Lately, my design blood has been really bubbling. I guess I'm just anxious to forget playing on my computer and getting back to modeling and twisting a wrench. Here's my latest idea: a "Turtle Deck" roadster which emulates a little more antique version of the 1932 Studebaker two man Indianapolis racer my father once owned.
This design is an evolution from the boat-tailed "
Torpolino" roadster I shared here a while ago. I actually started with a slimmer rear engine (VW Beetle components) "Torpedo" design like the Cycle Kart, but have the opportunity to get Volvo P1800S engine and driveline components, so switched to a more conventional front engine design with a wider nose and grille for a radiator.
The "Turtle Deck" is wider than a "Boat Tail", more like the rear end of a typical hot rod, and better accommodates a center mounted license plate with back-up lights as well as the minimal fuel tank. I then added separate fenders with built-in step plates to cilmb into the cockpit with the elimination of doors that allow for a stronger and lighter 2 place body structure. The rag top is more easily stowed in the wider trunk. Clear "rollable" side curtains would also be necessary. All difficult for entry and egress, but "racier".
I hope to build this car in the near future, and a Cycle Kart, and a trailer for the Cycle Kart, but I will start with 1/5 scale models.
A little background: In 1984 I won the 30th "Weak Signals" R/C Expo in Toledo, Ohio with a 1/4 scale (gas) model of a midget race car.
Toledo's 60th show will be early April 2014. I will still be 80 then, and I would like to win it again 30 years later. I will build an R/C (electric) model of the "Turtle Deck" pulling a trailer loaded with a 1/5 scale R/C Cycle Kart, then proceed to the full size versions. Hopefully, I'll be able to pull up to the door in Toledo with the real vehicles and unload the models. Am I dreaming?
--Virgil M. Exner, Jr.
Anthony Cagle on December 08, 2011 at 09:05 AM
Excellent idea. Build a functioning prototype and I hereby volunteer to be the primary road tester. For, oh, maybe 10 years or so. Have to make sure it's road-worth over the long term, donchaknow. . . .
Bill T. on December 08, 2011 at 09:38 AM
This is somewhat reminiscent of a time in my younger years (in the '50's) when I received the "Midget Motors Directory," which if I remember correctly, was published in Athens, Ohio. It was relatively small, and had ads and plans for all vehicles motorized. A very prominent ad was for the components and design of a quarter mile track racer, powered by a Ford flathead V8. Apparently, in the days before and after WW2, there were several short racetracks around the country, at which a lot of these small racers competed.
Mark in Maine on December 08, 2011 at 07:44 PM
That is really neat, Mr. Exner - hope that you keep posting images as your project progresses. I also like your renderings and line drawings quite a lot.
RocketRobinHood on December 09, 2011 at 10:21 PM
Man... you are cool.
M. Thompson on December 10, 2011 at 11:51 AM
The roll cage kind of ruins the simple beauty of the design.
Cookie the Dog's Owner on December 12, 2011 at 02:54 PM
Toledo's not that far away from me. I plan to be there when you roll up in your roadster.
mike on March 14, 2013 at 09:25 AM
how can i buy plans to build the studebaker. pleas let me know. Thank you.