hybrid project: Australian MR2 AW11 Mk1 Karmeleon Kit Conversion - WOTAMI

Welcome to the home of the first Australian attempt at the U.K based Karmeleon Car Kit for the MR2 AW11 Mk1.

This simple site will track the progress of the first Australian built Karmeleon Car Kit for the MR2 AW11 Mk1. Feel free to look around and check out the many photos and follow the build log as this project progresses.

OMG...Why?

I love cars. I have always had a passion for building cars. Not necessarily the fastest car I can build, but one that is a complete package, in both looks and streetable power. Also, one that is unique and different.

Before venturing on this project, I did a little research into what people here in Australia think of this U.K based car kit for the MR2 Mk1. Naturally, I had the for and against voice their opinions which is good. Good or bad, all is always welcome.

Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder (and some think I am blind LOL). For me, I am keen to see how this looks in real life and not just in photos. I like the kit in photos, so I thought - let's do it and see what we can make it look like.

Who am I?

I am a computer programmer living in Melbourne, Victoria. Now I hear you say: what is a geek doing building a car? Well, my history has not always been computers.

When I was younger, I lived in Canberra, ACT (yes, street machine mecca) and naturally, I got into cars.

My previous jobs while in Canberra ranged from being an electroplater / metal polisher to an auto electrician.

While in Canberra, the 3 year project was to build a tight Datsun 1600 that was both streetable, and a little different. Being strapped for cash, this build took time. But it paid off.

The build was a Datsun 1600 with a 12A Rotary Turbo / 5 Speed gearbox, EMS engine management, custom manifolds, etc. Check out the Photos section for pics.