updated
17/04/2009
+44 (0)1273 843749
+44 (0)7976 312058 (mobile)
art@spitfireart.com
the official manufacturers of the BRA CX3 MG3 & CV3 cycle cars
three Wheelers...the inspiration is unashamedly Morgan!
www.BRA-Cyclecars.com
www.veetwintrikes.com
www.morganreplicas.com
www.aero-cyclecars.com
New Beetle-back chassis
and vintage looking 19 inch wheels and tyres!
History.
click on the above pix
or here reaches the home page
We purchased the full rights to the BRA CX3 and MG3 in
2003 from the previous owners in North Wales, UK, then later purchasing the CV3
Citroen model as well.
Two chaps called Berry and Ibbotson originally designed the CX3 model in the
early 1990s. Two further chaps called Mather and Wiles took the machine the next
stage, then when accidentally "dropping" a chassis frame on to a Citroen 2CV
chassis, the CV3 was born! The MG3 was a natural development of the CX3
and has now become the favoured model for motorcycle engine enthusiasts. The CV3
appeals to a different person, is a different car of course, but with classic
Gallic appeal!
The various models:
CX3,
powered by 500cc or 650cc Honda V twin engines from the Honda CX500/650
motorcycles.
MG3, powered by 850/950/1100cc Moto Guzzi
air cooled V twin engines from Moto Guzzi Spada/G5/Le Mans/California
motorcycles.
For MG3 prices, click here
MG3 Prices &
specifications
CV3, powered by Citroen 2CV/Visa flat twin
air cooled engines. For CV3 prices, click here
CV3 Citroen model
Impending legislation called MSVA (Motor Cycle Single Vehicle Approval) had been mooted for some years before hand and this finally came into force in August 2003. I worked closely with the MSVA authority (VOSA) in Bristol, indeed, the head of MSVA invited me to bring my demonstrator car to a training session at one of their test centres.
MSVA is a stringent set of rules exempting vehicles from European Whole Vehicle Type Approval. It is designed to be harmonised across all EU states in time.
Each vehicle is subjected to an individual test costing £90. An MSVA manual is available from VOSA and costs £30.
Three wheelers of our type have to comply with specific regulations contained within the manual.
In order to comply with the new legislation, we had to make a number of very important changes to the chassis design. In undertaking such changes, we made further safety and aesthetic changes, and have offered further options. The chassis design has substantially changed including of course a very pleasant rounded beetle-back option.
The most important change was to seat belt mountings. The old mountings did not comply. The steering column did not comply.
Other important changes are as follows:
Re-designed front suspension/steering rack location:
This eradicates bump steer, by running the steering rack and track rod ends in a straight line and in a vertical plane identical to that of the suspension upright tapers (where the track rods locate).
The upper wishbones have adjustable castor angle.
As an overall result of this, the exhausts "sit" inside the chassis more. There is less likelihood of burning oneself on the hot exhausts.
We use 1.9 inch I/D suspension springs.
Additions to the chassis generally include:
Better lower wishbones, central plate made from 5mm steel not 3mm (it bends easily in a vice with 3mm), now similar to Westfield's as theirs are from 5mm plate. Different ball joint...the old Ford Cortina joint is heavy and clumsy. The industry standard for coil over wishbone suspension is now a two bolt lower joint, and we use these.
Beefier headlamp mounting points out of 5mm steel.
Stronger steering rack location plates, out of 5mm plate, not 3mm. Use of genuine Ford Escort rack saddles and rubbers, or alloy saddles, and not the often used exhaust clamps.
Engine and gearbox mountings out of 5mm plate.
Honda CX swing arm location points. Use of far simpler threaded insert bushes.
Top chassis rails are now one piece and bent using gas in a jig and finally rolled.
Bottom chassis rails, similarly gas bent.
New Beetleback shape! Plus GRP to match.
One piece aluminium floor. This is bonded/riveted/bolted...and is similar to Westfield/Caterham.
Deeper chassis by 50mm. This means you sit in it far better and more comfortably.
GRP changes:
New rounded nose cone, far more period.
Additional scuttle option. We have a vintage scalloped/humped scuttle available. An engine turned dashboard looks very vintage/period with this option.
The old wing stays will fail MSVA. Therefore we have re-designed these in round tube. We have three different styles of wing and stay.
We offer 19 inch wire wheels which look far more period. The vehicle sits better, a more vintage feel.
Arthur Rayner
21/11/08
click on the above pix
or here reaches the home page
The stable
of the BRA Cyclecar!
+44 (0)1273 843749
+44 (0)7976 312058 (mobile)
art@spitfireart.com
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