will be built around a second-hand Robin Hood frame which we have bought and already we have stripped out the engine and are planning a complete re-build. We estimate the total cost at around £2,000 but the car will be worth £3,000 to £5,000 when it is finished depending on what modifications we make to the engine.”

Already Snap-on tools have agreed to sponsor the project by providing essential equipment and the students aim to showcase their finished car at carnivals and shows throughout the Buxton and Leek areas this year.

Tutor Mike James said: “I feel that this project is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Motor Vehicles students’ talents as well as bringing enthusiasm to the course they are studying. It will be great to see the project completed and we hope to use the car to promote Buxton & Leek College at automotive events.”All six of the students taking part are aged 17 to 18 and now have an extra incentive to pass their driving tests.

Any company interested in sponsoring the project is asked to contact Mike James at the Harpur Hill training centre on 01298 330492.