The basic concept of Stuart Taylor Motorsport is this: Safety is Overrated. We like it.
Let’s face it, we love cars of all description. We’re pretty much willing to try anything, and there aren’t a whole lot of vehicles that we wouldn’t be chomping at the bit to grab by the scruff of the neck and take for the ride of our lives.
From a personal perspective, I’ve driven a first-gen Dodge Viper, a Lamborghini Murcielago LP640, a 427-powered ‘27 T-Bucket, and a Mazda RX2 with a Ford 4.0L V6 from a Ranger, ghettocharged with the twin-turbo setup off a 300ZX. None of these have really scared me. None have made me second guess myself, and wonder whether or not I have what it takes.
This car, on the other hand, does.
If you need a moment, we'll totally understand.
Here’s their basic philosophy: the Formula One cars of the 1950s were okay, with their front-engined approach; but that improved in the 1960s when they moved to mid-rear engined cars. In 1967 and 68, they reached a pinnacle of design and just all-around hoontacular awesomeness with massive mid-rear engines… and very little else. From that point on, everything went downhill, due to their desire for more aerodynamics, stickier tires, more downforce. Sure, it’s safer, this company says, but where’s the fun in driving an upside-down airplane?
Unfortunately, the possibility of finding a ‘67 or ‘68 Formula One car is, well, slim. And by “slim”, we mean “non-existant”. Even if you did find one, the price-tag would be well into the millions. So here’s their solution: build a replica.
And what a replica it is! The car is absolutely gorgeous, as these pictures prove, but the concept behind it, and the engineering within it, are even more beautiful. Let’s be blunt: it’s as simple as they can make it. The whole idea is to use off-the-shelf parts that anyone can get their hands on, and anyone can work on easily. The car is designed for you to take to a vintage race series, or to a motor-course club and have an enormous amount of fun without worrying about destroying a multi-million-dollar machine.
The transmission doubles as a defensive mechanism, should anyone try and get up your trumpet.
So what do we have under the skin? It’s powered by a Chevrolet LS-series 5.3L V8, with proper Weber downdraft carbs, and run through either the 4-speed from a Porsche 911 or a new ZFQ 5-speed. Weighing in at just over 1400 lbs, it should have a power-to-weight ratio that is comparable with, say, an F-14 Tomcat. But without the wings. Pricing has not yet been released, but we have contacted the manufacturer for more information as it becomes available, so stay tuned.
So, what say you, Hoonigans? Are you “manly” enough to try it? I’d gladly give it a shot, but I think I’d be afraid to put my foot into it like I would with most of my other experiences. Suddenly, I feel like I should really just go have a nice cup of tea and curl up under a blanket for the afternoon. Maybe I’ll try knitting…
[Thanks to Scroggzilla for the tip! Head to the manufacturer's site for more info, and a whole lot of construction pr0n!]
mmmmmmm….velocity stacks
I need to go to my private spot now.
I'll be done in a minute.
Yes. A thousand times yes. Sure, used as intended, it could kill me. But, so could sleep apnea. And while piling up an F1-67 would likely and perhaps deservedly merit an "asshole kills self with cool car" post on some blog somewhere, we all know….deep down….that it would be a manly, V8 powered death.
[reserved for Scroggzilla]
They would have to bury me in a T-shaped casket, unless they wanted to wait a week for the boner to go away
Rigor priapus?
If I ever read, "Asshole kills self with cool car" I'm immediately jealous. Not because I'm suicidal, but because he went out in a blaze of glory. Not peacefully in his sleep or choking on his own vomit.
Sweet, new wallpaper fodder…
I read about this during my morning perusal of several websites (aided by Google Reader). I am in love. Seriously, what a fantastic concept. Build a car that is inexpensive to maintain, has the character and devilish charm of a '67 F1 car, and is accessible to anyone with the as-yet-undetermined cash. That as-yet-undetermined cash is destined to be well below the entry point for a true '60s F1 car *and* the owner won't be afraid of wrecking his priceless frame or grenading his priceless engine. Give it the look of a '67 F1 car without having it be an actual replica of anyone in particular, and licensing requirements are a lot cheaper! Can you imagine what Lotus would charge to replicate the Lotus-Ford that won 4 rounds?
This is a great idea, and I'm kind of kicking myself I didn't think of it. Anybody want to help me build a 1970s Group B replica using an Audi quattro system from the A4 and a twin turbo 2.0L Zetec wrapped in non-specific sheet metal?
Dear god, I love this car. Please let my lottery check come in on time. Amen.
Shoot, no lottery check on the way. maybe it's time to take up car building; I do have a couple of the Locost books and a wire feed welder! How long can it take?
If I owned this, I would drive this every day, just to brighten the lives of young children everywhere.
Because children are our future.
My son gets really excited on Thursday mornings when the garbage trucks come to take away our trash. He would certainly love to see this car go by.
That's the first time I've actually believed "for the children" would actually benefit them.
You had me until "LS"
They had me until the "1" following the "LS.
300hp in 1500 pounds is not anything to sneeze at, gentlemen.
Do it for the children!
I'm thinking a couple of LED headlights could hide in that grill. Some small brake lights/turn signals on the rear. Slap a plate on it and drive it on the street everyday. Georgia is pretty lax on home builts/kits. Looks like it has about as much ground clearance as my Z3.
I think 1967 or 68 is about the year that my Dad went to the GP at Nurburgring. He was in Germany at the time courtesy of the US Army. He drove all the way to Nuremberg before he found out the track wasn't there. I have a few slides around somewhere.
eBay frauds take note – this is what "PAH!" really looks like
Awe I was totally drawn in and captivated right up untill I saw the coil on plug ignition. It's still really freaking awesome though.
You sir, owe me a keyboard.
Ok, the fun WTF were you thinking list has been updated. THIS, then Ariel Atom, Cobra 289, and Monster Miata.
Holy shat!
I peed myself just looking at it, imagine what I would do in it? Well…no, don't do that, but I sure as hell want one!
While there is no passenger seat, I am sure you could figure out how to do many things illegal in many states.
need a minute? i don't need a minute. i need a new pair of pants.
I have to admit, it just falls into the category of "cars I would not want to commute in."
I'd so rock this in the commute… but I don't have stop lights and have quick highway and byway access….
If you're putting in an LS1, you could be putting in an LS7.
Just a thought.
why hold back?
Normally, I wouldn't want a sound system in a car this awesome, but you almost need one so you can crank this tune.
[youtube MJ2uTpbCvTQ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJ2uTpbCvTQ youtube]
Yes!
dear hoons – price for the f1-67 is £ 42000 ready to go – this is top spec with all the shiny bits and everything brand new except the gearbox which is fully recon with gt type lsd – will be working on a mk2 this winter which with a secondhand eng / trans should be ready to go for under £ 30000 watch the website for updates – car shown has run impeccably all year and is being swapped from the prototype to a new ' production ' chassis right now – you can have that for £ 37000 – regards- ian gray – ( designer / producer / ) ps its a doddle to drive as long as you dont do anything silly with power levels – 250 bhp give it to most anyone ( and have ) – 300 bhp be very alert – 350 bhp plus get good healthcare plan or a lot of talent ! [youtube 128OpWDxw64 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=128OpWDxw64 youtube]
Haven't been by in a while, and this is the first thing I see upon dropping by. Just. Uh… fucking…. Um. Wow. It's beautiful, and using parts that are available off the shelf anywhere and a modern powertrain makes it even more genius. These guys are awesome. Now I need to locate the American equivalent to 42,000 pounds and place my order.
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