MG M-Type Double Twelve Racer
I enjoyed the whole construction. I like the challenge of experimenting and learning new skills.
The Inspiration Car
I decided on the M Type because at the time, in 2018 with no reference to anything else that had been built, it looked like it would be easier to scale down and comply with the Stevenson's guide with respect to wheelbase and track. Completed it’s actually not a lot smaller than the real thing!
The Chassis
The base of my build was the purchase of a redundant corporate go-kart from my local kart track at Stretton. I was able to reuse various components such as axle, hubs, steering and brakes. The chassis is all homemade from 75 x 25 tubing and I cut and grafted on a rear section of the go-kart to make mounting of the engine easier.
Running Gear & Engine choice
I bought a new Loncin 196 engine and Comet TAV from Gemini Karts. The wheels were matching sets from two old Honda 125 of unknown specification from ebay. The steering wheel came from a vintage tractor. The original front axle was made from steel gas tubing with similar welded elbows.
The Body
The body is made from softwood and plywood from the local DIY store with accents of sheet aluminium screwed on. The canvas effect was achieved by laying a purchased sheet of fibreglass twill and with resin left over from the roof of my extension.
What’s the least and most favourite part of the build?
I enjoyed the whole construction. I like the challenge of experimenting and learning new skills. I made many mistakes (such as the chassis being too wide to allow the wheels to turn any serious corner!) but ended up with something I am reasonably satisfied with.
How long did it take to build?
It took about four months to build. I started off in a friend’s garage until he got fed up with me and then finished it off over the summer under a tree in my garden. I was still trying to make it run on the morning of our first meeting at Stretton Circuit! It handled so dreadfully, but the dirt track was forgiving and it was so much fun!
How does it drive?
I have made various small improvements over the years, the first one being to learn the concept of steering geometry! It now handles reasonably, but also lacking sufficient refinement to make it interesting to drive. I’ve altered the body shape front and back to try and reflect the original M Type body shape better.
Ongoing changes and tweaks
Being one of the early cyclekarts to be built in the UK I now understand that I should have concentrated on making it narrower and lighter at the outset. My next build surely will be, …. I just have to finish my new workshop first!
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