To which I say "Hooey!"However, people will intimate that there is something wrong with the rules by saying that they are unScouting, or they don't allow enough creativity, or they don't encourage craftsmenship, or they don't allow me to compete because I'm tool impaired.
What they are really saying is "I don't want to/can't/won't spend all that time making a really nice/fast car when I can just buy the pieces and put it together"
Our rules are pretty basic rules but do specify BSA kit, BSA parts, etc. We have some pretty good looking cars made out of the kits, some that are obviously mostly parent made. I know one which would take best of show in just about any race. The boy did some work on it, dad probably did a lot but I know the boy was there every step of the way from initial design (which he showed me) to final coat and wheel mounting. (Not mine, I couldn't cut a square if the first three side were cut for me!) I am envious that something like that can be done with the block of wood. The Scout can explain why the weights are positioned where they are, why you polish the axles, etc. Dad took the time to teach his son what was being done every step of the way.
I sat down with my son and asked if he wanted looks or speed. I explained that if he wanted looks, we would have to work harder and longer because I can't use tools very well. Luckily he opted for speed. But the other kids thought his car (the rail design) looked very cool and he was mighty proud of it.