Riot: Have you seen too many "sevenesque" style kit sports cars? The transverse mid engined Riot with its short nose and truncated rear give a refreshing and distinctive look reminiscent of Formula Junior race cars of the Sixties. With an all up weight of 470 kg and low frontal area this little car does not need a lot of horse power to put a smile on the drivers face. Despite its diminutive size this amazing car can accommodate most drivers in comfort. Ease of build due in part to the simple format and mid engine installation makes this an excellent choice for the "first timer". Chosen as car of the year by "Which Kit" magazine for its universal appeal, sensible cost and its point to point road ability it is set to become an Icon of the future.

J15: All new for 2009 the J15 with its handsome all enveloping streamlined glass fibre body is a modern take on the mid engined two seat sports racers of the early Sixties. The transverse mid engine chassis is derived from the acclaimed Riot but offers more cockpit space and fully triangulated side intrusion framework making it the strongest Sylva to date. The stylish GRP body work, excellent cockpit accommodation and mid engine configuration set it apart from its contemporaries. Altogether the 500kg J15 will give mighty performance and refined driving experience at a fraction of the cost of the cars from the past that it dares to emulate.

Both J15 and Riot offer individual open air motoring at a sensible price for the person who derives great pleasure not only in owning a fantastic little sports car but also taking pride and satisfaction in its assembly. Sylva Autokits have been supplying body chassis kits for these adventurous spirits for the last 28 years and understand the commitment they make when they place their order. The driving experience, ease of build and factory back up are top on the Sylva agenda.

The body chassis kits offered by Sylva both share the same underpinnings. The principal donor car is the Ford Fiesta/Puma fitted with the ultra light 1250/1400/1600 Sigma engine. The front suspension is fully independent with lower wishbones and upper rocker arms with inboard coil over shock absorbers. The steering rack and support clamps are taken from a Mk.2 Ford Escort. The front uprights complete with disc and alloy hub is included in the kit, they originate from the evergreen Triumph GT6. Iron calipers can be supplied but most will opt for aftermarket alloy callipers. The rear suspension is also fully independent with upper and lower wishbones and coil over shock absorbers. The rear uprights included in the kit are designed to fit the Fiesta hubs and shafts. The calliper used is from the rear of a Ford Sierra and the discs are solid Ford Fiesta. As with the front many alloy calliper options are available. Toe adjustment is provided by a rod end tie bar on the lower wishbone provided in the kit. The Ford Fiesta collapsible, lockable steering column with its articulated link are used but the link needs to be extended as necessary. The Fiesta drive shafts need to be shortened. The pedals on the Riot are as taken from the Fiesta, the brake pedal being modified as necessary by Sylva. The clutch master cylinder is retained as standard. The J15 uses a balance bar pedal box with pedals supplied in the kit. The much praised gear linkage is formed in part from the Fiesta lever and universal joint. These are adapted to work in conjunction with a specially designed translink and linear bearing supplied in the kit. A hand brake lever is supplied in the basic kit. Ford Fiesta / Puma Sigma engines are available in 1256, 1400 and 1600 capacities. A 1700 VVT engine from the Puma can be fitted but are in very short supply and only offer a modest increase in power for a lot more money. The Ford Focus 1600 engine can be used but must be bolted to the Fiesta or Ka gearbox. A major bonus in utilising the transverse engine gearbox being installed in the same configuration as the donor no modifications to the sump, starter, alternator, gear box or prop shaft are necessary.

Build costs vary enormously depending on choice of components and finish desired. A J15 is likely to cost in the region of £8/9000 whilst a Riot to a similar spec. about £1500 less. Both kits are supplied with the GRP bodywork in a "gel" finish keeping costs down. Assembly time will be approximately 200 hours although an experienced and organised constructor could shave this down considerably.