Here in the Netherlands and Flanders, Kit Cars have always been viewed with a somewhat skewed eye. "Tinkering, not really, cheap look a likes". No direct status-enhancing enthusiast vehicles.
The Burtons and Lomaxes are the widely accepted exceptions.
But in England the Dutton Sierra was a success. Thanks to Ford, because the car was based on Ford Escort parts, or a complete Ford Escort as a donor. It was the first British kitcar that literally tinkered with a few days ready to roll used to be. The degree of finish and luxury was of course entirely at the discretion of the proud builder / owner. And the Sierra didn't look wrong at all. In the heyday, more than 20 left the factory per week.
Kitcar building on that island also had tax benefits.
And that Range Rover drivers despised the Dutton Sierra? The Dutton Sierra drivers had a hard time.
Because a Range Rover was way above their budget and they had something that almost looked like it?
The fight with donor supplier Ford over the name Sierra led to additional publicity and was measured as the fight between a friendly David against an angry Goliath.
As prosperity grew, real 4 × 4 cars came within the reach of Sierra buyers. The two-wheel-driven construction sets quickly found less deduction and fewer buyers.
In 1995 it was over for the Sierra. The Dutton Sierra. (1979-1995)