There are some differences between Dr C's Zombie Killers and Car Wars. In Car Wars, the major auto manufacturers produce and sell cars outfitted with weapons, armor, targeting computers, fire supression systems, etc. So instead of the "built out of spare parts" look, the Car Wars builds could be fully armed and armored and still have that "fresh off the line" look.
Now all you SHINY-heads can build cars with guns! Why should the rest of us have all the fun?
There was also a Car Wars game supliment (or add-on in current terms) called Chassis and Crossbow set at an earlier point in Car Wars "history" in which lower tech weapons would have been fitted to older cars. Like a vehicular crossbow that uses automotive springs to fire bolts made from driveshafts with the intention of pinning vehicles to the ground- and possibly injuring the occupants.
So, there's something for the Cranky-heads too!
I don't like to limit myself, so I'll probably build one of each. I've already started on my SHINY one based on 1985(?) Monte Carlo SS. I've already got the base for the power plant and I'm working on the wheel-hub motors. I hope to post some pics soon.
David G.