This site describes the construction of a home built, mid-engined car. First conceived in 1999 and inspired by cars such as the NCF Blitz and Onyx Tomcat. I finally began work this year(2005) with a friend, who is an Aircraft Engineer. Why Mistrale? Well, the author of 'A Year in Provence', described the Mistral as a "brutal, exhausting wind that can blow the ears off a donkey" - appropriate for a car with no roof, sides or windscreen. An 'e' was added as others have already used 'Mistral'
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Engine Mounts...
Spent some time this evening aligning the engine within the chassis - took a while to get it perfectly square. Then fabricated the right engine mount and tack welded it in position. Photos to follow...
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Progress again
Decided to junk the subframe from the donor car. After a little work, it was off - when we tried to move it we discovered that it was bl***y heavy - good decision I think! The rear of the car was the next part to be fabricated and welded on - looks great. A day at the Donington show yielded lots of useful info chatting to people, and lots of goodies from the various stands, although my plans to buy suspension brackets from MK were foiled - they forgot them! This evening has seen the creation of the strut brackets and part of the engine mounts. All in all, a good weeks work!
Friday, October 07, 2005
Stripping the donor car - again
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The new donor car has been delivered - a 1996 Fiesta 1.25. Stripping this car was much easier than the Rover. After an hour and a half, all the under bonnet connections were undone. Removal of the subframe mounting bolts was east, it was then a case of removing the engine mounts and the strut top mounts. A minor delay occured whilst searching for an 18mm ring spanner - remarkably elusive!!! The engine was then lowered onto a low trolley under the car. The front of the car was then lifted on the engine hoist and the tiny, all aluminium engine and gearbox wheeled out. The engine is now resting in the chassis awaiting construction of the engine and suspension mounts, while the donor car awaits the removal of all the ancillaries to make the engine run. Photos to follow...
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