Meanwhile, some cars can be tuned to double or triple their original power fairly easily, or you could go to a number of companies for new panels, styling parts and body kits.
The best cars to modify:
Here are some of the best cars to modify and tune that you can buy today, in no particular order…
Mini
Nearly five and a half million classic Minis were built between 1959 and 2000, and there’s a huge community of enthusiasts around the world. Even from the factory, you could choose a wide range of optional extras to make your Mini stand out, while a plethora of other companies would offer everything from tuning kits to cupholders and leather bonnet straps.
As the Mini is such an icon, lots of companies have been set up specifically to offer spares and opportunities to customise the car. And no avenue has been left unexplored. Minis have been lowered, chopped, lengthened and redecorated, while engine swaps aren’t out of the question either. Honda VTEC engine kits are readily available and are said to fit straight into the tiny engine bay while, for something more drastic, there have been modified Minis with V8 engines and suchlike.
If you prefer to keep your Mini stock or as original as possible, there are also plenty of companies who will be able to supply new-old stock or uprated equipment, from indicator stalks to chrome bumpers.
Toyota Supra Mk4
Finding a standard Mk4 Toyota Supra is quite unusual as so many have been modified. The Supra is essentially a blank canvas, because the sleek styling can be enhanced or changed to suit your exact tastes – whether you like outlandish modifications or just subtle tweaks. Companies like Rocket Bunny, Veilside and TRD make whole body kits or individual parts for the car, while most body panels have been recreated in carbon fibre. Given the history of the model line, it’s not surprising that even the new fifth generation Supra is gaining a strong following in the modified car community. At the first SEMA modified car show to take place after the BMW-based Mk5 Supra was revealed, almost a dozen different tuners unveiled their visions for the car, some more tasteful than others.
