Dutton Phaetons
Discussion
Are they any good? 
Seen what looks like a very nice example for not a lot on ebay. Wondered what they were like to drive/own?
It says the suspension is triumph based? Is it modified in some way or do I need to fear axles tucking under a la spitfire?
Any info you have really, plus if anyone knows what you should expect to pay.....
CP
Seen what looks like a very nice example for not a lot on ebay. Wondered what they were like to drive/own?
It says the suspension is triumph based? Is it modified in some way or do I need to fear axles tucking under a la spitfire?
Any info you have really, plus if anyone knows what you should expect to pay.....
CP
I had one, loved it!!
bought a series 3 which is the worst of the worst, get an earlier one with triumph front and escort rear.
mine had a 16oocc burton xflow, then a 2 litre pinto, then a essex 3litre v6 whilst i owned it.
i would buy another if the right car came along .. can be made very very fast!!
bought a series 3 which is the worst of the worst, get an earlier one with triumph front and escort rear.
mine had a 16oocc burton xflow, then a 2 litre pinto, then a essex 3litre v6 whilst i owned it.
i would buy another if the right car came along .. can be made very very fast!!
Hmmm, I'd always assumed the weather protection was better than the other 'equally focused' kits. Can't it be made to seal? It may also have to live outside for a while, but I'm sure I can source a waterproof cover!
Anyway, dripping hoods aside. What 'spec' do you reckon I should be aiming for? I'd like something docile and predictable on the limit that I can really play around with. Not too worried about outright speed, but must have the fastest 40-60 time I can manage to get past the sunday drivers. From what I've seen before (I think the maximum was £2500!) budget shouldn't be a problem when I come to look seriously after christmas.
Anyway, dripping hoods aside. What 'spec' do you reckon I should be aiming for? I'd like something docile and predictable on the limit that I can really play around with. Not too worried about outright speed, but must have the fastest 40-60 time I can manage to get past the sunday drivers. From what I've seen before (I think the maximum was £2500!) budget shouldn't be a problem when I come to look seriously after christmas.
trackcar said:
Should hurtle round the corners once sorted with some Protech suspension fitted
On a more serious note there was a Phaeton in action at my very first visit to York raceway (drag strip). It changed my perception of focused performance. Basically I had a nosey at a car and when I found out it was two speed automatic so I thought "phooey" to myself quietly even if it did have a 5.7 litre small block Chevy engine! However on seeing it virtually wheelie to 80mph in first then 130/140 in 2nd on the strip that soon changed. It was one of the quickest cars on the day only slower than the monster engined specials.
trackcar said:
Does look like a good deal. Don't really have the time or the space for a car that needs work though. Would like to get one lovingly built to a good spec and cherised with a small number of dry miles.
.....and then abuse it.
I had one back in the dark ages when I was just a kid learning a bit about cars ,it was ideal as it was so simple .Mine had a lump out of a Mexico ,a carb from a 3 litre Grannie and a K&N filter, that was about it -and it went like squitty poop off a chromed shovel ,in fact 0-60 it was about 20 years until I had something faster.It was interesting to hear about the cornering prowess of other Pheatons because if there was a hint of damp mine would slide ,but that made it even more fun !
devout gooner said:
It was interesting to hear about the cornering prowess of other Pheatons because if there was a hint of damp mine would slide ,but that made it even more fun !
Predictably/controllably?
I'm not too worried about going round the outside of M3's (although there is a sadistic element to doing that with the yuppie at the wheel cursing his stability control....) but I do want something docile and well behaved (or if you like "flattering"!)
Think my ideal car would go and stop like a Ferrari but corner like a vintage Frazer Nash - very sideways at a sane pace!
Don't get me wrong I'm not going to drive like a t!t (on the public roads atleast) but I like something I can play with a bit and feel involved with, rather than just sticking well within its limits for fear of being sent into the hedge!
Best days work ever - buying my Dutton.
Bought it with a 1600x/flow (feel good factor to rev the life out of the little thing)- bits regurlarly snapped off the chassis so I bought a welder and learned how to stick it back together - beefed up the chassis, stuck a 5 link rear on with a 3litre Capri axle, dropped a Rover V8 in, threw the screen away and drove it to Yugoslavia.
Used it every day for work, thousands of miles around Europe and raced it in the 750mc kit car series against the likes of Ted Marlowe (now owns Ultima) in his V6 Dutton.
Had a quad cam V8 Alfa engine in it for a while then switched back to the Rover.
Worst days work ever - selling my Dutton.
Be prepared - PARTS WILL FALL OFF!!!!! -
PS- Anyone who has never owned a Dutton is a Liar!!
Bought it with a 1600x/flow (feel good factor to rev the life out of the little thing)- bits regurlarly snapped off the chassis so I bought a welder and learned how to stick it back together - beefed up the chassis, stuck a 5 link rear on with a 3litre Capri axle, dropped a Rover V8 in, threw the screen away and drove it to Yugoslavia.
Used it every day for work, thousands of miles around Europe and raced it in the 750mc kit car series against the likes of Ted Marlowe (now owns Ultima) in his V6 Dutton.
Had a quad cam V8 Alfa engine in it for a while then switched back to the Rover.
Worst days work ever - selling my Dutton.
Be prepared - PARTS WILL FALL OFF!!!!! -
PS- Anyone who has never owned a Dutton is a Liar!!
So, based on the vast number of them being used for racing, I'd have to conclude they handle pretty well?
What's likely to be an issue? (aside from 'everything') ....any particular bits I should watch out for falling off?
I'm trying to resist any more car buying, but theres an apparently well specced example for sale near me and I've contacted the guy to se if I can go and have a look next week....
What's likely to be an issue? (aside from 'everything') ....any particular bits I should watch out for falling off?
I'm trying to resist any more car buying, but theres an apparently well specced example for sale near me and I've contacted the guy to se if I can go and have a look next week....
cy88 said:
I bought one for £600 about 8 years ago. I remember bombing along when the straight through exhaust pipe broke in two, the back half caught on the tarmac, and the broken end got pushed up through the floor just missing my arse.
Lots of fun though
Lots of fun though
Ouch! That sounds err, exciting.
Might be going to have a look at one tonight, although not entirely sure I'm hardcore enough for no doors and not much of a hood 6 days a week!
This is interesting. I used to live in Worthing and talk to Tim Dutton in the Hare & Hounds pub (he makes those amphibious cars now). I remember hearing Ford had to come to some financial arrangement with him in the 1980's because he already had use of the name Sierra before they did. I've been wondering where I recalled the name Phaeton, ever since VW started selling that super-passat executive car. Perhaps they owe Tim a few quid as well! So far as quality goes, everyone who ever did a TOPS (or whatever it was called) work placement at his factory always said 'Dont buy one'!!
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