This weekend coming, Sept. 16th / 17th sees the National Kit Car Show at Donnington Circuit.
Strongly featured will be The Liege, the cutest car to arrive in Classic Trials for some years.
Simon Robson's, "Saffron", a rich chromatic yellow example which has recently been photographed for Classic & Sportscar magazine and filmed by the BBC for their "Top Gear" programme, will be on The Liege stand.
Designer of The Liege, Peter Davis, will be in attendance both on the stand and in the "Guild of Motoring Endurance" area in the car-park.
A number of other owners and constructors of Liege cars will also be in attendance, including ACTC and MCC competitor, Gari Jones.
Why not pop along for a chat and see just how good this super little car is ?
Marlin will also be in evidence, as will Westfield, Dax, etc, etc,
Hope to see you there.
I agree that it is a nice looking car, made from lightweight materials with big wheels. All the potential of a class winner - but not Class 8 I think !Shame it wasn't designed around the "Blue Book" and made to fit the Class 7 spec !Keith
ReplyDeleteI must agree that the Leige is a very pretty looking car. I was very taken with it when I saw one for the first time at the end of the 99 Lands End. But I think if they are going to run well in class 8 they will need a bit more 'grunt'. Perhaps one of those Toyota 1600 twin cam engines would fit. Two big blokes and a restart on 'Pludds' is asking a lot of 700 odd c.c.
ReplyDeleteHowever they are good to look at .
Stuart Harrold
I must agree that the Leige is a very pretty looking car. I was very taken with it when I saw one for the first time at the end of the 99 Lands End. But I think if they are going to run well in class 8 they will need a bit more 'grunt'. Perhaps one of those Toyota 1600 twin cam engines would fit. Two big blokes and a restart on 'Pludds' is asking a lot of 700 odd c.c.
ReplyDeleteHowever they are good to look at .
Stuart Harrold
OK guys, you're right in some areas.Firstly, yes it really belongs in class 7 and NOT class 8, but that's the way it is !Secondly we are running with the LARGE capacity engine now you know, it's 850 cc ......... not 700 !!!Thirdly, no it probably will never WIN class 8, but surely that's not the only reason for taking part, is it ?Remember all the old small engined cars that have won awards in the past because of being well driven. If I can get anywhere near that standard of driving I shall be well pleased.Fourthly, there is a Supercharger option !!And lastly, it is really nice to drive as well as being cute ! See you on the hills,Simon
ReplyDeleteThe Liege falls foul of the rules that identify a trials car by its having a short wheelbase and the driver and passenger sat well back. (behind the rear tyres) This rule was introduced in the 60's to identify Dellows as trials cars despite any production claims. It may be that a Liege is a "proper" kit car and therefore would do better in C7 but remember, in terms of its paper specification - wheelbase - seating position and NUMBERS PRODUCED it is no different to a Troll. Also, a little known fact, is the fact that prior to its launch onto an unsuspecting world, an engineering consultant had some input to the project - one Julian Fack.
ReplyDeleteIf that doesn't give it trials cred, what does?Maybe it just needs a little development.In time, if its credentials can be well established, it may be entitled to apply for a "Bye" into C7 as the sidevalve Dellow has.
Hi Simon R,This point from Simon W is interesting. If you and the other guys keep on trialling your Liege's you could apply for this Class 7 dispensation. But of course you won't get this if you win! So don't go emulating Arthur Mallock and Ken Wharton by thrashing the big boys in your matchbox toy!A note to Simon W - As we all know it's getting more and more difficult to keep some of the traditional production cars trialling as the hills get tougher and more damaging and the bits to keep them going harder and harder to find.Personally I think "the powers that be" should encourage cars like the Liege which are reasonably affordable and can be built from doners that are still readily available.The other thing I would like to see is a class for all those old and original (or near original) trials specials, such as Mike Furse's "Mercury Special" and Neil Bray's ex Derek Flemming "Primrose" (provided he converts in back to E93A). Perhaps there would be room for a class 2b. I know it would be very difficult to police but could it not be done on an MCC Certificate that establsihes an acceptable spec for that particular car?I believe it's only by having idea's of this sort that we will keep the sport alive without having a 100% entry from class 8.Michael
ReplyDelete