The MK III

The MKIII is the latest design from Max Hyde Motors. Like both the MKI and MKII, it is designed to use Citroen 2CV components and will use the engine, gearbox, suspension and steering, incorporated in a purpose-designed spaceframe chassis with aluminium bodywork. However, unlike previous designs that maintain the major components in their original positions, the MKIII will be substantially altered as the engine and gearbox will be mid-mounted behind the driver.

Both of Max Hyde Motors previous cars were built in a 1930's style, reminiscent of early Bugattis, Mercedes, Morgans etc. But for the MKIII a different and more exotic era has been used. This time 1960's grand prix cars have been the inspiration - a period of dramatic change in motorsport history with small rear-engined Lotus and Coopers beating the likes of Ferrari who still opted for a front-mounted engine.

These pictures are of one of the most exotic cars from that era, a BRM P83. Built from 1966-67, it was a revolution as it utilised two flat V8 engines bolted together to form a 3 litre H16 producing 400bhp. The best aspect to this car's design is that all of the mechanical components are on display and not hidden away under the bodywork, almost as if it's driving around with it's clothes off, flashing it's greasy bit's at passers by! It really is an engineer's car. 

The MKIII will have a tubular steel spaceframe chassis forming a cage around the driver and providing a platform for the axles and suspension. The engine will then be mounted in a cradle along with the gearbox behind the driver, and will literally hang from the back of the car. With a combination of aluminium and composite bodywork it will be an extremely light car and should weigh in the region of 350Kg, and with a number of engine modifications, power will be increased to over 50bhp, this will give a power to weight ratio of 140bhp per ton - so it should be quick off the line. Careful alterations to the gearbox and wheel diameter ratios will also be incorporated, allowing the use of bigger and wider tyres, not only giving better grip than skinny 2CV tyres, but the top speed should be increased to over 100mph! 

Production of the MKIII is currently under way, and by giving regular updates you will be able to see construction as it progresses. The first task was to make a prototype seat from cardboard and MDF. It is moulded perfectly to fit the owner, and took three days of cutting and gluing to get it correct. Once finished it was remade from 3mm TIG-welded aluminium and fitted into the chassis.

Here you can see the chassis well under way, with the seat, axles, steering rack, pedals and steering column modified and fitted. Next the suspension arms and wheel hubs were modified to accept the much larger alloy wheels. The old 2CV wheel studs were removed and the hubs machined to take 30mm aluminium spacers and the six new studs fitted. It took many hours to machine each hub but is a major aspect to the car's design.

With the wheel hubs finished, the suspension arms are put on and the 15" alloy wheels and Avon tyres fitted. The MKIII is now beginning to take shape and you can see just how low the finished car will be.

The next big step is to fit the engine: having to make sure the engine, gearbox, driveshafts, suspension and exhaust system all fit together without fouling one another is very difficult, and takes many hours of adjustment to get right. Once the final position is finalised the engine mounts can be made, and the engine and gearbox fitted.

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