V1 OVERVIEW

SEE THIS BUILD - V1 #240

Goblin V1

Exoskeletal • Mid Engine • Streetable

The DF Goblin V1 is a true mid engine kit car that uses a Chevrolet Cobalt donor to put the engine and transaxle behind the seats for balanced handling and big traction. It is an exoskeletal chassis that is easy to assemble at home, with real builder support and a proven track record on the street, at autocross, and on mountain drives.

Early DF Goblin V1 prototypes, green and black, side by side against a brick wall

Why We Built A Mid Engine Kit Car

We wanted the feel of a lightweight, mid engine car without supercar prices or a full fabrication shop. After building our own car and proving the layout, we turned that experience into a kit others could assemble at home. That is how the original Goblin V1 started in 2015.

Since then, builders across the United States have created daily drivers, weekend toys, and competitive autocross cars from the same core recipe: low weight, mid engine balance, and an exoskeletal frame that makes maintenance simple. With more than 500 kits sold, the Goblin V1 has become a go-to choice for people searching for a mid engine kit car they can actually finish.

See Real Builder Cars
Lineup of DF Goblin V1 cars at a meet, wide group shot in Arkansas

Donor: Chevrolet Cobalt

The Goblin V1 uses the front-drive Cobalt powertrain moved behind the seats to create a mid engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. Donor parts include the engine, transaxle, wiring, pedals, cluster, and more. Base models are inexpensive and common, while SS models deliver serious power.

The Cobalt SS range includes a 205 hp supercharged version and a 260 hp turbo version. In the Goblin’s light chassis those numbers feel wild, and both respond well to tuning. Whether you start with a budget donor or go straight to an SS, the result is a compact mid engine kit car with huge performance per dollar.

Cobalt Donor Info
Chevrolet Cobalt donor car in a parking lot, three-quarter view
Chevrolet Cobalt engine and transaxle prepared for mid engine placement in Goblin V1 #343

SEE THIS BUILD - V1 #343

Build At Home With Basic Tools

The Goblin is designed for assembly, not fabrication. Panels are pre-drilled, brake lines are pre-bent, hardware bags are labeled, and steps are documented with videos and a forum full of builders who have already done it. You can build in a garage or driveway with common hand tools.

Small Garage Build Tips

Most first-time builders go from donor teardown to first drive in months, not years. If you have questions, our community and support team answer quickly so you keep moving. The result is a mid engine kit car you build yourself and know inside and out.

How The V1 Build Works

What Comes In The Kit

The Goblin V1 kit is built to be comprehensive. It includes the exoskeletal chassis, front suspension with coilovers, steering components, fuel tank and plumbing, sheet-metal panels, brake system components, hardware, lighting, and body panels. That coverage lets you move quickly from parts to rolling assembly.

You provide the Chevrolet Cobalt donor items: engine, transaxle, wiring harness and ECU, pedal box, gauge cluster, hubs/knuckles, and a few interior controls. You also choose seats, wheels, and tires to match your style. The result is a complete mid engine kit car that focuses your time on assembly, stays simple to service, and is easy to upgrade later.

View V1 Kit Contents
DF Goblin V1 kit #383 delivered to a home garage ready for assembly

SEE THIS BUILD - V1 #383

Texas-themed DF Goblin V1 #186 carving an autocross course showcasing mid engine balance

SEE THIS BUILD - V1 #186

Why Mid Engine + Lightweight Feels So Good

A typical Goblin V1 weighs about 1,500 to 1,600 pounds complete. That is roughly half of many street cars. Less mass means quicker acceleration, shorter stopping distances, and steering that feels direct.

The mid engine layout places the powertrain close to the center of the car and over the driven wheels. That improves traction on corner exit, reduces weight transfer, and makes the chassis feel planted. Pair that with the exoskeletal frame and you get a precise, connected driving experience on back roads, at autocross, and on track days.

See V1 Specs

Goblin V1 Overview FAQ

We currently expect Goblin V1 to remain available for new kit orders until summer 2026. After that, we will continue to offer many optional components and replacement parts, but we will not produce full V1 kits.

We plan to keep small components in stock through 2030 to support upgrades and replacement needs. We will also keep tooling on hand so we can produce replacement parts like control arms, radiator mount structures, and fiberglass parts.

A kit car is a vehicle you assemble yourself from a supplied kit and a small set of parts you provide. The Goblin V1 kit includes the chassis, suspension, body panels, lighting, fuel and brake systems, and hardware. You add select components from a donor plus items like seats, wheels, and tires.

A donor car supplies OEM components for your build. For the Goblin V1, the donor is a Chevrolet Cobalt or Pontiac G5. You provide the engine, transaxle, wiring and ECU, pedal box, gauge cluster, hubs or knuckles, and a few interior controls that integrate into the Goblin chassis. See donor details.

A mid engine kit car places the engine and transaxle behind the seats and ahead of the rear axle. This centralizes mass for balance and traction and gives a planted, responsive feel in corners.

Yes. The Cobalt powertrain is relocated behind the seats inside the chassis, creating a true mid engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. View specs.

Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 donors are compatible with the Goblin V1. Learn which trims work best.

Most first-time builders complete a driving car in 6 to 10 months using basic tools. The kit focuses on assembly and is supported by manuals, videos, and an active builder forum. See the build process.

Total cost depends on options and donor choice, but plan on roughly $15,000 to $25,000. Many builds come in below new sports cars while delivering a stronger power-to-weight ratio. Check current kit pricing.

Many owners daily drive their Goblin and many keep it as a weekend car. The exoskeletal format is open and minimal, so plan for weather and storage like you would with a motorcycle.

The chassis is both the structure and the look. With panels off, components are easy to access, which keeps weight down and simplifies maintenance.
Two DF Goblins driving the curvy roads of the Tail of the Dragon.

Ordering And Options

Configure your Goblin V1 the way you want it. Choose body panels, lighting, seats, and performance upgrades like the rear coilover kit. The online order page walks through options and pricing, and the Order FAQ answers common questions about shipping, timing, and stages.

We recommend securing a donor first so we can match kit parts to your engine and transaxle. You can receive the kit all at once or in three stages based on your budget and space.

Order V1 Ordering FAQs

  • How The Order Works

  • 1. Get your donor

    Obtain a Chevrolet Cobalt donor. Your Goblin kit will match your donor’s engine and transaxle so we pack parts correctly from the start.

  • 2. Choose your kit options

    Pick body panels, seats, lighting, suspension options, and more on the order page. The configurator shows pricing as you go.

  • 3. Receive the kit

    Get everything in one shipment or split it into three staged deliveries to match your budget and workspace.