In the November '03 issue of KIT CAR, we ran 15 readers' rides in our annual showcase, "I Got My Car in KIT CAR." Many who sent me the photos and information necessary for inclusion were left out, and I have already received calls and letters from readers asking why they didn't get their cars in KIT CAR. There were various reasons, the most prevalent of which were: photo quality, lack of pertinent information, too many of the same car, and lateness.
Too Fuzzy
This was the most severe car killer. I can't tell you how many photos I got that were old Polaroids, shadowy, out of focus prints, reprints, or digital images that were not high-resolution enough. Folks, we need crisp, clear, well lit photos. Many were way too dark! Take pride in your car so we can show your pride in KIT CAR. Take your time and take photos you can be proud of. Examine your car and find the best angle, with the sun low in the sky (early morning or just before sundown). If the photos are not crisp, in focus, clear, and well lit, we can't use them. If you send digital photography, the shots MUST be at least 300 dpi at a minimum of 5x7 inches, or 1,200 pixels by 1,600 pixels. Anything less will NOT do. The photo MUST be great or it will not be considered. Be prideful; take great shots of your car
Too Brief
Many submissions were excluded because of a lack of information such as whose car it is; where the owner lives; the manufacturer of the car; engine make, size, and horsepower; and a little something special about the car or your experiences with the car.
Too Many Snakes
Often there were just too many submissions of the same car. I try to display as many different cars as I can to show off diversity of the hobby, and when more than one of a car showed up, I chose what I felt were the best representations and total package. As it was, out of 15 cars, I ran one Cobra 289 and two 427 replicas, but that was out of more than a dozen Cobra submissions. Sorry, but this is a feature about ALL cars and not just Snakes, though I may one day do an "I Got My Snake in KIT CAR" segment. And while we do include some one-offs (I love original-design cars), we try to feature cars that are for sale, or were for sale, and can be built by our readers. We also try to showcase some great nostalgic cars that are no longer for sale, but we can't do the entire segment on them though an "I Got My Classic Kit in KIT CAR," might be a good idea for the future. But keep 'em coming, Cobra or non-Snake, new car or old faithful kit...I want to see ALL of your cars.
Too Late
Many of the photos and information didn't arrive until well after the deadline we imposed for consideration. However, those that arrived too late for last year's feature will be held over and considered for this year's "I Got My Car in KIT CAR" segment, scheduled for the November issue. For those of you who missed it in 2003, if you can get me a great, crisp, clear, well-lit (sun or flash at your back is best for good lighting) photo, slide, or digital image of your car, along with information on where you live, who the body shell manufacturer was, whose chassis you used, the engine and horsepower, some spiffy items in your car, and a brief sentence either on why you built it or some fun story about it, we'll consider you for the next segment. Or, you might wind up as a Specialty Scene blurb. Make sure you get me the information no later than July 1, 2004. Don't miss out. Send your car's photo and info to: Mike Blake, Editor, KIT CAR, "I Got My Car in KIT CAR," 46 Gregory St., Lake Linden, MI 49945. See you next November