The GazelleSpit Reverse Trike
by CARCENTRIC

 
=  INSPIRATION  =
The classic and unforgettable
1933-52 Morgan F2 "barrel back" and F4.
Sporty Ford-powered roadsters with a two-speed rear end,
a passenger side door (or none at all), and three very skinny wire wheels


Inline engine,  driveshaft,  dual chains . . . radical  old school  engineering

 =  THE  BUILD  PLAN  =
This build plan combines two others I didn't complete
(both based on the chassis of a Triumph Spitfire):
The SpitTrike and the DragonFly.

Use the frame, steering
and front suspension, engine, transmission,
driveshaft, and differential from an early '70s Triumph Spitfire.

"Lock" the Spitfire's differential
(its  internals  will be  welded together  so  that
both output flanges will always turn in unison).  The left
stub axle's flange will have a chain sprocket bolted on.  A left rear
trailing arm and disc brake from a Porsche 914 will be used unmodified, but
a custom hub will need to be fabricated to mount the third wheel and driven sprocket.

Incorporate tandem motorcycle seating and
a motorcycle handlebar for steering
(ignore the VW drivetrain).

 =  SPECIFICATIONS  =
Capacity:  Two courageous adults
Engine:  Water-cooled four-cylinder, 1492cc
Transmission:  Four speeds forward plus one reverse
Differential:  Chassis-mounted swing-axle type, 3.89:1 gearing
Wheels:  4.5" x 13" 60-spoke splined wire wheels
Tires:  165R13 (front) and 185/70R13 (rear).

=  YOUR  INPUT  IS  APPRECIATED  =

A Primer on Trike Handling Characteristics "The single front wheel layout naturally oversteers and the single rear wheel layout naturally understeers. Because some degree of understeer is preferred in consumer vehicles, the single rear wheel layout has the advantage in this department. Another consideration is the effect of braking and accelerating turns. A braking turn tends to destabilize a single front wheel vehicle, whereas an accelerating turn tends to destabilize a single rear wheel vehicle. Because braking forces can reach greater magnitudes than acceleration forces . . . , the single rear wheel design has the advantage on this count as well. Consequently, the single rear wheel layout is usually considered the superior platform . . . ." - Robert Q. Riley                                        Excerpted from Three Wheel Cars -                   Primary Factors That Determine                           Handling & Rollover Characteristics