Sylva
Sylva Autokits is a kit car manufacturer based in Lincolnshire, England.
Sylva was founded in 1981 by Jeremy Phillips and has developed and produced a number of small and lightweight sports cars. Sylva cars have proven very successful in competition, winning a number of 750 Motor Club Kit Car championships.
Founder and History
Jeremy Phillips, the founder of Sylva Autokits, established the company in 1981. Initially based in the New Forest, the company later moved to Lincolnshire. Phillips' vision was to create small, agile, and lightweight sports cars that would be both economical and fun to drive.
Models Produced
- Sylva Star:
- Launched in 1982, the Sylva Star was the first kit car designed by Jeremy Phillips.
- It used a purpose-built two-seater chassis with the front subframe and rear axle from a Vauxhall Viva.
- Commonly powered by 1300 and 1600 four-cylinder Ford Kent crossflow engines, though other engine options were available.
- Sylva Leader:
- An evolution of the Sylva Star, retaining the two-seater, open-top layout but with improved design features.
- The two-piece fiberglass body consisted of a front-hinging bonnet and a low-sided passenger compartment.
- Engine options included Ford Kent Crossflow and Fiat Twin Cam engines.
- The manufacturing rights for the Leader were later sold to Nials Johannson, who continued production under the name Swindon Sportscars.
- Sylva Striker:
- A radical evolution of the Star and Leader, dropping the Viva donor car in favor of purpose-built suspension and lighter bodywork.
- The Striker has been one of the most enduring models, with its design sold to Raw Engineering.
- A race version known as the Phoenix was also developed, featuring a curved and lowered front and wheel-covering outer edges.
- Sylva Fury:
- Launched in 1991 with a 1960s-inspired design, reminiscent of British sports cars from that period.
- The rights to the Fury were sold to Fisher Sportscars in 1994 and later to BGH Geartech Ltd.
- The Fury has been successful in various championships, including the 750 Motor Club's RGB and Kitcar series.
- It can be fitted with a variety of engines, including Ford Crossflow, Rover V8, Cosworth Turbo, and even motorcycle engines.
- Sylva Stylus:
- Launched in 1994, with the manufacturing rights sold to Specialist Sports Cars in 1996.
- Initially used a modified Fury chassis, later switching to a purpose-built chassis that could accommodate lowered doors.
- Engine options included various four-cylinder engines and the Rover V8.
- In 2003, the Stylus RT was introduced, featuring a modern design.
- Sylva Jester:
- Originally based on the first-generation Ford Fiesta, now produced by Harlequin Autokits.
- The Jester kit was recently re-developed by Stingray Motorsport, which used the Ford KA as a donor car.
- The new kit includes adjustable AVO shocks and Cobra seats.
- Sylva Mojo 2 and R1ot:
- Current models developed by Sylva, focusing on newer designs and ideas.
- These models reflect the company's ongoing commitment to innovation and performance.
Legacy and Impact
Sylva Autokits has played a significant role in the kit car industry, known for their lightweight and agile sports cars. By selling older designs to other manufacturers, Sylva has been able to focus on new and innovative models. The company's cars have achieved considerable success in various racing championships, particularly in the 750 Motor Club Kit Car series.
Transition and Current Status
In 2016, Jeremy Phillips retired and sold the company to David MacBean, marking a new chapter for Sylva Autokits[2]. The Jeremy Phillips Sportscars Club (JPSC), formed in 2007, continues to support enthusiasts of the cars designed by Jeremy Phillips[6].
Preservation and Community
The Kansas Historical Society does not have any Sylva cars on display, but the cars are well-represented in various kit car communities and clubs. The JPSC and other enthusiast groups help maintain the legacy of Sylva Autokits by supporting owners and enthusiasts of these unique vehicles.
