Monday 27th February 2017

BAC Mono - the comeback

A 2017MY update, sales through H.R. Owen and launch control as well - here's the latest on the Briggs Automotive Company Mono

---

While the newswires have been quiet of late, it's very much a case of no news being good news for the team behind the BAC Mono. Staff numbers up, 70 cars have now been sold in 29 countries and H.R. Owen has now been appointed as an official dealer. With a launch event for that partnership not far from the PH office - the cars will be sold at H.R. Owen Ecurie in Cheltenham - it seemed about time to catch up with the BAC boys.

There are some significant changes for the MY17 car you see here, including traction control and launch control plus the introduction of variable valve timing for the 2.5-litre Mountune engine. Power is still rated at 309hp and torque at 227lb ft, with 62mph claimed in less than three seconds and a 170mph top speed. The gearbox also remains as a Hewland six-speed sequential, another British component on a car that proudly boasts very few overseas parts (Sachs dampers and Hella headlights being the two that stand out).

Also new for the Mono are the optional hybrid carbon wheels, developed with Dymag; through a combination of a carbon outer rim, billet aluminium centre and titanium nuts, they save 1.5kg of unsprung mass per corner over the standard 17-inch wheels. Add the ceramic brakes too and that rises to 4kg a corner and, with both, BAC claims a dry weight of 580kg. Other changes are cosmetic - the 'Mono' logo can be woven into the rear carbon, for example - yet nothing can detract from the little BAC being a staggering piece of design. The Briggs brothers interestingly don't like the idea of calling it a track car; not only will they say this denigrates its on-road ability, they prefer to look on their car as a piece of specialist sports equipment. So in the same way a snowboard or a mountain bike look as they do for their respective sports, so a Mono looks as it does for the sport of driving.

With the H.R. Owen deal having been arranged so soon after the administration of Zenos, it's interesting to talk with Ian Briggs about how BAC can cope in such a niche market. He's adamant that the Mono offers something unique at the price point (i.e. the focus of a single-seat car, plus the bespoke nature of a BAC build) where there are "dozens" of two-seat choices. Though mindful of the market post-Zenos, Briggs says they're clear on what they're offering so that buyers can be clear on what they're buying - naturally he will tell you it's the best choice too...

There are 14 Monos in the US too; like Caterham the cars arrive partially assembled and are then rebuilt over there - Semi Knocked Down kit is what it's known as. Where this was done by a third party early on, BAC now has its own people out there to get the cars together and sold through CJ Wilson of Scottsdale McLaren.

A few more interesting points to finish on: that traction control has six modes (three dry, two wet, and off) but cannot be retrofitted to any old Monos. Where they used to be hardwired the cars are now CAN, with gearbox and dashboard communications standardised and including the traction and launch controls. A drive-by-wire throttle now allows a variety of throttle blips on downshifts (as opposed to just one with the mechanical throttle) and, yes, there really are customers clamouring for a faster version: "There's always an appetite", says Ian.

Things appear to be on the up for BAC then, and it's always nice to report on a British automotive success. The H.R. Owen deal should get them in front of a new batch of customers and probably media as well. There is of course an elephant in the room though, a Hethelump if you will. The Lotus 3-Eleven is not far off at all, cheaper than the £165K Mono with a lightweight focus, great power and outrageous circuit ability. We'll do everything we can to make the twin test happen!

[rollo]

A car for those who know exactly what they want, and can afford to indulge themselves. It doesn't have to be justified any more than buying a very expensive watch. This is automotive jewellery, pure and simple.

Me, I rather admire the man in the previous article, and his Ultima CanAm, although, again, my personal choice would (and has been) different.

[SpudLink]

I adore the Mono. Yes, it's an indulgence, a toy. But it's an exquisite piece of engineering. If I was ever to buy a car as "objet d'art", it would be this.
However it also offers the opertunity to enjoy formula style single seater driving on road and track. Without the need for a full support crew.

OK, it's as impractical as a single seater sports bike. But for me that adds to the appeal.

[TheJimi]

I love these things, I really do, but for me, half the fun of owning something daft is being able to share the experience with other people.

If I could only have one such indulgence, this wouldn't get the nod over an Atom, Caterham or suchlike.

[_Leg_]

"Another £100,000 car"

Have BAC dropped the price from £150,000 for the basic Mono (typically £180,000+ once specced)?

[bertie]

_Leg_ said:

"Another £100,000 car"

Have BAC dropped the price from £150,000 for the basic Mono (typically £180,000+ once specced)?

Really?

Wow, love these so much but struggling at £150k plus

[_Leg_]

bertie said:

_Leg_ said:

"Another £100,000 car"

Have BAC dropped the price from £150,000 for the basic Mono (typically £180,000+ once specced)?

Really?

Wow, love these so much but struggling at £150k plus

They've been £150k for the basic model for some time. Some customers have specced them up to £210k and £220k or more. I was told the average is £180k.

[C.A.R.]

As others have said, there's no denying this is an engineering feat and very desirable, but as a 'toy' it should never be attempted to justify the asking price.

It would come down to personal preference, certainly it doesn't appear to have any performance advantage over a Radical or Ariel, which cost less...

[baronbennyt]

I was sorely tempted by the Mono. It's a lightweight piece of automotive jewellery, but two key points got in the way for me: price (although if you can afford it, good for you) and single seat. I know the latter is one of its USPs, but I like to take friends and family for a blast from time to time! Hence why I went for a Lotus 3-Eleven instead (see pic below for those not familiar with it). I can't wait for the PH twin test, as promised. Still, the Mono is a truly epic bit of technical kit and I wish them every success

[the_hood]

BACStabbed said:

Quote removed by moderator for breaking rule 21 of the Rules of Posting http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/rules.asp

Absolute nightmare experience. Thanks for sharing.

Edited by James Drake on Monday 6th March 11:24

[Leggy]

Wow that sounds terrible. I feel for you. Considering the cost and the press reports you would expect perfection. Although I recall one appearing on Top Gear and it either wouldn't start or it broke down before they could test it??

[PunterCam]

The only proper supercar on sale if you ask me. The rest have become so easy going and everyday driveable that the occasion is being lost. I'm sure they're all wonderful to drive, but that wasn't ever the point of supercars...

And you can't buy it to pose - you'll look a tit without a helmet, and you can't take people out in it to show off. It's wonderfully anti-modern culture. Thank fking Christ.

I don't see the Lotus as any sort of rival - the way this is built, the way you see how much thought went into the design stage - I think this is pretty much untouchable. Pagani precision in something without the flash. Fantastic.

[bertie]

BACStabbed said:

Quote removed by moderator for breaking rule 21 of the Rules of Posting http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/rules.asp

Thanks for sharing, sadly I have heard this all too often, shame as they are fabulous things.

Edited by James Drake on Monday 6th March 11:25

[foxsasha]

BACStabbed said:

Quote removed by moderator for breaking rule 21 of the Rules of Posting http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/rules.asp

Interesting stuff, thanks for posting. Wonder what BACs viewpoint to the above is.

Edited by James Drake on Monday 6th March 11:25

[Matt Bird]

_Leg_ said:

"Another £100,000 car"

Have BAC dropped the price from £150,000 for the basic Mono (typically £180,000+ once specced)?

Apologies, that's my error. Price is £165,125.


Matt

[_Leg_]

Matt Bird said:

_Leg_ said:

"Another £100,000 car"

Have BAC dropped the price from £150,000 for the basic Mono (typically £180,000+ once specced)?

Apologies, that's my error. Price is £165,125.


Matt

Crikey, it's gone up again.

That's a big premium over the competition.

[bertie]

_Leg_ said:

Matt Bird said:

_Leg_ said:

"Another £100,000 car"

Have BAC dropped the price from £150,000 for the basic Mono (typically £180,000+ once specced)?

Apologies, that's my error. Price is £165,125.


Matt

Crikey, it's gone up again.

That's a big premium over the competition.

Think I'll stick with a Caterham and £130k change....

[SpudLink]

BACStabbed said:

Tale of appalling reliability and support.

That's a real horror story. Keeping the customers happy should be the top priority when dealing with people who are willing to splash out that amount of money on an indulgence.

Have the cars built in the UK been as bad?

[Rawwr]

Was that the same launch event where Mr Garlick shoved a pizza the size of a dustbin lid into himself whilst everyone else had a light salad?

[ESOG]

Insanely beautiful piece of rolling art. Now, bring on the VERSUS Lotus vrs BAC Mono. I AM DYING to see this!

[V10Ace]

BACStabbed said:

Quote removed by moderator for breaking rule 21 of the Rules of Posting http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/rules.asp

Edited by James Drake on Monday 6th March 14:00