Stimson Scorcher
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Front-wheel drive
| Stimson Scorcher | |
|---|---|
 1976 Stimson Scorcher | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1976–80 |
| Designer | Barry Stimson |
| Body and chassis | |
| Layout | 2 front wheels, 1 rear wheel Front-wheel drive |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Four-cylinder 848–1275 cc |
The Stimson Scorcher is a three-wheeled vehicle designed by Barry Stimson and first produced in the UK in 1976.[1] The Scorcher was available preassembled or as a kit, sold by Noovoh Developments of Brighton[1] for £385 (equivalent to £2100 in 2023[a]).[2]
During its four-year production run, ending in 1980, 30 Scorchers were produced.[3] There was an unsuccessful attempt to resuscitate the Scorcher project the following year.
The Austin Mini 848 cc (51.7 cu in) engine, one of those used to power the Scorcher, is able to deliver a top speed of 100 mph (160 km/h).
The glassfibre body is mounted on a steel tubular-frame chassis[4] and is completely open to the elements, offering the vehicle's occupants no protection from the weather. Even the engine is exposed, unless the buyer purchased the optional plastic bonnet.[2]
The Scorcher has two wheels at the front and conventional car controls.[5] Its unusual configuration of three seats with the driver and passengers sitting in line astride the machine meant that the UK's licensing authority classified it as a motorcycle and sidecar combination, which had the consequence that one of the passengers was not required to wear a crash helmet.[2]
Engine and transmission
The Scorcher is powered by an Austin Mini engine and gearbox of between 848 cc (51.7 cu in) and 1275 cc (77.8 cu in), mounted on a Mini sub frame at the front of the vehicle.[6] The car's weight of only 560 pounds (250 kg)[5] allowed the 848 cc engine to deliver a top speed of 100 mph (160 km/h).[1]