Space Frame Strength and repair

[lord james]

I was just reading about a crash I hope all and everyone is well.
But it got me thinking strong / safe is the car is in a crash?
Has any one pranged there's?
Do the factory have the crash test there cars?

Are the Chassis made by the factory or are they sub contracted out.
I know Caterham use arch motors and Cage.
What does Ultima do?

Has anyone bent there Chassis and had it repaired?

[bluesatin]

I know of two that have had serious accidents (Black factory car destroyed by test driver and Tuckshops) and in both cases the passengers walked away with minor/no injuries.

[CanAm Dave]

When I visited the factory in November I watched a chassis being welded. So yes they are made in house.

Regards Dave

[stig]

I've seen a crashed GTR first hand which had a major shunt. It had taken impacts from pretty much all sides. Passenger cell was totally intact. The whole thing is well designed to deform in all the right places whilst keeping the important bits intact. GRP is excellent as absorbing the impact too.

Occupant was shaken, but unhurt.

[carmad426]

Wasnt there a Ultima GTR that flew off the pike peak challenge or something, and the driver survived that. After seeing the chassis first hand at the open day i would say they are pretty strong construction.

I hope the crashed GTR person is alright and wish them a speedy recovery if they arnt.

[stig]

Just seen the other thread regarding the crached car. Very local to me too. Sincerely hope the driver is OK

[bigmack]

Back in 1997 when I bought my Ultima, one of the big reasons for choosing the Ultima was that there had been a couple of very high speed crashes on the track. I'm sure these Ultimas had further strengthening done, but I thought there were some that were in the 100-150mph range. Head on crashes are never good regardless of the type of car or vehicle. I'd much rather be in a tube frame car than a modern day production car.
Best wishes to all those involved...
-Mack

[steve_D]

This is the crash I had in mind not sure if it is Pikes Peak or not.
I don't think you need worry about the chassis strength after you have seen this.

Steve

>> Edited by steve_D on Monday 2nd January 17:40