BSA three wheeler
I enjoyed all the build process, it had its moments of frustration, memorably the fight I had with the valve spring collets and governor!
The Inspiration Car
A BSA three wheeler, not the raciest of cars, but it did have some success in trails in the day. Three wheelers suffered the Brooklands ban in the 20’s and had to find other forms of motorsport to compete in, motorcycle events and trials amongst them.
One of the first production front wheel drive cars on the planet.
The Chassis
The chassis is all wood. I have to call it a hybrid as it is part ladder, part monocoque and a couple of spaceframe triangulations. The springs are transversely mounted birch ply bed springs re-enforced with a hardened stainless steel tie strap. Time will tell if it holds together.
Running Gear & Engine choice
Running gear is a pair of standard 17” pit bike wheels at the front, 14” single pit bike wheel at the back. (Not very visible due to the bodywork) The rear wheel is driven by chain from a Chinese clone Comet TAV30, from a mid-mounted Lifan LF210 with uprated valve springs, standard timing and the governor removed.
The Body
The body is plywood over a timber frame with curved pieces made from solid timber. Perforated aluminium infills the boot lid (engine cover) and a stainless steel rubbing strip finishes the boat tail. All this is painted mid Brunswick green apart from the “radiator” cowl in silver.
What’s the least and most favourite part of the build?
I enjoyed all the build process, it had its moments of frustration, memorably the fight I had with the valve spring collets and governor on the engine and the hydraulic master cylinder refusing to seal leaking fluid everywhere. The whole creative process was brilliant and I did farm out some of the metalwork to my colleagues who have much better skills and equipment than I in that department. I owe favours and I collected on others, but nice to be part of a team.
How long did it take to build?
Well, from first setting out to first drive was just under 7 months, I doubt I will ever fully finish it without wanting to modify it some more!
The little details
Little details include, so far, badging, a place to fit a flagstaff on the tail, a Handbrake lever, string bound springs and a foot rest from an old fish slice.
How does it drive?
How does it drive? So far I have only run it at one event as it was finished just before the Sywell Pistons and Props run. It accelerates well but the steering was twitchy above 35 MPH. I have altered the geometry slightly and am looking to gear down the steering as it is less than half a turn lock to lock and quite heavy at the moment.
Ongoing changes and tweaks
If I ever get the bits, I will put a CDI unit on the engine. A good dose of patina may be in the offing too. Watch this space…
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