This £10K Kit Car Might Be All the Sports Car You Actually Need

There’s a growing gap between what modern sports cars offer and what some drivers actually want. Dutton is stepping into that space with a new kit car focused on keeping things simple and light.

The company is still run by Tim Dutton, and after years spent on amphibious projects, this feels like a shift back to its original focus.

The Phaeton 5 picks up from where the Phaeton 4 left off in 1989, just with much newer bones. Instead of old Ford Escort parts, it’s built around the Mazda MX-5 NC. So you’re working with a familiar chassis and a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Nothing fancy, just a setup that’s proven and easy to enjoy.

What stands out is the way it looks. It doesn’t try to hide the MX-5 underneath, but it doesn’t copy it either. None of the exterior panels is shared. It’s its own thing. A bit bigger than before, with a clear retro vibe. Round headlights, wide fenders, no real doors, side exhausts, and a chunky grille that gives it a slightly aggressive edge.

The one shown in lime green makes the point pretty clearly. Black wheels, red brake calipers, no subtlety at all.

Price-wise, it stays fairly approachable. If you’ve already got an MX-5, the kit is £9,990, about $13,500. Extras are simple. A fabric top, side screens, and different colors, adding another £1,200, or around $1,600. If you don’t feel like building it yourself, a fully assembled car starts at about £14,300, roughly $19,300 with VAT.