1/8th (ish) Wacky Racer

I hinted at this build recently to Al.
What does a bored 1/8th scale modelmaker do when he hasn’t any models to build ?
One day a spark of an idea formed - based on the homebuilt ‘specials’ of post war Britain, when guys bought old cars, removed their saloon bodies and replaced them with various versions of sports cars.
It started off with a set of wire wheels from an E type Jaguar, a shortened ‘32 Ford grille and bonnet, plus a box of plasticard offcuts.
It was all guesswork, no measuring - that’s why I’m an artist not an engineer - and I wasn’t sure anything would come from it.
I call this my ‘Wacky Racer’

I already had a spare Ford 4cyl engine and gearbox that I had built, so around that I crafted a simple chassis and suspension from the sheet plastic, then added a roll bar and the shorty ‘32 grille. So far so good.
The old bonnet came into play, then I tried out a Model T hood, and it didn’t look half bad, with it’s simple ‘special’ body and cut down ‘32 windscreen.

I acquired a of sets of RC tyres, and banded a pair of wires to make them taller and fitted them to the back axle, stock wires to front. My lack of measuring meant the body could only accept a single seat, and I crafted a steering wheel too. Then added the usual brake and fuel lines, etc., and Ford Signal yellow was chosen simply because I already had several rattle cans in the garage.

Squint, and it’s got that wacky racer look often seen at Classic hill climbs featuring pre-war contraptions - but it kept my hands and mind busy over a few quiet nights in October last year, and it’s only a matter of time before this ‘model’ becomes the basis of something else.

That looks great Sam. Well done.

Just a couple of 'personal' observations if I may.

I think it would look better without the roll bar, With an 'aero' screen, and with road tyres. That, me thinks, would be more inkeeping with a post war 'special'.

Just my opinion.

Fabulous Ron, it's not the early 60's dodgy special built on a Ford Pop chassis. lol The tyres are a bit hairy, but you must have feck all choice at that scale

Cool way to use up bits and pieces Ron.

Yep, if I had from the start thought everything through, the roll bar wouldn’t be part of the build. You’re right Al !
.....but finding tyres that fit this scale is pot luck, I’m afraid. 🥴

Well looky here!