Maclaren F1 use same set up as micro car from 1962?

[KDIcarmad]

You all thought Mclaren were the first to build a car with 3 seats and a central driving position. In fact Scootcar did in 1962, it is also mid engined. The picture above is MK2 and shows this better than the MK1. That had a bench front seat. The engine is under the bench on the MK1 and under rear seats on the MK2.

Can any of you find an earlier car, that's mid engined or has 3 seats before the Scootercar. A production car.

Edited by KDIcarmad on Saturday 4th February 14:32

[Alfanatic]

Only ones I can think of are the Ferrari 330ish centralopostowotsit or something or other (apologies to any Italians in the audience) and the Matra Simca Bagheera. Both mid engined with three seats, the Matras in a row, but I think your microcar predates both.

[groomi]

Early enough for you?

[marcosgt]

Marcos XP (not the racer, an earlier model only ever in prototype form) had 3 seats two, in the same configuration as the McLaren.



I suspect the McLaren F1 had the largest production run in that layour though (central driver, ahead of two passengers either side).

M.

[lazyitus]

[balls-out]

and Maclaren's earlier 3 abreast too:

[KDIcarmad]

I have just learn that a company call Andy's Modern Microcars (www.modernmicrocars.co.uk) offers a number of classic 1950/1960 microcars. This includes the Scootacar MK1 powered by a 400cc or 650cc Suzuki Burgman. Fully build at £16,800 or £2,490 for a bare bodyshell.

In the MK1 the drive seat's is on the engine and in the MK2 it is under rear seat,I see a problem with noise inside the cabin. Plus at £16,800 it is a bit costly for so small a car. Still would be fun.