Dave -
Don't give up your dream! I was in exactly the same boat -the challenge of building a car from scratch was daunting, the cost of buying a ready-built one was simply out of the question, and the offerings from Ca*****ham had gotten so outrageous it was as likely as pondering buying a Ferrari!
However, the way to look at it is...it's like eating an elephant. It looks impossible at first, until you start eating...one bite at a time. You'll be amazed how fast things start to happen!
I'd suggest starting by selecting an engine and drive train. A live axle is the simplest, and will work wonderfully. They're cheap as chips, too. I chose not to go the "single donor" route, as that tends to force you to use all the components from that car, many of which won't be suited to a Locost. I got an engine from one car, a drive train from a couple of others, and so on. My local auto wrecker got to know me very well, and started setting parts aside for me that I might need.
As for engines, one choice you might consider is the Ford Zetec. They're still plentiful, extremely light, cheap, and there's lots of aftermarket support for them. As if that weren't enough, they make lots of extremely reliable power, and they're very short top-to-bottom, so they fit beautifully into a Locost. And, IMHO, they look "right", too.
Look out - engine "[NWS PORN]" ahead (this one is mine) -
Attachment:
fuel line carbs small.jpg
There are lots of other suitable power plants, too. Ford's 2.3 SOHC engines can be found, and with a turbo (like in the later T-bird Super Coupe) they can make serious power! Variants of the 2.3 can be found in Ford Ranger pickups, along with useful other bits, like rear axles & transmissions.
There are lots of other engine options, too, from GM to Subaru, from 4 cylinders to V8's, and everything in between. Pick one you like, and ask about it here. We'll be able to help you decide if it's the right engine for you, and what accouterments would work with it, whatever it may be.
Frame plans are available, for free, in several iterations, one of which will be perfect for your desired car. As long as you have access to steel square tube & a MIG welder (a cheap, Horrible Fright 110v one will do the job nicely), you're on your way.
Building one of these cars is not an over-a-weekend task, so you have lots of time to figure things out as you go.
People here will answer ANY questions you have, and can give real-world advice on any Locost-related topic you can name. The wealth of knowledge represented on this forum, in my view, exceeds any found elsewhere in the world.
In other words, if you
really want a Locost, we'll help you do it. There are undoubtedly people on this forum who live close to you, and would be happy to assist you in person.
Don't give up (I've been tempted myself, but the folks on this forum kept me going...and I'm eternally grateful that they did!!). Your dream car is waiting for you to discover it. And one thing's for sure - the satisfaction of being able to say you built the car that bystanders are drooling over, with your own two hands, is unlike any other. It could be the most satisfying & outstanding accomplishment of your life.
_________________
Scratch building, at continental-drift speed, a custom McSoreley-design framed, dual-Weber 45DCOE carburated, Zetec-engined, ridiculously fast money pit.
http://zetec7.webs.com/