Looking for a nice and affordable sportscar with low mass, reasonable low fuel consumption and enough power, my search stranded on a low budget. By that time (1995) I didn't know it would be possible to import a kitcar from England because the autorities in The Netherlands told me it was illegal. Because of the high prices of the approved kitcars, and light used sportcars, in The Netherlands I got the idea to build my own car. Professional I am a mechanical engineer, and I gues that should be enough to begin and end such a project. After reading some magazins and books I concluded a seven type car would get very close to my ideal car. The model is fast, light, relatively fuel efficient and elementary of construction. So I started to make a bill of demands:
seven look-a-like, engine in the front and rear wheel drive
low cost price
easy to make
good road grip and reasonable comfortable ride
torsional stiff chassis
stable cornering behavior
good straight drive stabillity
low center of mass
adjustable brake bias
low mass
room for two persons and a dog !
safety, strengtened cockpit with a crumble zone in the engine compartiment.
Looking back at the project the demands have shifted a lot during the project. My financial situation luckily has improved, I don't think I succeeded to keep the price down. See total cost picture. After four years of work it would be strange to say it was easy to make. I think I succeeded with the rest of the demands. I am specially proud of the high torsional stiffness (substantially higher than for example a lotus elise).
If you want to know more about me or my car, or have any suggestions or good links please contact me;
© 1999 [email protected]
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