NEW THREEWHEELER DESIGNED KITCARS

[fuoriserie]

I just thought that, I haven't seen a new 3wheeler designed kit in 2005 apart from the beautiful Blackjack Zero.

I believe there would be a market for a modern Front wheel drive 3wheeler at the lower end of the market, let's call it a 21st century lomax or Avion but with a modern engine.

I just noticed how big car manufactures are approaching Kitcar niches for their new concept 3wheelers, check this.

www.seriouswheels.com/top-2006-Volkswagen-GX3-Concept.htm

or the Peugeot 20cup, that is more in keeping with my idea of a new kit 3wheeler.

What do you think about it and if a cheaper peugeot 20cup in kitform has potential in 2006.

[fuoriserie]

Peugeot 20Cup images :

www.seriouswheels.com/top-2005-Peugeot-20Cup-Concept.htm

A simpler and cheaper version of this concept could have potential in my opinion, what do you all think

Italo

[mrmaggit]

I'll stick with the Grinnall Scorpion, thanks.

[fuoriserie]

I think that the Scorpion is the best looking mid-engibe 3wheeler, perfect styling and quality but unfortunately a little too expensive for most.

Why not create a modern and cheaper Fwd and mid-engine 3wheeler, but that is a real kit, easy to build and manufacture, with more affordable components than BMW units.

Most Scorpions were factory built 3wheelers, and very few have been real kits built by customers.

Maybe a cheaper version of a scorpion concept 3wheeler, would give the oppurtunity to most to enjoy the fun of driving it.

The Skunk Malone has the same problem of being too expensive to be a mainstream success with kit builders, but the concept is great.

I believe there is a niche in the market for a modern 3wheeler, fwd or mid-engine, but at sensible and affordable price.

[fuoriserie]

a modern 3wheeler :

www.stimsondesigns.com/index2.php?

a different but modern design proposal, eventhogh a still prefer the scorpion

[mrmaggit]

fuoriserie said:

I think that the Scorpion is the best looking mid-engibe 3wheeler, perfect styling and quality but unfortunately a little too expensive for most. Why not create a modern and cheaper Fwd and mid-engine 3wheeler, but that is a real kit, easy to build and manufacture, with more affordable components than BMW units. Most Scorpions were factory built 3wheelers, and very few have been real kits built by customers. Maybe a cheaper version of a scorpion concept 3wheeler, would give the oppurtunity to most to enjoy the fun of driving it. The Skunk Malone has the same problem of being too expensive to be a mainstream success with kit builders, but the concept is great. I believe there is a niche in the market for a modern 3wheeler, fwd or mid-engine, but at sensible and affordable price.

Depends on what you think is expensive. Sure, new ones, factory built are 17-19k, but there are a few that crop up for sale at not unreasonable prices. Ours was £7500, '97 build, 1100 miles on it. We did have to spend a bit to get it uprated to pass the 2000 SVA test, but there are a few I know of that are in the 5-8k region. That's less than a new 1000cc motorbike.

[fuoriserie]

The idea would be to have a new kit that starts at 5000 and with all the goodies, it tops out at 8000 Pounds.

A more basic and affordable mid-engine 3wheeler, maybe I should sketch something to show what i mean.....it's easier for me to draw than write....

I'll be back soon to show a few sketches

[race]

I agree that there is an area of the market that requires filling but its how to go about it so much has been done over the years with 3 wheelers?

if your intrested in taking this further please contact me i have some ideas that might just intrest you fuoriserie.

[e-mail]

[spyder dryver]

fuoriserie said:

........... the beautiful Blackjack Zero.

???????????????????????????????????????

For a glimpse of real beauty, engineering wise, checkout the Skunk Malone.
The use of a Yamaha Diversion swing arm and disc brake together with a chain final drive is inspired. Elegant.
I think there is an unexploited niche in the market for a cheap three wheeler self build kit. 750 or 600cc bike engines are dirt cheap. Rear engine, mounted across the chassis. Standard bike swing arm. Single sider maybe, to allow for a wide rear wheel.
The most difficult problem to overcome would be the over-riding but unfounded fear of it "tipping over at every bend in the road".

[fuoriserie]

Spider Dryver

Are you talking about something like this:

www.sub3wheeler.com/index.php

I love the front end styling of the Skunk, but the rear needs help......
On engineering I agree with you, it's a very nice designed chasssis;

Regarding the Blackjack Zero, I was refering to the styling, a retro modern 3wheeler that could be feautured on any Science fiction film, eventhough the chassis looks beautifull made. I wouldn't mind a BMW boxer engine in it.


Race

YHM

[fuoriserie]

Here is another interesting site:

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/L

[spyder dryver]

fuoriserie said:

....... something like this: www.sub3wheeler.com/index.php

Now that's different. Looks expensive to me though. The website doesn't seem to quote a price. Penske shocks etc. don't come cheap.
Do three wheelers need SVA testing?? They didn't used to.
Whilst we're on the subject of expensive tricycles take a look at this:
www.go-t-rex.com

They claim 1g lateral acceleration and 140mph!!
I'm off into the shed to dig out that old pipe bender.
And there's a CX500 engine in there somewhere.
One wheel off the wheelbarrow, one wheel off......

[fuoriserie]

I could be wrong, but i think they would be asking 80,000 Dollars for a complete 3wheeler.....
I read on a post relpying that they were not interested in building production version of the Sub.

But for a cheaper T-rex how about this :

www.morankitcar.com/02_Raptor/index_raptor.asp

Pretty simple bend tubing, modify the front and rear end styling , and you have a neat looking 3wheeler.

[flossythepig]

Why not go ultra efficient aerodynamically like the Tryane ll, built in wood by a chap called Friend Wood(sic). It could do with a little help in the styling department but as Frank Costin said "Save me oh Lord, from the statement: What looks right is right". 100mph out of a 2CV 600cc engine can't be bad.

http://home.clara.net/peterfrost/trya

edited to correct some spelling and FC's quote


>> Edited by flossythepig on Thursday 1st June 18:53

[Smart Roadster]

What about front engined rear wheel drive, something a bit sevenesque at the front but with only one back wheel. If you used a pan european you could even use the original swing arm and have space to pop a reverse box in.
Just a thought.

[fuoriserie]

Sevenesque 3wheeler :

www.voleh.freeserve.co.uk/sitemap.html

[Smart Roadster]

Yeah just like that.